Trade Show TalesBlog

Phone Charging Station: A Buyer’s Guide

December 19th, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events
Charging Solutions at Trade Shows and Events

In today’s trade show environment, power matters. Electrical power that is. The exhibits with easy, fast, and uncomplicated charging stations are destinations for attendees. Having a charging station almost guarantees more booth traffic, and since charging any device takes time, your “charging” sales leads will be qualified. Plus, there’s not a booth staffer in the world who doesn’t love having a charging solution for their phone within reach.  No more wandering the show floor in search of a 110 outlet. 

We’re all addicted to our smartphones and tablets. And when our battery indicator edges dangerously close to 25%, we start to panic. Rightfully so. We need these devices to conduct business and stay in touch with family and colleagues, like at a trade show or exhibition. Savvy exhibitors are adding charging options, like dedicated kiosks or charging ports/pads into their exhibit design in counters, tables, and pedestals. 

Why Invest in a Phone Charging Station for your Event?

Ten years ago, charging stations were an attraction. Five years ago, they were a convenience. Now, they’re an expectation. Not having charging options, whether wired or wireless, says to potential clients and to your staff that you just don’t care. That you’re fine with them wandering the floor in search of a connection. 

Connections Lead to Conversations: Charging takes time. That time allows people to chat and learn more about one another and their business needs. Conversations are good. Think of charging stations as the 21st Century water cooler. Want to know the latest gossip or tap into the latest trends? Hang out at the charging station.

Charging Sends the Right Message: Ever see someone sitting on the floor at an airport, convention center, or event charging their phone or tablet? Was that someone you? Then think of those times when a convenient charging option was available where you could sit, relax, eat, and talk with other people. Which one made you happier?

Charging is Inexpensive: Not so long ago, charging kiosks were ugly and expensive. More like electrical octopuses than an attractive accessory in your booth or at your event. Anymore, charging can be incorporated into counters, pedestals, tables, and stands at a modest price. Best of all, those counters, etc. will not only match your overall design aesthetic but also be inconspicuous (yet easily available). 

Phone Charging Station: Our Top Picks

Towers

MOD-1470 | Power Tower: The Power Tower is available in three designs, all with two-sided backlit graphics and multiple charging pads. These standalone kiosks are elegant yet rugged enough to survive years of trade shows and events. 

wireless charging station

MOD-1475 | Lightbox Stand: Think of it as a visual beacon attracting clients. The stand includes large double-sided backlit graphics and (4) wireless/USB pads. It even has LED accent lighting around the countertop for an added design flair.  

MOD-1474 | Monitor Stan: Back-to-back monitors make this an ideal choice for sharing information about products and services while charging a phone, computer, or tablet. 

Conference Tables

MOD-1488 | Conference Table: At 72” L x 42” W, this executive conference table with charging pads is perfect for a meeting room or an island exhibit.

phone charging station table

MOD-1482 | Charging Table: A stylish and upscale table for meetings with potential clients at an exhibition. 

small phone charging station table

Bistro, Coffee, and End Tables

MOD-1465 | Bistro Table: A modular table complete with LED accent lighting and wireless charging pads. Options include RGB programmable lights and graphics. 

bistro phone charging station table

MOD-1464 | Coffee Table and MOD-1466 | End Table: These coffee and end tables match the bistro table. Ideal for larger exhibits with meeting rooms and casual seating. 

coffee table phone charger

Charging Counters

MOD-1721 | Backlit Counter: This backlit L-shaped counter is guaranteed to attract attention. Complete with charging pads and locking storage. 

phone charging counter

MOD-1707 | Parsons Counter: Parsons counters are quickly becoming a trade show favorite of exhibitors. It’s the ideal height for demos or promotional products. Comes with a backlit logo and locking storage. 

GOD-1558c | Modular Counter: This large modular counter assembles quickly. Includes charging pads, a large fabric graphic, and locking storage. 

custom phone charging station

What Are My Wireless and USB Charging Station Options?

We make this almost too easy. Charging solutions can be designed into any inline, island, or accessory like counters, pedestals, or tables. Unsure about where you need wireless or USB charging? We make that decision easy since our charging pads include a wireless pad and USB A and C connections.  

Click here to explore 67 charging solution designs. Better yet, remember that charging pads can be added to any of the 1700 exhibit designs in Exhibit Design Search. 

Stay Connected with a Phone Charging Station from Classic Exhibits

When it comes to phone charging options for a trade show or event, Classic Exhibits has the widest selection. Choose from existing counters, kiosks, stations, tables, or pedestals, or add charging to hundreds of accessories both for purchase and rental. There’s a solution for any budget. 

