Trade Show TalesBlog

One of These Displays Does Not Look Like the Other

May 3rd, 2021 Mel White COMMENTS

Guest Post: Lori Hanken, Total Displays

Total Displays

In the past, elegance and structure have not really been associated with portable trade show displays. Convenience yes. Upscale no. So what do I mean when I say that some portable displays have not been like the others?

One Of These Is Not Like The Others

Pop-ups and Panel Systems

First a little portable display history lesson. Over the years, portable exhibits have come in many shapes and sizes. The most common had Velcro-compatible fabric panels, like pop-ups and folding panel systems. You could print graphics and Velcro them to the exhibit. They were revolutionary at the time, and there have been a lot of product advancements with these systems, like the introduction of photo mural panels which elevated them to another level. Many exhibitors continue to use them.

Pop-up Display with Mural Graphics

Tube Systems

There have been other portable displays systems over the years.

One of the most popular is tube stands, an aluminum tube system with a pillowcase graphic that slides over the frame. There have been advancements in this system such as adding different frame sizes, accessories and more. Different frame sizes are used together to make modular displays.

Tube stands with pillowcase graphics are lightweight and easy to set-up. And the pillow case allows for two-sided graphics.

Tube Frame with Pillowcase Graphics

Some Downsides

  • They are beginning to look dated
  • Graphics, unless done well can be saggy
  • The cheap versions are unstable (usually sold by promotional product companies or others with no business selling trade show exhibits)
  • Most carry limited warranties (you break it, you replace it)
  • They really have become a commodity item
  • Everyone seems to have them now

Now, why would I tell you the downsides of a system that we sell a lot? Total Displays has always provided good quality products. We do sell a lot of tube systems. Typically the people who are buying them are upgrading from an old school pop-up display, or they are often replacing retractable banner stands with simple tube stands.

  1. If you love the look of a tube stand, be sure to buy from a reputable trade show exhibit company. If you want to see the difference in quality, let me know and we can do a Zoom meeting where I can show you one of ours vs. one that was produced by a promotional products company. Trust me when I say they should stick to pens and hand sanitizers. They really know nothing about trade show exhibits.
  2. Next time you walk the show floor, take notice of them. How many look good, how many do you see?

Banner Stands

Another popular portable option has been retractable banner stands. Again, really a commodity item. Seriously, everyone has them. I have seen 10 x 30 and 10 x 40 exhibits filled with retractable banner stands. They may be easy, but do they really represent your brand in the best light possible? When used in the right situation and environment, retractables banner stands can be a great solution. But if you really want major impact? Look for something else.

Why do you exhibit at a trade show? What is the purpose of your exhibit materials? One of the whole points of a trade show exhibit is to make you stand out in a crowd!

So what we would recommend?

We have a new line of products, called Symphony PORTABLE DISPLAY ELEGANCE. In the past, portable exhibits have generally looked portable. The tube systems were a step in the right direction. But now we have the next step.

Do These Look Portable to You?

Symphony Portable Displays
  • Multiple frame shapes/sizes to build customs looks
  • Large monitor support.
  • Cell phone charging ports on backwall counters.
  • Curves.
  • Sturdy, aluminum extrusion frames.
  • Professional tight fit, silicone edge graphics.
  • LOCKING storage in counters.
  • COMPLETELY Tool-less assembly

Elegant Portable Exhibit Ideas

Call or email us at 952-941-4511 or sales@totaldisplays.com to review components and build your own custom look with this amazing new system. P.S. They are on sale right now. BONUS

Lori (and David) Hanken own Total Displays in Edina, MN. Since 1984, Total Displays has been the leading one-stop shop for exhibit marketing needs in the Upper Midwest. For more information, see www.totaldisplays.com or call 952-941-4511.

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Portable Trade Show Displays, Symphony Portable Displays, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

May 3rd, 2021 Mel White COMMENTS

Trade Show Designs, like everything else, age. Sometimes gracefully. Sometimes not. At Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems Sustainable, we review the kits in Exhibit Design Search several times a year. During that review process, we decide whether to keep a kit “as is,” to revised it, or to retire it.

Below are three recently revised and updated kits. We thought you might enjoy seeing the changes.

The ECO-2097 below was updated to the ECO-2060.

