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A Professional’s Guide to Sustainable Exhibits

June 1st, 2023 Mel White COMMENTS

If you’re reading this article, then you’re already an excellent candidate for a custom eco friendly exhibit. You may be personally committed to green materials, or your company may have a sustainability initiative. Either way, it’s a positive choice. In this post, we’ll explore what sustainable means when it comes to designing, building, and shipping a “green exhibit.”

Historically, trade shows have not been eco-friendly. There’s the “build and burn” philosophy in some parts of the world where exhibits are abandoned after one use. There’s also the tremendous waste created before, during, and after a show – like packaging, paper, wood, foam, and fabric signs, and flooring. Fortunately, about 15 years ago, show organizers, general contractors, and builders took a (somewhat) more enlightened approach with the goals of more eco-friendly trade shows.

You Can Make a Difference with Our Sustainable Exhibits

As an exhibitor, you can make a difference, and that difference doesn’t have to cost more or compromise your design or marketing goals. Green display materials such as Eco-board, ReCo, and FSC wood products are smart choices that are comparable to non-sustainable materials in performance, look, and feel.  However, none of that matters if you can’t get the design and the features you need in your exhibit.

Thankfully, since 2007, Classic Exhibits has been designing modern ecoSmart Sustainable Displays for our clients ranging from islands to inlines and counters to charging tables. There are hundreds of options and a wide range of designs. 

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Exhibits? 

  • Contemporary, Dynamic Designs
  • Environmentally Friendly Materials
  • Fulfill Your Company’s Sustainability Initiative
  • It’s an easy choice.  There is no downside to going with an Eco-friendly Exhibit.

How Are EcoSmart Displays Sustainable Trade Show Exhibits?

Every Eco-Systems Exhibit starts with sustainable materials. These include:

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

In addition, Eco-Systems exhibits are manufactured in Portland, OR at a sustainably managed facility.

Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits from Classic Exhibits

OK, But Will My Eco Friendly Exhibit Look “Green”?

Do you mean funky, crunchy, or recycled-looking? It can but most exhibitors want a sustainable exhibit with a contemporary look and feel. In other words, no one knows it’s “green” unless you tell them. That applies to 10 ft, 20 ft., islands, and accessories.

10 Eco Friendly Exhibit Examples

Here are some examples from the 200+ kits in the ecoSmart galleries.

Eco Friendly Island Exhibits

Eco Friendly Exhibit
  • ECO-4022:  This modular design, with 10 ft. and 20 ft. inline options, has bright LED Lightboxes, reception counters with locking storage, and even a spacious interior conference room
sustainable exhibit
  • ECO-4055: An elegant island with product shelving and showcases. This design comes with curved headers and a monitor option.
Sustainable Exhibits
  • ECO-4094:  This open design with seating and a reception counter is cost-effective as a purchase or a rental.
green exhibit
  • ECO-4071:  The custom modular design is perfect for the exhibitor with an aggressive show schedule that includes 10 ft, 20 ft., and island booths. The ECO-4071 is easy to reconfigure and includes sustainable options like LED lights, graphics printed on recycled materials, and an aluminum structure. 

Sustainable Inline Exhibits

Sustainable Trade Show Exhibits
  • ECO-1071: Modular and customizable, the ECO-1071 makes it easy to demonstrate products or services on the show floor with casual seating, counters, and rotating tablet displays.
Sustainable Trade Show Exhibits
  • ECO-2060: Big, bold graphics make this an enticing exhibit. There’s even a full-size closet for product samples, coats, purses, and briefcases.
Eco Friendly Exhibit
  • ECO-2113: The perfect balance between backlit graphics and extensive shelving. The curved display counters put your products front and center on the aisle.
Eco Friendly Exhibit
  • ECO-1038-B:  Backlit and beautiful, the ECO-1038 shines with backlit graphics, locking closet storage, and a practical reception counter. Need more space? The ECO-1038-B easily reconfigures to a 10 x 20 with even more storage and backlighting.

