‘s Personal. Our New Custom Exhibit Gallery
We created Custom Exhibit Gallery on the Classic website, not in EDS. It’s very similar to our Retail Gallery and Graphic Inspiration Galleries. All are are meant to show you our full design and production capabilities.
‘s Promotional Materials
We love it when distributors re-purpose Classic’s marketing materials. This week, Atlantic Exhibits sent an email broadcast promoting Perfect 10 Portable Hybrid Displays. Not only is the P10 on sale thorough 11/27, but it also carries the 100-Day Return Guarantee. It’s the PERFECT One-two punch product as you head into the holiday season.
11 Printable Product Sheets from Classic Exhibits
Once or twice a week, we get a request for a printable handout for Sacagawea, Perfect, 10, Visionary Designs, etc. Most of the time, the distributor wants a simple one-page product summary to leave with their customer or as an email attachment. Rarely does the distributor ask for a large, multi-page brochure.
Is Your Display Supplier an Importer, an Assembler, or a Builder?
Recently, a distributor asked me about the capabilities of X, a trade show display supplier in our industry. We talked about X, which led to a conversation about A, D, and G. I realized after our call that the industry has shifted. The categories or labels we’ve always used to define exhibit suppliers/builders are no longer accurate.
‘ll Never Ask About Your Trade Show Display
It’s time to buy a trade show display. Unlike lawn mowers, cameras, or smartphones, there’s no Consumer Reports and your experience is limited. So, you do your research on the web, and if you are smart, you consult with a trade show exhibit professional. You ask the right questions about design, assembly, and how much it weighs. You even ask to see the warranty.
However, there are questions you won’t ask. How do I know? Because no exhibit manager has ever asked me these questions… and they should.
“Roll On Columbia, Roll On”: Word on the Street — Oct.5th thru Oct. 9th
Earlier this year, Classic Exhibits was awarded the contract to build an Interpretive Visitor Center for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in Portland. A local design firm brought us the project. This past Wednesday, we were delighted to attend the Grand Opening of the Interpretive Center.
The More Perfect, Perfect 10 Hybrid Display
Hold onto your dentures Grandma, we just made the Perfect 10 — More Perfect! The Perfect 10 and Perfect 20 feature the exclusive 100-Day Return Guarantee. If for any reason your client doesn’t like the Perfect 10 within the first 100 days, they can return it for a refund, minus graphics and shipping.
Wait… There’s MORE! ALL Perfect 10 Portable Hybrid Displays are ON SALE through November 27. Every. Single. One. There’s never been a portable display like the P10. No tools. Distinctive shape. Options galore. Download the literature below or in the Perfect 10 gallery in Exhibit Design Search.
Three Clever Trade Show Infographics
I’m a sucker for a clever, creative, well-designed Infographic. It reminds me of my childhood browsing through over-sized books about history, science, or sports where the graphics engage and educate.
I don’t have the patience or the talent to create infographics so when I find one that hits a bulls-eye about trade show marketing, I feel compelled to share. This week, I hit the jackpot and discovered three, all created by Megan Lemmons at Mostre Design/Advent Exhibits. My thanks to Megan for sharing with the Classic Exhibits Network.
Controlled Chaos: Word on the Street — Sept. 21st thru Sept. 25th
If you have kids like me, you know the difference between “chaos” and “controlled chaos.” Here is how I explain it as a parent: You know those big trampoline havens? The indoor trampoline park has quickly replaced Chuckie Cheese as THE place to have a birthday party.
Well, these trampoline parks are located in massive warehouses. But within those spaces are sections or what I call Kiddie Play Prisons, divided into areas with guards. Instead of wielding a gun, they are armed with a smile and a walkie-talkie to communicate with the other guards.
The Sale That Got Away
Sales are funny that way. We are so conditioned by “sales success” that we tend to ignore “sales failure.” So we congratulate ourselves on what we did right to land the order. Not on what we did wrong that kept us from getting it. It’s easier to create excuses. To blame the situation or a person.
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Recent Posts
Quadro S Pop Up Assembly and Features Video
Recently, a Classic Distributor asked us to record a quick video showing the basic assembly and features of the Quadro S Pop Up Display. So a few days ago, we recorded this off-the-cuff and very casual video in our shop once everyone had left. You’ll quickly see why I never auditioned for any high school or college plays.
We thought we’d share it for anyone unfamiliar with the benefits and features of the Quadro S. My thanks to Jeff Garrett, our video guru, for turning a pile of @*!% into something mildly presentable.
The Fallacy of Running a Small Business
Sales/Marketing, Finance, and Operations
Choose one. Just one. You’ll won’t be good at all three.
In a former life, I was a small business consultant for start-ups, mostly with technology companies and inventors. It was rewarding . . . and it was brutal. Nearly every day, I worked with entrepreneurs on their financials, marketing plans, and operations. Most were obsessive and deluded. They knew their product or service, but they struggled with long-term planning, raising capital, implementation, and customer service.
Classic Exhibits 2012 BBQ and Potluck
Last Friday, we held our Annual BBQ ad Potluck at Classic Exhibits. Even on a hot day Portland, it didn’t appear to curb anyone’s appetite. Our thanks to all the employees at Classic Exhibits, Classic Rentals, and Exhibits Northwest Portland who attended and brought so many excellent salads, desserts, and appetizers.
