Trade Show TalesBlog

Author Archive

Designing Large Format Graphics for Trade Shows

April 3rd, 2025 1 COMMENT

large format graphics

Designing Large Format Graphics for Trade Shows

“Oh my god Becky, look at those large format graphics!”

Forgive the Sir Mix-a-Lot reference. But then again, most graphic designers have a good sense of humor, both artistic as well as musical. A good song can inspire and change your design mood, just as seeing work from other designers can give you great ideas.

What we are going to review today is the terribly easy world of large format graphics for trade show exhibits and other large structures. Now of course, as a graphic designer, you noticed I put the words “terribly easy” into that previous sentence and you instantly think I’m crazy. Most designers rarely design a layout larger than a corporate booklet or perhaps a 20″ x 30″ poster. Therefore, when it comes to knowing the secrets to making a perfect graphic print at 30 ft. wide by 10 ft. tall, designers get cold sweats and think of calling in sick that day.

But fear not. Designing for large format is actually quite simple once you know the basic steps. And, if you do large format designs on a regular basis, you might find that it is more enjoyable than most jobs. All it takes is a leap of faith… and trust in my advice.

Please note this is only a breakdown of the most important elements. Should you have more questions about large format graphics or need help with trade show graphic design, we’re here to help!

Viewing Graphics from a DistanceTip #1 – Large Format Graphics are Viewed from a Distance

When you look at a billboard along the freeway, you probably wonder how a large graphic can appear so crisp. The beauty of billboard graphics is that, if viewed from 1 ft. away, it would appear like a blotchy and dotted mess. It’s the perceptive ability in our eyes to complete images that makes such items work.

The concept for trade show graphics isn’t that much different. But, luckily, trade show printing is MUCH higher quality than billboards. However, the concept is the same. At a trade show, it is rare for a booth visitor to stand 1 ft. away from a printed graphic that is 30 ft. wide by 10 ft. tall. Though it does happen. A large format trade show graphic must be stunning from the aisle as potential customers pass by. You want to create something unique and eye-catching without worrying about print quality. Should someone stand next to the display, and really want to analyze the quality, they may notice a slight difference from perfect. But that isn’t common.

Tip #2 – Patience and Computer Power

You need to have a powerful computer before you design something in large format. Many of the files you will be processing can be beasts on your RAM and processing speed, not to mention your video card. Therefore, if you feel your system isn’t up to the task, but you have still been given the job of designing something very large, I recommend you be patient. Most modern systems that run graphic design software without crashing on opening will eventually process your requests if you wait. You just have to allow the system to get through all of the math.

One change you should make to your Adobe software (I’m assuming that is what you are using because hardly anyone uses other graphic design software today) is to alter the scratch disc settings. In Illustrator you will find that under “Preferences” then “Plug-ins & Scratch Disks.” When you find it, be sure to change the “Primary” to STARTUP and the “Secondary” to the largest hard drive on your computer. Usually that is the main drive, but if you have larger drives on your system used for storage, change it to that. In Photoshop, you will find these settings under the “Edit” menu followed by “Preferences” and then the “Scratch Disks” section. Here you may only have one option depending on your system. Specify the main drive as primary start-up disk and then, if you have a secondary, larger drive, used for storage, use that as another. This will actually set the drives to use hard drive space for extra processing during your layout.

Power systems today can use up to 32 GB of RAM and have processing speeds that are out of this world. 64 bit systems are always desired but not always affordable. The more RAM and processing power you have, and the faster video card you have with as much internal RAM as possible, the smoother your experience will be.

But, for many years I have worked on systems well below the standard recommended system for large format design and still accomplished my goals. The word is always patience. You need to allow the system to process.

Tip #3 – Resolution is Different in Large Format Design

Most standard corporate designs, such as business cards, brochures, booklets, and magazines, require you to work at 300 ppi (pixels per inch) or higher. However, for large format design, you do not need that level of resolution. Instead, most large format printers work at anywhere from 100 to 120 ppi maximum. The main rule is to always read the company’s graphic submission requirements so you know what resolution they are looking for. If they state that 100 ppi is the requirement, that means your “raster images” should be 100 ppi at final print size or 100% scale. Knowing this resolution requirement ahead of time will save you many hours of waiting for your computer to process and save a file. Imagine creating a display graphic that is 10 ft. wide by 8 ft tall in Illustrator or Photoshop with a resolution of 300 ppi or higher on raster effects and images! The time it would take (if your computer would even manage it) would be large indeed. And the file size would just be too big.

Large format printing is different from standard offset printing. Dye sublimation, UV wide format inkjet/direct print, and Lambda outputs print excellent quality at lower file resolutions. The brochure image you printed at 300 ppi can print the same quality at 100 ppi on fabric using a dye-sublimation press. It just works.

Scaling GraphicsTip #4 – Scaling Items and Viewing at 100% Zoom

At some point in your large format graphic design adventure, you will need to use raster/bitmap photo images in your layouts. Hopefully you have very large, high-resolution images, but how do you really know what will work?