ECO-2097 Sustainable Inline

Changes:

  • SEG Aluminum Extrusion and Graphics (vs. Velcro Fabric Graphics)
  • Center Section is Now Backlit
  • Removed Literature Holders
  • Updated Rental Furniture and Monitors
  • Added (2) LED Stem Lights

ECO-206- Sustainable Trade Show Exhibit from Classic Exhibits Inc.

The ECO-2032 inline was updated to the ECO-2057.

ECO-2032 Sustainable Inline

Changes:

  • Extended the Canopy
  • Replaced Main Fabric Graphic (Velcro) with Backlit Fabric Graphic (SEG)
  • Removed Backwall Table and Privacy Wall
  • Added (2) Shelves
  • Replaced Backwall Counter with Reception Counter
  • Updated Rental Furniture and Monitors

The ECO-2082 exhibit was updated to the ECO-2058.

ECO-2082 Sustainable Inline

Changes:

  • Replaced Fabric Graphics with (3) Backlit SEG Graphics
  • Replaced Reception Counter
  • Updated Monitors

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Eco-Systems Sustainable, Exhibit Design Search, green displays, Sustainable Exhibits | No Comments »

Classic REDTalk | Reinventing Trade Shows and Live Events

April 22nd, 2021 Mel White COMMENTS

On Wednesday April 21, six live event experts shared their perspectives on how to rebuild and reinvent the trade show and the live event industry. The panel included:

Watch on YouTube

The 90-minute moderated discussion was sponsored by Classic Exhibits.

Agenda Topic(s):

In the Live Event industry, in all its forms, partnerships have historically been both fluid and cozy, meaning we mostly talk to those adjacent to our businesses. For example, at Classic Exhibits we chat with our distributors, a few exhibitors, various suppliers, and some service providers. However, we rarely talk to show organizers, GSCs, or venue operators. Not because we don’t want to but because those opportunities are rare and outside the scope of our normal business. As a result, we don’t always hear their perspective or experience their pain. That lack of communication extends to the general public and to our state and federal legislators as well. 

So, how do we change that post-pandemic? How do we build a more transparent and inclusive live event community? There’s a general consensus that the pandemic represents an opportunity to reinvent and rebuild our industry but what does that mean? 

Please share your perspective on the Live Event Industry, meaning what’s your role, what that meant pre-COVID, and what that could mean post-COVID?

And, and this is a BIG “AND,” is it possible to create an industry where all participants have a voice, where their concerns are being addressed, and where everyone is excited about the long-term viability of trade shows, concerts, and live meetings? 

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc. | No Comments »

The Rent vs. Buy Debate for Trade Show Exhibits

April 20th, 2021 Mel White COMMENTS
Rent vs. Buy a Trade Show Exhibit

If price was the only criteria for a trade show exhibit, then most exhibitors with a full show schedule would probably buy their display. Or would they?

Let’s explore this topic with three examples showing both rental and purchase prices from Classic Exhibits and Classic Rental Solutions.

Trade Show Rental Exhibit

Example #1

The RE-1081 (rental) and VK-1356 (purchase) are identical backlit displays with a charging station, locking storage, and an iPad swivel mount.

  • Rental: $6316 (booth) + $2693 (graphics) = $9009
  • Purchase: $14,997 (booth and graphics)
  • Difference: $5988

By the second rental, the exhibitor would have exceeded the purchase price. However, what if the exhibitor decided to remove the charging station and replace it with a reception counter at the second show? Or some other modification. Rental exhibitors often make those changes because the price remains roughly the same (in most situations). The purchase exhibitor now has an additional component, along with extra or modified packaging. And they may decide not to use the charging table again, which means they’ll need to dispose of it.

All too often, an exhibitor who purchases a display will not make a change, even if the change would benefit their trade show marketing, because they feel locked into their original decision. A rental exhibitor has far fewer qualms about making changes, including even an entirely different design.

Trade Show Rental Display

Example #2

The RE-1082 (rental) and GK-1011 (purchase) are non-backlit displays with a workstation and locking storage.

  • Rental: $5816 (booth) + $2297 (graphics) = $8113
  • Purchase: $14,900 (booth and graphics)
  • Difference: $6787

In this design, the first and second rentals are less expensive than the original purchase price. By the third rental, the rental would be $4845 more. However, many exhibitors don’t factor in the monthly storage, assuming your exhibit provider stores it for you. Plus any “turnkey services” like inspection, packing, and staging charges. With a rental, those are included in the price.

