Exhibit Studio Blog

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.

Shipping containers are traditionally known as a transport unit for moving products and materials from A to B. You will see them shipped by truck, rail, and sea. There are over seventeen million containers globally, and most of the world's international trade is transported in shipping containers. Here is where things get interesting; several million of these used shipping containers are abandoned due to the cost of sending them back to where they came from. 

So what can we do with them now? In the past few years, there has been a movement of homeowners choosing to convert discarded freight containers into their very own "Tiny Home." From that starting point, shipping containers have pivoted easily into other residential, commercial, and industrial industries.

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?

Governments are currently trying to balance two priorities, getting economies running again, and managing the health crisis. The latter objective has placed trade shows in a problematic position. In Canada, as of June 2020, large gatherings remain prohibited.

Over the years, we've spoken to countless people who will agree that trade shows are critical to their company's marketing and sales. They are the number one platform for companies to sell and source, reach clients, and to generate growth. They support the economy worldwide and should be a key element to every economic recovery plan.

Are you ready for when trade shows open again?

We’ve seen outlines for the planned launch of shows and events in South Korea, Germany, and other countries and are waiting for more information regarding the plans in Alberta and the rest of Canada. 

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.