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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Portable Trade Show Counters

December 19th, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
Portable Counters and Pedestals
Portable Trade Show Counters

Portable trade show counters get a bad rap… and it’s not unwarranted. They’re basic, inexpensive, and easy-to-assemble. Which makes them perfect for portable displays but largely ignored for modular or even custom designs. 

Let’s reset those expectations. At Classic, our portable counters are inexpensive and easy-to-assemble, just like all the others on the market. However, they are also stylish, functional, and include three features rarely found on other portable counters. 

1. Locking Door. Have you ever met an exhibitor who didn’t want secure storage? Of the 46 portable counters in Exhibit Design Search, 32 have a locking door. 
2. Secure Countertop. What’s the point of storage if the countertop isn’t attached to the base? Every Classic countertop — portable, modular, or custom – has a locking feature or attached countertop. 
3. Shelves. Shelves are important, whether internal or external, yet they’re often treated as a luxury. They’re not

Finally, with a few exceptions, you can choose any laminate, as long as you select standard laminates from the major manufacturers. That’s important! Below are examples of Symphony Portable Counters, some of our most popular portable counter designs.

Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters
Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters
Symphony Portable Trade Show Counters



Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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Shorter Production Lead Times on ALL ORDERS

December 12th, 2022 Kevin Carty COMMENTS

Happy Holidays All!

It was great seeing so many of you last week at EDPA ACCESS in San Antonio. I am not sure if you felt the same, but the connectedness of the industry and the renewed strength of our community was energizing!

In Design Monday last week, we mentioned our improved production schedule. As supply chain issues have dwindled, Classic has reverted to our pre-pandemic lead times. In many cases, we’ve shaved nearly a week off some kits in EDS.

However, not all challenges are gone. We continue to hire at Classic and while that jar seems to have loosened, it will take time to find the ideal employees. We’re still very picky when it comes to adding folks to our close-knit family. But even with that, HUGE KUDOS to our Production, Customer Service, and Design Teams in new builds and rentals. They have done an amazing job getting us fully prepared for the coming mayhem that is always Q1.

Assigning Orders Based on Size/Complexity

A big part of the shorter lead-times is our ability to turnaround orders more efficiently. Every order is assigned points based on the size and complexity. These points feed into our Production Schedule, which is reviewed by Production and Customer Service.

So, if you see a 10-15+ business day lead time for example, ask your PM what the current timeline is based on this schedule. It may be 10, 12, or 15 days based on the Production Schedule. Once we lock your order into a date, its locked assuming your client gets us graphic files on time (like they always do 😊).

As we continue to rebound as an industry, I want to extend our thanks for your partnership.

Look for our Annual State of Company Letter in early January with much more exciting news to share.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Kevin Carty
EVP, Classic Exhibits Inc.

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Managing Your Trade Show Budget

December 2nd, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
trade show budgeting

There are two kinds of trade show exhibitors: 1) those who research costs, create a budget, and document every expense, and 2) those who don’t. Don’t be #2. It’s not hard, even if you’ve never purchased a trade show exhibit before or participated in a trade show. New and unfamiliar? Yes. Complicated? Not really. Does that mean there won’t be a few surprises along the way? Of course not. 

First, trade shows are expensive, and some costs are often puzzling to exhibition newbies, but there are multiple ways to manage those expenses with a little planning and some assistance from an experienced trade show professional. Don’t be afraid to tap into that expertise. You’ll find that they want you to get the biggest bang for the buck and be wildly successful with your trade show marketing. 

Understanding a Trade Show Budget

There are two sides to a trade show budget:  the money spent and the return on investment or return on objectives. Let’s park ROI and ROO as topics for now since every company handles those differently.  

A quick search on the Internet will yield multiple budget templates or programs. See Smartsheet or ExhibitDay for example. Below is a budget spreadsheet provided by TradeShowGuyExhibits.

Source: http://tradeshowguyexhibits.com

Every trade show budget has upfront costs and recurring expenses. For example, purchasing a display is an upfront cost. Storage for the display at an exhibit house is a recurring expense. Some upfront costs you’ll want to depreciate over time so you can better access your actual expenses per show and your ROI. 

Organizing Your Trade Show Budget

To better wrap your head around the costs, let’s divide them into categories. Keep in mind that some expenses might not apply to your situation. And the budget doesn’t consider the salaries or time of anyone at your company who participates in trade show planning or participation at a show. 

