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Sustainable Trade Shows: Eco-System Displays & Eco Display Options

May 13th, 2022 COMMENTS
Eco System Displays

Eco-friendly exhibits are the future of the trade show industry. In a consumer survey, 92% reported they are more likely to trust a company that supports social or environmental issues, and 87% have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues. This means that not only will more sustainable business practices tremendously help our planet, but they’ll also help with your company’s image and sales too!

Eco-System Displays: Getting Started

Since 2007, Eco-System Displays line (Eco) from Classic Exhibits Inc. has been the leader in contemporary eco-friendly displays for trade shows and events. In fact, no other exhibit company has a longer history or built more green displays than Eco-System Displays. The company’s designs have won multiple awards including Buyers Choice and Best of the Best Awards at exhibit industry trade shows.

Eco-systems sustainable designs

All Eco products are built using eco-friendly materials, which in most cases cost the same or less than standard displays. Start by exploring the three Eco galleries in Exhibit Design Search, featuring inlines, islands, and accessories. You’ll find hundreds of designs that can be purchased “as is” or customized to meet your specific marketing needs. Want something totally unique? No problem. Our talented designers will be happy to create an exhibit tailored to your custom requirements. 

Benefits of Selecting an Eco Display

Historically, trade shows and events have generated mountains of trash. If you’ve ever participated in the installation and dismantling of exhibits on a show floor, you’ve seen the plastic, paper, wood, and metal headed to the landfill. Fortunately, COVID and a general “green awareness” have reduced the brochures, paper products, give-a-ways, and carpeting thrown away. Along with the increase in rental displays. However, non-sustainable materials are still being used by many exhibit builders. 

Eco-Systems Sustainable was founded to provide exhibitors with green trade show options that don’t compromise on the design or the quality of the materials. Eco-Systems resources eco-friendly materials similar to Sintra, a fabric made from recycled plastics, aluminum extrusions produced using recycled aluminum, FSC certified wood, Green Guard laminates, and water-based adhesives and inks. As technology has evolved, so has the quality and price of the materials. In almost all cases, it’s equal to or superior to non-sustainable materials.  

  • Aluminum Extrusions: 70% recycled content. 
  • Forest Stewardship Council Wood Products (FSC): Certified grown and harvested sustainably.
  • Laminates:  Greenguard Certified.
  • Adhesives:  Water-based, low or VOC free (Volatile Organic Compounds).
  • Eco-Board: Biodegradable polystyrene.
  • ReCo Board:  100% recycled plastics.
  • Eco-Glass: 100% post-industrial recycled acrylic or plexiglass. 
  • Fabric Graphics: 100% post-consumer material including dye-sub SEG backlit graphics.
  • LED Lights: Lightboxes, accent lights, stem lights, and downlighting.
  • Shipping Cases: Made from recycled plastics and 100% recyclable when no longer needed. All wood crates are made using FSC Wood.
  • Reusable Packing Materials: Made from Recycled Foam

Eco Display Products for Your Next Show

Some exhibitors ask, “Will my exhibit look green?” It can. We can design it to have a funky, crunchy, or recycled look. However, most exhibitors want a modern, contemporary exhibit built with sustainable materials. It’s green but it doesn’t wear its sustainability on its sleeve. See the examples below for a modern approach to sustainable design. 

Islands

Eco System Displays

ECO-4071: The reconfigurable  ECO-4071 island offers inviting entrances on all four sides. The backlit graphics and hanging signs attract attention both down the aisle and across the show hall.

ECO-4100: A reconfigurable island exhibit (w/ 10 and 20 ft. inline options) transforms a square 20 x 20 booth space into an inviting island with a round header and comfortable lounge. 

ECO-4073: This affordable island starts with an open floor plan with curved headers and layers on a stunning reception counter with iPad mounts and pedestals. 

Inlines 

eco display products

ECO-2124: This custom design with modular construction, the ECO-2124 includes downlighting and backlight, closet storage, and multiple monitor options!

ECO-1091: This sophisticated inline blends bright backlit graphics, a large monitor option, multiple shelves, and a clever reception counter into an elegant 10 ft. display. 

ECO-1127: The perfect choice for any exhibitor who requires large graphics, a monitor option, and product shelves. The modular construction expands to a 10 x 20 booth.

Accessories

Eco System Displays

ECO-2C: A beautiful and affordable pedestal with a raised countertop and locking storage. Available in hundreds of laminate colors and finishes. 

ECO-42C: This large reception counter (86″ W x 40″ H x 25″ D) makes a bold statement with vibrant backlit graphics, a plex countertop, and dual locking storage cabinets. 

