Another Great SKU Class : Word on the Street — September 22nd thru September 26th

Trade Show Blog

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Shared Knowledge University Graduation

Last week, thirty trade show professionals descended on Portland, Oregon for Shared Knowledge University. The group was diverse, both in background and geography.

We are proud of every SKU graduating class, but this class was truly exceptional in my opinion. To a person, each and every student came to learn, listen, and participate in the class sessions and hands-on product training. For that, I thank you all. Your engagement across both days was truly over the top.

Anyone who has ever held a business training seminar recently knows it’s challenging to keep everyone engage. Emails are constant and responsibilities don’t suddenly disappear just because you are 2000 miles from the office.  This group, however, was involved every step of the way.

This session was a little different. We invited an outside presenter on Day 2, Pinky Gonzales from Sightworks. Pinky is an expert on all things LinkedIn. His two-hour session focused on creating compelling profiles and using LinkedIn as a sales prospecting tool. Based on SKU attendee comments, this session shook up everyone’s understanding of LinkedIn. To a person, they now recognize the true power of using LinkedIn as an active sales tool.

IMG_9189One big takeaway for both Mel and me was that we will continue to include someone like Pinky, and maybe Pinky himself, in future SKU sessions.

To the SKU Graduates, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to learn more about the business and the people at Classic Exhibits. You were all amazing. The time we spent each evening at the Kennedy School and Bridgeport Brewery was so much fun. I hope you got a little sense for what we love so much about our city. But whatever you do . . . remember THE PLEDGE!

To our industry partners who presented, Eric from Eco-Systems, Dave Brown, Robin Talbott, and Brianna Ziomek from Optima, and Marlys Arnold from the Exhibit Marketers Cafe, thank you for sharing SKU with us. Your content was “King” as they say. And we appreciate your help as always. The impact of your sessions was felt by the entire class as well as the Classic Team.

Lastly, to our Classic Family — What else can be said but thanks for all your hard work. You continue to make us all shine. We are proud of you and the work you do. The attendees’ feedback was more about YOU as group than anything else. Thanks as always!

See the Tuesday afternoon reception:

sku-enw-reception-timelapse

You know . . . after seven or eight of these events, you would think that I, as one of the organizers, would not really have much more to learn. Not true! I learned valuable tips regarding business as well as life. And even some odd tips that are not even business related. For example, did you know that the History Channel is an aphrodisiac? In particular, Modern Marvels. It’s true! One attendee has a two-year old to prove it. 🙂

Have a great weekend! Watch for the next SKU announcement, tentatively scheduled for May 2015. We hope to see you there.

Be well.

–Kevin
https://twitter.com/kevin_carty
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

Filter by Category

Filter by Year

Recent Posts

Trade Show Sponsorship Ideas That Deliver Better Brand Visibility

For many companies, trade show sponsorships can elevate a brand’s visibility by creating touchpoints at the event and visibility beyond their physical exhibit footprint. In this article, we’ll discuss how trade show and event sponsorships can improve awareness, booth traffic, engagement, and lead generation.

Trade Show Logistics Checklist: Shipping, Storage, and Installation

When it comes to trade show logistics, ego and ignorance are expensive. Yes, you’ll learn from your mistakes over time, but you’ll waste considerable time and money along the way. An experienced exhibit partner can assist with design, production, packaging, and shipping.

How to Design a Trade Show Booth to Attract Attendees

Every trade show booth starts the same way: a room full of stakeholders with opinions. Someone loves a certain color. Someone wants the logo bigger. Someone saw a competitor’s booth last year and wants “something like that, but better.”

Why You Should Buy a High-Quality Banner Stand

Not everyone is looking for the lowest price. Some exhibitors want a high-quality banner stand that’s easy to use, reliable and built to last. BannerBug banner stands are made in the USA and backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty.

Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2010s

The two biggest mistakes regarding trade shows? People not planning ahead of time, and people not following up once they get home. Some people claim trade shows aren’t worth the cost — but if you don’t continue the relationships you start at shows, you haven’t fulfilled the potential of the show. No wonder some people get so stressed out.

Symphony Portable Modular PERFECTION!

Symphony is often described as a portable display, which is mostly true. It assembles without tools and ships in roto-molded cases, both features of portable systems. But the Symphony Portable Modular System is much more.

Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2000s

It’s exhilarating and tiring, and by the end of the trade show, you are ready to escape. Your own bed, your family, your car, your pets, your routine — everything you want is at home. But before you take off, be sure to wrap things up right. Check all the small things before heading out.

Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1990s

As a smart marketer, you attend as many trade shows as you can, all while managing the day-to-day operations of your business. Eventually, you may feel as if you’ve been everywhere. You may question if another one is worth it.