Abstract Displays

What Abstract Displays does

Abstract Displays, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned trade show exhibit and event management company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, founded in 2000 by Carla and Michael Eng. The company designs, fabricates, rents, stores, and services custom trade show exhibits for enterprise, mid-market, and small business clients, with named customers spanning Volkswagen, Syngenta, Verizon Government, TransPerfect, Turner Enterprises, Averna, Roco, HMS, CyberMD, and Satco. Operations are supported by a 40,000 sq. ft. corporate facility with a showroom configured like a trade show floor, plus satellite warehouse and distribution facilities across major U.S. cities and internationally to handle on-site logistics for global shows.

The company layers proprietary technology on top of its core physical services. The Online Event Manager (OEM) is a web-based application that provides real-time inventory tracking, budgeting tools, ROI calculators, and event calendars to clients managing recurring trade show programs. In 2020, in response to COVID-19 trade show cancellations, the company launched VidExpo, a virtual/hybrid event platform comprising VidExpo Live (a live streaming trade show environment), VidExpo Stage (modular portable studios for purchase or rental), and VidExpo Go (consumer hardware kits including a laptop riser, backdrop, ring light, and microphone compatible with major webinar platforms).

Abstract Displays generates revenue through a mix of one-time custom exhibit sales, exhibit rentals, recurring storage and warehousing subscriptions, professional services (design, show coordination, talent/staff training), VidExpo platform and studio rental, and VidExpo Go hardware sales. Go-to-market is primarily consultative direct sales via experienced Exhibit Consultants, supplemented by a self-service OEM web platform, a 40,000 sq. ft. showroom for in-person tours, and digital marketing through the website, VidExpo blog, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The company has been recognized with five consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list, a 2010 BBB Torch Award, a 2010 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon, the U.S. Chamber Great Lakes Region Small Business Award, the Cincinnati Business Courier Fast 55 designation, and WBENC Women Business Enterprise certification.

Name

Abstract Displays

Legal name

Abstract Displays, Inc.

Website

https://abstractdisplays.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Abstract Displays, Inc. is a Cincinnati-based, family-owned trade show exhibit and event management company designing, fabricating, renting, and storing custom exhibits for enterprise, mid-market, and SMB clients, with a proprietary Online Event Manager platform and the VidExpo virtual/hybrid event product line.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Show Exhibit Design and Event Management Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920), Indoor and Outdoor Display Advertising (54185)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build) (MPAAAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade Shows & Exhibitions (Booths, Show Management) (BPAFAGAD), Virtual Expo & 3D Booth Solutions (Show Floors, Digital Booths, Product Demos) (THAHAOAE), Virtual Trade Shows & Expos (Digital Booths, Lead Capture) (MPAGAOAB)

Keywords

• Trade show exhibits
• Custom exhibit design
• Exhibit rentals
• Virtual event platform
• Event management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cincinnati

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Custom Exhibit Design and Sales: Design and manufacture of custom trade show exhibits tailored to client objectives and budgets. One-time purchase model for bespoke exhibit solutions.
2. Exhibit Rental: Rental solutions for trade show exhibits, including standard and custom configurations. Flexible rental options for companies with varying show schedules.
3. Support Services: Comprehensive services including exhibit design, graphic design, show coordination, warehousing, and staff training. Billed as professional services.
4. Storage and Warehousing: Climate-controlled storage for exhibits and advertising materials with inventory management and post-show inspection services.
5. Online Event Manager (OEM): Web-based platform subscription providing exhibit inventory management, budgeting tools, ROI calculators, and event coordination features available 24/7.
6. VidExpo Virtual Event Platform: Virtual and hybrid event solutions including VidExpo Live streaming platform, VidExpo Stage (studio equipment for purchase/rental), and VidExpo Go product kits.
7. VidExpo Hardware Products: Physical products including VidExpo Lift, Drop, Halo, and Boom accessories sold as individual items or kits for professional presentation setup.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Abstract Displays designs, manufactures, and rents custom trade show exhibits for enterprise and mid-market clients, including island, inline, portable, and fabric configurations. The company provides full-service event management including warehousing, staff training, and show coordination. It also operates VidExpo, a proprietary virtual and hybrid event platform launched in 2020 in response to COVID-19 trade show cancellations, along with an Online Event Manager (OEM) web application for exhibit and event inventory management.

