Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Trade Shows’

Portable Trade Show Counters and Pedestals

October 13th, 2022 COMMENTS
Portable Trade Show Counters and Pedestals

Historically, Portable Counters and Pedestals have been the ugly stepchildren of trade show displays. Are they convenient, practical, and lightweight? Yes. Attractive and durable? Not so much. The pop-up case-to-counter conversion is the perfect example. It’s the textbook definition of a compromise. Not particularly stable. Storage is awkward at best. And the basic fabric or graphic wrap is often cheesy and cheap looking.

That’s not to say there aren’t excellent portable trade show counters and pedestals. Not just from Classic but from other suppliers as well. For example, the Symphony SYM-406, 407, and 408 series counters.

Why These Counters? Four Reasons:

  1. First, they assemble without tools and pack in flat cases.
  2. Second, they have locking storage, which is unusual for portable counters. Along with an internal shelf.
  3. Third, the countertop is secure, meaning it can’t be removed without disengaging the internal spring connectors.
  4. Finally, with the right branding, Symphony counters are not only beautiful but also a tasteful addition to any exhibit – portable, modular, or custom.

Do you agree? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Symphony Portable Counters | #1

Symphony Portable Counters | #2

Contact Us.

With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by. Contact us today whether you need a durable hand sanitizer stand built to last, a rental display guaranteed to attract trade show attendees or a lightbox with all the bells and whistles. We’re not just different. We’re better.

Interview with Jessica Sibila, The Exhibitor Advocate Association

August 29th, 2022 COMMENTS

Interview Introduction

Recently, I spoke with Jessica Sibila, who’s the owner of Jessica Sibila Consulting, and the Executive Director of The Exhibitor Advocate. If you are unfamiliar with The Exhibitor Advocate that’s understandable. It’s brand new. However, the professionals spearheading this association have been championing the rights of exhibitors for many years.

For anyone who’s worked in the exhibit industry or participated in trade shows, you know it can be complicated, confusing, and often opaque, especially to exhibitors. They don’t always know their rights or how to dispute charges or even propose changes to a show. Collectively, they have the largest financial commitment to the success of a trade show but often the least amount of influence on how it’s priced, managed, and marketed.

The Exhibitor Advocate Mission

The Exhibitor Advocate is a newly formed non-profit organization dedicated to supporting exhibitor needs in the exhibitions and events industry. The group provides expert advice, research, and tools to act on behalf of all exhibiting companies, focusing on addressing challenges and pain points so that exhibitions and events remain a valuable and irreplaceable marketing channel.

Exhibitors are an essential part of the industry ecosystem; without them, we don’t have a trade show. In this post-COVID world, exhibitors are being challenged by exponentially rising costs, lack of data availability, and limited metrics and ROI. It’s important the industry understands the needs of the exhibiting community and works towards addressing these issues in order to sustain the industry for the future. We can no longer rely solely on the attendee to drive the success of a trade show. The exhibitor is a strategic partner in creating an event that is beneficial for all parties.

The Exhibitor Advocate amplifies the voice of the exhibitor. We are a powerful community that finally has a platform for sharing best practices and addressing challenges we face. We invite all industry stakeholders to join the cause and support The Exhibitor Advocate. Become a member or donate funds at ExhibitorAdvocacy.com. Together, we can ensure the enduring success of the exhibitions and events industry.

The Exhibitor Advocate Association

What “Budget Portable Displays” Really Means

July 8th, 2022 COMMENTS
SYK-2013 Symphony Portable Display
SYK-2013 Symphony Portable Display

Budget vs. Portable

Too often, the terms “budget” and “portable” are used interchangeably for 10 and 20 ft. trade show displays. However, budget and portable have wildly different meanings depending on the manufacturer, distributor, or exhibitor. Budget can mean cheap, both in price and construction. Or it can mean value and quality.

Likewise, portables can mean tool-less and lightweight. But not always. Some portable displays require basic tools and pack in roto-molded rolling cases, which are convenient but not necessarily lightweight. These two terms are the trade show equivalent of egg-lingo – ex. cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, and organic—where the exact meaning isn’t always obvious. .