ECO-55C: The curved custom counter includes LED accent lights, internal shelves, and convenient wireless charging pads. 

How about Eco Display Rental Options?

Renting Eco-System Displays is the greenest of green choices for exhibitors who want to make a difference. Eco rental exhibits are built with sustainable materials, come in a variety of sizes and designs, and can be customized for any exhibitor — even from show to show. Rentals give exhibitors the ultimate flexibility to change their messaging without the hassle of ownership.

An eco-friendly rental from Classic Exhibits looks identical to a purchased exhibit. Imagine a beautiful island display with large LED lightboxes, big overhead signs, conference and meeting rooms, and workstations at a price 40% less than a comparable purchased display.

Because rentals are used again and again, as long as the components are functional and attractive, they are more sustainable for the exhibitor and the builder. Plus, when components can no longer be used, Eco recycles them – the wood, aluminum, and plastic. 

Eco System Displays

Does a “Green Exhibit” Cost More?

Not anymore. The green industry has become incredibly efficient with recycled products. With the exception of wood, all the eco-friendly materials sourced in the construction of an Eco display are either the same cost or less expensive than “virgin” materials. And in most cases, the quality is superior. There are no compromises, either in the construction or in the design options when choosing an Eco display.  

Eco-System Displays from Classic Exhibits

As an exhibitor, you can make a difference, and that difference doesn’t have to cost more or compromise your design or marketing goals. Green materials such as Eco-board, ReCo, and FSC wood products are smart choices that are comparable to non-sustainable materials. 

However, none of that matters if you can’t get the design and the features you need in your exhibit. As the leader in eco-friendly exhibits, Eco-System Displays by Classic has been designing modern trade show displays since 2007. 

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

Your Shared Knowledge Newsletter | May Edition

May 9th, 2022 COMMENTS

Experiential Marketing Summit 2022 (EMSlive)

What a great week in Las Vegas at EMSlive 2022. I walked into this event not knowing what to expect, but several friends who had attended before told me, “Just go, interact, network, and converse and you will quickly see why this event is a part of our yearly plans.” They were correct.

EMSlive is a blend of EXHIBITORLIVE based on the end-user attendees and EDPA ACCESS with its showcase floor. And yet totally different.

For Classic Exhibits specifically, we participated for two reasons: guilt and opportunity. We have been named to the Event Marketer FAB 50 Exhibit Builders for 5 of the past 7 years, but we hadn’t participated in their event. We owed it to them to be there. However, guilt was not the only reason (Click to read the full article).

Tom Beard Returns (Part Deux)

Tom Beard

On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan sent an “I’m Back!” fax to the media announcing his return to basketball. Like MJ another Chicagoan is returning. Please welcome Tom Beard back as a Regional Sales Manager for Classic Exhibits.

According to Tom, “I look forward to re-connecting with my friends and colleagues in the industry. In case you retired my contact information, I can be reached at tom@classicexhibits.com and 815-321-9258.”

Tom will be responsible for IL, WI, MN, IN and MI. Expect to see or hear from Tom in the coming weeks.

New EDS Gallery — Games & Digital Activations (CP)

There’s a new Gallery in Exhibit Design Search – Games and Digital Activations (CP). We delighted to welcome Captello as a strategic partner to EDS. The Captello gallery includes eight affordable games for trade shows or events which can be launched on any electronic device. The games include custom branding, leaderboard options, and prizes. And like our other partner galleries (CORT, DS&L, Brumark, and Taylor), you can order directly from them (not Classic). Click HERE for the Ordering Process PDF.

Business Model: 10% Referral Fee or 30% Reseller Fee

Referral Fee is when distributor refers end-customer to Captello to handle invoicing, payment, etc.

Reseller Fee is when the end-user purchases directly from the Classic Distributor and the Distributor handles the purchase and support. Resellers will have access to their own Captello account and the ability to switch to different sub-accounts to set up the end-user software on their behalf. Reseller Partners receive training and support from Captello. End-users do not have to pay an onboarding fee with this model. Reseller can profit from professional services and training in addition to license fees. White label options are also available.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022

Classic Exhibits EXHIBITORLIVE Exhibit

Las Vegas… one final time?

  • Conference: Mon., June 20 – Thurs., June 23
  • Exhibit Hall: Tues., June 21 – Thurs., June 23

To register for your FREE HALL PASS, go HERE and ENTER code #4044. Classic will be “glowing” with a 20 x 30 island in booth #1219. Visit us and you could win a $500 discount on your next order. 

People’s Choice Voting

People's Choice Voting Page

The People’s Choice Page is active with 50 finalists. However, only one design can win the People’s Choice.

