Meaningful solutions. Lasting impressions.
Design. Fabrication. Services.
Protecting your investment
Design. Fabrication. Services.
We are a custom tradeshow and a event market services company. We specialize in creating impactful tradeshow exhibit designs and creative solutions for exhibitions and events globally.
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Design
We have a team of designers ready to take your brand to the next level.
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Fabrication
We offer a wide range of fabrication capabilities under our roof.
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Services
We offer a full range suite of services to elevate your brand and impact at the showroom.
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Marketing
Market and mature your ideas to engage your customers like never before.
Our Company
Get to know us!
Our Roots
“We will do what ever it takes to ensure our customer’s satisfaction and success.”
MEC Exhibits (Metro Exhibit) was formed 35 years ago by Richard C. Phebus and his wife LuAnn as a family business to service the trade show and event industry. Although “Richard Sr.” is no longer with us, his spirit remains as you will always hear the echoing of his founding philosophy that “We will do what ever it takes to ensure our customer’s satisfaction and success.”
Today
In the 35 years since Richard began the firm, MEC has evolved as one of today’s premier exhibit and event business. Located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, today MEC has become a top leader in the trade show services, event and exhibit building industries. Our talented team of professionals, MEC has worked directly with many Fortune 500 companies all across the nation by helping in expanding trade show programs and repurposing marketing campaigns. Our team of creative professionals are committed to delivering comprehensive custom solutions by taking a unique approach to every project. We take pride in being an exceptional innovator in design, fabrication, and event management. What we do here at MEC is very simple. We take the necessary time to learn everything about your branding by studying your sales process and understanding your customers. We then apply this knowledge to create unique exhibit design solutions so that we can convey your marketing message in the most original light.
Associations We Belong To:
Products
We have many products for your tradeshow needs.
MEC creates impressive marketing experiences that impact not only its clients but the rest of the world. By examining the needs and wants of our clients, we translate brilliant ideas into successful opportunities.
Our Products
Custom Hybrid Solutions
Custom hybrid solutions incorporates a combination of exhibit systems combined together into one cohesive design. The use of existing rental systems, combined with custom properties, either existing or purchased new, allow for flexibility in changing the fundamental structure while incorporating key elements into your design. These elements can carry over from show to show giving continuity to your branding message, while allowing for you to change the exhibit structure itself as your show needs vary. Cost effectiveness flexibility using rental systems Combined with… Versatility in custom design.
Custom Purchase Solutions
Custom designed and purchased exhibits become your asset, one that you own. This solution allows you to have a totally unique look and feel to your image, designed specifically to meet your marketing and program objectives. When used for multiple show programs over a longer period of time, this method can prove to be the most efficient and practical solution. Because of its totally unique nature, the cost to own should be carefully taken into consideration before you purchase. Some changing factors in your program like graphic updates and message changes should also be factored in. Our experts can help you calculate the best solution for you.
Custom Rental Solutions
This solution is built around your message, be it graphic or product-related. Either way, your message still carries through to the other end. We achieve this solution by using existing rental systems which are developed to look entirely custom-made, but at a much lower expense. If you plan on attending only a few specific events that call for cost-effective solutions, then custom rental solutions may the ideal option for you. Your exhibit will not only showcase a unique look designed to fit your specific needs, but also allows for you to reconfigure the design and architecture in any way necessary. On top of all that, you also get to broadcast your branding message across many different creative platforms. Can’t decide if this is the best solution for you? Then consider these factors: •Savings benefits •No on-going maintenance •Huge in-house inventory of custom components to choose from •No storage & handling fees •A choice between a new “look” for each show or a very well-defined continuity •Furniture •Audio Visual •Lighting •Special Effects
Exhibit Leasing/ Rent-to-Own Programs
Exhibit leases may refer to all of the same products as described in the previous product solutions and typically relate to some type of exhibit merchandising or product displays as previously noted with one major exception. While exhibit rentals typically do not produce any form of ownership, exhibit leases, however, traditionally transfer ownership of the display at the end of the display-leasing term. Because trade show exhibit leasing is rapidly growing in popularity due to the economic flexibility that it provides to trade show exhibitors, it is a great alternative to purchasing a display, trade show exhibit or exhibition stand. An MEC Rent-to-Own Program allows you to pay as you go at an acceptable rate. Contracts can be written so that after a certain number of completed shows, you will be able to assume ownership of your exhibit. At the end of a contract you always have the option to rent the same concept, change it (with minor costs) or own it with a final buy-out. Flexibility is the key with our company, so don’t worry. MEC will design and price the right program to fit all of your needs.
