Backlit Retail Kiosk with Monitor Mount and iPad Insert
Classic Exhibits designed and built these Backlit Retail Kiosks for an auto dealership. The kiosks include a large monitor connected to an iPad, USB charging connections, LED lighting, vinyl graphics, and a backlit SEG fabric graphic.
Classic Rental Rewards Winners
Several years ago, the Classic Rental Solutions Division had a problem. A large percentage of our returns were coming back with significant damage and/or missing components. We weren’t sure what to do, but we knew we had to do something. We couldn’t restock those components since our policy has always been “If it doesn’t look like new, we won’t ship it. Period.”
2015 Annual State of the Company Letter
We started the year on an upswing with a record-breaking Q1 across all divisions at Classic, including ENW, ClassicMODUL, and Rentals. There were several promising trends — some new, others cultivated in 2012-2014 but coming to fruition in 2015.
Custom Charging Station with Programmable RGB Lights
Custom Charging Stations with Programmable RGB LED lights. This bistro-style table includes (8) USB ports, two electrical outlets, and perimeter LED lights. Note the graphic branding on the counter top.
This is a custom variation of the MOD-1432 Bistro Charging Station.
‘s Counting
It’s been 10+ years, starting with April 18, 2005. This week represents the 560th weekly Design Monday with over 1300 individual designs. During that time, we missed a week here and there — usually on a holiday — but only 3-4 at most.
EDPA ACCESS 2015 Recap: Word on the Street — Dec. 7th thru Dec. 11th
2015 EDPA ACCESS was held at the Red Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. First, standing ovation to the ACCESS team for choosing one of the top three locations ever. For those unable to attend, I wanted to share a recap of this event, an annual favorite of mine.
|’s Choice Voting
Three years ago when EXHIBITOR announced the Portable/Modular Awards, we were delighted. These display categories deserved recognition for design excellence.
Tradeshow Marketing Video Series
Tim Patterson, aka The Tradeshow Guy, has released an excellent video series which highlights chapters in his new book — 14 Proven Steps to Take Your Tradeshow Marketing to the Next Level. The digital version is available free or you can purchase it at Amazon for $19.95.
25 Ways to Cut Costs at Your Next Trade Show
Trade shows often make up about a third of B2B marketing budgets, representing huge costs to wholesale distributors, manufacturers, and other B2B organizations. So how can you save money on your trade show exhibitions without sacrificing marketing impact? In this detailed webinar, trade show expert Mel White will provide 25 great strategies to get more from your trade show budget.
More Changes! Exhibit Design Search
Get a Distributor-branded Exhibit Design Search for your website. Only $300. We do the work. You get the credit. Give Jen, Reid, or Mel a call for more information.
Recent Posts
Four New iPad Kiosks from Classic Exhibits
We’re excited to announce four new iPad Kiosks at price points and shapes we’re sure you’ll love. We’re serious about iPad Kiosks and Stands with 14 unique solutions. Most feature our patent-pending “Swivel Stop” which allows you to switch from Portrait to Landscape mode with two fingers in two seconds. It’s that simple.
10 Things Zombies Can Teach Us About Tradeshow Marketing
Single-minded Focus. You may not appreciate their all-consuming desire to eat your flesh, but they are committed to the task. They let nothing get in their way, except an ax to the brain. Your next trade show will be wildly successful, if you make it a priority, not an afterthought.
Back from the Randy Smith Golf Classic: Word on the Street — Oct. 22nd thru Oct. 26th
I just returned home from the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic in Atlanta, an event presented by EDPA and E2MA. As many of you know, Kevin has been attending this event for many years. This was my third trip, and this year I filled in for Kevin who couldn’t attend. I golfed with Reid Sherwood, Cindi Cody, and Bill Glasser, and we had a great time.
Randy Smith, Jim Shelman, and Cindi Cody
A few weeks ago, Rich Johnson (one of the founders of the RSMGC) asked me if I would serve on the board of The Randy Smith. Obviously I accepted. I have been a loyal fan and supporter for 11 years. The Randy is a non-political group of industry folks who provide emotional and financial support to other industry people who have fallen on difficult times.