When working with raster images, you should always pre-scale them in Photoshop so you know the “natural size” for all resolutions. For example, if you have a photo that opens in Photoshop and is naturally 11″ wide by 17″ tall at 300 ppi and looks perfect, you should then find out how that image will scale to larger sizes. To do this, go to the “Image” menu in Photoshop when the file is open and select “Image Size.” At that point, look at the dimensions of the file and then “uncheck” the “re-sample” box.

Once that is done, change the width of the image to something higher, like what you actually want it to print at. You will see the resolution drop. Or, alternatively, just change the resolution at that point to the required resolution your printer has asked for. In this case, the 11″ x 17″ image that is 300 ppi, when reduced to 100 ppi, becomes an image that will print to 33″ wide by 51″ tall. Not a bad increase. You can then re-sample the image to larger sizes, but we’ll get into that later.

Getting back to the original 11″ x 17″ image. Before you scale it up, be sure to view the image at 100% zoom on your computer screen (working on desktop systems is recommended as most laptops do not clearly show full quality). Large format printing is exceptionally accurate when it comes to the print quality in real life compared to what you see on your computer screen. Should you see an imperfection on the screen, it will print that way on the final output. It’s always good practice to view all raster images and full layouts at 100% and go through every inch of the design before you send it to a printer. That way, you will know if there is a quality problem.

So that 11″ x 17″ 300 ppi image, when dropped to 100 ppi, will now print at 33″ x 51″. That is an excellent enlargement without altering the file size in any way! But what if you need to make the image larger beyond that?

Tip #5 – How to Force Raster Images to Sizes Larger Than They Support

The latest version of Photoshop has excellent tools for making raster/bitmap images bigger than they naturally are. Older versions of Photoshop can also perform these tasks, but it requires multiple manual steps to accomplish the goal. The latest CC version has most steps built-in to the “Image Size” options.

Forcing Raster Images to Sizes Larger Than They SupportTo make our 11″ x 17″ 300 ppi file that has now become 33″ x 51″ when dropped to 100 ppi even bigger, we must force it up. The steps are simple but still require you to view the file at 100% scale afterwards. Begin by turning on the “re-sample” check box again when viewing the file with the “Image Size” window open. Then, look for the “Preserve Details (enlargement)” or “Bi-cubic Smoother (enlargement)” items in the drop-down menu beside the re-sample check box. Here you can play with the options presented in the enlargement as there are various settings to control. But, the basic idea is to choose one and then force the image up to the final print size.

For our example, let’s say we want to go to 65″ wide. With the re-sample check box active, the image will instantly convert to the correct height when you change the “width” to 65. And the print resolution will be maintained. Give it a try to see what happens. When the file has finally processed, you will see a larger image with some slight loss in quality. But, since we are printing in large format, which is usually viewed from several feet away, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue.

On a side note, it is not recommended you increase images beyond 200% in scale, especially if they are already lower quality images. Since you will be viewing the file at 100% scale on your screen and will know what each inch of the image will print at, the decision is up to you. Many raster images behave differently depending on the original quality of the image. I’ve seen some stock images scale up to 400% larger while others only support around 150 to 200%. It comes down to how the image was originally created.

Photoshop Noise and Manual Touch UpsTip #6 – Photoshop Noise and Manual Touch Ups

Beyond the scaling up of images we just discussed, you may find the need for further touch ups. I’ve found that using the “add noise,” “dust and scratches,” and the “reduce noise” filters after the enlargement can improve your finished image greatly. Experiment with these filters after going through the previous steps with an image of your choice to learn what works best.

Afterwards, I always recommend getting back to the 100% zoom setting and then manually fixing any blotchy areas or imperfections using cloning tools or the content aware fill features in Photoshop.

Tip #7 – Software Choice is Key

Most large format printers will accept files from Photoshop and Illustrator. Some will accept InDesign but more rarely. Very few will accept Corel products or third-party free apps like GIMP. And, I do not know of any respectable large format printers that will accept standard files from MS office software such as Word, PowerPoint, and so on. Therefore, it is important to have the right design software.

My first choice for large format design is always Adobe Illustrator. Although most designers feel more comfortable in Photoshop, Illustrator is really the most powerful tool for final assembly of your large format design.

You will of course use Photoshop for all preparations of raster images before placement into the Illustrator design, which makes Photoshop very important. But as an assembly tool with superior control of color, measurement, tone, and scale, no software compares to Illustrator, especially with the vector capabilities for shapes, illustrations, text, logos, and so on.

Sometimes you may need to only work in Photoshop if the entire job is raster based, and you must work at extreme dimensions and settings. That is OK too. The key is to know the graphic requirements of the printer and adapt accordingly. Which brings us to the next step.

Tip #8 – Read the Graphic Requirements

Each large format job will have a specific list of graphic requirements for how the job should be prepared. Some printers will actually ask you to send “only PDF” files while others want original source files. But the key beyond the file format is the steps you need to take for proper file prep.

– Should the file be 100% scale (or can it)?
– Should the file be in RGB or CMYK mode?
– Will Pantones be an option and, if so, should you use coated or uncoated?

All large format presses are run in CMYK and do not conform to the usual offset printing rules. They can’t put in, say, Pantone 200C ink, and give you a match. Rather, prints are calibrated on a job-by-job basis in CMYK (or, on rare occasions, sometimes RGB) to try to get the color you indicated. Therefore, knowing how a printer wants the job is very important. So read the manual!

