Trade Show TalesBlog

Author Archive

Step-by-Step Trade Show Flooring Trends

June 13th, 2022 COMMENTS

James Zacharias from Brumark Total Flooring Solutions shares trade show flooring trends for exhibitions and events. Flooring, whether carpeting, vinyl, turf, or combinations, has become a significant branding opportunity for exhibitors, allowing them to extend their branding on the single largest surface in the trade show booth.

Trade Show Flooring Trends:

  1. Carpet
  2. Custom Carpet Inlays
  3. Custom Carpet Colors
  4. Flex Floor
  5. Custom Flex Floor
  6. Custom Printed Vinyl
  7. Graphic Overlays
  8. Turf
  9. Infusion Dye Carpet
  10. Unique Spaces

50 Trade Show Tips in 50 Minutes

June 13th, 2022 COMMENTS
50 Trade Show Tips

From Trade Show Stupid to Trade Show Smart in 50 Minutes

TradeshowGuy Tim Patterson, the author of two trade show marketing books, pulls from his 20+ years in the trade show world to share ways to get an edge on your competitors on the trade show floor. 

His trade show tips include budgeting, marketing, tradeshow staff training, design, ROI and ROO. Tim shares tricks that you can put into practice right away. Know which metrics to track, what NOT to to in a tradeshow booth, how to pitch the boss on a new exhibit and much more.

Your Shared Success Newsletter | June 2022

June 13th, 2022 COMMENTS
Classic Exhibits Shared Knowledge June Newsletter

The 20 Sales Tips in 20 Minutes Webinar with Harold Mintz.

According to Harold, “Back in the early 90’s I (Harold Mintz) was working for an exhibit manufacturer training salespeople around the country about the best way to sell to the live events industry. At the time, I had never taken a single course on how to sell. Never even read a book about it. I was simply winging it.  
 
Since then, I’ve worked with and learned from numerous sales professionals and trainers. Now, with over 30 years of both sales and sales training experience, I feel more than equipped to share some of the greatest hits I’ve picked up along the way.”
   
Date:  Wednesday, June 15. Please register ASAP as space is limited: https://lnkd.in/gXEQvPgJ

Feel free to pass the link along to anyone who would benefit from this webinar.

EXHIBITORLIVE

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022

Classic Exhibits booth at EXHIBITORLIVE
Booth #1219 at EXHIBITORLIVE

As Joe Friday from Dragnet used to say, “Just the facts ma’am.”

  1. If you are attending EXHIBITORLIVE, please visit us at #1219 (20 x 30). If you haven’t registered yet, use code #4044 for a free show hall pass.
  2.  We’ll have comfy chairs and games in our booth. Plus, a chance to win $300 towards a Symphony Portable Display order.  
  3. About the games… Have your photo taken in our booth and try to beat us a memory match contest. Oh yes… and some fun tchotchkes.  
  4. Classic Exhibits attendees will include Kevin Carty, Mel White, Jim Shelman, Jen LaBruzza, Katina Rigall Zipay, Harold Mintz, Kim DeStefano, and Glenna Martin.
  5. Finally, there’s only a few days left to vote on the People’s Choice Award. Click HERE to cast your vote, once a day until June 22.

Women in Exhibition Breakfast 2022 at EXHIBITORLIVE

Women in Exhibition Breakfast

WIE is hosting its Annual Breakfast Event at EXHIBITORLIVE. Tickets are on sale for $50, but you can save $10 by using discount code WIESPONSOR22. That’s just enough for a bottle of water in LV. Register NOW.

Location, Date, and Time:  Wednesday, June 22 from 8-10 am in the EXHIBITORLIVE Connection Zone.

Guest speaker, MaryCay Durrant, will share how women are uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles at this time, in ways that fulfill our desires for meaning, connection, health and prosperity.

If you can’t make it to the breakfast, please visit WIE in booth #1226, just a few feet away from Classic Exhibits. BTW – The WIE display is a Symphony if you want to take a peek.