EDPA ACCESS 2012 in Palm Springs, CA
EDPA ACCESS: Complete Program Released
The 58th Annual EDPA ACCESS conference full agenda has been released! Join your peers at the only executive conference for designers, builders and suppliers of exhibits and experiences for three days of learning, networking and growth.
|| Reserve Your Seat!
Register NOW and reserve your seat for the quarterly Town Call Webinar on Thursday, November 8. Kevin, Reid, Jen, Jim, and Mel will provide a snapshot of industry trends, upcoming events, and all things Classic Exhibits. It’s your chance to grill us on what’s new, what’s different, and what’s the what. Don’t miss it . . . It’s like watching five monkeys at the zoo speak English.
Why Blog? What Bloggers Say.
We’re often asked by Classic Exhibits Distributors about the benefits of blogging: “Isn’t it time consuming? How do you decide on topics? How often should I submit posts?” I have a hard time answering those questions because the answer is, “It depends.” I ask them if they enjoy writing about our trade shows and events, or if they feel they have something to share about sales, marketing, or small business. They do, even if they don’t realize it. That’s the first reason to blog. Everything else is frosting on the cake.
Finding Your Voice at Trade Shows — American Image Blog Post
Admittedly, I read a lot of trade show blog posts. Partially, because it’s my job, but also because I enjoy seeing how Classic Distributors, industry suppliers, and competitors tackle familiar topics. As you can imagine, there’s a fair amount of repetition. There’s only so many ways to list “critical” trade show supplies or how to handle leads. But, there’s also a lot of creativity.
Audio Clips in Exhibit Design Search
One unique feature about Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is the Audio Clips. It seems a little odd to refer to “audio” as unique, but the internet is dominated by video and text which makes audio-only files unusual. That difference, I would contend, is a difference of distinction. It’s one way that distinguishes your Exhibit Design Search site from other online display websites.
‘s the Village that Matters: Word on the Street — Oct. 15th thru Oct. 19th
You would have had to live in a cave not to hear the news this past week about Lance Armstrong. And those who know me well, know that I have always been a very impassioned supporter of LIVESTRONG as well as Lance. To put it plainly, he is a hero of mine.
NEW Exhibit Design Search — 3 Minute Tutorial
Exhibit Design Search, the world’s largest trade show design database, has been updated. The updates include a streamline home page, simplified search options, and a reformatted Design Detail page. See all the changes and how best to navigate through EDS in this brief tutorial. Mel White from Classic Exhibits guides you through the changes.
Tradeshow Rentals: Growth and Customization Trends
Our exhibit rental business continues to surge. There’s never a dull day in the Classic Rental division. And that’s what I like about what we do here.
Flexibility and customization has been the key to our continued growth.
Alcohol and Business Entertaining: When Is Enough Too Much?
People like to have a drink, especially when a vendor comes around and asks “Do you want to go to happy hour?” Of course, you do. From the vendor’s point of view, it buys some extra time with the customer, puts them in a decent mood, and most of all spreads some goodwill
Something is Not Adding Up!: Word on the Street — Oct. 8th thru Oct. 12th
I am a Marriott Man. And proud of it. I love the hotels, the way it’s run, the options it provides, the generous rewards program. I Love Marriott!
So this is going to be really weird, because I am going to throw them squarely under the bus. And, not just under the bus but pull forward and backwards multiple times kind of running over with the bus.
‘ve Learned (or The Tao of Jen)
Lesson #43: Understand Your Customer’s World, then See How Your Product and Your Company Fits.
If Willie Nelson can have a Tao, well, then so can I.
I’ve been on the job as Classic’s Western Regional Manager for a few months. Let me just say . . . working four hours a day is exhausting. 😉 Over the past 60 plus days, I’ve learned a few things, made some mistakes, and grown not only as a professional, but also as a person.