Sustainable Exhibit Accessories

Green Exhibits Accessories
  • ECO-42C Reception Counter:  The contemporary design, backlit graphics, and raised plex countertop will attract attention, but it’s the FSC wood, LED lights, and recycled acrylic that make it sustainable. 
sustainable trade show accessories
  • ECO-22C Pedestal:  Attracting shelving options on the aisle are like unicorns. People talk about them but no one can find one. The ECO-22C is the ideal solution for featuring products “front and forward” at a trade show with six adjustable shelves.

How Much Customization is Available with Green Exhibits?

In short, we’ll build whatever you want. The online galleries are idea generators where you can see what’s possible, and mix and match designs to fulfill your specific marketing needs. For example, we have clients in the natural foods industry. Most want a bright and colorful exhibit with extensive shelving and storage, plus convenient counters for sampling. They also need a reconfigurable sustainable exhibit since their shows vary from local tastings when a 10 ft. booth is ideal to an industry show in Las Vegas, Anaheim, or Boston where only an island will do to handle the crowds, meetings, and press conferences.

When it comes to an eco-friendly display, there’s no reason to limit your vision. The materials are comparable in price to non-green materials and have the same construction flexibility.

Eco Friendly Trade Show Exhibit

Is There an Ultimate Sustainable Exhibits Option?

Looking for the ultimate sustainable exhibit for your trade show program? Don’t buy it. Rent it. Rental displays made with sustainable materials are a win-win. They’re constructed with eco-friendly materials, including aluminum, FSC wood, and recycled graphic fabric and substrates. 

Custom rental exhibits are quickly becoming the greenest of green choices for exhibitors who want to make a difference. Many rental exhibits are built with the same materials previously mentioned, come in a variety of sizes and designs, and can be customized for any exhibitor — even from show to show. Rentals give exhibitors the ultimate flexibility to change their messaging without the hassle of ownership.

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

Rental Island Exhibits | Rental Inline Exhibits | Rental Counters and Accessories

Because rentals are used again and again, as long as the components are functional and attractive, they are more sustainable for the exhibitor and the builder. Plus, at Classic Exhibits, when components can no longer be used, we recycle them – wood, aluminum, and plastic. That may not always happen when an exhibitor decides to dispose of their purchased display.

To view all of the rental designs, click on Rentals or Exhibit Design Search. Or start a conversation with a Classic Exhibits professional about designing a one-of-a-kind custom rental display.

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite

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Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufactures portable, modular, hybrid, and custom exhibit solutions, including Symphony Portable Displays. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

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Classic Exhibits Honored as a Find It >> Top 40 Exhibit Producer

May 10th, 2023 Mel White COMMENTS

EXHIBITOR Magazine recently announced the companies that qualified for the Sixth Annual Find It – Top 40, which honors the industry’s top exhibit producers. And for the sixth consecutive year, Classic Exhibits was an honoree.

Applications were subjected to an exhaustive evaluation process including more than 50 individual criteria weighted to reflect how EXHIBITOR readers and Editorial Advisory Board members value them when vetting and selecting potential partners. The evaluation process also includes a survey of current clients and a review of entrants’ past projects, selling points, and innovations, conducted by corporate exhibit managers.

Of the 39 other honorees, twenty-eight were Classic Distributor Partners. Needless to say, we are delighted to be in such good company. A special thanks to the entire Classic Exhibits Family. This is an award earned by everyone at Classic and your remarkable efforts to design and build the trade show industry’s best exhibits.

Classic Exhibits

In addition. Classic Exhibits won a Portable Modular Award for Best Use of Graphics on our 2022 EXHIBITORLIVE booth. Kudos to Glenna Martin for the graphic design and Kim DiStefano for the new Classic logo. The was Glenna’s second time winning this prestigious award.

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., EXHIBITOR, EXHIBITORLIVE, Find It Top 40 by EXHIBITOR | No Comments »

Industry Veteran Gina Porcaro Joins Classic Exhibits

January 24th, 2023 Mel White COMMENTS
Gina Porcaro Joins Classic Exhibits
Kevin Carty with Gina Porcaro

NEW Regional Sales Manager Gina Porcaro

Classic Exhibits is proud to announce that respected industry veteran Gina Porcaro has joined the company. Gina will serve as the Regional Sales Manager responsible for Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New England, and Eastern Canada.