Untangling the Budget Portable Ball of Twine

At Classic Exhibits, “Budget Portables” isn’t meant to be tricky or confusing. It’s actually very straightforward.

Budget. Price is a relative term, meaning our budget portables are less expensive than our other portables. These portables range in price from $3800 to $6100 and always include durable roto-molded cases with wheels, die-cut foam packaging for long-term convenience, numbered components for fast assembly, and detailed set-instructions.

Tool-less Assembly.  Tool-less means no tools are required to assemble the booth. None. Some systems claim to be tool-less, except for the base plate or a literature tray or counter. Tool-less should mean tool-less.

SEG Dye-sublimated Graphics. SEG means Silicone Edge Graphics. SEG graphics have a silicone bead or welting sewn to the perimeter of the graphic. This bead fits into a channel on the aluminum frame. It should fit perfectly, which is why SEG is popular. No guesswork. Dye-sublimated is a printing process where images are transferred or sublimated into the fabric. It’s more expensive, but the colors are brighter and the end-product is more durable. Many vendors save money by directly printing on the fabric. It looks OK… for now. Long-term… not so much.

Engineered Aluminum Frames. Most budget portables are built with 1.25 in. round tubes. They’re lightweight, generally easy-to-assemble, and inexpensive. In short, they are graphic billboards. Our budget portables are structural, using aluminum extrusion. Unlike tubes, they are strong enough to hold accessories like monitors, tablets, literature trays, floating graphics, and workstations.

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship and Made in the USA. Commitment and location matter. Lose a part? No problem. It’s replaceable, usually within a few days. Expanding or re-configuring your design? Again, no problem. The modular construction makes that simple.   

SYK-2005 Symphony Trade Show Display
SYK-2005 Symphony Portable Display

Buying a budget portable via the Internet is like placing $3000 on 26 Black at the roulette table. You might win… but there’s a much greater likelihood of losing. Don’t gamble. Work with a professional trade show consultant. They know the pros and cons of most portable displays and can advise you on the best choice for your budget and your marketing goals.

Symphony Portable Displays

For too long, portable displays have sacrificed elegant design for visual simplicity. Not anymore. 

With Symphony, you can create the perfect 10, 20 or 30 ft. display by selecting from stylish backwall shapes and distinctive counters and workstations. The mix and match flexibility encourages unlimited design possibilities. Need a different look for your next show? Symphony’s modular SEG frames are double-sided and re-configurable. 

Personalize your Symphony Display with attractive counters, workstations, floating graphics, iPad clamshells, and monitor mounts. The lightweight aluminum frames are engineered for SEG dye-sublimated fabric graphics for a seamless, wrinkle-free look. Add floating graphics for additional visual layering and branding. 

Modern Trade Show Booth Design & COVID Safety

July 8th, 2022 COMMENTS
Island Exhibit Designed for COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Perhaps no industry has been impacted by COVID more than trade shows and events. Restaurants switched to carry out and deliveries. Hotels and airlines still operated but with fewer customers. Trade shows and events came to a complete halt. This disruption impacted every segment of the trade show/event industry and the sales and marketing plans of tens of thousands of companies that attend or participate in face-to-face marketing.

The return of trade shows and exhibitions has meant new safety and health guidelines, not only for show organizers and convention centers but also for exhibitors.  At Classic Exhibits, our 3D exhibit designers have created trade show booth designs that address those safety concerns by implementing greater physical distance, traffic flow patterns, plex barriers, and easy-to-clean surfaces.

6 Modern Trade Show Booth Design Tips for Safety

No one knows precisely what to expect about trade show design guidelines, such as whether show organizers and convention halls will have specific requirements for exhibitors or if standard North American Regulations will be revised. But you don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. Here are some commonsense suggestions.

1. Hand Sanitizer: Let’s start with the easy one. Yes, there will be hand sanitizer solutions both in the exhibit hall and in booths. Regardless of the booth size. However, you still have choices other than sticking an off-the-shelf stand in your booth. Consider how it can be integrated into the overall exhibit flow and graphics. While it needs to be there (and conveniently located), it doesn’t need to be a visual focus.

Tip: Consider jazzing up your sanitizers with custom colors, vinyl graphics, and counter-mounted dispensers.