Fabric Integration
MEC produces lightweight fabric structures that are integrated with other exhibit materials. Many of the smaller and medium-sized fabric additions are manufactured in-house. MEC employs a State of the Art AGFA Production Printing System that will virtually print on any material, including most fabrics. Fabric is often used in rental and leased exhibits to keep your overall field service costs at a minimum. Our engineered fabrics provide much quicker and stress-free installations. Whether they are suspended from the ceiling or integrated into your floor-standing structure, fabrics tie together all kinds of design elements to create a cohesive design.
Graphic Production
Large Format Printing Services MEC utilizes state-of-the-art large format printing equipments, softwares, substrates and qualified staff to oversee all printing projects. This is to assure that all of your provided art is maintained to proper printing specifications. Digital Services Digital retouching Manipulating raster and vector files for color, resolution or image. Composition Creating digital layouts from raster and vector files. Type and logo placement. Proof sheets Standard proof sheets provided for all projects before production assuring WYSIWYG. Comprehensive project management From print to delivery to storage. Specialized handling Custom packaging and shrink wrapping. Customized shipping Drop shipments and reporting for multiple destinations. UV Printing The UV-inkjet is a cost-effective printing solution that delivers exceptional results for any indoor and outdoor applications on uncoated media such as: corrugated boards, rigid plastics, exhibition panels, stage graphics and advertising panels, as well as roll media such as: film, vinyl and paper, canvas and banners. InkJet Printing We offer full color printing with a 1440 dpi resolution for indoor and outdoor applications. Prints can be up to 60″ wide with the option to tile projects that exceed the limited size to create even larger prints. We also offer a wide variety of media, from vinyl banner to backlit film. Cut Vinyl Custom-cut vinyl lettering from your art include logos, lettering and custom designs. Finishing includes cutting, weeding and application onto whatever surface required. Single and multi-colored elements, along with hundreds of colors are available. Laminating and Finishing Laminating increases the durability and quality of prints by providing a surface that guards against fading and abrasion. Available in matte, glossy and other textures. Other finishing options include contour cutting, mounting, grommeting and hemming.
Graphic submission requirements
Pre-owned Exhibits
MEC offers Pre-Owned exhibits at industry-rocking prices. •Add your own personality to an existing structure at a low and affordable cost. •Embellish your projects with our in-house graphics and Audio-Visual Systems to support your message. •Pre-designed computer workstations organize your sales tools with built-in functionality. •Pre-owned exhibits always come crated, in show-ready condition, to ship on a moment’s notice.
Rental Systems
Our rental systems are the most economical options that can be offered. For the smallest budgets, these existing pre-designed architectures are very budget-conscious. Rental exhibits come in all different shapes and sizes, depending on who’s using it and in what context. Here at MEC, we have trade show rental exhibits, merchandise fixtures, display kiosks, trade show stands (or exhibit stands, as they are commonly known in Europe), retail merchandising or retail displays, portable exhibits or pop-up displays and so much more. All of these products, despite their different functionalities, offer alternatives to purchasing an exhibit or display. While the most common purpose of rental exhibits is intended for trade show booths or convention center displays, it is wise to keep in mind that the term, “rental exhibits,” represents a broad range of functions. •Add your own personality to an existing structure at a low and affordable cost. •Embellish your projects with our in-house graphics and Audio-Visual Systems to support your message. •Pre-designed computer workstations organize your sales tools with built-in functionality. •Pre-owned exhibits always come crated, in show-ready condition, to ship on a moment’s notice.
