“Buy” Button on Exhibit Design Search
Nearly nine years ago, we launched Exhibit Design Search (EDS), using OSCommerce. It required each distributor to maintain their EDS site and have an online ecommerce account. For all but a few distributors, it was a disaster. They didn’t have time to maintain their site, and the ecommerce function was superfluous. Rarely, rarely, rarely did anyone buy an exhibit online. So, we changed. We created a Classic-maintained EDS and removed the shopping cart.
CEIR Predict Conference Summary: Word on the Street — September 8th thru September 12th
Kudos to Rachel Wimberly on her comprehensive summation of the CEIR Predict Conference on September 11, 2014 in Chicago. If you did not read it, here is the link to the full article from TSNN.
http://www.tsnn.com/news-blogs/ceir-predict-conference-trade-show-industry-track-positive-growth-20152016
10 Things Bosses Never Tell Employees, But Should: Word on the Street — September 1st thru September 5th
I have been thinking all week about what to write. Several thoughts came to mind, usually influenced by “in the moment circumstances,” but none seemed to hit me just right. Then, a LinkedIn Pulse hit my inbox, one I felt compelled to share.
The Magnificent, Magical Middle of Trade Show Displays
The middle is the sweet spot in trade show displays. I offers customers value, quality, and personalization through design and customization. Classic Exhibits understands the middle market better than any other manufacturer. We design and build mid-priced displays with features, shapes, and quality not found in lesser displays.
‘s Derek Nollman at Classic Rental Solutions?
Derek has joined the Classic Rental Solutions team and is working directly with me in rental sales. Derek’s still a young guy, but has over 20 years of experience in the trade show industry, mostly on the contractor service side, but also in show management where he sold booth space for one of the larger Portland shows.
197 Miles of Painful Bliss! The Hood to Coast Relay
On August 22, 2014 @ 3:30 a.m. 12 whackos and 2 dedicated drivers woke up to take on a challenge, one that they called FUN. I am one of those whackos — the Chief Whacko if you will.
The event is called Hood to Coast, aka …The Mother of All Relays. It’s an event in which 12 people with two support drivers and two vans run 197 miles from about 6000 feet on Mt. Hood to the beautiful Oregon Coast, Seaside, Oregon to be specific.
You Can’t Fix Stupid — Material Handling
Rising Drayage and Material Handling Costs
If you are a fan of the comedian Ron White, you know his signature line, “You Can’t Fix Stupid.” I was reminded of this line three weeks ago while attending a material handling session by Amanda Helgemoe from NuVista and Sue Huff from Medtronics at the Red Diamond Congress. The presentation was based on a 2013 study endorsed by the Exhibit and Event Marketers Association (E2MA) Advocacy Committee.
Dealing with Conflict. Are You an Elephant?: Word on the Street — August 11th thru August 15th
Is there an elephant in your office? If you don’t see one, it might be YOU!
An observation was recently shared with me. The context was leadership and dealing with conflict, and how leaders handle or don’t handle conflict in the workplace. The speaker said, “Show me the leader that doesn’t confront conflict, and I’ll show you the biggest elephant in the room.”
![How Your Eyes Move on a Website [Cool Inforgraphic]](https://www.classicexhibits.com/tradeshow-blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/how-your-eyes-move-on-a-website-infographic-internet-marketing-with-blog-optimization.png)
How Your Eyes Move on a Website [Cool Inforgraphic]
Single Grain designed this excellent infographic that explains:
How our eyes move on a website or blog,
How web design influences eye movement and interaction, and
Proposes tips for creating an effective website design.
Hot Hot Hot!: Word on the Street — August 4th thru August 8th
Summer Business
There is a heat wave in the Pacific NW. I mean HOT . . . at least for us. Mid-80’s to mid-90’s kinda HOT. Which if you have ever lived or visited here, you know we don’t get that very often.
Now for the cheesy segue. All this HOT weather has me thinking we are living in the Islands, and wouldn’t you know it, we are building and quoting A LOT of islands right now.
Recent Posts
Should a Custom House Care about Portables?
I can’t say I’ve ever heard that exact phrase, but I’ve heard many variations over the years. They include, “It’s my job to keep the saws turning.” Or, “We can’t be bothered with any job less than $100,000.” Or my favorite, “Why would I want to sell a $20,000 portable modular display when I could sell a $250,000 custom exhibit?”
Exhibit Specials in May and June
It’s time for a Miracle or perhaps just a little MOR. In May and June, every Magellan Miracle, MOR, and Mirror kit is on sale. Save 10 percent on these already affordable portable hybrid displays. Choose from (24) 10 x 10 and 10 x 20 inline displays.
What’s not to like about these Classic Displays:
* Lightweight Aluminum Frame
* Easy Knob-assisted Assembly
* Large Format Tension Fabric Graphics
* Reusable Die-cut Foam Packaging
* Portable Roto-molded Cases with Wheels
* Counter, Pedestal, and Workstation Options
Click on the Exhibit Specials button in Exhibit Design Search to see the full assortment. The sale is effective immediately and runs through June 30, 2011. Have questions? Give us a call @ (866) 621-2100.
