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.
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.
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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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.
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.