Tip #9 – Choosing a High-Quality Large Format Printer

There are several hundred large format printing companies in North America. Most are good. A few are amazing! Who you select for your large format printing may be as simple as geography (they’re close) or industry specialty (trade show, retail, or outdoor) or past relationship (we trust them) or equipment (they have the latest dye-sublimation printer). 

Let’s put all that aside for just a moment and pretend you’re researching your options. What should be on your list of requirements? Quality, obviously. Price, of course. Capability, naturally. Customer Service, yes. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Your Needs. Every business has unique large format printing needs. Some have the luxury of time and clients with flexible budgets so quality is #1. Others are driven by speed and quick turnarounds. Still others need a printer with extensive technical and graphic design support. Defining your needs will narrow your choices on potential large format graphic vendors.
  2. Volume. Some printers will only accept multiple quantity orders, which is common for retail applications. Others target single prints, like for trade show exhibits. As a result, their equipment and materials may be specific to those applications.
  3. Equipment. This isn’t just about what printing equipment they have – inkjet, laser, dye-sublimation, Gerber cutting equipment, vinyl, sewing, etc – but also the quantity and age. Some printers have multiple dye-sublimation printers for example, capable of printing in 10 ft. or 16 ft. widths. Others may only have one but upgrade it every 2-3 years as the technology improves. 
  4. Services. Does your printer provide pre-flight, creative design, fulfillment, or staging services? Are they necessary for every customer? No. But if your business model relies on any of these, then choosing the right printer makes a difference. 
  5. Sustainability.Sustainability may be your #1 requirement when choosing a printer.. Large format printers with a sustainable mission devote considerable time and resources to minimizing their environmental impact, including using recycled printing paper and fabric, vegetable-based inks, energy-efficient equipment, and implementing comprehensive recycling programs. 
  6. Customer Service. You’ve narrowed your choices down to large format printers with the most modern equipment, fastest turnaround times, and lowest prices. However, all those “pluses” will become “minuses” if their customer service is unresponsive, inflexible, or even hostile. Most often than not, your team will choose the vendor with the best customer service, not necessarily the best prices. It’s hard to fault them, since a reliable, supportive printing partner makes their job easier and the final product more predictable. 

By carefully considering these factors, you are more likely to select a large format printer that delivers the quality and performance you require.

Tip #10 – Leverage Large Format Wall Graphics to Elevate Your Trade Show Presence

Large format graphics play a pivotal role in the success of trade show exhibits. In the competitive environment of a trade show, where numerous businesses vie for attention, these graphics serve as powerful tools for attracting and engaging potential clients. For an excellent summary on the Do’s and Don’ts of Trade Show Graphics, see this article

Key Benefits to Large Format Wall Graphics for Trade Show Exhibits:

Enhanced Visual Impact: Large format graphics create eye-catching displays that stand out from the crowd. Their size and vibrant colors draw attention, making it easier to capture the interest of attendees.

– One of the best ways to create seamless, high-impact trade show displays is by using silicone edge graphics (SEG). These graphics provide a clean, frameless look, making them a favorite for modern trade show booths. SEGs also offer easy installation and fabric tensioning for a professional, wrinkle-free appearance.

Stronger Brand Recognition: These graphics provide a large canvas for displaying logos, slogans, and brand messaging, reinforcing brand identity and increasing brand visibility. Consistent use of brand elements across the exhibit creates a cohesive and memorable impression.

Effective Information Delivery: Large format prints allow for the clear and concise presentation of key information, product features, and benefits. They enable businesses to communicate their value proposition effectively, even from a distance.

Increased Visitor Engagement: Visually appealing graphics create a more engaging and interactive booth environment. They encourage attendees to stop, explore, and interact with the exhibit.

Maximized Booth Space: Strategically placed large format graphics can optimize the use of booth space, creating a visually appealing and organized display. They can be used to create backdrops, banners, and signage that enhance the overall look and feel of the exhibit.

Professionalism: High quality large format graphics convey a sense of professionalism, and attention to detail. This helps to build trust with potential clients.

Large format graphics are essential for creating impactful trade show exhibits that attract attention, reinforce brand identity, and drive engagement. They help businesses make a strong first impression and stand out in a crowded environment.

More Large Format Graphic Design Tips

  • Less is more in large format design. Keep your designs simple. Something that is 20 ft wide, if very complex, will seem even more so. Simple images create stunning results.
  • Keep a buffer of white/blank space in the design. Often you will find that display structures in large format have very odd constructions and shapes. Therefore, try not to span too many elements close to edges or over onto other elements of the design that have breaks. Rather, the more you keep “focus” elements of your design on the side/base they are intended, the better visual result you will have for marketing.
  • One item in large format graphic design that makes all designers shudder is file size. If you are trying to create something so very large in the real world, you of course expect your file size on the computer to equal that frightening number. But there are tips to solve this, especially if working in Illustrator. 
  • Finally, you should never feel embarrassed as a designer to contact another designer for help. If any of the information you read here today, or any information you see on the graphic requirements pages/sheets for your current large format job don’t make sense, be sure to contact the company and ask questions! That is why these people are working in this industry. They WANT to make your graphic the most beautiful output possible. Designers that work in large format really care about results and always want to make the highest quality prints anyone has ever seen. So, if you just are not sure what to do, just contact the company you are working with. All professional large format design teams are eager to assist any level of designer as they enjoy the work and conversation. If you encounter someone who “doesn’t” treat you that way, you are not working with a professional team.