Product overview

Abstract Displays operates as a trade show exhibit and event management company offering both physical products/services and a virtual event platform. Their core offerings include custom, island, inline, portable, and fabric trade show exhibits available for purchase or rental, along with event management and production services. The company also offers VidExpo, a virtual event platform launched in 2020 that enables live feed trade shows through multiple components: VidExpo Live (streaming platform), VidExpo Stage (modular studio solutions), and VidExpo Go (personal presentation hardware kits with Lift, Drop, Boom, and Halo accessories). An Online Event Manager (OEM) web application provides inventory tracking, budgeting, and ROI tools for trade show programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VidExpo: A virtual/live feed trade show platform created by Abstract Displays to host interactive virtual trade shows with streaming capabilities, branded production environments, and Q&A sessions.

Products and services

• Custom Trade Show Exhibits Custom trade show exhibit design and fabrication services offered in multiple configurations including island exhibits (360-degree visibility), inline exhibits (linear customizable or budget-friendly), portable exhibits (quick-setup for mobility), fabric exhibits (lightweight modular), kiosks (customizable for graphics, AV, or product demos), and bespoke custom designs. Built to client objectives and budget.
• Exhibit Rentals Rental solutions for trade show exhibits in both standard and custom configurations. Flexible rental options for companies with varying show schedules and budget considerations.
• Events (Special Event Planning) Special event planning and themed event creation with full project management services for corporate and brand events.
• Environments Custom lobby, retail space, and museum-quality exhibit design services for permanent brand environments beyond trade shows.
• Exhibit Storage and Warehousing Climate-controlled storage facilities across the US and internationally, with inventory management and post-show inspection services for client exhibits and advertising materials.
• Trade Show Talent and Staff Training Staff sourcing and training services designed to maximize booth traffic and visitor engagement at trade show events.
• Full Show Services Coordination Project management services handling show services coordination, logistics, and installation and dismantling labor for trade show events.
• VidExpo Virtual and hybrid event platform launched in 2020 in response to COVID-19 trade show cancellations. Enables businesses to host live feed trade shows with interactive online experiences, branded production environments, live product demos, and chat rooms.
• VidExpo Live Core live streaming platform component of VidExpo that allows businesses to broadcast live content with interactive features including live product demos, branded production environments, and chat rooms.
• VidExpo Stage Portable modular studio solution available for purchase or rental, designed to work with existing trade show exhibits. Offers turnkey layouts including Keynote, MC/Hosts, Product Demo, and Q&A stages.
• VidExpo Go Personal presentation enhancement kit for virtual events, comprising hardware accessories including VidExpo Lift (laptop riser), VidExpo Drop (portable backdrop), VidExpo Boom (external microphone), and VidExpo Halo (ring light) for professional at-home presentations.
• Online Event Manager (OEM) Web-based exhibit and event management application providing real-time inventory tracking, budgeting tools, ROI calculators, event calendars, and trade show resource links. Offers 24/7 access from anywhere globally.

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Feature4 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• GES (Global Experience Specialists): One of the largest global trade show exhibit design, fabrication, and event services firms - directly comparable to Abstract Displays in custom exhibit builds, show services, and global logistics, but operating at materially larger scale through its Viad Corp parent.
• DisplayWorks: Trade show exhibit design, fabrication, and rental company serving enterprise clients on multi-show programs - directly comparable in the custom and rental exhibit market.
• Hamilton Exhibits: Custom trade show exhibit and museum-quality display fabricator with U.S. production facilities - directly comparable on custom exhibit manufacturing and full-service program support.
• Czarnowski: Long-standing trade show exhibit design and fabrication house serving enterprise clients with custom exhibits, rental solutions, and global event logistics - closely comparable in full-service offerings and customer profile to Abstract Displays.
• Sparks: Custom exhibit design, fabrication, and event experience agency serving global enterprise brands - directly comparable on custom booth fabrication, creative services, and enterprise account targeting.
• 3D Exhibits: Custom trade show exhibit designer and fabricator focused on enterprise face-to-face marketing programs - directly comparable in the custom exhibit design/build market where Abstract Displays competes.
• Heritage Trade Show Services: Provider of trade show exhibit services including installation, dismantling, warehousing, and show logistics - directly comparable on the warehousing and full show services side of Abstract Displays' offering.
• Hill & Partners: Custom trade show exhibit design and rental firm serving enterprise exhibitors across industries - closely comparable in custom builds, rentals, and trade show program management.
• MC2 (MC2 Holdings): Trade show exhibit design, fabrication, and event marketing agency with a global service network - directly comparable on custom exhibit design/build and enterprise face-to-face marketing services.

Emerging players

• Bizzabo: Enterprise virtual and hybrid event platform - comparable as an emerging competitor to Abstract Displays' VidExpo Live product line, though Bizzabo is a software-native company with a much broader feature set and enterprise sales footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/abstractdisplays
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abstract-displays-inc.

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Abstract Displays