One of the keys to success is knowing what materials and
methods to use to most effectively create exhibits. This knowledge is gained
through trial and error, research, and lots of years of pounding the pavement
to gather the best resources. We are going to give you a step up and provide
you with a valuable list of resources.

A big secret is a lot of these materials can be found from
common vendors. We buy from the same places you do. Auto repeaters from Amazon.
Props from individuals on Craigslist. Bead foam and wood at Lowes. Other
specialty items from eBay.

We want to help you be successful whether you hire us or
not. If you can create a better visitor experience by implementing the best DIY
then we as an industry are better. In this report we will share some methods
and materials you can use to create an inspiring visitor experience.

To create a great visitor experience you need a plan and a
story. The story drives everything. It needs to be compelling, relevant,
organized and cohesive. You can get tips on how to do that from our .
offers training and resources too. Freeman Tilden’s book is a must read.

If you need assistance on planning your story, of course,
you can call us. There are also many freelancers and other companies that
specialize in this type of planning. One of our favorites is Jay Miller. You
can email him at:

are some simple ways to increase visitor engagement.

If you are on a tight budget, one of the best resources to
enhance your graphics and overall look is to team up with your local printers.
Get to know them and build a relationship. They are a great resource. Here are
more on
that.

You can utilize manufactured graphic banner stands, graphic
panel systems, and enlarged photo prints to jazz up your space too. There are
endless suppliers of these options. Some that we have used include and .

If you want to go big and need an experienced printer that
is familiar with the nuances of the variety of substrates and unique designs
needed in visitor spaces try . and .

If you need a firm that specializes in outdoor graphics
check out: , , or .

Your local hobby, hardware, florist or garden store can
offer you a wide variety of plant materials.
If you want more options you can try .

If Amazon doesn’t offer you enough options for A/V hardware is another place
to shop. offers
unique products too.

Do you need some scents to enhance your visitor experience?
Try for
a wide variety.

is
a great place to start for all your sculpting, molding and casting need.

Bead foam is a great product if you want to do some
sculpting. You can buy it at places like Lowe’s. If you want a large supply can send you a semi load.

If you need to enhance your science story is a great
resource.

offers everything from education games and posters to animal
models.

If you need acrylic cases, molding, matt board, or archival
materials above what you can find at a local retailer you can try sources like . and .

We offer a wide variety of figures. Here’s a on how we make our figures. This high quality approach may be
out of your budget. offers
some other options.

offers many tools and resources to help you with your design
project.

You can also find sources for a wide variety of vendors from
industry associations like the
and listings.

You can check out our
for many ideas on how to do a
project.

Videos**

If you need help putting all these resources together into
an awesome exhibit we would love to help. Call or email us at 217-893-4874 or .