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Fairy Tale
Photo: Picryl public domain
When electricity was introduced to the public, it was so abstract and frightening a concept that it needed a relatable visage to convey its many virtues. Accordingly, the French world's fairs and electrical expositions introduced the idea of La Fée électricite — The Electricity Fairy — to humanize the charged particles. None was more famous than artist David Dellepiane's poster for the 1908 International Exposition of Electricity in Marseille, France. The picture of The Electricity Fairy achieved enduring fame, with the original artwork selling in 2024 for $25,000.
Editorial
Coloring Inside the Lines
The most impactful designs are ones in which companies strip their message down to its essence.
Exhibitor Q & A
Augmented and Virtual Reality
What are the most effective ways to integrate AR and VR into a trade show environment to support our brand goals?
Ask Dan
Ideas from the New Guy
My boss tends to accept ideas or suggestions based on an employee's seniority.
Exhibiting 101
Network Smarter, Not Harder
These strategic tips will help you meet the right people at the right time for the right reasons.
Fuel
Ideas That Work
Put a Pin in it, Bust a Move, Free Bird, and more
Products
New Tools
Trade Show Maestro chatbot, Audio Design Tool for Non-Techies, and more
Conventional Wisdom
Congress Center Hamburg
The Congress Center Hamburg (CCH) was reopened in 2022 after an extensive $345 million overhaul.
City Profile
Get Out! Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg entices visitors to experience its history, culture, and nightlife from every angle.
Fixing Snafus
Lost in Transportation
A rushed shipment bound for San Antonio took an unplanned Vegas vacation, and the show opening was just hours away.
Archive
Fairy Tale
1908: The Electricity Fairy visits the International Exposition of Electricity in Marseille, France.
Education
Shelf Help
These 2025 titles offer fresh insights, practical guidance, and behind-the-scenes tales of event industry history.
Portfolio
Ceiling the Deal
In the exhibit hall's sea of sameness, the ceiling remains the final frontier for differentiation.
Quiz
Are You Normal?
How normal are you and your trade show program compared to "average" exhibitors?
Case Study
Sound Decisions
At Integrated Systems Europe, Sono's dreams were bigger than its budget. But the company's gamble paid off.
Expo Awards
World Expo Awards
EXHIBITOR holds its sixth World Expo Awards competition to honor the most impressive pavilions in Osaka, Japan
Expo Awards
World Expo Awards Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mentions from EXHIBITOR's sixth World Expo Awards competition in Osaka, Japan
Expo Awards
Quiet Giants
EXHIBITOR's resident World Expo historian and consultant discusses his favorite finds from World Expo 2025.
