​Trade Show and Event Related Content by our Managing Director Betsy Earle:
2025 in Ten Lessons
EXHIBITOR Magazine | Posted Dec/Jan 2026
This year didn't pull any punches, but every year hands out some wisdom. Here are the lessons I'm taking into 2026, with a few insights worth stealing.
Furniture and decor won't close a deal, but they do influence attendee perception. Here's how to use placement, form, and color to elevate your brand while avoiding budget creep.
Navigating your first show kit can feel like decoding pirate scrolls with a broken compass. But with sharp instincts and a solid checklist, even landlubbers can chart a clear course to the show floor.
Inherent in face-to-face marketing is an alphabet soup of acronyms. This guide will teach you what you need to know so that you can effectively communicate with the labor crews you'll encounter.
Baffled by the best way to use images to make a grand impression on the trade show floor? This handy guide to designing graphics will clear up the details so you can focus on the creativity.
At an event, breaking rules can go against the spirit of fairness. But in this guide, we tell you which rules are made to be broken, when to break them, and how to do it with grace (and permission!)
"Exhibit components travel regularly and spend a good amount of time in storage. Here a few tips to keep them safe while they're in transit or sitting in a warehouse waiting for their time in the spotlight."
"On those rare occasions when event managers get to select a venue for an event, there are important things to discuss before signing on the dotted line."
"How do you make sense of those pages of black ink in your inbox? A few tips will help you understand invoices and use them to make your job easier." – By Betsy Earle
"Hiring an EAC can make setting up a booth on the show floor a lot easier, but there’s some red tape to navigate before reaping the rewards." – By Betsy Earle
"A cheaper exhibit system might cost less up front, but those savings will disappear pretty quickly if you're left shelling out thousands of dollars for I&D labor at each show." – By Betsy Earle
"Hearing conflicting messages from your exhibit program's stakeholders? Here are my tips for getting everyone aligned on show objectives." – By Betsy Earle
“Furniture and décor can turn a good exhibit into a great one – if you give these often-overlooked elements the attention they deserve.” – By Betsy Earle
"When it comes to proving the value of your exhibiting program, there's more to measure than simple lead counts. Here are five metrics worth tracking. – By Betsy Earle
"Picking the right events to exhibit at has never been more of a gamble. Here are some tips to make sure your face-to-face marketing dollars are well spent." – By Betsy Earle
"When trade shows resume, health and safety will be at the forefront of everyone's minds. Follow this primer to ensure your exhibit exemplifies COVID-era cleanliness." – By Betsy Earle
"With countless exhibit managers working from home, here are four ways to stay productive, plan for the future, and keep your face-to-face program on track. – By Betsy Earle
"Avoid setup snafus, sidestep costly last-minute purchases, and set yourself up for on-site success by following the tips in this trade show packing primer." – By Betsy Earle
“A calculated lighting plan can make your exhibit shine like a diamond without breaking your budget – if you follow these simple rules.” – By Betsy Earle
“Unsure of what distinguishes a van line from a common carrier? Use this primer to learn the nuances of various shipping methods and how to vet potential providers.” – By Betsy Earle
“Unsure of whether to rent an exhibit or invest in a custom stand? Then use the takeaways found in the following scenarios to guide your decision making. ” – By Betsy Earle
“Whether your footprint is a pint-size stand or an enormous exhibit, use these flooring-related tips to maximize the impact of your underfoot inches.” – By Betsy Earle
"These easy-to-overlook points about shipping and logistics are essential for ensuring the safe, on-budget, and timely arrival of your freight." – By Betsy Earle
“Ensure that your outbound freight arrives at its next destination on time – and without any last-minute snafus – by heeding these tips and reminders about end-of-show forms and paperwork.” – By Betsy Earle
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