Services
We offer a full range suite of services to elevate your brand and impact at the showroom.
MEC provides one stop turnkey services for your entire trade show program. From logistics planning to on site supervision, our impeccable support keeps our clients coming back year after year. MEC started out as a service company providing high quality carpenter labor and dedicated supervision well over 30 years ago in Chicago. Now, MEC is a global provider with a service network that spans the globe.
Our Services
Creative Services
At MEC, we understand one-on-one marketing through trade shows. Exhibitions and live events offer a live face-to-face opportunity to meet potential customers inside a personal and interactive environment which you can control. If you’re wondering about how you can create a clear and effective message that connects with your customers, don’t worry, it’s not too complicated. You just need a lot of brainstorming and experience. Your message needs to relate to the problem, and you also need to have a clear picture of your target customers. These are essential in getting your message across instantly because instant is all the time that you have. Don’t sweat it; we can help take you through the entire process, step-by-step. It’s simple and easy. Our consultants have more than 20 years of experience in the industry and quite frankly, we are experts at the process. Here at MEC, great solutions are experienced. We help our customers in developing the critical message that they need to get across, and then we execute to produce successful results. It is always our goal to provide you with new ways of seeing and performing at the top level. It is our primary objective as your partner to help you experience the growth you are looking for. Feel free to consult our creative services: •Trade Show Exhibit Design •Corporate Showrooms •Briefing Centers •Media Centers
Fabrication
We offer a wide range of services for fabrication:
Custom Fabrication
Graphic Production
Large Scale Digital Printing
Fabric Integration
Laminating
Lighting
Maintenance
Metal Working
Specialized Painting & Finishing
Structural Certification
Field Service/ Labor + Supervision
As an MEC client, your program is administered on site by your dedicated supervisors. These supervisors are accomplished professionals trained to get you in and out of shows with the least amount of stress. They will be there strictly for your company and your efforts as the program’s leader. MEC’s dedicated supervisors generally manage the “pull and prep” of your exhibit in our shop whenever possible. This helps maintain their level of intimacy with your structure, knowing and understanding its abilities and limitations and keeping track of needed or finished repairs.
Program Management
Internal Management for the following: Account Management Program Management Logistics Planning Field Management including Labor and Dedicated Supervision Asset Management Graphic Management Construction Drawings Engineering Drawings Maintenance Show Services Estimating Exhibit Maintenance
Production Management Tools
Plan, plan, plan. Oh, and did we mention, plan? Planning ahead is always the most important thing to keep in mind, especially when it comes to the exhibit industry. Creating a schedule for each show you attend (as far out as possible, and we put emphasis on possible) consisting of: installation and dismantle, shipping (to advanced warehouse vs. direct to show), material handling, utilities, exhibit elements, carpeting and padding, graphics and products can greatly assist in developing and tracking your events for every show on a yearly basis. MEC is structured to help you with this kind of critical scheduling; it’s what we do. Everything revolves around what you need to get done in the shortest amount of time. We are here to help you understand the differences in various unions by exposing you to different convention facilities, rate variations from city-to-city and state-to-state, and right-to-work laws that vary in each state. Budgeting By planning these essential components of your program early, we can help you establish realistic budgeting parameters and achievable metrics.
Marketing
Let MEC help you grow your brand with our vast marketing capabilities:
• Trade Show and Event Strategic Consultation
• Show and Audience Research
• Advertising, Publicity and Promotion
• Interactive Educational Activities – Solutions for Booths and Events
• Staff Performance Solutions and Training
• Booth and Event Communications
• Booth Evaluation and Competitive Analysis
• Lead Management and Deployment
• Small Exhibit Marketing