Exhibit

  • Design Fees – Structure and Graphics
  • Exhibit – Structure, and Graphics
  • Shipping (if applicable)
  • Ongoing Storage
  • Show Services

Show Site

  • Shipping (to and from the show)
  • Booth Space
  • Drayage or Material Handling
  • Electrical
  • I&D Labor
  • Furniture Rental
  • Flooring
  • Hanging Sign Rigging (if applicable)
  • Internet 

Travel, Lodging, and Entertainment

  • Travel/Transportation
  • Hotel 
  • Meals
  • Client Meals and Entertainment

Other

  • Literature
  • Promotional Products
  • Housekeeping/Cleaning
  • Lead Retrieval Software
  • Games/Talent/Prizes

Most of these costs are self-explanatory, except for show management/storage, drayage, electrical, and labor. However, for a more extensive glossary of Trade Show Terminology, click on this link. 

Show Management/Storage: If you decide to purchase (vs. rent) your exhibit, you will need to store it somewhere between shows. Exhibit Houses are happy to provide that service, along with other services like scheduling shipping, inspecting the display before and after the show, staging the display, and handling the ordering of show services. 

Drayage: Drayage can be a baffling (and an often contentious) service to trade show novices. Drayage is the term for the handling of exhibit materials from the dock at the show location to the exhibitor’s booth within the show hall. Trade show participants pay a fee, based on the weight and number of packages, to have their show materials received at the dock and moved to their show space, stored during the show, and then returned at the end.

Electrical:  If your booth requires electricity, and it will, there’s a cost depending on the number of amps required. In addition, some convention halls require licensed internal electricians to complete specific electrical tasks in your booth space. Check your show book for details. 

I&D:  Installation and Dismantling is the term given to the labor required to set up, take down, and repack an exhibit. I&D rules and rates vary depending on the show hall and show management.  Check your show book for details.

trade show budgeting

Trade Show Budgeting Tips

When it comes to budgeting tips, being an insider or expert on trade shows has its benefits. Every trade show professional will gladly share their budgeting tips (generally gratis), but most fall into three groups:  planning, preparation, and personality. The three Ps. 

Planning:  Most people are not planners. They react rather than anticipate. In the world of trade shows, there are hard deadlines whether it’s buying an exhibit, designing graphics, getting freight quotes, or completing order forms for show services. Earlier is better because there are early bird rates or because there are financial repercussions to waiting until the last minute. Those could be rush fees, overnight shipping charges, or overtime labor rates. The single most effective way to save money on your trade show program is to plan ahead. 

Preparation: This is similar to planning but doesn’t require forms or specific deadlines. For example: 

  • Will your literature, promotional products, or demos fit in the case or crate? Fewer packages usually means lower shipping and drayage charges.
  • Does everyone understand their roles at the show and any financial guidelines, like per diem or client entertainment? Same with apparel in the booth. 
  • Have the exhibit set-up instructions been reviewed by your labor contractor? Are there assembly nuances they need to know that are not on the instructions? Like the position of the exhibit within the booth space. 
  • Does the show and/or show management offer new exhibitor training and/or welcome services? Those can supercharge the process of going from a newbie to a battle-scarred veteran. 

Personality:  Trade shows are stressful, not just for the exhibitors but also for attendees, show management, general show contractors, and anyone who works to pull it all together. It can get tense fast because expectations are high, time is short, and lots of money is on the line. Being polite (and persistent if necessary) has benefits. People want to help people if they are gracious, respectful, and understanding. Entitlement and threats are usually counter-productive on the trade show floor. 

10 Common Trade Show Budgeting Mistakes

  1. Not setting trade show marketing goals
  2. Not formulating a multi-year show schedule
  3. Purchasing when you should be renting. And vice versa
  4. Missing early bird deadlines
  5. Not identifying or capturing pre and post-show costs
  6. Attending the wrong trade shows
  7. Not going big enough at the right trade shows
  8. Not capturing metrics – quantitative and qualitative
  9. Ignoring show leads
  10. Bringing the wrong people to the show

Trade Show Management with Classic Exhibits

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building trade show and event solutions since 1993. It’s a commitment that extends beyond the structure. Tap into our expertise in trade show management to ensure your next show is your best show.   

Classic Exhibits has been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. 
With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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Trade Show Kiosk Rental

November 30th, 2022 Mel White COMMENTS
kiosk rental

If you own a trade show display, you own a trade show kiosk, counter, or pedestal. If you don’t, then you should purchase or rent one for your next show. I’m not kidding. Visualize the last time you attended a trade show or expo either as an exhibitor or as an attendee. Probably 80% of the conversations were at or near a kiosk in the booth. 

So, let’s chat about two topics. Why kiosks, counters, or pedestals are indispensable as a trade show accessory and why rental exhibits are a good idea, especially if you participate in more than 3-4 trade shows a year. 

