Exhibit Studio Blog

Do you have a favourite creative program? Almost everyone that uses creative software on the daily gravitates toward one more than others. You could be more proficient in it, or maybe it's just simply a force of habit. And my god, there are so many to choose from. Adobe CC programs are the go-to in my experience and the industry standard, so that's what I'll choose to focus on in this post. 

We often receive complicated RFP's from large companies for new exhibits. It takes some time to carve through and find what they want as they are often not written with the trade show display in mind and start as a corporate template for all large purchases. 

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, for some, the last ten months have been soul-crushing. Fortunately, with the release of vaccines, we feel like we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  There are some shows scheduled this year, and in speaking with clients, there is a desire and a need to return to shows. For many, trade shows are the most direct path to a healthy bottom line.

Towards the end of October, David and I were having lunch together. He casually mentioned that it might be cheaper to buy a 3D printer to create some connectors he needed for the ATCO Christmas Light activation than purchasing and shipping them in. As I begin running the costs through my brain, I say, "Interesting, maybe that would be a good idea."

Fast forward one week. I walked into the office and came face to face with a weird-looking contraption creating a solid object that reminded me of something I would have seen on The Jetsons cartoon show I watched as a child. 

There is the old saying that people do business with people they know, like, and trust. I continue to believe this to be true. When I reflect on my own business and personal life, I always feel a deeper connection and comfort level with someone I have met in person or spoken to over the phone.I started in business over 20 years ago, and a fundamental component of building a business relationship was through in-person meetings. Whether at conferences, trade shows, or lunch meetings, meeting in-person played a vital role in creating and maintaining healthy, long-term partnerships.

Early 2020 was shaping up to be a busy year in the trade show industry. Convention Centre expansions and new facilities, like the BMO Convention Centre Expansion, were being approved or construction continued, and business airline travel was climbing. Abruptly in the last few months, corporations, facilities, and trade show providers, including exhibit companies, trade show organizers, logistics, and A/V companies and others, have all needed to reconsider how they do business. One of the most significant changes has been the shift to and the growth of virtual and hybrid events, as many look to find unique ways to maintain connections. 

Imagine lifting a 2,000 kg truck in the air using a high-pressure water hose and a moving target.  

Trucks aren’t your thing?

You’re inquisitive and notice an authentic London Phone booth in downtown Calgary; you can’t contain your curiosity and choose to step in and answer the phone.

It’s mid-COVID, and you are looking to engage with your Spruce Meadows super fans?

If you have ever rented video or audio equipment from an exhibit house or show service supplier here is a list of common cable connectors and definitions you should know. 

When I was younger, my mother often told me that money didn't grow on trees. At the time, it was an easy visual for my nine-year-old self to understand. As I got older, I rolled my eyes. Now, as the owner of a growing business, I wish that money trees were real!

One of the biggest challenges for any business is financial management. Cash, borrowing, and efficient resource management impact our businesses every day. If you've decided to commit to trade shows, how can you make it work with so many demands for your cash? Leasing may be your answer.

You’ve booked your next trade show and it is only months away. You're all set for the show except for your booth. The previous one that has been used didn't properly showcase the products or services you're trying to sell, or it was too difficult to set up and too expensive to ship. You are now faced with having to build a new display and aren't quite sure where to start.