Get Professional Large Format Graphics for Your Next Trade Show!

Large format graphics, whether direct prints or fabric, have changed trade shows marketing over the past decade. Modern exhibit graphics are much more vibrant, detailed, colorful, and larger. Add the impact of backlighting and LED accent lights and the color, impact, and shape possibilities are nearly unlimited. The key to successful large format graphics is three-fold:  1. A strategic plan for your branding, 2. Putting that plan in the hands of an experienced trade show (or 3D) graphic designer, and 3. Identifying the right large format printer. 

Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and prints large format graphics.. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at www.classicexhibits.com or www.summitgraphicspdx.com.

EXHIBITOR Magazine Portable Modular Awards 2025

April 1st, 2025 COMMENTS

Exhibit Descriptions: Linda Armstrong, EXHIBITOR Magazine

2025 Portable Modular Award Winners

EXHIBITOR Magazine announced the winners of the 12th Annual Portable Modular Awards in San Antonio at EXHIBITORLIVE. Classic Exhibits was a finalist in seven categories and won in three. See below.

For a full list of the winners, CLICK HERE. Winners will be featured in the June/July issue of EXHIBITOR magazine. Our thanks to the EXHIBITOR Group, the Classic Exhibits Distributors who allowed us to submit their entries, and to the Classic Exhibits Family for their amazing contributions.

Rental Exhibit More Than 400 sf

Category: Rental Exhibit More Than 400 sf
Exhibitor: Motorola Mobility LLC
Design: Event Strategy Group
Fabrication: Classic Exhibits Inc.
Event: International Consumer Electronics Show 2024
Size: 50 x 60

They say there’s no place like home. But at the 2024 International Consumer Electronics Show, Motorola Mobility LLC proved there’s no home quite like a smart home. The firm transformed 3,000 square feet of convention center concrete into a technological tribute to domestic tranquility that made even jaded tech journalists want to kick off their shoes and stay a while.

Working with Event Strategy Group (ESG) and Classic Exhibits Inc., the team orchestrated a series of themed product areas that flowed together like well-appointed rooms in an upscale home. The strategic use of Gravitee One-Step Modular wall panels and ClassicModul Aluminum Extrusions created distinct environments that invited exploration while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

“They turned technology into interior design,” observed one judge, praising how the exhibit elevated consumer electronics into lifestyle statements. The muted color palette, architectural lighting, and premium finishes transformed what could have been a sterile tech display into an inviting domestic environment. Plus, by combining rental components with premium finishes, the space achieved a luxurious feel without breaking the budget.

In the end, Motorola didn’t just showcase devices. They showed us how seamlessly technology could integrate into the art of living well.

Inline Exhibit

Category: Inline Exhibit
Exhibitor: Classic Exhibits Inc.
Design: Classic Exhibits
Fabrication: Classic Exhibits
Event: EXHIBITORLIVE 2024
Size: 10 x 30

Can a 10-by-30-foot space truly command attention at a bustling trade show like EXHIBITORLIVE? Classic Exhibits Inc. proved it can. Its 2024 exhibit showcased how impactful design, combined with subtle sophistication, can create an experience that far exceeds its physical footprint.

Rising 14 feet above the show floor, a commanding LED back wall anchored the space, while lenticular walls created an unexpected analog activity. One judge praised the design as “a masterful blend of manufacturing prowess and artistic restraint,” noting how visitors were naturally drawn to discover different messages hidden within the shifting patterns as they moved through the space.

Classic Exhibits created an environment that served as a living portfolio of its capabilities, featuring custom wood-build elements, Gravitee modular wall panels, and SuperNova light boxes. Inside a private meeting area, a circular lightbox fostered an inviting atmosphere, its plant imagery softened by ghosted word art that subtly referenced company values.

The coordinated LED content on the main wall and front counters cycled through capabilities demonstrations and moments of branded serenity. The combined effect clearly communicated the firm’s capabilities and brand values, showcasing both practical demonstrations and moments of visual calm.

Island Exhibit 900 sf and Fewer

Category: Island Exhibit 900 sf and Fewer
Exhibitor: Talos Engineered Products LLC
Design: Zilla LLC
Fabrication: Classic Exhibits
Event: MODEX 2024
Size: 20 x 40

How do you make warehouse logistics look like a blockbuster attraction? While some might reach for smoke and mirrors, Talos Engineered Products LLC opted for slotted walls and LED lighting — and created such a compelling environment at MODEX 2024 that it established a new benchmark for innovative exhibit design in the logistics industry.

The 20-by-40-foot island exhibit, designed by Zilla LLC and fabricated by Classic Exhibits Inc., made an immediate impact with its massive Aero Frame sign featuring dimensional logos that commanded attention from every angle. Below, dimensional slotted wall panels illuminated by green LED lighting created a distinctive branded environment that one judge praised as “a perfect marriage of form and function.”