Trade Show Kiosk Options

Topic #1

Let’s start by acknowledging there are hundreds if not thousands of kiosk designs. Some are basic, just a frame or case and a graphic, and some have a laundry list of options. Prices vary as well from ridiculously cheap to absurdly expensive. However, if you are considering a custom kiosk or kiosk rental, then start by listing each must-have feature. We’ve created a checklist below to make this a bit easier. 

  • Graphics
  • Portable Packing and Assembly
  • Modular Assembly
  • Specific Shape (rectangle, round, asymmetrical, custom)
  • Fully or Partially Assembled
  • Tablet Mount
  • Locking Storage
  • Monitor Mount
  • Internal or External Shelves
  • Weight Bearing Countertop
  • Specific Size for the Countertop
  • Backlit Graphics
  • LED Accent Lights
  • Literature Tray Option

As the list shows, kiosks can be more than simple rectangle boxes with a vinyl graphic. And they should be. Well-chosen kiosks should contribute to the overall design of the exhibit and have a purpose(s). 

Why Kiosk Rental? 

Topic #2

Let’s use a comparison – rental cars. There are three possibilities when you rent a car. You get the vehicle you requested (for example, a Honda Accord). Or you get to choose one from a row of similar vehicles. OR, someone blesses you (probably because you’ve been nice and patient while waiting in line) and you get upgraded. 

Driving a new and different car, SUV, or truck is simultaneously nerve-wracking and exhilarating.  It takes a few minutes to learn where the lights are, how to turn on and adjust the radio, and discover features you don’t have in your vehicle. You may discover that automatic high-beam headlights are indispensable but lane warning buzzers are just annoying. Renting a kiosk isn’t really much different, but unlike a rental car,  you can explore the features before making a final decision. 

Of course, marketing objectives change for any company. What made sense for a show in January may not be appropriate for a show in June. Also, many exhibitors shift from inlines to island exhibits depending on the trade show. Renting gives you flexibility, both in price and features. For example, an island exhibit may need an impressive reception counter/kiosk with backlit graphics and locking storage for promotional products. However, your inline display may require something smaller, but one with a monitor or tablet for product videos or to explore your website. 

5 of Our Favorite Kiosk Exhibit Rentals

1. RE-1580 | Double-sided Kiosk. 8 ft. high kiosk includes (2) laminated shelves, (2) monitor mounts, and direct print graphics.

trade show kiosk

2. RE-1563 | Custom Counter. Popular custom reception counter with vinyl graphic, LED accent lighting, and locking door and internal shelf. 

Trade show counter

3. RE-1584 | Backlit Counter. Custom counter (no assembly) with locking storage and backlit fabric graphic. 

Backlit trade show counter

4. RE-1587 | Backlit Counter. Impressive reception counter with double storage and a 48” x 30” backlit fabric graphic.  

backlit trade show kiosk

5. RE-1565 | Reception Counter/Kiosk. Lightweight modular construction with direct print graphics and locking storage. Includes a rotating iPad stand in the rental price. 

reception kiosk exhibit

4 Benefits of a Rental Kiosk vs. Purchasing

There are 4 benefits to renting vs. purchasing a kiosk, counter, or pedestal. 

#1. Flexibility. Most exhibitors consider this to be the most important benefit. When you rent, you’re not “locked in” to a specific kiosk for multiple shows. You can make changes depending on your marketing goals, budget, and exhibit design. Go larger. Go smaller. Need specific features like backlighting or wireless changing? Not a problem.

#2. Cost. Simply put, the upfront cost of renting vs. purchasing is cheaper. If you plan to reuse a graphic multiple times, then you’re only renting the hardware each time. Long-term costs are a bit fuzzier and should include the cost of storage and prep time when owning a kiosk. If you don’t plan to make any changes to your booth design over the course of multiple shows, then a purchase makes more sense. However, many exhibitors value the flexibility and low maintenance of a rental and consider those to be more important than a lower long-term cost. 

#3. Storage. When you buy an exhibit, you are taking possession of hardware, graphics, and cases/crates. You own them. As such, they have to be stored somewhere when not in transit or at the show. You can choose to store it with your exhibit house, which is convenient but comes with a monthly expense. Or you can handle the storage yourself, which takes up space and can be a hassle. Renting eliminates both. You don’t own it so you don’t have to store it. And, as a bonus, many exhibit houses will safeguard your graphics (which you do own) for a year at no or minimal expense.

#4. Preparation. If you’ve ever had an “Oh shit!” moment during an exhibit install, you know how stressful it can be to find a solution, along with the cost. Rentals are staged before shipping to the show, thereby significantly reducing unpleasant surprises. 

Kiosk Rental with Classic Exhibits

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

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.

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