Gina started in the print industry in 1995 where she worked as a production artist for an offset and large format printer in Grand Rapids, MI. In 2000, she moved into a recruiting/sales position for marketing, advertising, and creative. In 2003, she transitioned into sales at a trade show company, an industry she knew very little about, but quickly realized the creative, fast-paced, and varied pace of the exhibit industry was an ideal fit for her personality and skills. In 2008, Gina joined Optima, now Taylor, as a salesperson where she had a successful career for almost 15 years. 

“I am excited to bring my sales and industry experience to Classic Exhibits as a Regional Sales Manager. Classic and I have had a mutually beneficial partnership for years. Based on my experience with Classic and their Distributors, I can say without any hesitation that they are the exhibit industry’s leading private-label manufacturer. I look forward to working with Classic distributors in a different role with the goal of growing our partnership and business together!”

According to Kevin Carty, Executive VP at Classic Exhibits, “We are delighted to have Gina as part of the Classic Exhibits Family! Although, to be honest, she has always been a part of the extended family because of our long-term partnership with Taylor/Optima. Knowing Gina personally and professionally now for nearly 20 years, I am excited for our Classic Distributor Partners who will be working with a person of such high character and professionalism. She joins Jen LaBruzza, Tom Beard, and Harold Mintz in their respective regions. Our Distributor Partner Family is in the BEST hands anyone could ask for.”

You can contact Gina Porcaro at gina@classicexhibits.com. Or message her via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-porcaro-969a641/.

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Classic Exhibits Inc. – Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and builds exhibit and event structures for Exhibit Houses and Distributors throughout North America. As a private-label manufacturer, Classic fills a unique role within the exhibit industry. The company works with client-facing exhibit companies to assist them with portable, modular, and custom projects, both purchase and rental, as an “invisible” partner.

There are more than 200 Classic Exhibits Distributors in North America and in select international markets. For more information, see www.classicexhibits.com. www.ecossystemsdisplays.com, and www.classicmodul.com.   

Classic Exhibits National Sales Territory

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What Bigfoot Can Teach Us about Trade Shows

January 18th, 2023 Mel White COMMENTS
Trade Show Tips from Sasquatch
Advice about Trade Shows from the Big Guy

Trade Show Tips from Sasquatch

Sasquatch is no seven-foot dummy. He (she) has a brain to match that brawn. Bigfoot understands marketing, knows PR like a Madison Avenue insider, and can out Kardashian the Kardashians without taking a step outside the Pacific Northwest. Here’s what our ancestral brother from another mother can teach us about trade show marketing.

1. It’s Possible to be BIG and Still Not be Seen.

Bigfoot and Trade Shows
Bigfoot Action Figure — Smart Marketing!

All too often, exhibitors are told that an island exhibit will get them more leads, more traffic, and more attention. But a poorly executed island with bland graphics and a confusing floor plan is much worse than a well-designed inline.

2. Mystery has Its Allure.

Bigfoot knows the benefits of the tease. Revealing teaser information before the show about a new product or service creates anticipation from customers and the press. Apple is the master of this technique. So is Bigfoot. Being coy with a well-crafted marketing campaign before the show has its benefits.

3. Tap into Your Followers.

You won’t see Sasquatch sending press releases or typing a Twitter message. His followers do all the work. They have websites, Facebook pages, and a television show that keeps our big hairy friend in the news. Occasionally, a rogue “fan” will damage the Bigfoot brand name with a silly stunt, but that’s an acceptable risk with any loosely organized group. Even then, the real followers rally around the brand and repair any damage.