Throughout the space, custom counters and desks provided ample workspace for demonstrations and conversations, while cleverly integrated storage areas kept marketing materials and promotional items close at hand. The layout maintained generous open floor space for potential equipment displays while offering numerous meeting areas for both casual and semi-private discussions.

Most impressively, every element was engineered for flexibility — from the modular wood walls to the structural supports — allowing the exhibit to be reconfigured for different show environments while maintaining its custom appearance.

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Your Guide to Renewable Energy Conferences & Trade Shows

March 3rd, 2025 COMMENTS
renewable energy conferences

An Introduction to Sustainable Energy Conferences

Whether you are new to sustainable energy or an expert, renewable energy conferences are a perfect deep dive into the latest technologies, policies, and trends. These conferences can vary in size and focus. Some are large international events with thousands of attendees, while others are smaller regional gatherings. There are even international shows like EnergyTech in Vienna, Austria. 

Many renewable conferences will focus exclusively on sustainable technologies like wind and solar, while others cover a broader range of energy topics. 

No matter the size or focus, renewable energy conferences are important events for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest developments in this rapidly growing field and contribute to the transition to a clean energy future.

Renewable Energy Conferences & Trade Shows: An Industry Overview

The renewable energy sector is a rapidly evolving field, and conferences and trade shows play a crucial role in its growth. These events serve as vital platforms for:

Technology Showcase:

  • Companies display their latest innovations in solar, wind, energy storage, and other renewable technologies.
  • Attendees can see firsthand the advancements driving the industry forward.
  • Eco-friendly trade show displays are becoming more prevalent, as exhibitors seek sustainable ways to present their products while reducing environmental impact.

Networking and Collaboration:

  • These events bring together industry professionals, policymakers, investors, and researchers, fostering valuable connections.
  • They provide opportunities for businesses to form partnerships, secure funding, and expand their reach.

Knowledge Sharing:

  • Conferences feature presentations and workshops by industry experts, covering topics such as market trends, policy developments, and technological advancements.
  • Attendees can gain insights into the latest research, best practices, and emerging challenges.

Policy and Market Insights:

  • Many events include sessions on government policies, regulatory frameworks, and market analysis, providing valuable information for businesses and investors.
  • These discussions help shape the future of the renewable energy industry.

renewable energy trade shows

Key Trends:

Energy Storage Integration:

  • Energy storage solutions are increasingly important to ensure grid stability and reliability.
  • Advancements in battery technology and other storage systems.

Digitalization and Smart Grids:

  • The role of digital technologies in optimizing renewable energy generation and distribution.
  • The development of smart grids to improve energy efficiency and resilience.

Sector Coupling:

  • The integration of renewable energy with other sectors, such as transportation and heating.
  • The rise of electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Hydrogen’s Role:

  • The growing interest in green hydrogen as a key vector for the energy transition.

Top Renewable Energy Trade Shows & Events to Attend This Year

Below are some of the most popular renewable energy trade shows. But, not all of them. When searching for an energy trade show or conference, consider these trade show directories: 10times.com and thetradeshowcalendar.   

North America

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (February 25-27, 2025): This major event in San Diego focuses on solar, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. Expect a large expo hall, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

Energy Storage Summit USA (March 26-27, 2025): Held in Dallas, this conference is dedicated to the energy storage market, bringing together industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities.

Global

Energy Storage Summit 2025 (February 17-19, 2025): London hosts this summit focused on the booming energy storage sector in Europe.

Pulse 2025 (April 3-4, 2025): Madrid is the location for this event that brings together global renewable energy professionals.

WindEurope Annual Event 2025 (April 8-10, 2025): Copenhagen will host this major wind energy event.

World Hydrogen 2025 Summit & Exhibition (May 20-22, 2025): Held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, this is the largest dedicated hydrogen event, attracting professionals from around the globe.

solar energy trade shows

Popular Solar Energy Trade Shows & Events

Solar & Energy Storage Summit (April 23-24, 2025): This summit in Denver gathers senior leaders from across the US solar and storage industries.

Intersolar and Energy Storage North America (February 25-27, 2025). Held at the San Diego Convention Center, InterSolar is a leading solar and energy storage event in the United States

Solar & Storage Live London 2025 (April 2-3, 2025): This event explores the thriving solar and energy storage industry in the UK.

Attending a solar energy trade show can be incredibly beneficial for individuals and organizations. Here are 5 key reasons:

  1. Networking Opportunities: Trade shows bring together industry professionals, creating a valuable space to connect with potential partners, clients, and investors.
  2. Stay Updated on Industry Trends: These events showcase the latest advancements in solar technology, including new products, services, and innovations.
  3. Discover New Products and Technologies: Trade shows provide a platform to see and experience cutting-edge solar products and solutions firsthand.
  4. Gain Market Insights: Attending industry-specific conferences and workshops provides valuable insights into market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and regulatory environments.
  5. Learn About Solar Energy: Trade shows offer educational sessions and workshops that provide information on solar energy technologies, applications, and benefits.

Finally, Solar energy conferences are an excellent opportunity to explore career opportunities in the solar energy industry. Networking with industry leaders can open doors to potential employment and advancement. 