See below for photos from the event.
iPad Sneak Peek — Perfect 10 Pedestal with Swivel Stop Feature
Perfect 10 Pedestal with Swivel Stop iPad Mount
We don’t do this very often . . . but here’s sneak peek of a new product. It’s a P10 Pedestal with the patent pending Swivel Stop. It’s shown in portrait setting, but it easily swivels to the landscape mode with a quick twist. We are developing new uses for the Swivel Stop. These existing products already have the Swivel Stop feature: the iPad Kiosks MOD-1332, 1333, 1334, and the backwall extrusion mount MOD-1318.
EDPA Pulse Survey: Submit by August 24
FROM EDPA — Exhibit Designers and Producers Association
We are excited to start the 2nd Quarter PULSE for 2012 and look forward to increasing participation even more. We invite any companies who are interested in doing this to share this important industry initiative.
This quarter we continue to refine the survey and make it easier and more efficient for you to complete. Please continue to participate and encourage all of your industry peers to join in as well.
Delegating Tasks: Word on the Street — August 13th thru August 17th
I don’t often reference an article in my posts, but this week I just couldn’t resist. Jay Goltz writes a column, “You’re the Boss: The Art of Running a Small Business” in The New York Times. Last week, his post was relevant to nearly everyone who manages people, projects, or just about anything. Here’s the first paragraph, and then a link to the full article. I encourage you to read the comments as well.
The One Task I Can’t Seem to Delegate
Calling all Distributors to EDPA ACCESS 2012: Word on the Street — August 6th thru August 10th
EDPA ACCESS 2012
It may seem early to chat about an event that is not slated until late November, but I would challenge you that it is not. Particularly for Classic Distributors.
As you have probably gathered over the years, I am a passionate advocate for EDPA (for what it represents and for what it has accomplished for our beloved industry). ACCESS is a huge part of why I am so passionate about the association.
What Cats Can Teach Us About Trade Shows
Have you seen the bumper sticker from the Humane Society, “Who Saved Who?” We are a nation devoted to pets, whether they’re on the farm or in a purse. They learn from us, but we learn from them as well. The other day while watching Animal Planet with a cat in my lap, one on the sofa next to me, and another puking upstairs ( it sounded like the world’s worst ventriloquist), I realized that we could learn a thing or two about trade show marketing from our feline companions.
And Away We Go!: Word on the Street — July 30th thru August 3
August is finally here . . . and depending on your perspective, that’s either a good thing or something to fear.
From a personal perspective, I am like, “Yikes! How did we get to August so quickly?” But from a business standpoint, I am breathing a sigh of relief. Why? Because July is behind us!
Apple iPad and Tablet PC Options for Trade Shows
Apple iPad and Tablet PC Ideas
Back in late 90’s, Geoffery A. Moore wrote Crossing the Chasm, a book that explained how many high-tech products are purchased by early adopters. After the early adoption phase, a lull occurs before mainstream buyers purchase them — but when they do, the sales skyrocket.
For some products, this “lull” barely exists. The Apple iPad is a great example. We saw few requests for iPad stands with version 1 and 2, but now that version 3 has hit the market, we’re seeing a dramatic upswing in activity. We expect this trend to continue as more customers want iPads or tablet PCs incorporated into their trade show displays. Make no mistake. Your customers expect that you already have iPad solutions for their display. I emphasize “solutions” because there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Town Call Review: Word on the Street — July 23rd thru July 27th
With July almost past, I am beginning to question where summer has gone. In Oregon, it doesn’t begin until July 5. I’ve heard Mel’s wife refer to June in the Pacific Northwest as Junuary. Very true, particularly this year.
Well, with August around the corner, we are in full blown busy mode already. Lots and lots of designing and quoting for fall shows. Thank you all for the new opportunities both large and small, kits and custom. From what we’ve seen, some amazing work lies ahead in the coming months.
Delight and Surprise: Word on the Street — July 16th thru July 20th
Over Promise and Under Deliver
We all know the danger of “over-promising and under delivering.” In business, there are few errors that can be more damaging, particularly when trying to attract new customers or launching a new product to existing customers. Then there’s the flip side of “under promising and over delivering” which has its own risks.
Be a Student of the People Around You
Lesson #1 — Listen
I’m the new kid at Classic Exhibits, which means I’ve been welcomed and gawked at, and then placed in situations where I feel instantly stupid. That’s what happens when you’re the new kid. No one’s been mean, except for Mel, but I’ve know him for over ten years so I expect it. Fortunately, as former teacher by profession, I am student at heart, whether I’m working with rambunctious 3rd graders or a cranky 42 year old.
‘s Town Call Meeting
Please Join Us and Voice Your Opinion
Join us on Thursday, July 26 at 10 am PST / 1 pm EST for an old fashion Town Hall Meeting. Kevin, Mel, Jim, and Reid will report on changes at Classic, industry trends, and product updates. You’ll hear what’s new and what to expect this fall.
Whatever questions you have, we’ll be there to answer them. This is your chance to voice your concerns or find answers to life’s most pressing issues. Well kinda. Click on image below to register:
‘s Your Brand?: Word on the Street — July 9th thru July 13th
Feeling Inspired
I’m back from the inaugural E2MA Association / The Red Diamond Congress in Chicago. And, despite my initial misgivings, I am inspired.
Let me back up a little and explain. On Monday, I was in Chicago for the EDPA Board Meeting (Exhibit Designers and Producers Association). Like all EDPA Board meetings, it was productive — planning, industry discussion, and talks related to the growth and betterment of EDPA and the industry as whole. For anyone considering attending ACCESS 2012 in Palm Springs, it’s primed to be a stellar networking and educational event.