2. Social Distancing: This topic is complicated. For your exhibit designer, it will affect every decision in your booth. How does the designer position meeting rooms, presentation areas, and demonstration spaces to be both effective and safe? Will the exhibit have seating? If so, how far apart do you need to place the furniture? Some areas may require dividers, such as acrylic partitions. Some exhibitors may decide on a larger space to ensure social distancing. Others may elect to remove items like counters, workstations, and storage.

Tip: Schedule demos and presentations by appointment only. You’ll be able to manage the flow and create a buzz before the show even opens.

Island Exhibit Designed for COVID-19 Safety Protocols

3. Traffic Flow: Even before COVID-19, exhibit designers obsessed about traffic flow and the efficient use of space. Layer on safety and it’s gotten more complicated. Post-COVID exhibit designs may require more area segmentation allowing booth staff to meet with attendees away from other attendees. Think multiple workstations or counters with similar/duplicate information and functionality.

Tip: Consider a designated entrance and exit to your inline and island booth with one-way traffic flow.

4. Storage: We love to touch surfaces, fabric, and screens. That’s not about to change. And for many exhibitors the ability for customers to touch products or navigate through self-guided presentations is critical. However, those items will need to be sanitized throughout the show. Convenient storage of disinfectant sprays and wipes will make that easier and minimize visual clutter in the booth.

Tip: Just as important as cleaning supplies are waste baskets. Discuss with your designer how to integrate them into the look of your booth.

Island Exhibit Designed for COVID-19 Safety Protocols

5. Technology: Expect QR codes, scanners, augmented reality, motion sensors, and LED screens to be more common in trade show booths. These technologies limit or eliminate touching a surface and many, like QR codes, allow attendees to use their own devices to gather information. How about printed media such as brochures, product sheets, and catalogs? Those will be exclusively digital, and the smarter exhibitors will have solutions to present and send that information in real-time.

Tip: Most lead retrieval systems are designed to do much more than just capture an attendee’s basic information. You probably already knew that… but may not have tapped into those capabilities in the past.

6. Hybrid Design Solutions: For the first time, exhibitors and designers will need to consider both a physical and a virtual booth. Should they be identical? Not necessarily. It’s much more important that there’s a clear marketing plan that addresses your goals. For most exhibitors, the virtual and physical goals will be the same so the branding, media, presentations, etc. will be identical. However, other exhibitors may decide to present a different message or experience for their virtual attendee vs. physical one.

Tip: Want to save time and money? Treat your Exhibit Designer like a member of your team. The more information they have, the greater the likelihood they’ll hit the mark designing your virtual and physical booths.

Virtual Island Exhibits

Trade Show Booth Design: COVID-19 Preparedness & Safety Plan

Most large convention centers are now GBAC STAR Accredited. The GBAC STAR Accreditation Program is performance-based and designed to help facilities establish a comprehensive program for healthy spaces. This includes strategies for infection prevention and cleaning for health that promotes wellness for building occupants, visitors, staff, and their community.

The GBAC STAR Accreditation program relies on a 20-element quality management program, which encourages a system based on science. Supporting the use of proper protocols, correct disinfection techniques, and cleaning for health best practices.

An accredited facility has committed to having:

  • Established and sustained a cleaning program to enhance occupant health.
  • The proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices to nurture occupant health and meet any biosafety challenges.
  • Knowledgeable cleaning professionals who are trained to uphold the highest standards of cleaning and building maintenance.

These facilities often mandate those same protocols for vendors, exhibitors, and attendees. Exhibitors would be wise to consider the GBAC protocols when designing their booth, working with vendors like show labor, and training their staff for the show. 

6 Safety-Conscious Booth Display Ideas & Examples

1. Rental Option A. Corporate events or meetings typically don’t have the same space limitations as trade show exhibits. Rental Option A is segmented into three functional spaces:  stage/presentation, demos using monitors, and self-service genius bars with iPad tablets. 

trade show booth design

2. Rental Option B. Option B balances seating, demos, branding, and workstations while using the space efficiently. The graphics are large without being intrusive and allow for movement and privacy. 

booth display ideas

3. Rental Option C. For many companies, private meeting space is essential. Option C includes two large meeting rooms, along with a comfortable central waiting area. There are also (4) double-sided workstations for individual presentations. 