Many exhibitors would rather not commit to a long-term investment or reoccurring maintenance fees on a permanent asset. And disposal charges at some point in the future. For them, a rental while more expensive over several years, may be less expensive right now and offer greater marketing flexibility.

Rental Displays for Trade Shows

Example #3

The RE-1079 (rental) and VK-1977 (purchase) are backlit displays with a large monitor mount option.

  • Rental: $2483 (booth) + $1525 (graphics) = $4008
  • Purchase: $7600 (booth and graphics)
  • Difference: $3593

At this price, most exhibitors would purchase this design if it’s intended for multiple shows. However, this design is often an element in a larger island display with double-sided graphics. Other times, exhibitors with conflicting shows or those “testing” trade show marketing need an exhibit but don’t want to commit to a purchase. In those cases, a rental makes far more sense, even for small displays.

All too often, newer exhibitors will purchase a cheap, somewhat disposable display only to discover that it doesn’t reflect their branding or audience. An upscale rental allows them to showcase their products and/or services at a price comparable to a budget purchase.

When deciding whether to rent or buy a trade show exhibit, consider all your options, both short and long-term. There are benefits to both and in some situations, a combination makes the most sense. Talk to your exhibit professional to review your options.

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Classic Rentals | No Comments »

Earth Day | 1970-2021 | Thursday, April 22

April 19th, 2021 Mel White COMMENTS
Earth Day 2021, Thursday April 21

Thursday, April 22 is Earth Day

First held in 1970, Earth Day challenged and mobilize Americans to bring awareness to the issues caused by air and water pollution as well as the amount of trash going into landfills. Rivers on fire, dead fish floating on the surface of lakes, and smog blanketing major US cities were common news items back then. Does anyone remember when the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland was on fire in 1969?

Here’s Walter Cronkite reporting on the first Earth Day in 1970.

New Laws and Agencies

These environmental disasters and health issues caused by pollution led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), OSHA, The Clean Air Act, and the Endangered Species Act among others. These laws have protected millions of men, women, and children from disease and death and protected hundreds of species from extinction.

Landfill

Recycled and Green Materials

Environmental issues also led to the practice of recycling which became mainstream in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that states began mandating the recycling of paper, plastics, and metal.  Recycling decreased the amount of waste going into landfills and created a new industry dedicated to producing recycled raw materials and products with the same look, feel, and quality of products made from virgin raw materials.

Recycling

Aa a trade show veteran in the 80s and 90s, I remember the staggering waste produced at a typical show or event that went into landfills. Since then, recycling and sustainability have had a positive impact on North American trade shows. We no longer see mountains of brochures, paper products, give-a-ways, and carpeting thrown away.

However, building eco-friendly exhibits continued to be a challenge. Green materials either weren’t available or were expensive. Plus, there was a misconception that sustainable meant designing a building a display that was either structurally unsound or aesthetically unattractive.

Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits

In 2006, Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits was founded to give exhibitors eco-friendly trade show booths that didn’t compromise on design or quality. Eco-Systems utilized eco-friendly materials similar to Sintra, fabric made from recycled plastics, aluminum extrusions produced using new and recycle aluminum, FSC certified wood, Green Guard laminates and water-based adhesives and inks. As technology has evolved, so has the quality of the material we use today in the construction of Eco-Systems displays. But one thing has never changed: the innovative designs that made Eco-Systems appealing.

Over the past 15 years, sustainability has been a major initiative for most corporations, a trend we’re seeing again as companies revisit their trade show program. Unfortunately, many exhibitors don’t realize they have sustainable options.

Offering your clients an eco-friendly exhibit is not only is the right thing to do for the environment but also gives your clients the ability to tie their corporate sustainability initiatives into their trade show program. And the best thing is they can do this without compromising the design or the quality of the materials used to build the exhibit. Plus, purchasing or renting an Eco-Systems display never costs more than a non-sustainable exhibit.

We encourage you to visit the Eco-System’s Galleries in Exhibit Design Search with over 200 contemporary designs.

eSmart Sustainable Trade Show Displays

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Eco-Systems Sustainable, green displays, Sustainable Exhibits, Tom Beard | No Comments »

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