10 Big Trade Shows in December 2016 and January 2017
These OUTSTANDING December and January trade shows are a hit. And like Ted Williams at the plate, you’ll want to keep your eye on the ball and knock it out of the park.
Your Exhibit Design Search Updates
Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress where new features are added without fanfare. They just appear. So what’s new in the past three months?
Kevin Schuhl, the Newest Addition to the Classic Design Department
We are excited to welcome Kevin Schuhl to Classic’s Design Department. Kevin brings an eclectic design background to our creative team, which he shares in his bio below.
Shared Knowledge University Fall 2016
Get ready. Classic’s Shared Knowledge University is just around the corner, November 14-15. Distributors who have attended SKU, many multiple times, know it’s an immersive two days into all things Classic Exhibits: products, processes, and people.
Contemporary, Affordable Charging Stations for Tradeshows and Events
Contemporary, affordable charging station furniture from Classic Exhibits, including bistro, coffee, and end tables. The tables have LED perimeter lights, laminate counter tops, and (8) USB ports. Add vinyl graphics for unforgettable branding. Perfect for tradeshows, events, or permanent environments like lobbies and lounges.
Event Marketer 2016 FAB 50 Honoree
In addition to this week being busy, it’s also been FABULOUS! Why you ask? Because for the fourth straight year, Classic Exhibits Inc. was honored as an Event Marketer FAB 50. The FAB 50 names the Top 50 Exhibit Fabricators in North America.
Our New Website Home Page
The new home page is beautiful, practical, and efficient. Our previous home page was focused on products and resources. The new site adds secondary layers showing our story, capabilities, and values. Anyone who visits Classic, whether for a tour, product preview, or Shared Knowledge University, realizes that the Classic Story is so much deeper than just our 1400 products.
John Zipay Takes an Alaskan Cruise
Recently, I took a much needed vacation from the trade show world and visited southeastern Alaska via a cruise ship.
10 Big Trade Shows October 2016
October 2016 is a busy month for trade shows in North America. Maybe they are on your radar. Maybe not. But it’s always nice when you don’t have to go hunting for information.
So sit back and enjoy 10 BIG Trade Shows happening in October.
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?
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Recent Posts
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.
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.