Holiday Greetings from Kevin (vlog)
Kevin shares his Happy Holiday vlog (I know. It just doesn’t sound right). He also discusses 2017 business trends, including predictions about corporate environments, Gravitee One-Step, and our internal expansion.
We would love to hear your thoughts about 2017 trends, and let us know if you enjoy these vposts (which sounds better to my ears).
We would love to hear your thoughts about 2017 trends, and let us know if you enjoy these vposts (somehow “vposts” that sounds better to my ears).
| Finalists
It’s that time of year. The 2017 Portable Modular Award Finalists were released, along with the People’s Choice Voting page. From it’s inception four years ago, Classic Exhibits has been a huge supporter because we believe that portable and modular exhibits deserve creative recognition. And each year, the competition gets better, with spectacular designs from some of the best suppliers and exhibit houses in our industry.
Is It Too Early for 2017 Predictions?
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve. Then 2017. Yes, it might be a little early for predictions, but we just completed our 2017 budget so the future has been on our minds for several months.
Here’s what our Magic 8 Ball tells us. Industry predictions from Kevin and Mel.
Shared Knowledge University Vlog by Kevin Carty
We wrapped up Shared Knowledge University last week. Another amazing group of attendees! There’s just something about SKU that sparks joy, delight, and the urge to sing kumbaya (at least silently). Kevin offers his take on SKU, EDPA Access, and several other topics in this vlog.
| Final Day
The Past is Not a Predictor of the Future.
Just ask Nokia and Blackberry. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. So, let’s end on a happy note and chat about trends. Namely, what we’ve seen in 2016 that (we believe) will continue in 2017.
| Day #4
You Love Your Children Equally.
But you have a favorite, even if just a little. Yesterday, we talked about the Top 5. Today, we discuss five online children who deserve more love and attention.
| Day #3
Finding the Right Tool is a Blessing.
What tools do your fellow distributors use on the Classic Exhibits website? Here are the Top 5. Some may surprise you.
So which tools do your fellow distributors use on the Classic website? Here are the Top 5.
| Day #2
Today, we stroll through the colorful history of our product names. We’ll even touch on the funky Classic Exhibits logo. Don’t scoff. It’s more interesting than you think.
| Day #1
I’m a giver. What can I say? It’s who I am.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d share 25 “Classic Tips and Insights” over the next week. Five per day. Some you may know. Others probably not. I promise to keep them short, sweet, and easily digestible.
Customer Service Just Got Easier at Your Next Trade Show
Most retailers devote significant time and money to customer service training for their employees. The same can’t be said for exhibitors and their booth staff. They assume their team will be professional.
Recent Posts
Mel White Takes to the Runway: Word on the Street — October 7th thru October 11th
This week, I wanted to step aside and share with you a GREAT series of articles featuring Mel White, if for no other reason that this is the one and only time Mel will be featured on a modeling website.
Four Part Interview with Mel White, Classic Exhibits Inc.
Here’s a shocker friends. I’m on a modeling website . . . and no money was exchanged. Margaret Colebeck from Vantage Advertising conducted an interview with me about displays, design trends and the exhibit industry which they posted on their blog. I’m usually not “chatty” (quit laughing Kevin), but this time I made an exception. They had to post it in four installments.
No Mountain is Too High . . . Well Maybe One: Word on the Street — September 30th thru October 4th
Welcome to the month of October. Yep, that’s right. Three quarters have come and gone in 2013. It’s truly hard to believe. But we certainly ended with a bang. And I hope the same is true for you.
Classic Exhibits had its largest September EVER! So THANK YOU for your continued confidence and loyalty. We certainly appreciate it!
September came to a close with two events: Shared Knowledge University (Fall 2013 session) and The Club 815 Gran Fondo Fundraising Bike Ride.
What are People Buying?: Word on the Street — September 16th thru September 20th
At least five times a day, I am asked by distributors: “So what are you seeing in exhibit design? What are people buying?” I love when I am asked that question. It’s usually an indication that we’re all busy.
So what’s selling? . . . Portable and custom hybrids with tension fabric graphics continue to drive the ship, but the biggest sales superstar right now – – iPad Stands!