4. Spend Your Marketing Money Wisely.

Technically, Bigfoot doesn’t spend any money, at least that we know. But that doesn’t prevent him from getting maximum exposure. He’s got a TV show (Finding Bigfoot) and a website (www.bfro.net). Your trade show marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. Planning is crucial. You can maximize your marketing by working with those who have a shared interest. For example, team up with other exhibitors on a prize that would be too expensive for one company, but not for five or six. Then create a theme or event that gives everyone more foot-traffic and exposure.

5. Training.

After all these years why hasn’t a Sasquatch been captured? Training. There are no unprepared Bigfoots. They know how to respond to nearly every situation, whether it’s a sudden encounter with Boy Scouts or a deer hunter. Exhibitors who “arrive” at their booth without adequate training and who do not know how to respond to most show floor situations will fail. Unfortunately, it’s the most controllable part of any trade show marketing program . . . and most exhibitors simply “wing it.”

Bigfoot and Tradeshow Marketing
Not All PR is Good

6. Leave Your Mark.

What’s the point of participating in a trade show if you don’t leave your mark? Bigfoot routinely leaves the big three: foot prints, hair, and scat. It shows he’s been there and people take notice. No one is advising you to leave the “big three” at your next show, but making a lasting impression is critical to your company’s success. Is your message clear? Does it show how your company can solve a potential client’s problem? How do you engage the attendees in the booth? And, finally, are you following up on all leads after the show?

7. Smells that Linger.

Bigfoot sightings often include a description of an unpleasant acrid or skunky odor. That’s not good, but no one expects our tall friend to bathe with Irish Spring. You, on the other hand, should do the following:

  • Clean that suit, sport coat, or jacket once in awhile. Just because it doesn’t look dirty doesn’t mean it doesn’t reek of B.O., Subway $5 foot-longs, and Vegas casinos.
  • Coffee Breath. No one’s telling you not to have a latte, cappuccino, or Dunkin’ in the morning. Drink away. But for goodness sake, don’t assume that your breath will smell like rose petals after five cups. Free Tip:  Breath mints are every exhibitor’s best friend. Take several. Rinse and repeat.
  • Perfume and Cologne. We aren’t living in 17th Century France where the aristocracy used fragrances to mask bad hygiene and a fear of bathing. If you insist on smelling like Jennifer (A or L), Antonio, Beyonce, Britney, or Paris, a little goes a long, long way.

8. Family.

How often do you hear of Bigfoot sightings where the dad, mom, and kids are strolling through the woods or frolicking in a stream? Never. Being Bigfoot is serious work and families can be a distraction. No one is telling you not to bring your family to the industry trade show. After all, it’s in Las Vegas or Orlando or San Francisco. If you are serious about maximizing your trade show investment, you already know that trade shows are not a vacation. Not only are you on your feet at the show all day, but there’s also meetings before and after the show with suppliers, clients, and coworkers. There’s the pressure of responding to emails and calls while away from the office. And nearly every show has non-stop educational and social events.

9. The Brand is Important.

You already know this, but occasionally, marketing managers think they can treat branding at a trade show the same as branding in a magazine ad. 3D marketing has a unique set of challenges which only advice or experience can teach you. Rely on your local trade show professional to guide you. You’ll save money, time, and headaches. There’s a reason the Lock Ness Monster is no longer in the news. Poor branding. That’s not a mistake Sasquatch ever plans to make.

Learn from the big guy and you too can maximize your trade show marketing potential.

Please share your comments.

–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

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One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty-one Miles w/ Harold Mintz

January 16th, 2023 Harold Mintz COMMENTS
Harold Mintz on the Road for Classic Exhibits
Travels with Harold

The trip odometer read – 1741 miles. That’s one serious road trip. Just a few weeks ago, I traversed the Southeastern United States for two weeks to visit Classic Exhibits Distributor Partners in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Driving that many miles over 13 days gave me plenty of time to experience life on the road.

Yes. Go!

Most road warriors understand that business travel impacts others as much as themselves. Sitting at the top of this list is how your absence can affect your family life. The longer the trip, the more impact.

Me: “Dear, I’m starting to plan a business trip for early December. Looks like I might be gone for a few weeks. You OK with that?”