EDPA Chapters Collide Social Event at EXHIBITORLIVE

EDPA Chapters Collide

  • When:  Monday, June, 20
  • Where:  Skyfall Lounge (Delano Hotel)
  • Time: 8-10 pm

We’re proud to be a sponsor of the EDPA Chapters Collide Social Event on Monday night. You are cordially invited to attend, but you’ll need to register in advance HERE. It’s a great opportunity rub shoulders with colleagues (not literally please), have a cocktail or two, and nibble on some tasty snacks. All are welcome!

Storage Ratee Comparisons

Storage Rates Comparison Chart

Ever wonder what others charge for storage? We did too, so we asked Classic Distributors to share their numbers. In exchange, we agreed to publish the data anonymously and by region. Only those who sent us their rates would receive the chart. They have since gotten a first draft.

The numbers are intriguing (to say the least) with a wide range in charges. In addition, some distributors charge by sq. ft and others by cu. ft. Others charge by crate or pallet regardless of the size.

If you would like to participate, contact Harold Mintz (harold@classicexhibits.com). Once you send us your detailed storage rates, we will add them to chart (anonymously and by region) and then provide you with a copy. We’re updating the chart in batches, so the next version will be available in mid to late July. Please send your rates within the next two weeks if you want to be included.

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re charging too much or too little for storage, you’ll want to get your hands on these Storage Rate Comparisons.

Budget Portable Displays
Budget Portable Displays

Budget Portables Gallery

Not every exhibitor needs a counter, monitor, storage, or even lights. Many just want an affordable display with fabric graphics and portable assembly. For those exhibitors, we have 33 attractive and modular solutions.

Budget Portables — a new gallery in EDS. This gallery includes a wide range of designs including curves, peaks, and rectangles. All with beautiful SEG graphics and Classic’s legendary quality and packaging.

What’s even better… Symphony accessories can easily be added. The client who “only wants” a backwall may also need a workstation, literature tray, or graphic header. Clicking on the Symphony Accessories Guide in the additional images makes choosing accessories easy. We’ve even included the price of a second set of graphics on the most basic kits.

Promotional Product Trends with Rama Beerfas from Lev Promotions

May 18th, 2022 COMMENTS

Rama Beerfas of Lev Promotions shares 20 promotional product trends for 2022 in this Fast and Furious Webinar, sponsored by Classic Exhibits.

For more information about promotional products, tchotchkes, or giveaways, contact Rama at rama@levpromotions.com or www.levpromotions.com. If you are attending EXHIBITORLIVE, schedule an appointment with her at www.levpromotions.com/exlive2022.

For an overview of Promotional Products: 0.00 to 6:39. To see specific products, along with benefits and features: 6:40 to the end.

20 Promotional Product Trends in 20 Minutes (or so)

20 Trending Products

  1. Custom Designed Canister of Mini Gourmet Cookies
  2. Apple Paper Appeel Mid Size Notebook
  3. 24 Page 7.25″x8.5″ Note Paper MousePad
  4. Key Tag with ReturnMe Lost & Found Service
  5. Sustainabalm
  6. Smashlight 180
  7. Bag Tag Survival Multi-Tool
  8. QR Code Key Chain Custom Shape
  9. Classic Series Post-it® Custom Printed Flag & Pen
  10. Plantable Seed Card – Vertical or Horizontal
  11. Phone Loops – Petite Loop Cell Phone Strap Holder
  12. Professional 6″ Engineer Pocket Scale Ruler
  13. MicroHalt Toothbrush Cover, Full Color Digital
  14. SoberStick
  15. Post-it® Extreme Notes w/Custom Printing
  16. Cooling Stick
  17. Soothing Stick
  18. Hydra Stick
  19. Retro Lunch Box
  20. Whatever’s the Perfect Promotional Product for You!

Pedestal Stands: Understanding Your Options

May 13th, 2022 COMMENTS
Pedestal Stands
Custom Counter with Charging Pads and Storage

Pedestal stands are like middle children of trade show displays. They get less attention than their older or younger siblings so they’re more likely to be independent, resourceful, and accommodating. OK… that metaphor may be a bit of a stretch but in reality pedestals, counters, and kiosks are the unsung heroes of trade show exhibits. They are rarely the main focus of any exhibit design, yet they do much of the heavy lifting in any trade show booth. 