You can vote once per day until June 22, 2022. The finalist with the most votes will be named this year’s People’s Choice Award winner. All winners will be announced during a ceremony at EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 in Las Vegas.

As many of you know, we have been consistent cheerleaders for the PMA since the beginning, including sponsoring the voting page (see our banner ad). Please support the PMA by voting for the next two months.

Women in Exhibitions Breakfast

Women in Exhibitions Breakfast at EXHIBITORLIVE

Calling all Women in Exhibitions and Events! The 4th Annual Women in Exhibitions Breakfast event will be held in the Connection Zone at EXHIBITORLIVE on June 22 from 8-10 am. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast while you network with peers and share your experience in breakout sessions. Learn how women are uniquely suited to take on leadership roles from our special guest speaker MaryCay Durrant.

Date and Time:

  • Wed, June 22, 2022
  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM PDT
  • Register HERE

Space is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance is STRONGLY recommended.

Find It Top 40 Exhibit Producers

For the 5th straight year, Classic has been named an EXHIBITOR Find It Top 40. EXHIBITOR “received nearly 500 applications from exhibit houses in North America, all of which were subjected to an exhaustive evaluation process including more than 50 individual criteria weighted to reflect how EXHIBITOR readers and Editorial Advisory Board members value them when vetting and selecting potential partners.”

We’re honored to be named a Top 40 once again, and we’re proud and delighted for the 29 Classic Exhibits Distributors who were also honored. Well done! Pretty darn special.

Webinars

In May and June, we are sponsoring (3) “fast-paced” webinars in conjunction with Lev Promotions, Brumark, and Tim Patterson (The Tradeshow Guy).

20 Trends in 20 Minutes

  • 20 Clever and Creative Promotional Products with Rama Beerfas, Lev Promotions
  • 20 Step-by-Step Flooring Trends with James Zacharias, Brumark

The Fast and Furious 50

  • Tradeshow Stupid to Tradeshow Smart in 50 Minutes. 50 Essential Trade Show Tips for Every Newbie (or Wannabe). Tim Patterson, Tradeshowguy Exhibits

Look for the details, including dates and times, in an ebroadcast later this week.

Casual Comfortable — Trade Show Exhibit Design

May 2nd, 2022 COMMENTS
Exhibit Design is Evolving in North America

Go ahead… relax, unwind, and take a break! Have a delicious pastry and some wine. But only if you’re attending a trade show in Europe. 

In North America, meeting rooms (with hard plastic chairs) and presentation areas (with funky ottoman seats) were always the norm. More than that and you were violating a dozen generally-accepted trade show rules. 

Not Anymore

Thank goodness. Most islands now have soft-seating, along with tables. Even inlines are more informal. Most 10 x 20 booths now include a bistro or bar table with chairs.

The emphasis on comfort and conversation says, “Stay a while, charge your phone, and let’s talk about why we should do business together.” We encourage you to embrace it, have a cookie, and a bottle of lukewarm water. It’s not perfect (yet), but your feet will thank you.  

RE-9152 Rental Island Exhibit
RE-9151 Rental Island Exhibit
RE-2125 Rental Inline Exhibit

PMA People’s Choice Voting Page

April 21st, 2022 COMMENTS
Portable Modular Awards People's Choice Voting Page

We all love lists, especially the 25, 50, or 500 best of anything

Two weeks ago, EXHIBITOR announced the 2022 Portable Modular Awards finalists (50 total) and winners. Without a doubt, this was the most competitive year yet, and we congratulate all the winners. Now, the next stage is the People’s Choice Voting Page. All 50 finalists (in every category) are vying for your attention. Who’s your favorite(s)?

You can vote once per day until June 22, 2022. The finalist with the most votes will be named this year’s People’s Choice Award winner. All winners will be announced during a ceremony at EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 in Las Vegas.
As many of you know, we have been consistent cheerleaders for the PMA since the beginning, including sponsoring the voting page (see banner ad).

Please support the PMA by voting for the next two months. And don’t forget to register for EXHIBITORLIVE. Use code 4044 for a free exhibit hall pass.

EXHIBITOR PMA People's Choice Voting Page

Spring Savings are in Bloom at Classic Exhibits

April 13th, 2022 COMMENTS

Did some bunny mention a sale? Spring Savings on LED Lightboxes, Wireless Charging Counters, and Wall-mounted Lightboxes through May 31. For more information about these Spring Savings, see the Exhibit Specials page in Exhibit Design Search.

Symphony Portable Lightboxes
Symphony Portable Lightboxes
Wall-mounted LED Lightboxes
Wall-mounted LED Lightboxes
Wireless Charging Counters
Wireless Charging Counters