How to Power Up Your Presence at Clean Energy Conferences & Trade Shows

  • For Attendees:
    • Best practices for networking and making meaningful industry connections.
    • How to prepare questions for panel discussions and workshops.
    • Tips for leveraging social media and event apps to enhance engagement.
  • For Exhibitors:
    • Strategies for designing an engaging trade show booth.
    • How to attract and retain visitor attention with interactive displays.
    • The importance of sustainability messaging in booth design.
  • Encourage attendees to set clear goals for their participation—whether networking, learning, or exhibiting.
clean energy conferences

Eco-Friendly Displays for Renewable Energy Events

Sustainable or eco-friendly trade show exhibits are no longer a niche within the exhibit industry. Exhibitors have spoken and are demanding greener solutions that fulfill their company’s sustainable mission. Some exhibitors assume an eco-friendly trade show booth should be chunky, clunky, and crunchy. They can be, but most are contemporary designs that are indistinguishable from any other exhibit on the trade show floor. For example, Eco-systems Exhibits are modern, modular exhibits with choices ranging in both price and size. 

At renewable energy events, eco-friendly displays are more of an expectation. But don’t feel like you have to jump into the sustainable pool headfirst. It’s not an either/or choice. There’s a middle ground where you can make sustainable choices that align with your marketing goals and budget without going 100 percent granola. Whether you opt for 75-, 50-, or even 30-percent sustainable components, you’re still making a big impact. Here are several eco-friendly, mix-and-match ways to decrease the environmental impact of your exhibit.

Green Printing. There’s a wide range of sustainable options for direct prints and on recycled fabric, even backlighting. 

Rentals: Rentals exhibits are the ultimate sustainable solution. And very cost-effective. However, your booth doesn’t need to be 100% rental. Consider adding custom exhibit components for the best of both worlds. 

Modular Wall Systems:  Aluminum modular wall systems dominate the trade show floor. They’re lightweight, reconfigurable, attractive, and even recyclable. As a bonus, the modularity makes it perfect for an exhibitor with a heavy trade show schedule that includes a range of inline and island sizes. 

LED Lighting: Halogen, incandescent, and fluorescent lights have largely disappeared from the trade show floor. And no one misses them. The switch to LEDs has expanded the lighting possibilities to backlit graphics, accent lighting, and logos. It’s even gotten easier to backlight hanging signs. If you have a booth with energy-intensive lighting, it’s time to upgrade. The cost is reasonable, and the lights will almost always outlast your exhibit.

Most exhibit builders have access to sustainable building materials. And designing and building with those materials is no different than using the non-sustainable options. An eco-friendly booth will look the same, have the same build quality, and be equal in performance. 

renewable energy trade show

Get Ready for the Next Big Renewable Energy Conference

When choosing a Renewable Energy Conference, consider your specific interests within the renewable energy sector (solar, wind, storage, etc.). Think about the geographic focus of the conference and whether it aligns with your market. Finally, embrace the networking opportunities and the participation of  industry players when making a decision. And if you’re ready to begin the process of designing a sustainable exhibit, the Classic Exhibits Distributor Network has more eco-friendly exhibit experience than anyone else in North America. 

The Classic Exhibits Distributor Network includes over 200 exhibit houses and display professionals in North America. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Classic Exhibits Awarded EDPA 2024 Sustainability Award

February 24th, 2025 COMMENTS
Classic Exhibits EDPA Eddie Sustainability Award

In December 2024, Classic Exhibits was honored at EDPA ACCESS with the Eddie Award for Best Sustainability.

Since 2007, Classic Exhibits has produced 1000s of sustainable exhibits through its Eco-Systems ecoSmart line. No other display manufacturer has been as committed to offering affordable eco-friendly displays than Classic Exhibits.

EDPA Sustainability Award
Sustainability Award

Sustainability in the exhibit industry has gone through periodic waves of interest, both by exhibitors and builders. Builders are quick to promote their green credentials when sustainability is fashionable and ignore it when it isn’t. Exhibitors want green options if the prices are comparable to non-eco-friendly alternatives and the designs are competitive.

During those ups and downs, our commitment hasn’t wavered. We’ve expanded the design choices and fine-tuned the materials, so the costs are comparable to our non-sustainable displays.

Our sincere thanks to EDPA for the recognition and to the Classic Distributor Network for trusting us for their sustainable exhibit needs.

(3) New Sustainable Exhibit Designs

For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands. 

Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Trade Show Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide

February 11th, 2025 COMMENTS
Trade show planning

We all know the expression, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail.” Which, if we’re honest, isn’t always true. Some projects don’t require much planning. Trade shows, and in particular trade show marketing and exhibition, do require careful and systematic planning to be successful.

Yet, there are companies that devote less time to their trade show planning than they would to a 4-year-old’s birthday party. 

It’s nuts… especially when you consider the cost of trade shows and the lost opportunities when trade show planning is handled haphazardly. But you’re not that person, right? You want your trade show program to be professional and financially successful, which is why you’re reading this article. 

The Importance of Trade Show Planning 

Trade show planning is crucial for businesses to maximize their return on investment (ROI) or return on objectives (ROO). A clear and comprehensive plan ensures that companies maximize their sales opportunities while minimizing costs (and stress). 