Pedestal Stands for Trade Shows

Whether you call them pedestals, counters, or kiosks, trade show booth design would be incomplete without them. The perfect pedestal will complement the overall design, not only by its shape but also by its graphics. In inline displays, like 10 x 10s and 10 x 20s, a pedestal along the aisle is often the first thing an attendee sees. It’s that subtle wink that draws them further into your booth. 

As a result, the branding and messaging on a pedestal or counter is critical, which can be challenging since there’s not much graphic real estate. The default branding is often the company’s logo. Which is fine, if attendees recognize what you do and what problem you solve. If not, then it’s time to be creative. You can ask a question? Or design a clever graphic that stops an attendee in their tracks. More than anything, you want a reaction that allows you (or them) to start a conversation. 

In an island exhibit, there are usually multiple counters, which can vary from a large reception counter to a small product demo pedestal. Each should have a specific function, which will determine how they’re branded. With all the space available in an island exhibit, it’s tempting to fill that space with pedestals, counters, and kiosks. However, just like with graphics, white space (or empty space) has merit. Clutter just creates confusion, particularly if it doesn’t contribute to your messaging. 

display pedestal

Types of Trade Show Pedestal Stands

The range of sizes, functions, and designs is staggering. Classic Exhibits has nearly 400 styles in three galleries in a wide range of prices and materials. There are even assembly options, like fully-assembled, partially-assembled, and unassembled pedestals. Most have locking storage. Others have backlit graphics. Still others include LED accent lighting and wireless charging pads. However, your exhibit design and your budget will dictate your counter/pedestal choices, which (thankfully) makes the decision more manageable. 

Let’s explore a few categories:  

Custom

Custom pedestals are typically fully-assembled and constructed (primarily) from wood. However, custom can mean a counter customized to your unique design requirements. With custom, anything is possible: any finish, accessories, shape, and size. See MOD-1592 for an example. 

Parsons

If you’ve ever been to an Apple store, you’ve seen a basic version of a Parsons counter. In reality, they are more tables than counters but they can include storage, accent lighting, and charging. See MOD-1707 for an example.

MOD-1707 Parsons Charging Counter
MOD-1707 Parsons Charging Counter

Backlit 

Backlit pedestals and counters are HOT right now. Many have backlit fabric graphics. Others profile or custom-cut logos. Sizes vary as well from small product pedestals to L-shaped reception counters. See MOD-1716 for an example.

Modular/Hybrid

Modular/Hybrid pedestals are typically partially assembled for easier shipping. And unlike a custom pedestal, the framework is usually engineered aluminum extrusion. This makes them lighter. Also, if a part is ever lost or damaged, it can easily be replaced. See MOD-1552 for an example.  

Portable

Portable simply means it packs in a case that can be shipped via UPS/FedEx. It does not mean “tool-less” although many portable pedestals assemble without tools. Nor does it necessarily mean simple or basic. Many portables include locking storage, internal shelves, and wire management. See SYM-408 for an example. 

SYM-408 Portable Pedestal
SYM-408 Portable Pedestal

Charging

This can be a bit confusing at first glance. Counters and pedestals with charging pads, wireless or wired, are often called Charging Counters. Which is true. However, charging counters can be custom, modular, portable, and backlit. Practically any design can be a charging counter as long as the design accommodates wire management. See GOD-1558c for an example.  

Uses for a Trade Show Display Pedestal 

What’s the best use of a trade show pedestal? That’s easy! The one that fulfills your specific trade show marketing goals. The only limitation is your budget. Here are a few ways exhibitors use pedestals. 

  • Product Displays 
  • Reception Counters 
  • Storage
  • Charging
  • Tablet Kiosks
  • Meeting Tables
  • Literature
  • Demo Stations
  • Refreshment Stand

Pedestal Display Examples

We love browsing through the hundreds of pedestal designs in Exhibit Design Search. No other trade show supplier has a larger and more varied selection. But we have our favorites. Browse through the gallery below to explore some of the pedestals and counters available. Don’t see exactly what you need? No problem. Contact us. We’d love the design one that matches your specific requirements. 

View the detailed gallery here.

Need Pedestal Stands For Your Next Trade Show?

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producer and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builder multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by. Contact us today whether you need a custom pedestal, a rental counter, or a sustainable kiosk with all the bells and whistles. At Classic… We’re not just different. We’re better.