From a Garage in 1996 to a Full-Service Exhibit House
What started in a garage in 1996 has grown into a full-service exhibit house helping brands create impactful trade show experiences across the country.
Over the last 30 years, the trade show industry has changed in countless ways. Booths have become more immersive. Technology has transformed the show floor. Expectations have grown. Timelines move faster… WAY faster. And exhibitors are looking for more than just a booth; they are looking for a partner they can trust and grow with.
When Jeff Diers started selling banner stands and pop-up displays out of his garage in the 90s, he probably never imagined that 30 years later, his daughter Jessica would be leading the company and turning it into large custom builds, LED video walls, insane water features inside booths, and countless hours spent planning, designing, building, installing, traveling… and then doing it all over again, show after show, year after year.
As Diers Exhibits celebrates 30 years in business, we’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned after decades of designing, building and managing custom trade show booths and experiences.
Here are a few of the biggest lessons we’ve learned since 1996.
Relationships Matter More Than Anything
Trade shows move fast. Things change constantly. Deadlines shift. Show floors become chaotic.
The strongest partnerships are built on communication, trust, reliability and consistency.
Some of our clients have been with us for years because they know we will show up, solve problems and care about their success like it is our own. That relationship-first mindset has been the foundation of our company from the very beginning. Some of our clients who started with just banner stands have turned into large custom builds and continue to partner with us for small and large exhibits and events.
The Details Are What Make a Booth Successful
Anyone can put graphics on a wall. The difference is in the details.
The best trade show booths are carefully thought through from every angle. From the beginning we are thinking about product placement, lighting, storage, traffic flow, branding, show services, shipping logistics and attendee experience.
Over the years, we’ve learned that the smallest details often have the biggest impact on the show floor.
Planning Early Changes Everything
One of the biggest lessons we continue to see is how much smoother a trade show becomes when planning starts early.
Early planning creates better booth designs, better production timelines, lower show service costs and less stress overall. It allows exhibitors to focus on their goals instead of scrambling through last-minute issues.
Trade shows are complex, and preparation always pays off. Read our blog about How Early Planning Saves Trade Show Budgets.
Great Install & Dismantle Teams Matter
A great booth design only works if it is executed correctly on-site.
Install and dismantle crews are one of the most important parts of a successful trade show program. Strong communication, leadership, attention to detail and experience make all the difference when it comes to keeping projects on time and stress-free.
Over the years, we’ve worked on everything from simple installs to large-scale custom exhibits with complex logistics, hanging signs, specialty lighting and oversized structures. Every successful booth starts with a team that knows how to execute under pressure.
Read our blog about Why Choosing the Right Install & Dismantle Team Matters for Your Trade Show Success and 11 Tips For Effective Installation & Dismantle.
Trade Shows Are About Experiences
The booths people remember are the ones that make them feel something.
Trade show exhibits are no longer just displays; they are experiences. Whether it is interactive elements, immersive branding, custom product displays, lounges, lighting or experiential activations, the goal is to create a space that draws people in and leaves a lasting impression.
The best booths tell a story.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 30 years of Diers Exhibits, we are incredibly grateful for every client, partner, vendor and team member who has been part of this journey.
What started in a garage in 1996 became 30 years of partnerships, creativity, problem-solving and unforgettable show floors.
And we’re just getting started.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can partner together!
