Kevin, Why Have You Worked at Classic So Long? “C”ing is Believing!
July will mark my 22nd year at Classic. I often hear, “Wow, that is a long time by today’s standards to be with the same company.” Or I am asked, “What is it that keeps you there for so long?” The answer is easy.
The Trade Show Show Podcasts
Last month, I had the good fortune of meeting Todd Youngblood while attending the E2MA Red Diamond Congress (RDC) in Orlando. Todd runs The Trade Show Show, a podcast series about the exhibit industry. The RDC was fertile ground for Todd, since the event attracts trade show managers, suppliers, show organizers, builders, exhibitor-appointed contractors, etc. Basically, anyone with a vested/financial interest in the trade show biz.
Price Changes in Exhibit Design Search
It’s May… and there doesn’t appear to be any slowdown in designs, quotes, and orders. So thanks as always.
Effective today, you will see modest price changes in EDS. Yes, the dreaded price increase. No one likes them, but they are a reality. I have taken a deep dive the past two months reviewing our pricing and costing.
Design Monday and Mike Swartout
If you read Kevin’s moving tribute to Mike Swartout last week, you know how much he meant to the Classic Family. What you may not know is how much he sweated over Design Monday.
Farewell to Our Dear Friend Mike
Saturday was a tremendously sad day in our internal and external family. Sadly we lost our beloved Design Director Mike Swartout this weekend.
| YES, YES, YES!
We love it when Classic Distributors think outside the box. Here’s a wonderful example. Start with the standard MOD-1432 Charging Table with (8) USB Ports and LED Perimeter Lights . Normally, the distributor would add a vinyl graphic to the counter top for branding. Which always looks terrific.
Email Apocalypse — The Joys of Technology
As a Classic Distributor, you know — or can probably guess — that the past two weeks have been nothing close to Bunnies and Bounce-houses around here. Why? Because our entire computer server/network came to a loud crash around April Fools Day.
28 Strangers That Touch Your Trade Show Exhibit
Last year, TS Crew created 28 Strangers That Touch Your Trade Show Exhibit. It’s an excellent infographic because it shows graphically how many people “touch” your exhibit from the moment it leaves your exhibit builder’s dock. Simply start in the upper right-hand corner.
| Perfection vs. Good Enough
Over the years, we’ve learned that it’s OK to “release” if you’ve done your best under the circumstances. The mistake is not listening to feedback and making adjustments. And honestly, that can be so much harder for some people and organizations because then it’s no longer about perfection. It’s about ego.
Universal Trade Show and Event Charging Stations
Our charging stations are ideal examples of how Classic Distributors drive innovations. Several years ago, we were asked to develop a charging station with two monitors. Good idea. Great product. But not very useful for most trade shows and events.
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| February Exhibit Specials
Throughout the year, we feature some of our most exciting trade show designs at a special price or with bonus features. Click Here for the Exhibit Specials Gallery. See the specifics for each one in the Design Description.
Lasting Impressions: Word on the Street — Jan. 28th thru Feb. 1st
Mel and I often speak to new employees regarding their first impression — be it on the phone or in person. Sadly for some, the first impression is their “best,” and it’s all downhill from there. But for others, that first impression is meaningful, and every interaction, every contact thereafter continues to reinforce that positive connection.
The Classic Exhibits Facebook Page
You’re a regular reader of Classic’s Tradeshow Tales blog, and you joined the Classic Distributor Network on LinkedIn. But, you’re still not getting enough “Classic Time.” Well, who can blame you. Tune into Facebook. The Classic Facebook page shows a more relaxed view of Classic Exhibits and Classic Rentals.
March EXHIBITOR Magazine Ad — Sneak Peak
As you know, Classic Exhibits traditionally doesn’t advertise the “Classic Exhibits” brand. ClassicMODUL yes, but rarely, if ever Classic. This year, we decided to prime the pump for iPad Kiosks in preparation of EXHIBITOR2013. Below is the 1/2 page ad. We’ll also have a similar full-page ad in Exhibit City News.
Mi Casa es Su Casa: Word on the Street — Jan. 21st thru Jan. 25th
What It’s Like to Visit Classic Exhibits
While many distributors have visited us over the years, to review projects, for one-on-one training, for Shared Knowledge University, it sometimes slips my mind that many of you haven’t been to our facility. So, if you have haven’t been to the Classic shop before, you’re probably wondering what it’s like. Well . . . it’s impressive and it’s weird.
Recent iPad Kiosk Trends
Let me share iPad Kiosk sales from an unnamed Classic Distributor. Last week, I ran a report on this distributor focusing exclusively on iPad kiosk sales over the past four months. This distributor is primarily online, but one I suspect you don’t know. They fly under the radar.
2012 “State of the Company” Letter from Kevin Carty
2012 is in the books! The Oregon Ducks are the Fiesta Bowl Champs, and the Mayans left for the golf course rather than finishing their calendar.
The basics. Q1 and Q2 were huge for Classic Exhibits with increases of 19% over 2011. Summer started slower than usual, but finished OK leaving us at a 15% increase through 3 quarters. Then Q4. Oh Q4, how strange you were.
Trade Show Exhibit Specials — January 2013
Throughout the year, we feature some of our most exciting trade show designs at a special price or with bonus features.
When Optimism Wears Sensible Shoes: Word on the Street — January 7th thru January 11th
Happy New Year!
I know its a little late to say that, but truthfully it felt like the new business year did not start until January 7th. With Christmas and New Years on a Tuesday, many folks took extended vacations or worked shorter days. Be that as it may, we are here. 2013 is off and rolling. And I for one am glad.
“Can I Afford to Be Optimistic?” by Jay Goltz
Jay Goltz, a contributor to “You’re the Boss: The Art of Running a Small Business” in The New York Times asks himself, “Can I Afford to Be Optimistic?” For anyone working in a small business, you might enjoy his thoughts.
Exclusive E2MA Study about the Rising Costs of General Service Contractor Services
The E2MA (Exhibit and Event Marketers Association) has spent two years on a study that presents factual data about the rising costs of exclusive services provided by General Service Contractors. We’ve all “known this,” but now there’s a summary of actual facts and data that makes it real. No trend jeopardizes the full recovery and future of the trade show industry more than this.
The $445 iPad Kiosk Sale
Let’s start the year right! You know your trade show clients want an iPad to demo their products or website. Why not make the decision easy with an iPad Kiosk on sale? See the download options for this flyer at the bottom. To see all the iPad Solutions from Classic Exhibits . . . and there are a bunch with even more coming . . . Go to Workstations and Kiosk Gallery in Exhibit Design Search.
Final Days of 2012: Word on the Street — Dec. 24th thru Dec. 28th
As we all prepare to ring in 2013, I am working on the Annual State of the Company letter which will be emailed in the next two weeks. To be honest, this year was positive for so many reasons that the letter is taking some time to pull together.
100 Things to Watch in 2013 (JTW Intelligence)
Annual Forecast of Trends — JTW Intelligence released their eighth annual year-end forecast of key trends that will shape or significantly impact consumer behavior in the near future. According to JTW:
Display Your Holiday Spirit: Word on the Street — Dec. 17th thru Dec. 21st
Who does not like this time of the year? It’s my favorite, especially with having little kiddos running around. This past week I have been preparing to play Santa on Monday night, and I have been enjoying our kid’s programs at school and church. And of course shopping for loved ones.