| February 2020
Up Your Game, February 2020 Classic Exhibits Newsletter
Final Post of EuroShop 2020 Photos. Over 80 Images.
Post #3 of EuroShop 2020 photos from Kevin Carty and Katina Rigall Zipay. And you didn’t even have to ask this time. Over 80 new photos.
Even More EuroShop 2020 Photos
Even more photos from EuroShop 2020 taken by Kevin Carty and Katina Rigall Zipay
Over 60 EuroShop 2020 Photos
Kevin Carty and Katina Rigall Zipay are in Dusseldorf this week at EuroShop 2020 taking and sharing photos from the multiple exhibit halls.
The 7 Truths about Renting a Trade Show Exhibit
Trade Show exhibit rentals are growing. Rapidly. And exhibit companies are trying to position themselves based on their individual strengths. Some rental-only exhibit companies are touting renting as the only solution. They say, “Why buy when you can rent? No more storage fees. You can change the display for every show. The cost is less.”
Up Your Game Newsletter — January 2020
The January 2020 Up Your Game Newsletter from Classic Exhibits with articles about Harold Mintz, EXHIBITORLIVE, Shared Knowledge University, and the Annual State of the Company Letter.
What to Look for in an LED Lightbox Manufacturer
Stroll through any airport, mall, event, or trade show and you’ll see hundreds of colorful LED lightboxes in every shape and size. Over the past few years, most have switched to backlit tension fabric SEG graphics. The reasons are obvious. Not only is fabric more durable than direct print graphics, but it’s also cheaper to ship and easier to maintain. And depending on the print process, the colors are vibrant and the details nearly photographic.
When to Purchase vs. Rent an Exhibit — Understanding Your Options
Rental displays have gone upscale and depending on the provider can be customized to meet almost any exhibitor’s marketing goals. They are basically indistinguishable from the purchase display across the aisle or your competitor’s new exhibit.
Annual State of the Company Letter 2019/2020 by Kevin Carty
Every January, we share highlights from the previous year and describe what you can expect this year in our State of the Company Letter.
Introducing Harold Mintz
Harold Mintz, a Classic Regional Sales Manager, compares visiting trade show distributors 10 years ago to visiting them now. Most of the folks I’m meeting don’t know me. Maybe they’ve heard my name, but most are unaware of me or my experience in the industry. This is a constant reminder of the old axiom, “What have you done for me lately?”
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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.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1980s
What do customers want? It’s not complicated. They expect you’ll be good to them. How you respond makes all the difference, and saying and showing them that I’ll be good to you sets the right tone. However, even when you are paying attention and putting customers first, unexpected things can and will happen. Being human means that errors will occur.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1970s
Taking care of business means taking care of your customers. Giving them your time and attention and always being courteous. It can all be done — or at least started — at trade shows. You want your customers to look at your booth and think that nobody does it better.
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1960s
Eventually, you will find yourself at a trade show in Las Vegas. Before you hit the road, make sure your booth is up to the magic moment.
It’s time to consider a new exhibit, new graphics, and an updated approach to your trade show marketing. If you are truly honest with yourself, you know the same old song won’t attract customers.
Five (5) Sober Mid-Year Resolutions
Perhaps it’s time to start a new tradition — Mid-Year Resolutions. Now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “I never keep my resolutions, so why should I make more in July.” Think back for a second. Did you make those 2016 resolutions around 11 pm December 31st? With a drink in your hand?
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1950s
What’s the biggest mistake that exhibitors make? They wing it rather than plan. It could happen to you. Maybe you don’t know what to expect, or you just need a refresher. Here is some friendly trade show marketing advice with a few entertaining music videos along the way. Enjoy!
College Scholarship Deadline — EDPA Foundation
As many of you know, I am on the EDPA Scholarship Foundation Committee. The Exhibit and Designers Association Foundation offers college scholarships to member families who apply and qualify. It’s a great opportunity for the Association to give back to its members and a benefit to you.
SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Designers) Conference Notes
Several Classic employees attended the SEGD “Experience Seattle” Conference from June 9-11. It was well-attended by top professionals in the Experiential Graphic Design community and beyond, well-stocked with expert presenters, and well-staffed with knowledgeable personnel.
The Magical Middle of Trade Show Displays
Many exhibit houses and distributors devote nearly all their resources to low budget exhibitors (under $3000) or multi-national corporations. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, but it ignores the true sweet spot in our industry – The Middle.
These customers want value, quality, and most importantly, personalization in design and accessories. They
appreciate value-added resources such as consultation, reusable packaging, detailed setup instructions, and show services.
‘s New This Summer at Classic Exhibits
Summer 2016 wouldn’t be “Classic” without new products and promotions. See all the new charging station options, including a 60″ conference table. The On the Move Portable Furniture line now includes curve, comfortable backs for white and black chairs. There’s two new Rental Furniture Galleries including soft seating, chairs, and bistro tables. Finally, you can’t go wrong with specials on 12 rental designs.
| Pat Friedlander
When I was new to this industry, I heard the word “Octanorm” bandied about as if it were the last ditch attempt for stingy exhibitors There was no design consideration — just how many panels and how many uprights.
The 100-Day “Love It”| A Classic Exhibits Exclusive
There’s not much you can’t return or exchange these days… except a trade show display. Not anymore. Classic Exhibits announces the only 100-Day “Love It” Guarantee in the exhibit industry. Within the first 100 days after receiving your Sacagawea, Perfect 10/20, Quadro, or Quadro FGS Display, you can return it for a refund if you’re not completely satisfied (minus graphics and shipping).
| 10 “Must Ask” Questions
It’s common to express remorse after a big ticket purchase. Typically when the purchase is infrequent, such as a home, car, or expensive equipment. Buying a trade show exhibit is that type of purchase, especially a corporate inline or island exhibit.
A Better Way to Rent Trade Show Furniture
If you have ever rented furniture from the show book, you know it’s not always user-friendly. And too often, it’s a task that’s completed right before the show, adding stress and expense to your trade show experience. We have a better solution.
Meet Kim DiStefano, Classic Exhibits Designer
We’ve been talking with Kim DiStefano, an exhibit designer, for awhile. Kim lives a few miles from our shop in Milwaukie, OR. Enticing her to join us has taken some time and persuasion. Not that she didn’t like us, but as a contract designer with a family, she was uncertain if she wanted to work in an office. Well, eventually Kevin convinced her, wore her down, or she changed her mind. Probably a little of all three.