Modern Trade Show Booth

4. MOD-1377 | Sanitizer / iPad Stand. Unlike the previous corporate meeting spaces, trade show exhibitors must maximize their booth. The MOD-1377 combines a hand sanitizer with an iPad stand and literature holders. This 3-in-1 approach makes it ideal for both inlines and islands. 

trade show booth design for safety

5. MOD-9002 Hand Sanitizer Stand w/ Graphic. A hand sanitizer without branding is like pie with ice cream. It’s OK but it’s so much better with both. The MOD-9002 has a small footprint and switching graphics couldn’t be easier.  

booth display ideas hand sanitizer

6. MOD-8036 | Flat Safety Dividers. Frankly, most safety dividers are ugly and fragile. Not the MOD-8036. The silver anodized frame along with etching and/or vinyl graphics elevates a simple divider into a tasteful barrier.

safety dividers modern trade show booth design

Buy or Rent a Modern Trade Show Booth with Classic Exhibits

Classic Exhibits has been designing and building trade show solutions since 1993. We’ve worked hard to win many design awards and love to challenge our team with new and innovative designs. We take great pride in keeping our team, customers, and community safe and look forward to helping you design a modern trade show booth that not only prioritizes safety but helps you exceed your trade show goals.

Your Guide to Exhibit Furniture Rentals

March 24th, 2022 COMMENTS

Rental Furniture at Trade Shows

It’s 2022 and trade shows and exhibitions in North America have returned much stronger than many predicted. As a result, exhibitors, display builders, labor providers, and show organizers are busy, sometimes crazy busy. One segment that’s seen a surge in growth is exhibit rentals, both exhibits and furniture. Exhibit Furniture Rentals in particular have transitioned from a “maybe” to a “must have” for both inline and island booths. 

Trade Show Furniture Rentals

Why Should You Care About Exhibit Furniture Rentals?

Gone are the days of battered and basic furniture rental designs. Today’s designs are attractive, contemporary, and comfortable, and they are available in a variety of styles and colors. Rental furniture providers are committed to delivering quality products that are fashionable and pristine. Plus, their selection has improved, along with deeper inventories at most major convention and trade show venues. 

Exhibit designers and exhibitors have also gotten more comfortable with adding furniture to booths. The right furniture can make a huge difference in the overall design, transforming a “nice and functional” island into an upscale destination for show attendees. Just 5-10 years ago, exhibit designers were reluctant to add conference tables, upholstered sofas, even ottomans and accessories to a booth. However, there’s been a push to offer attendees a place to relax, chat, and conduct business within the booth and designers have responded. 

And it’s not just furniture. Trade show rental options include charging hubs, pillows, lamps, rugs, sanitizer stands, and even safety dividers.  

Trade Show Furniture Rental Trends 

The next time you attend a trade show or event, you’ll undoubtedly notice three trends:  large fabric graphics, lightboxes, and furniture. These are trends not exclusive to island displays. Inline displays, both 10 ft. and 20 ft., are embracing these trends with rental furniture being the most surprising. Not long ago, a café or bar table with chairs in an inline space was uncommon. Not anymore. Inline exhibitors have embraced seating in their booth with many including comfortable chairs and sofas to create a casual meeting area. 

Assuming rental furniture makes sense for your exhibit design, then what are the next steps? When possible, work with your exhibit designer. They have access to the designs from multiple furniture rental companies. They are also familiar with your booth design, graphics, and trade show marketing strategy. They can also assist you with ordering and scheduling the furniture to arrive in your space. 

Trade Show Furniture Rental Sources

Some exhibitors may consider ordering their rental furniture from the General Show Contractor via the show book or the GSC’s website. And that’s a good option. However, GSC’s typically have a more limited selection than would be available from your exhibit house. Then there’s the cost. There’s a common misconception that ordering from the GSC will be less expensive. It’s not. In fact, it’s often more expensive. Furniture Rentals are a convenient and cozy profit center for them. Expert Tip:  Start with your exhibit house and compare prices and service

Of course, you can always buy furniture and ship it with your crates or cases. Can you save money by buying the furniture? Perhaps if you spread the cost over 3-4 shows. However, you’ll need to include the cost of shipping, materials handling, and labor (if it needs to be assembled) and damage. For most exhibitors, it’s not worth the hassle or the meager savings. 

