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.
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.
Trade Show Exhibit Systems by 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).
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.
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EXHIBITOR 2013 — What Else to Do in Vegas (from a Las Vegas local)
EXHIBITOR is celebrating its 25th year. While there aren’t many certainties in life, one thing is certain. Vegas reinvents itself more often than Madonna. Living in Vegas, I’m constantly asked about what to do here. So, here’s the inside scoop of what’s new!
‘s in a Name?: Word on the Street — Dec. 10th thru Dec. 14th
Over the past couple of years, one of my favorite things is when people outside of the Pacific Northwest tell me how much they love Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays from Classic.
Not only does it generate a sense of pride in our company, but it also just makes me laugh to be frank
Innovative iPad Solutions for Trade Shows, Events, and Retail Environments
You hit the jackpot! The iPad Kiosks shown below are cost-effective and well-designed iPad stands designed specifically for trade shows, events, and retail environments. They are lightweight, assemble fast, and include lockable security features. Most units have a clamshell frame that rotates effortlessly from portrait to landscape. There’s even a roll-able case. All ship from the USA.
EXHIBITOR 2013 — Other Places to Eat (from a Las Vegas local)
You gotta eat. You can eat cheap, which your stomach will regret later, or you can eat expensive, which your wallet will regret for weeks. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, why not truly dine, i.e. To eat a good dinner in good company and eat it slow
Shopping with Social Misfits at the Supermarket
No matter where you live, you’ll find yourself in a supermarket several times a week. Supermarkets reflect society, particularly regional differences. But how people behave in a supermarket is . . . well . . . “revealing.” I’m not going to point out regional differences, that would get me in trouble, but I will say that supermarkets are a mirror of how we treat others and how we view our social responsibilities.
CEIR Index: After Nine Quarters of Good News . . . Exhibitors are Cautious
In an article by Rachel Wimberly for the Trade Show News Network, she writes:
For the ninth quarter in a row, the trade show industry still is growing, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest CEIR Index, albeit at a slower rate in the third quarter of this year, with concerns over not only the looming fiscal cliff, but also the global economy.
Post EDPA ACCESS 2012 Report: Word on the Street — Nov. 26th thru Nov. 30th
I LOVE this industry! And events like EDPA ACCESS only make me love it more!
Palm Springs provided an amazing setting this past week for Education, Advocacy, Networking and Strategy. To those who were there, it was great to see you and get caught up professionally and personally.
Become an Exhibit Design Search Expert — Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Become an Exhibit Design Search expert in 45 minutes! Just in time for the Q1 2013 trade show season. Attend on either Dec. 11 at 7 am PST (10 am EST) or Dec. 12 at 10 am PST (1 pm EST).
‘re More Than You Think We Are: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th
For the past two years, Classic Exhibits has pursued “alternative” markets such as retail, environments, events, etc. with our distributors. Our CNC production capability, skilled workforce, and ClassicMODUL aluminum inventory make these natural fits. This week, I want to share pictures and a video that show some of those projects. It’s our hope, quite selfishly, that your view of Classic will broaden.
What is the Deal with Hybrid Displays?
I challenge you to search Google for “Hybrid Displays” or “Hybrid Exhibits.” Five years ago, your search would turn up a handful of links. Now . . . Yikes a Momma! Hybrid Exhibits have gone from curiosity to mainstream for trade show exhibitors. But why?
Our Holiday Season Gift to You . . . SAVINGS!
SAVE 10% on all Rentals from Classic Exhibits through February 2013.
Need another reason . . . Offset your shipping costs by saving $100 on every $1000.
Review the complete line of rental solutions below or contact Jim Shelman (jshelman@exhibitsnw.com) for a rental solution designed to your specifications.
Classic Exhibits Town Call Meeting — Q3 Recorded Video
Every quarter, Classic Exhibits conducts a Town Hall Meeting with the Classic Distributor Network via GoToWebinar. In this meeting, we review sales and and design trends, new products, rental program changes, and industry news. The video is approximately 60 minutes.
In this Town Call, we also share our 2013 predictions, as well as details about our new iPad Kiosks and changes to Exhibit Design Search.
Amnesia or Arrogance: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th
Has This Happened to You?
A person walks up to you at an event and says, “Hello, I am Robert. I am the VP of TooSee Displays.” All the while you are thinking, “We met six months ago. Does he not remember meeting me?”
I suppose it can happen to the best of us. But what if I told you this happened to me this week — for the 5th time with the same damn person! I kid you NOT.
Trade Show Garbage. Eco-friendly Solutions.
Our compliments to Smash Hit Displays for producing this graphic about waste from tradeshows and some smart solutions for reducing the overall volume. It can be as simple as recycling the waste, using recycled products, and making smarter decisions about your marketing materials. One additional “green option” is rental displays. Rental displays are ideal for exhibitors who are still deciding about how to optimize their trade show marketing or for those situations when a show requires a unique display solution.
Getting Over Ourselves: Word on the Street — Oct. 29th thru Nov. 2nd
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I wanted to share some poignant advice from Seth Godin this week. I hope our friends in the NE and Mid-Atlantic States are getting things back on track and are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Know that you have been and will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of your Classic Family.