Word on the Street — April 18th thru April 22nd
Happy Easter!
Taking a week off from the typical Social Media entry. 🙂 But, I encourage you to view our newest product video on the SEGUE Sunrise. Very well done!
I hope you all had a great Easter Weekend with your family. And hopefully the EB left your little ones lots and lots of fun gifts and candy treats.
What Did We Learn from the Recession: Word on the Street — April 11th thru April 15th
It’s Been Over Two Years. What Did We Learn?
I’m curious what we/you learned over the past two years about our industry, your business, and our customers? Here are my thoughts. Please share your thoughts as well.
First, it goes without saying that the last two years have been hard: on people, our industry, as well as our customers. But it sure feels like we are all much stronger in so many ways. Here is what I feel I’ve learned:
SEGUE Sunrise Hybrid Display Animation
Our compliments to Mike Swartout, our Design Director, for another fantastic product animation. This time he put on his BIG BOY CREATIVE PANTS for the SEGUE Sunrise video.It’s excellent!
The SEGUE Sunrise Portable Hybrid is an affordable trade show exhibit designed as an alternative to a traditional pop up display. The aluminum frame assembles without tools using attached quick-turn knobs. The vibrant fabric graphics slot into the frame using a silicone edge beading.
Word on the Street — April 4th thru April 8th
One Quarter Down . . . 3 to Go!
It’s hard to believe how quickly the first quarter flew by. But it did, and what an interesting first quarter it was. January was strong. February a little dicey. March was a monster! I am glad to report that the Q1 2011 was one of the best in Classic’s history. We owe it all to your hard work with your customers and to the positive attitude of the Classic team . Thanks so much!
Exhibit Videos from Exhibitor 2011
ey all,
Just wanted to share with you a great little video of our booth in Las Vegas last week at Exhibitor 2011.
For those of you that could not attend, this really highlights the beautiful job the Classic crew did on the design and implementation this year. Thanks again to the entire Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, and Eco-systems Team for all your dedication and hard work.
The Classic Exhibits Video — Who We Are!
For EXHIBITOR, we create this two minute video, which played on the monitor above the fireplace. Not only does it offer a summary of current designs, but it also does a terrific job of highlighting the core values, services, and personality of Classic Exhibits. We thought you might enjoy seeing it if you didn’t happen to attend EXHIBITOR this year.
Word on the Street — March 28th thru April 1st
EXHIBITOR Show Follow-up
To those who attended EXHIBITOR in Las Vegas, I hope you had an enjoyable time.
This past month was exciting at Classic. I am delighted to announce that March will be the second largest sales month in Classic Exhibits’ history! Thanks to you, our distributors and friends, for your support, your orders. and for believing in our “Shared Success” philosophy.
Word on the Street — March 21st thru March 25th
Exhibitor Show 2011
Well this past week has been filled with final show prep at Classic and a very full plate of new business.
The booth looks great! We are very excited to see your reaction to our “home away from home.”
ClassicMODUL Opens Southeast USA Extrusion Facility
ClassicMODUL, a designer and manufacturer of aluminum extrusions and accessories, announces the opening of a Southeast USA facility.
The Birmingham, AL manufacturing and warehouse facility will stock select aluminum extrusion profiles for exhibit houses, retail designers, and museum display builders. The Birmingham facility along with the current Cheshire, CT facility serve as regional distribution hubs for MODUL aluminum extrusions.
Word on the Street — March 14th thru March 18th
It’s Showtime! EXHIBITOR SHOW 2011.
It is that time of year . . . and if you have been “peeking” at Peek-a-Booth, you probably already know what a creative and exciting display we have in store for the show. It’s a “Home” (of sorts) where you can relax and learn about all the great things happening at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, Eco-systems Sustainable, and ClassicMODUL.
The EDPA Portable Modular Summit
he EDPA Portable/Modular Summit will return to Exhibitor this year after a 2010 hiatus.
This session will meet on Wednesday, March 30th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in Tropics A-B of the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center (look for the NORTH Convention Center sign on the right side of the main entrance hallway, just past the Starbucks).
Bye Bye Pop Ups? Hello Hybrids!
Distributor Open House
I attended a Distributor Open House recently, where the distributor invited customers to see the latest trends in trade show marketing (ExhibiTrends 2011). Over 20 exhibit-related companies participated, ranging from portable manufacturers to lead generating companies, and from flooring suppliers to graphic providers. The event was well-organized and extremely successful. About 300 current and potential customers walked the event.
Jeopardy Questions — Test Your Knowledge of Classic Exhibits
Several weeks ago, a Classic Distributor asked me to create Jeopardy questions for his weekly sales meeting. He planned to test his Account Executive and Project Managers on their knowledge of Classic products and services. Since I enjoyed writing the answers/questions, I thought I’d put you to the test as well.
Below are all the answers and then the corresponding questions. So grab your buzzer and discover how well you know Classic?