My Wife: “Yes. Go!”

Well, that seemed a bit too easy. Make a note to bring Susan back pecans from Georgia. Susan loves pecans.

Notes from My Trip

Driving in GA, South Carolina, and Florida

Sales Volume – Almost everyone’s sales were up in 2022. And not just up. Most distributors on this trip told me that 2022 was their best year ever (financially).

Showrooms – Are they making a comeback? No, not from what I’ve observed. But one thing is obvious… those who have showrooms stand out and get noticed! Of the 17 offices I visited, only 4 (four) had showrooms. These four offices had impressive showrooms showing a wide assortment of products including double decks, backlit graphics, LED signage, interactive digital offerings, etc. And the showrooms weren’t just there “for show.” They also served as client meeting/conference rooms. Clients were surrounded by product and design offerings without being actively “sold” on them.

Petrol – I live in Los Angeles. As almost everyone knows, gas prices in California are stupid. At the height of the stupidity, we were paying over $7.00 per gallon. As embarrassing as this may sound, I do a happy dance in CA when gas is only “$4.95/gallon.”

On this road trip, I stopped to fill the rental car somewhere outside of Atlanta and gas was $2.39/gallon. Less than a gallon of milk. I texted my wife a picture of the prices, and her response was “Forget the pecans… bring home gas!”

Gray Hair – A question I try to ask all Distributors during a visit is, “What is currently giving you gray hair? Short term or long term… what do you need to work on or fix to make your business run more smoothly?”

Trade Show Exhibit Showrooms

When You Ask Questions, You Get Answers

Of the 20 or so times I asked this question, here are some of the most common answers I received:

  • Managing Staff (HR, employees new to the industry, and training)
  • Vendor Quality (no, not Classic, but discretion prevents me from speaking poorly about competitors)
  • Client Response Times are running like molasses in January
  • Still need more hands on-deck (specifically in the shop)
  • To Portable or Not to Portable… THAT is the question. It almost takes as long to sell a 10 ft. display as it does an island. Some are weighing dropping the attention paid to smaller booths.
  • Turn Times are Still a Challenge (they’re better than they’ve been but not “back to normal” just yet)

Customer Mix – New vs Existing – Another question I tend to ask is “What percent of your business comes from Existing Customers vs New Customers?” While I tend to get a variety of answers, the vast majority tell me that 75% of business comes from current/former clients while 25% comes from new contacts or referrals. (Looking for ways to tip the scales toward NEW Clients? Send me an email and I’ll tell you – Harold@classicexhibits.com)

Just Like a Doorknob – I stayed in a different hotel just about every night. I’d check in, drop my bag off into my room then go out for my evening meal. When I would get back to the hotel, I head to the elevator and press my floor’s button. The elevator rumbles up to the 3rd floor and the doors open. I now have a decision to make – is my room to the left or the right?

Doesn’t matter… Whichever direction I choose is wrong! ALWAYS WRONG! It’s comical. I have the sense of direction of a doorknob.

Classic Exhibits Road Warrior Harold Mintz

In Closing…

Two weeks is a long road trip: Two weeks of bad coffee, loud hotel neighbors, and being away from home and family.

Our industry is filled with seasoned Road Warriors. I learned from the best — Alex, Dave, Reid, Jen, Tom, Hendrik, Lynn, Gina, Kevin, and Mel. So many folks who drive our industry forward. If you are a Road Warrior, regardless of your role, I feel for you and appreciate what you do.

Last but not least. Classic’s Distributors make this job easy to enjoy. You never cease to surprise and amaze me. Like when you:

  • Ask a question about my family or past health issues
  • Get excited to learn something about Classic that you didn’t know a few minutes before
  • Share intimate tidbits about your own personal lives
  • Finally, when I connect with a new salesperson who like a sponge sucks up everything I say. Thank you!

The exhibit industry really is a family. I appreciate the opened doors and the time you spent with me last month. Already looking forward to the next trip. But more on that later.

— Harold Mintz, Regional Sales Manager, harold@classicexhibits.com

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com

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