Trade Show TalesBlog

Virtual Exhibits, Together Again Expo, and ClassicMODUL Extrusions | August 2020 Newsletter

August 24th, 2020 COMMENTS

Virtual Virtual Virtual 

Virtual Exhibits and Displays

It’s new. It’s confusing. It’s a little scary. But no one expects you to be an expert on virtual exhibits. You do, however, need to understand the basics. Let us help. 

  1. Last Tuesday, Kevin and Katina covered virtual exhibits in a detailed webinar. If you were unable to attend the live event, here’s the recorded version.
  2. We’ve added three virtual exhibit examples to Exhibit Design Search. Explore one inline and two islands. Then share them with clients who are anxious about the virtual exhibit they desperately need for their fall shows. 
  3. Every day we present virtual exhibits to distributors and their clients. EVERY SINGLE DAY. Don’t go it alone. We know the questions to ask and the answers to your client’s concerns. Invite us to participate in those calls and presentations. 

 Even if the pandemic subsides in two or three months, virtual exhibits, virtual trade shows, and hybrid events are now a permanent tool in the event and trade show toolbox. Capiche?

Together Again Expo

Together Again Expo

By now, you know that TAE was held in Orlando and that it went well. No surprises. No drama. Kevin, Katina, and Jen attended on behalf of Classic Exhibits. For those who were unable to attend in-person, here’s the recorded session

In addition, Kevin was interviewed by both Marlys Arnold and Tim Patterson on their vlogs about his TAE experience:  

What’s Selling?

Safety Dividers and Barriers

“So what’s selling?” We hear that question a lot.  

  1. Safety Dividers. Most are customized solutions for offices, schools, banks, government buildings, and medical facilities.
  2. Cubicle Height Extenders. We receive requests and orders nearly every day in all three colors: silver, black, and white. 
  3. Hand Sanitizer Stands and Dispensers. The crazy “gotta have 20 right now” is over. Customers now order one and two, especially the MOD-9004 and MOD-9009 versions.
  4. LED Lightboxes and SEG Frames. Not for trade shows, but for corporate and retail environments. Mostly wall-mounted frames. 
  5. Virtual Exhibits. This shouldn’t surprise you as exhibitors adapt to virtual trade shows in Q3 and Q4. 
  6. Exhibit Design. Not every exhibitor is sitting on their hands. Many are anticipating a return to live trade shows and asking for designs. They want to finalize their design, even if they wait to order until later in the year.

A Not-So-Hidden Website

ClassicMODUL Aluminum Extrusions for Safety Dividers

You ask us about aluminum extrusions ALL THE TIME. Like shapes, sizes, compatible accessories, and if the .dxf file of a specific extrusion is available to download.  We’re happy to provide you with that information but, we would be lying if we didn’t sigh a little when you ask. Why? Because it’s available online.  Many Classic distributors have never visited www.classicmodul.com which has been active since 2005. It’s time to correct that. Here’s what you’ll find there: 

  • Profiles like Squares, Rounds, and Rectangles
  • SEG, Lightbox, and Gravitee Profiles
  • Photos and Dimension Drawings
  • .DXF files
  • Accessories
  • Notes
  • Online Digital Catalog (PDF) 

Two examples: the Z 45 and S 40 are pretty common extrusions for safety dividers.  Do we still want you to call us when you have an extrusion question? Absolutely! After all, the CM website doesn’t have pricing, availability or lead times. But, if you just need to see your options or download a CAD file, then head to the ClassicMODUL website first

An Introduction to Virtual Exhibits

Sandboxes and Tonka Trucks

August 7th, 2020 COMMENTS
Custom Trade Show Exhibit

When I was a kid, there was nothing better than Saturday mornings.  I’d wake up bright and early, plop myself in front of the television set, and watch my shows (Magilla Gorilla or Astro Boy, anyone?). After a few hours, my mom would turn the set off and push us to “go play outside.” 

Once outside, the first stop was always the glorious sandbox where I kept my Tonka Trucks. 

Ahhhh, my Tonka Trucks… These classic metal toys were absolutely made for sandbox play. Dump trucks, Front-End Loaders, Bulldozers – all were at home in the sand. I spent hours creating and building in my imaginary construction sites. 

Turning an Idea into a Concept

While that was a lifetime ago, this past February I had an opportunity to revisit the box.  I received an email from AE Lena Jones (Deckel and Moneypenny in Louisville, KY) asking if Classic “wanted to play with some trucks.” 

