Kevin Schuhl — My First Six Months at Classic Exhibits
There are many things that I have done for more than six months. Many tangentially related to the design of trade show spaces and structures. For example, building scenery, painting sets, designing and producing environmental graphics. What I have not done (until now) is work for any organization for anywhere close to six months. As Ariel said in the Disney version of The Little Mermaid, it’s a whole new world.
Your Women in Exhibitions Meeting at EXHIBITORLIVE
Calling ALL women in the exhibition industry! The Women In Exhibitions (WIE) meeting will be held on Monday, March 13 at 5 pm at Mandalay Bay – Palm F, Level 3. Please join us as we network and build key relationships with other women in our industry.
EXHIBITORLIVE — Get the Skinny from Classic Exhibits
I don’t know about you, but we are delighted EXHIBITORLIVE is a bit later this year. It was a crazy January at Classic Exhibits, and February has already gotten even wackier with designs, quotes, and orders. Thanks for all the business.
So, what can you expect from Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITORLIVE? [All future references to the show will be “EL.” If I have to type all caps and then change LIVE to italics again, I will lose my friggin’ mind]. As a reminder, the show runs from March 12-16 at Mandalay Bay.
Some Thoughts… After Visiting Classic Exhibits Distributors
In January, I had the pleasure of visiting distributors in Southwest Ohio and Chicago. So, what did I hear from over 20 distributors? Industry trends, of course. It’s an interesting time to be in the trade show business.
10 Big Trade Shows in March 2017
March can be a little crazy both in weather and in basketball. Not only do we have the “Luck o’ the Irish” working in our favor, but there are also some OUTSTANDING trade shows that month.
10 Big Trade Shows in February 2017
January was a slamming month for trade shows. February holds strong and makes us wanna say, “I Heart Trade Shows!” Here are 10 of the Biggest Shows in North America this month.
“Inclement” Weather Via the Aerial Tram and Oregon Zoo
You either love snow… or you don’t. I love snow and have no hesitation braving the elements either in a car or on foot. However, there is the reality of how cities handle winter weather conditions. Portland, “bless its heart” (as they say in the South), is ill-equipped to manage snowstorms. That’s not a criticism of PDX. We get so little snow that the capital investment would be silly. So rather than complain or grumble, let’s revel in the beauty. Here are two videos: one showing DT Portland via the aerial tram and the other at the Oregon Zoo.
2016-17 Design Insights by Katina Rigall (Vlog)
Katina Rigall, the Creative Director at Classic Exhibits, shares her perspective on 2016 and what to expect from the Design Department in 2017. It was challenging year with the loss of Mike Swartout, our long-time Design Director. Since last spring, the Design Department has added two experienced (and amazing) designers and a stable of contract designers.
Is Imitation the Sincerest Form of Flattery? Nope!
In the past month, our designs have been copied three times. Three clear examples, all very different in scope. Question: When do you throw up your hands vs. taking legal action to protect your intellectual property? Thought you might like to read what we decided to do in each situation.
Exhibit Design Search Tutorial Videos
Recently, a tech savvy Classic Distributor and friend created four Exhibit Design Search tutorials. These 2-3 minute tutorials cover: Exhibit Specials, Search, My Gallery, and Photo Galleries. You can find them in our Video Library and on YouTube, but I’ll make it even easier by posting them below. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts.
Filter by Category
Filter by Year
Recent Posts
Trade Show Ethics 201: Word on the Street — March 4th thru March 8th
As I write this, we are 10 days from the opening of our industry’s premiere event — EXHIBITOR2013. But every year I get frustrated by two problems that inevitably happen at EXHIBITOR, as well as other trade shows. And while I won’t say these problems are epidemic, I will say they are very real problems that should be addressed.
Be Our Sweetie. Win an iPad Kiosk from Classic Exhibits.
Win a MOD-1314 iPad Kiosk for Easter
The Easter Bunny told us to create an iPad Kiosk contest. So we did . . . Frankly, no one at Classic had the guts to tell the Easter Bunny, “No.”
NEW iPad Solutions Brochure
In the past six months, we’ve tripled our iPad Solutions. And, there’s another half dozen in the R&D pipeline. Here’s the newest brochure where you’ll find iPad kiosks, stands, extrusion solutions, counters, and inserts — all designed specifically for retail, trade shows, and special events.
10 Totally Free Things to Do at EXHIBITOR2013
EXHIBITOR2013 is just around the corner. And, if you’re like me, you’re wondering, “What can I do at the show that won’t cost me any money.” Kevin will tell you that’s how I think 365 days of the year. Not true. Sometimes I wonder how I can pay even less.
Mixed Messages about Distribution: Word on the Street — Feb. 18th thru Feb. 22nd
I promise I’m not being snarky, but I am confused by some of “pre-show” marketing from our competitors heading into EXHIBITOR2013.
There are two common paths to exhibit sales from a manufacturer’s perspective: direct to the end-user or through a professional network of independent distributors.
Portable/Modular/Hybrid Summit at EXHIBITOR2013
The EDPA Portable/Modular/Hybrid Summit will be held during EXHIBITOR2013 on Tuesday, March 19 at 3:45 pm in the Food Service Area (far right of exhibit hall) of Mandalay Bay North Convention Center. There is no charge. This event is open to all industry manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, educators, and consultants.
EXHIBITOR2013 — Show Me the Best Shows, Baby! (from a Las Vegas local)
The countdown to EXHIBITOR2013 is on — T-minus 26 days and counting. That means you have less than a month to get tickets to see your favorite shows and/or performers in Las Vegas. As a Las Vegas local, I want to share with you some of my favorites on and off the Strip.
Another Seth Godin Beauty: Word on the Street — Feb. 11th thru Feb. 15th
I have referenced Seth Godin before, but bear with me one more time because last week one of his posts struck me as relevant to our community.
Let me explain my relationship with Seth. When I wake up each morning at 5 am, the first thing I do is read two emails.
Reserve Time with Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITOR
We expect the Classic Exhibits booth to be very, very busy this year. And, we don’t want to disappoint anyone. By blocking out a time, you can request a meeting with a Classic employee during the show hours, for breakfast, or at the Hospitality Suite.
Please let us know if you would like to schedule time with a specific Classic person, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Simply click on the link below.
“Island I See You in All My Dreams”: Word on the Street — Feb. 4th thru Feb. 8th
With each New Year, there comes a rush of business for the upcoming spring shows, and this year has been no different. Except, for the number of Island Exhibits we are quoting and ultimately building. So far this year, we have had several islands ship every single week.
Classic Exhibits TOWN CALL This Tuesday — Join the Conversation!
Join us for Classic’s Quarterly Town Call Webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 12. There will be a review of 2012, predictions for 2013, and an overview product trends. Panelists include Kevin Carty, Mel White, Jim Shelman, Reid Sherwood, Jen LaBruzza, and Eric Albery (Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits). Expect a lively Q&A/Discussion with Distributors.
Reserve your seat today — https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/559525874
| 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.