Any “live event” can be unpredictable and trade shows are no exception. However, what’s often described as “unpredictable” by some exhibitors, like shipping, labor, or show services, is more often the result of poor planning. Everyone and every company that provides services to exhibitors understands that communicating deadlines, pricing, timelines, and expectations makes everyone’s job easier. They don’t want surprises any more than you do. 

Regarding what size exhibit to buy or rent, as a general rule, a 10 x 10 booth is sufficient for a small business. At 100 square feet, you can accommodate at least four people at once, two staffers and two attendees. Consider a 10 x 20 for a medium business and islands for a larger business. The size of the booth, however, depends on your goals and products. At a trade show, size matters, but it should complement, not dictate your exhibit marketing goals.

Trade Show Event Planning: The Basics

Assign one person to be in charge of timetables and scheduling. Assign another person to draw up the trade show budget and define the marketing goals. This person will have to account for the cost of renting or buying a booth, the cost of accessories such as literature racks, as well as travel expenses. Travel expenses will vary depending on the location and duration of your stay. If you decide to rent, you should expect to budget:

  • 25% on renting your booth space
  • 20% on design and graphics
  • 15% on electrical, cleaning, and drayage
  • 10% on shipping materials to and from the trade show
  • 10% on press kits and pre-show promotions
  • 20% on staffing, travel, and other miscellaneous expenses


If you decide to purchase an exhibit, you will want to work with a professional exhibit designer. Most exhibit distributors have a designer on staff or rely on their exhibit manufacturer to supply design and rendering services. You will need to follow the rules and regulations on booth design for your particular show as well as observe basics such as fire, electrical, and safety codes and provide wheelchair accessibility. Rely on your exhibit designer who understands these requirements.

trade show event planning

Trade Show Planning Guide: Key Steps to Success 

By investing in comprehensive trade show planning, businesses can maximize their chances of achieving their goals, generating new leads, building brand awareness, and securing new business opportunities.

Define Clear Goals and Objectives: Without clear goals, it’s impossible to measure the success of a trade show participation. Thorough planning helps identify specific objectives, such as generating leads, increasing brand awareness, or launching new products.

Develop a Strategic Budget: Trade shows can be costly, so creating a detailed budget is essential to avoid overspending. Planning allows for accurate budgeting for booth space, staff expenses, travel, accommodation, and marketing materials.

Design an Engaging Booth: The booth is the company’s face at the trade show, so it needs to be visually appealing, informative, and functional. Planning ensures that the booth design aligns with the brand message and effectively attracts visitors.

Prepare a Pre-Show Marketing Campaign: Trade show success often hinges on pre-show marketing efforts. Planning allows for strategic campaigns to generate interest, drive traffic to the booth, and schedule appointments with potential customers.

Train Your Staff: Trade show staff should be knowledgeable about the company’s products or services and well-prepared to engage with visitors. Planning ensures that staff is trained on sales techniques, lead capture methods, and answering common questions.

Establish Lead Capture and Follow-Up Systems: Effective lead capture is crucial for converting trade show interactions into future business opportunities. Planning involves setting up systems to capture leads digitally or on paper and establishing a follow-up process to nurture those leads.

Measure and Evaluate Results: After the trade show, it’s important to evaluate the results and identify areas for improvement. Planning facilitates the collection of relevant data, such as lead generation, booth traffic, and customer interactions, to measure the success of the event.

trade show planning guide

Leveraging a Trade Show Planning Checklist

Strategy and details drive trade show success. For new exhibitors, the details (and the steps) can be just as opaque as the terminology. Fortunately, there are handy online tools for creating a trade show checklist

Having a checklist also ensures nothing gets forgotten or overlooked, which can and will happen to new exhibitors. There are big “Oh No’s!” like not scheduling freight to and from the show, booking labor to install and disassemble your exhibit, and forgetting to purchase flooring. Then there are the “Oh Darn!” tasks like not including cleaning supplies in the case/crate, sending literature at the last minute, or not ordering lead retrieval until you arrive at the show.

Preliminary items on your checklist should include: 

  • Exhibition goals and strategy
  • Budget
  • Departmental responsibilities 
  • Show date(s) and due dates for ordering services
  • Exhibit design meeting(s)
  • Graphic design meeting(s)
  • Identifying booth staffing and responsibilities
  • Booking travel and lodging
  • Creating pre-show, show, and post-show marketing/sales plans, including sponsorships, mailings, invitations, and in-booth events.
  • Designing and ordering promotional materials and giveaways
  • Scheduling freight to and from the show

Understanding the Role of a Trade Show Planner

Start by assigning someone as the “master trade show planner.” They don’t have to make every decision, but they do have to own the list, including additions, revisions, and due dates. In other words, someone has to be the adult about your trade show planning. 

Having a Trade Show Checklist and a Master Planner will ensure you maximize your budget.  They will remind the team to book travel, lodging, freight, and promotional materials. In addition, they will complete the show forms during the early bird dates. 

For many trade show rookies (and experienced freight professionals), trade show logistics can be confusing. Convention centers, general contractors, and even shippers treat trade show freight, whether LTL or UPS, a little differently. To avoid any missteps, be sure to review the shipping guidelines carefully in the show’s exhibitor handbook and click on the trade show logistics link in this paragraph for a deeper dive in the do’s and don’ts.  