Exhibit Furniture Rentals

Popular & Affordable Rental Show Furniture 

Easy is good. Easy and affordable is even better. Classic Exhibits has two comprehensive galleries of trade show rental furniture (Rental Furniture #1 and #2). The galleries are organized by the categories shown below and include prices. No guesswork. No navigating through a complicated and confusing website. 

Review your options in each gallery. Then click to add them to a “My Gallery.” The My Gallery has a tool where you can email your selections to your exhibit house representative or send them to colleagues to review. 

Rental Furniture Gallery #1

  • Accent Chairs: Comfortable, casual chairs perfect when paired together and with and end or seating table. See the Malibu or Lena designs as examples.    
  • Soft Seating: Larger upholstered chairs, sofas, and sectionals with matching pieces. See the Emerald Velvet line as an example. Some include charging options. 

trade show furniture

  • Seating Tables: Cocktail, end, and side tables like the Geo Cocktail Table with a wood top and black metal base.  
  • Ottomans: Colors galore in these fashionable round, rectangle, and curved ottomans.
  • Accessories: A nice selection of safety dividers, rugs. pillows, lamps, stanchions, and lecterns.

Rental Furniture Gallery #2

  • Cafe Tables: round cafe tables come in both fixed (typically 30” high) and adjustable heights in a variety of colors and finishes. See model CECA-022 with countertop colors in gunmetal, green, orange, yellow, and black. 
  • Bar Tables: Similar to Cafe Tables but with a  height of 40-42”.  CEBT-036 is one of 18 designs 
  • Group Seating: Mostly plastic cafe table seating in a range of colors and styles. The Malba (20″ L x 20″ D x 32″ H) is a green or gray stacking chair.

event furnishings

  • Conference Tables: Primarily oversized rectangle tables with round options as well. Some come with power ports like the CECT-033. 
  • Conference Chairs: Mostly height-adjustable rolling executive or mid-back chairs with arms like the Cupertino Mid-Back
  • Office Furniture: Desks, shelving, bookcases, and whiteboards. 
  • Bars: Curved bars with or without accent lights. See the CEBR-002 Midtown Bar
  • Barstools: Stools for Bar Tables. 13 designs including the CEBS-019 in red, black, and white vinyl tops

Important Considerations About Event Furnishings

Design obviously matters but so does function and budget. Your event furnishings have a role to play in your overall strategy. Given the cost of booth space, you want every sq. foot to contribute to your goals and ROI

Conference Room or Meeting Space. Most meetings in a booth don’t happen by accident. They are scheduled before or during the show. There’s no reason for a conference room unless you already have a plan for a full schedule of meetings with clients. 

Casual Seating Areas. Guests in your booth will love these… so will the booth staff. If your product/service doesn’t require lengthy interactions with attendees and you anticipate a busy show, a casual seating area can be a distraction and create congestion. No one can resist a soft comfy chair, including your team. If they appear too relaxed, attendees will walk by and not engage your staff. 

Say Something.. If you are unhappy with your rental furniture choice or the furniture arrived dirty or damaged, contact the rental furniture provider immediately. They want you to rent again at future shows and will generally do whatever they can to make you happy. Sometimes that means replacing a damaged piece the second day of the show or even removing furniture you thought would be necessary (but actually added clutter to the booth).

Cleanliness. While you don’t own the furniture or furnishings, you are still being judged by it. It arrived clean but it won’t stay that way. Wipe down the countertops each day and brush off the crumbs. Attendees don’t want to sit down at your bistro table only to discover wet coffee stains and sticky raspberry filling.  

event furnishings

Exhibit Furniture Rentals 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. Contact us today whether you need a durable hand sanitizer stand built to last, a rental display guaranteed to attract trade show attendees, or a custom 30 x 40 exhibit with all the bells and whistles. We’re not just different. We’re better.

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