At the Exhibitor's Show, Day 5: Exhibit Design, Concept to Completion

The process of conceiving, designing and producing a trade show exhibit can be complicated and daunting. Jim Anderson, founder and principal in Steelhead Productions in Washington State, outlined the process he has used for years in this class.

Jim was the most professorial presenter I had seen (though I am sure there are others) at Exhibitor's. Thorough and complete, his explanation of the process and examples helped the large group on this last day and kept us engaged. He talked about how you take the Big Idea (combining specific objectives with corporate culture and image) and match it to Function and Design and how it will interact with The Human Element in and shape the space. During this journey, he weaves in the reality of budgets (he provides a small-medium-large estimation with examples) and investment (how long should/will it last?) with creativity (how to choose and engage a designer). Jim is also a big believer in lighting as a tool of engagement and his designs (and budgets) reflect that.

Overall, this was a helpful and, for the most part, engaging presentation. Thanks, Jim.

Lesson learned: the creative process doesn't have to be stifled by budget or business requirements.

TTSG

Hospitality

It's nice to be the guest. We've had some good times with gracious hosts at Exhibitor's Show this year. And when you're being hosted by the best people in the world who know how to do this, even better.

MG Design put on a really nice evening for guests, clients and staff at a Vegas cooking school. Bussed to the site, we were treated to wine and a full-course Italian meal that we helped prepare. A nice evening with great people. Thank you Liese, Gail, Marci, Kris and the whole MG team for including us in a very nice and professional evening.

The ExhibitGroup party on Monday evening was also very nice. More traditional in that it was a cocktail party, EG took over Revolution at Mirage for most of the evening. Good reconnecting with our friends from both EG and SDD and others that were guests. Thank you James, Bob, Gerry, Jeff J, and the whole EG team.

(And EG: thanks for the ride from the airport on the courtesy shuttle. I appreciated that a whole lot)

Lessons learned: Partying with party professionals is a great experience. This really is an industry of relationships and people.