The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. It Matters!
One benefit of blogging is having the luxury to promote something special to me and to our industry — The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (http://www.rsmgc.org/).
For most folks in our industry, “The Randy” is as recognizable as Cher, Madonna, or Bono. The Randy is an annual charitable golf tournament held in the Atlanta area. For those unfamiliar with Randy Smith, he was tragically taken from us several years ago. The first Classic was to raise money to help the Smith family with the financial burden they experienced. Since then, the mission has expand.
New LIGHTNING DEAL on Exhibit Design Search
Effective today, there’s a new feature on Exhibit Design Search — Lightning Deal. The Lightning Deal (LD) button appears on the Home Page between Display Type and Search. A Lightning Deal will be priced more aggressively than a Special, typically 5-10 percent more. There will be only (1) one “active” Lightning Deal per week; however, we will honor the LD price for another week.
What Goes Up . . . Hopefully Comes Down!: Word on the Street — September 9th thru September 13th
Club 815 Powered by The EDPA Foundation Rides Again!
In two weeks, a group of friends, many you know, will be gathering in the Great Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge to be specific. We are gathering to ride for a great friend and colleague once again. And privileged to do so. Many, if not all of you, know Mike Swartout (our Design Director) and his courageous story.
Do You Understand the New and Impulsive B2B Buyer?
I don’t consider myself “old,” yet I remember business-to-business sales before the Internet. You contacted a salesperson, who was the “Gatekeeper of All Information.” Then you went through a series of meetings, learning a little more with each one. After all the meetings with all the potential vendors, you made a decision. It was time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating.
‘s Gonna Work? Teamwork!: Word on the Street — September 2nd thru September 6th
There was a time about two years back when that phrase made me cringe. Only because it was part of the theme song to “The Wonder Pets,” a program my kids loved for a couple of years.
Well, a couple weeks ago, I had a team that joined me on one of my annual/crazy adventures, and it was a great team that included some Classic Family members. Every year for 12 years I have run in the Hood to Coast Relay — “The mother of all relays.”
Five Amazing Trade Show Exhibit Specials
This fall, Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems Sustainable pulled out all the stops. You’ll discover some of our most exciting exhibit designs at special prices. Click on any display in the Specials Gallery to see the details.
| Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits
As the 2013 fall trade show season gets underway, I am often asked about the state of the industry regarding “green exhibiting” and the public perception of Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. Why should I look into Eco-Systems and their design-driven yet sustainable exhibit options? Will I need to make sacrifices in design or price?
A Customer Service Infographic — A Customer Saved is a Penny Earned
Peter Shankman at Shankman|Honig released an infographic today showing exactly how much money businesses lose each day thanks to horrible customer service, and what they stand to gain if they improve it by a few notches. Long story short . . . Be nice to the customers you have, and you’re guaranteed to get the customers you want.
Sacagawea 10% Savings and a FREE Cell Phone and Tablet Charging Station
Through October, receive a double bonus on Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays. We’ve never offered anything like this before on our best selling hybrid system.
ALL Sacagawea Portable Hybrids are 10% off. Choose from 54 designs in 10 ft. and 20 ft. kits. These are our best prices EVER!!!
ALL Sacagawea Portable Hybrids with Workstations come with a FREE Cell Phone and Tablet Charging Station.
To download the unbranded version, Click for the Promotion Sheet or on the image below. Give us a call if you need the source files to complete your own email broadcast.
Trade Show Displays Under $3K to $24K
The 11 page “Displays Under . . . .” brochure makes it easy to take a quick tour of the display parking lot. The displays are arranged in groups starting under $3000 and stair step to groups under $24,000. Take a moment to try it. We hope you’ll discover that it’s a convenient tool to compare the differences between popular trade show displays. From there, you can explore details in Exhibit Design Search.
Thanks and Hang on Tight: Word on the Street — August 12th thru August 16th
The first two weeks of August are always the “ramp up” for the nutty late summer and fall show season. And this year is following the same trend. But with one twist, a twist that we’ve seen growing over the past 12 months: island exhibits continue to expand as a percentage of our business.