Classic Exhibits — Summer Gift Card Promotion
Earn a $25 Nike Gift Card for every $1000 in wholesale orders. Eligible on all Classic Exhibits inlines from May 26 thru July 31. Get your game on this summer with Nike gear compliments of Classic. Some restrictions apply. See details.
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.
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.
Seth Godin’s 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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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.
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.
What I’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.
SKU …. Part Deux: Word on the Street — October 1st thru October 5th
Teacher’s Pets
Two weeks ago, we hosted our second Shared Knowledge University training. It was a very successful educational and networking event with an outstanding group of new and veteran distributors. To the attendees, we loved having you here. The give and take, your humor, and your insights made it truly special. If there was an award for Teacher’s Pets, you would have all won.