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.
Classic Exhibits… By the Numbers
In business, as in life, we celebrate milestones. This morning after adding an article to Trade Show Tips, I decide to count them — 74 articles. It’s more than I thought, but 74 isn’t 740 or 7400 so the number didn’t freak me out.
Having started down this path, I decided to look at other numbers. For example, how many blog posts have we published in Trade Show Tales?
Gravitee One-Step Demo Video
On Day 3 of EXHIBITORLIVE, we shot a video of Kevin highlighting the features of the new Gravitee One-Step Modular System. By then, he had perfected his Gravitee presentation… well… mostly. Admittedly, it’s no ShamWow or Ronco Rotisserie pitch but how many times can you say, “But wait! There’s more!” in real life?
Gravitee Modular Strikes a Winning Chord
I’m at 32,000 feet, headed home from EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 in Las Vegas. After four weary days (and nights), I wanted to share with you the overall show vibe from the Classic Exhibits perspective.
To those not in attendance, I hope you viewed our videos highlighting Day 1 and Day 2. They show how slammed we were both days. On the morning of Day 2, I was approached by another exhibitor who said, “Kevin, ya know in grade school where we all learned to share. Would you mind sharing some of your attendee traffic with the rest of us?”
EXHIBITORLIVE — Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down
We’re back from an early EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 this year. While it’s still fresh on my mind, I thought I’d share a few Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs. the Gravitee Modular System was the Belle of the Ball.
A Subtle Update to Exhibit Design Search
How often have you heard me say, “Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress, always evolving and changing.” I’m glad I can’t see you. It would hurt my feelings… just a little.
Nearly everyday, we make little changes to EDS. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the wording, adding a kit, or linking to a new photo.
Women in Exhibitions Meeting at EXHIBITOR
Hi everyone, Katina here!
Calling all women in the exhibition industry! I’ll be leading the Women In Exhibitions (WIE) meeting on Monday, February 29 at 5 pm. Please join us as we network and build key relationships with other women in our intriguing industry. The Mandalay Bay conference room assignment has not been made yet, but if you are interested, please do two things:
1) Join the WIE Group on LinkedIn
2) Send me an email so I can follow up with you personally as soon as I have the location. My e-mail is katina.rigall@classicexhibits.com.
Custom Inline Exhibit with LED RGB Lights (Very Cool!)
Do you want to see something AMAZING?
As we head into EXHIBITOR, I wanted to share a video of a recent build. It’s two 10 x 10’s inlines that convert into a 10 x 20.
Before you say, “big deal Kevin…an inline exhibit…we have seen them all”…I challenge that idea.
EXHIBITORLIVE is Monday After Next
So close. We’re a mere two weeks away from another EXHIBITORLIVE. And yes, out of respect for EXHIBITOR, I add the LIVE in italics and caps (but noticeably wince each time).
EDS Training Video by The TradeshowGuy
Tim Patterson, aka The Tradeshow Guy, created a quick video tutorial on Exhibit Design Search. He covers the major EDS points in just 7:34 min., something I couldn’t do under any circumstance. You’ll learn how to do a quick search, review details about a design, save them in a gallery, see exhibit photos, and share trade show marketing tips. Frankly, it’s hard not to be a little jealous of Tim’s video and audio panache.
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Bread Crumb Orders
Sandwiches, French Toast, and Bread Pudding
Recently, we conducted Shared Knowledge University (SKU), our two day distributor training program. On the first day, we started the meeting by discussing “Shared Success” and “Shared Knowledge.” These philosophies serve as the foundation for our business, not only with distributors, but also with Classic employees and our suppliers. Shared Success and Shared Knowledge depend on honesty, trust, and respect. That starts with us. We do our best to work within those guidelines, but it would be naive to assume that every distributor views our business relationship as a partnership.
Things Legends are Made From: Word on the Street — Sept. 24th thru Sept. 28th
OK, well maybe that is a bit overstated 🙂 ….or maybe not.
Last Saturday September 23, Club 815 Powered by the EDPA Foundation saddled up to ride and to raise money for Mike and Janet Swartout. The event was the Eschelon Gran Fondo of Hood River.
iPad Kiosk and Backwall Solutions from Classic Exhibits
In this (informal) informational video, Mel White from Classic Exhibits reviews the company’s assortment of iPad solutions, including kiosks and backwall attachments. Prices vary from $129 to $679. To see the complete product line, visit the Workstations and Kiosk Gallery in Exhibit Design Search.
The ALL NEW Exhibit Design Search
How new? It’s so new that it still smells like fresh programming code on a dewy spring day. Inhale and savor the crisp scent, my friend. It’s a new day in the land of Exhibit Design Search (EDS).
Upcoming Events for The Classic Exhibits Family: Word on the Street — Sept. 10th thru Sept. 14th
Not only is this “the busy” season, but this is also a busy time for events at Classic.
First, Club 815 Fundraiser
The time is finally here. “The Fundraiser Ride for Mike and Janet Swartout” is this Saturday, September 22. Yes, it’s the culmination of a lot of training, but more importantly, the culmination of your tremendous support for Classic’s Design Director, Mike Swartout who is battling cancer. Thanks to those who have been so very generous by contributing to the team that includes Joel Roy from Creative Dimension, Greg Garrett from Greg Garrett Designs, David Brown from Optima Graphics, Tony Ricci from Optima Graphics and his lovely wife Betsy, Mel White, Charlie Shivel and me from Classic, and my step-father Grant Murrell.
“The Importance of Exhibitor Education” by Marlys Arnold
Marlys Arnold, from Trade Show Insights, wrote a terrific blog this week about The Importance of Exhibitor Education. She based her comments on the recent CEIR Report, “How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent.”
I encourage you to read (or listen to) her post. Here’s a snippet:
“Earlier this month, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released their report, “How the Exhibit Dollar is Spent.”
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.
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.