Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Trade Shows’

The Magical Middle of Trade Show Displays

June 22nd, 2016 COMMENTS

The Magical Middle of Trade Show Displays

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

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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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Redefining the Custom Exhibit | Pat Friedlander

June 8th, 2016 COMMENTS

Custom Exhibits Redefined

Guest Post by Pat Friedlander

When I was new to this industry, I heard the word “Octanorm” bandied about as if it were the last ditch attempt for stingy exhibitors There was no design consideration — just how many panels and how many uprights.

However, on my first trip to EuroShop some 20 years ago, I was stunned when I walked into Hall 9 and saw the Octanorm corporate exhibit. EuroShop opened my eyes. U.S. was unique in advocating box-frame exhibits, exhibits that were crated and stored in warehouses around the country. It was apparent to me that US exhibits were different. They looked stodgy and boxy by comparison.

Systems and the Rest of the World

Between Dusseldorf and Chicago, I became a convert to systems. They looked cool, they allowed for fresh designs, and they were flexible — not hallmarks of box frame construction. Soon after, I invited my friend Kerstin Mulfinger from Burkhardt Leitner to speak at HCEA’s annual meeting about systems.

As various systems proliferated, bits and pieces started to appear on U.S. show floors. Yet the differentiation persisted that there were custom exhibits (i.e., box frame) and there were portable modular systems —  with “systems” viewed as a commodity.

What is a Custom Exhibit?

Custom Exhibits, as the industry generally uses it, is a relic. Today the distinction is anachronistic. Using the term “portable modular” ignores the fact that modularity is not limited to any one type of construction — portable, custom, hybrid, etc. Modularity is related to configuration, not to building materials.

VK-5148gAt an EDPA ACCESS 2015 session, I said, “It’s time to de-commodify systems and redefine what we mean when we say a custom exhibit.” It turned out I wasn’t alone. “Modular components and systems are no longer a commodity item,” said Jay Burkette, vice president, Expo Displays, “but represent building blocks, increasingly used by traditional exhibit houses as an effective way of helping design, manage, and maintain their client’s exhibit properties.”

According to Debbie Parrott, president, Highmark TechSystems, “Some designers are predisposed to think that modular systems should only enter their design tool kits when they are working with an especially cost-conscious client. For those designers, low-cost and creativity are mutually exclusive and systems limit their creativity. This short-sighted view shows a lack of understanding of the realities of our industry and the needs of program clients.”

“Large clients are program clients who benefit from exhibit designs that offer versatility, reconfigurability, fast installation and dismantle – exactly what modular systems address. This perspective also shows a naiveté about the design trends in the global exhibit marketplace where modular systems are used for exhibits that are stunningly creative, brand-distinctive, highly functional, and cost and time efficient. Designers in our industry need to be knowledgeable on this front, and the challenge for those who are modular system proponents is to educate and show designers both the inspiring possibilities and the compelling business case.”

How Do YOU Define “Custom Exhibit”?

Seems to me that we need to arrive at a new definition of “custom exhibit.” If the definition is not about construction methods and materials, perhaps it’s about marketing. What are the goals and objectives of the exhibit program? How does the exhibit fulfill and meet those goals? And about the exhibit:  Is it rental? Is it purchased? Should we differentiate? We plan to continue this discussion at EDPA ACCESS 2016, but in the meantime, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Pat Friedlander
pat@word-up.com
773-230-9989

Bio:

Pat Friedlander is a marketer, trainer, and writer in the exhibit industry. She has spent many days and nights on the trade show floor, and has lots of advice about shoes. She has received the HCEA Distinguished Service Award and the EDPA Hazel Hays Award. She lives in Chicago and often answers to Grandma Pat.

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A Better Way to Rent Trade Show Furniture

May 25th, 2016 COMMENTS

Trade Show Rental FurnitureTwo New Rental Furniture Galleries

While attending a trade show earlier this month, I conducted an informal poll with Exhibit Appointed Contractors (EAC). EAC’s are the folks who provide the labor for most trade show installs and dismantles. I asked, “What percentage of exhibitors rent furniture? Tables, chairs, casual lounge furniture?” Their answer surprised me, ranging from 75-95%. And that furniture rental has increased in recent years.

If you have ever rented furniture from the show book, you know it’s not always user-friendly. And too often, it’s a task that’s completed right before the show, adding stress and expense to your trade show experience.

We have a better solution. Exhibit Design Search, the one-stop shop for exhibits, has two new furniture rental galleries. These galleries include chairs, soft furniture, tables, bar stools, even stanchions for crowd control. You’ll see photos, dimensions, and prices that include delivery and drayage.

So easy. Simply contact your Classic Exhibits Distributor to order what you need. They’ll make all the arrangements and your furniture will arrive on time… and get picked up at the end of the show. No hassle. And should there be any problems, you’ll have access to a 24-hour support line.

Trade Show Rental Furniture on Exhibit Design Search

Don’t see what you need? Let us know. There are more options available than in the EDS Galleries.

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

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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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28 Strangers That Touch Your Trade Show Exhibit

April 13th, 2016 1 COMMENT

Last year, TS Crew created 28 Strangers That Touch Your Trade Show Exhibit. It’s an excellent infographic because it shows graphically how many people “touch” your exhibit from the moment it leaves your exhibit builder’s dock. Simply start in the upper right-hand corner.

Now, realistically, a lot more folks handle your booth than shown, including the I&D team, but you get the point. Our thanks to TS Crew, an Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor, for allowing us to share this.  And yes, “that” should be “who,” but take a deep breath, move on, and enjoy the infographic.

28-Strangers-That-Touch-Your-Trade-Show-Exhibit

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

**********************************************

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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Universal Trade Show and Event Charging Stations

March 27th, 2016 COMMENTS

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Only $225

Our charging stations are ideal examples of how Classic Exhibits Distributors drive innovations. Several years ago, a distributor asked us to develop a charging station with two monitors. Good idea. Great product. But not very useful for most trade shows and events. However, that idea spawned other charging stations such as bistro tables, coffee and end tables, counters, pedestals, and workstations. Many with LED lights. We kept adding ideas to Exhibit Design Search, then realized about 6 months ago that just about anything could be a charging station. Literally anything as long as the USB hardware and electrical wiring could be hidden.

So, we decided to make it super easy. For $225, you can add (4) USB ports to most Classic Exhibits counters, pedestals, workstations, kiosks, displays, etc. Electrical outlets too for a little more (in the right situation). It could be a portable, modular, hybrid, or custom display. If it makes sense to you… then it makes sense to us. And unlike most charging stations on the market that look like something you’d see in an airport, ours are designed for trade shows and events (i.e., they’re attractive).

At EXHIBITORLIVE, we featured several of our most popular charging stations. What you’ll see in this video is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to charging stations. As always, we encourage you to push us even further.

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

**********************************************

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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