Finally, trade shows are stressful and stress is the exact opposite of what you want during a show. Fortunately for the Master Planner, with each passing show, trade show checklist management becomes easier – and it’s not because the number of tasks gets shorter.  Knowledge and experience make the job easier. Completing the electrical form, which gave you hives, takes minutes instead of hours. And, after a few hiccups, you understand when to schedule I&D labor vs. rigging vs. flooring. You’ve done the trade show choreography and every move, every step has a logic that seemed utterly random before. 

Trade Show Management: Ensuring a Smooth Experience 

Who is trade show management? It’s less straightforward than it appears. At most shows or events, there are three management teams, each with different responsibilities. Knowing who does what will make your life considerably easier if you encounter issues or simply need answers to questions. 

Exhibition, Convention, or Show Hall Management:  Every exhibit hall or event venue has a team that handles sales and marketing, schedules shows, maintains the facility, and negotiates contracts with unions, food vendors, and janitorial services. They are responsible for the management and success of the building. For smaller shows, meetings, or events, they may even serve as the show management. 

Show Management:  Whether it’s a local boat show or the annual trade show for the American Cardiology Association, the “show” is owned and managed by a company or an association. They are responsible for everything associated with the show without necessarily handling every activity. For example, they identify the location for the show and negotiate space and services with the facility management. They also contract with a General Show Contractor to handle drayage, electrical, pipe and drape, signage, labor, etc. However, the show management devotes much of their time to marketing the show, developing education sessions, scheduling speakers, creating social events, soliciting sponsors, and registering attendees and exhibitors. 

General Show Contractor (GSC); Most exhibitors interact primarily with the General Show Contractor and often confuse the GSC with both Show Management or Show Hall Management. As mentioned before, the GSC handles a variety of functions for exhibitors, depending on the show. These may include moving and storing freight, electrical services, cleaning, labor, sign rigging, rental furniture, and in some cases even renting exhibits. The GSC has a contract with Show Management and when an exhibitor hits a wall resolving a problem with the GSC, they should contact Show Management, who typically has a temporary office in the show hall. 

The Exhibitor Advocate:  The Exhibitor Advocate is a non-profit advocacy group that provides exhibitors with education, resources, and assistance with trade show challenges. They’re not show management nor are they at the show. Instead, they are a valuable partner who can help exhibitors address challenges and prominent pain points to ensure your events remain a valuable and irreplaceable marketing channel.

The Exhibitor Advocate’s mission is to amplify the voice of exhibitors to ensure the enduring success of exhibitions and events by collaborating with all stakeholders to promote and cultivate open communication, consistent standards, and industry best practices.

trade show management

Seamless Exhibit Planning with Classic Exhibits! 

Successful trade show marketing doesn’t happen by accident. There’s always a strategy and a plan. The key is identifying the right strategy and executing the right plan. For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been a reliable source of expertise for new and seasoned trade show marketers. 

The Classic Exhibits Distributor Network includes over 200 exhibit houses and display professionals in North America. Find success on the trade show floor with an exhibit that reflects your marketing message. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com and explore Exhibit Design Search or request a meeting with a Classic Distributor Partner.

Trade Show Planning FAQ

Below are 4 common exhibitor questions related to trade show planning. 

1. How early should I start planning for a trade show? 

Let’s assume that planning means, at a minimum, deciding to exhibit, the size of the floor space, and the location on the show floor. For most shows, the show organizer requires a commitment soon after the previous show. You don’t have to commit then, but it means you’ll have few options about your booth location. 

The exhibit design process should start about six months in advance, even if you already have an exhibit and are only planning tweaks to the structure or the graphics. Waiting almost always leads to higher costs and design compromises. 

2. What is the most important part of trade show planning?

Not to sound sarcastic, but it’s the actual planning. Far too many exhibitors treat a trade show as a company vacation. They don’t have a strategy. They miss details and deadlines. They don’t coordinate the sales and marketing teams or involve other departments in the company. Even the C-level executives are often in the dark. As a result, they spend too much money and grumble about the results. Exhibitors who stumble into a trade show rarely leave with positive results.  

3. How do I choose the right trade show for my business?

No two businesses are identical. Even businesses that are competitors. If you are unsure about whether to participate in a specific trade show, do the following: 

  1. Go as an attendee before committing to be an exhibitor. Wander the floor, and talk to other attendees about why they attend and their objectives. 
  2. Contact friendly competitors or other exhibitors listed on the show’s website. Contact them about their history and success at the show.

Talk to the show organizer. This may seem obvious, but most potential exhibitors never take the time to ask the show organizer for advice. They know their audience, and they want to show to be successful. They can assist with not only if you should participate, but also how to land running. 

4. What should I expect from my exhibit house?

Guidance, knowledge, and support. A trade show professional’s job is to ensure your trade show marketing program is successful. Designing, building, and storing your exhibit are services, important services, but any exhibit house can do that. You should expect more, much more. By tapping into their experience, you’ll sidestep the most common mistakes exhibitors make. Plus, they will share trade show trends, strategies, and vendors.