Seems her Client – Chevron – was looking for something unique for an upcoming show. D&M’s shop was jam-packed and so she reached out to Classic for some support. She said Chevron was looking for a way to have attendees actually “walk-through” one of their Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Time out! I can’t even say DPF let alone know what the heck it is or does. But I soon learned. If you’ve ever seen a semi or big rig driving down the highway (or had a Black Hawk Tonka Truck), chances are you’ve seen a DPF. Take a look at the Tonka below. I’ve circled the DPF.

Diesel Particulate Filter

I have since learned that Diesel Particulate Filters, found on just about every big rig in the country, captures significant amounts of the toxins that a truck generates and stops them from spewing into the air. Chevron’s idea was to have attendees actually walk-through one so they could see why their DPF works so much better than the competition’s filter.    

So that was the assignment. Create an over-sized version of Chevron’s Diesel Particulate Filter large enough for attendees to walk through.

Enter Classic Designer, Kim DiStefano

We were not given any build drawings or designs. Just a verbal description and a dusty old Tonka truck. Enter Classic Designer, Kim DiStefano. 

Kim loves these types of assignments. What designer wouldn’t? Little to no info on how the product actually works. No idea as to available budget.  Rendering and ballpark pricing due in a couple of days. Ahhhh, the perfect assignment. 

In just a few days Kim came back with the following renderings looking for input from client.

Lena shared the renderings with her client and of course… Chevron loved it!  The order was placed and a few weeks later… Voila!!

Actual vs. Rendering

Chevron Diesel Particulate Filter Exhibit

Crazy cool, right?! Take a look at how close Kim’s rendering and the final DPF that Classic produced match up.

Classic Exhibits Designs

Got a funky opportunity and not much time to get it through your own system? Consider letting the Classic Team take a whack at it. These sorts of custom projects now represent a whopping 65% of our business. 

And remember… you’re never too old to play.   

Safety Barriers for Schools, Offices, Government Buildings, and Retail Stores

July 31st, 2020 COMMENTS
Safety Dividers and Barriers

Are you searching for acrylic walls to serve as a protective barrier for a reception area, lobby, desk, conference table, or a line? It’s challenging because how they’re described varies. For example, there are safety dividers, safety barriers, sneeze guards, protective walls, dividers, barriers, partitions, and shields.

Regardless of the supplier, the concept is similar. Create a barrier between you and someone else with a freestanding or mounted wall. Most are clear, using an acrylic. Others are translucent. And some even have graphics on part or all of the barrier. Obviously, heights, sizes, and shapes vary as does the overall design (from crude plex held together with hook and loop to custom wood, aluminum, and graphic-branded partitions).

Dividers to Fit Your Design and Budget

What you need will depend on your budget and design requirements, but in nearly all cases, the safety divider will require some customization if you want the dividers to either blend into or enhance your current environment.

We’ve all seen safety barriers in stores, banks, or medical buildings that are neither attractive nor effective. Some are downright ugly and unsanitary. You don’t want that, right? See the examples below or HERE and then contact Classic Exhibits or a local Classic Distributor.

Understanding Your Virtual Trade Show Exhibit Options

July 31st, 2020 COMMENTS
Virtual Trade Show Exhibit Design Services

The suspension of most onsite trade shows in Q2 and Q3 has prompted show organizers to offer virtual show options to attendees and exhibitors. So, what does that mean? As with anything new, there are conflicting opinions and options.

As a leader in exhibit design, Classic Exhibits has always offered comprehensive design services to our distributors and their clients, in both 2D and 3D formats. The switch to virtual exhibits really isn’t much of a stretch. It all depends on what the virtual exhibitor wants to include and showcase int their exhibit. And since it’s virtual, unlike a physical booth, there are far more opportunities to show products and services in both immersive and online experiences.

If you are considering a virtual exhibit at a trade show, you should begin by talking to professionals who understand the requirements, the technology, and most importantly, what questions to ask. Contact us or your Classic Exhibits distributor for a free consultation. You might be surprised by what’s available. Click HERE for an example.

Modular Medical Registration and Testing Stations

July 24th, 2020 COMMENTS

Gravitee Medical Registration Stations, Waiting Rooms, and Testing Pods are modular and assemble quickly and with minimal tools. The surfaces can be sanitized and/or removed without disassembling the frames. Internal wire management is included. All components ship flat.

Purchase and rental options are available.

Modular Medical Testing Rooms and COVID Testing Stations
Modular Medical Rooms and COVID Testing Pods