Ghouls… Goblins… and CyberThieves!: Word on the Street — October 20th thru October 24th
In business, we all rely heavily on our Intellectual Property. It’s the fruit of the hard work we do each and every day in our business. And it’s the root of what “Shared Success” is all about at Classic Exhibits and our proud Distributor Network.
Recently, we were directed towards a website for an online exhibit company based in Southern California. We were informed that the online company was using images from our website, along with our kit numbers.
5 Tips for Presenting to Senior Executives
Making the Perfect Pitch . . . Low and Inside
Presenting to senior executives can be a challenge, even to seasoned professionals. When it comes to pitching your company, your services, and your design, you have to be perfect since you rarely get more than one chance.
The slideshow below, 5 Tips to Presenting to Executives, is informative and entertaining. It’s by Bruce Gabrielle author of Speaking PowerPoint: the New Language of Business. Give it a quick look, then go back and study it carefully. You’ll be glad you did.
SEG Installation Video from Optima
Side-by-Side Comparison
Kudos to our friends at Optima for their recent videos. They’ve upped the ante on how to script and produce a professional educational video. Here’s a terrific one to share with your customer if they purchased a silicone edge graphic display. Force them to watch it. It will save you a 9 a.m. call from the show floor that the SEG graphic(s) doesn’t fit. It does.
“Countdown to Trade Show Success” Free Webinar
Free Exhibitor Webinar on Nov. 6
I’ve heard you say many times, “Is there a trade show webinar available to my customers that is Professional, Brandable, and Free?” Why yes my dimple-faced sweet dumpling, there is. Marlys Arnold, the Trade Show Image Specialist, will be offering her “Countdown to Tradeshow Success” webinar on Nov. 6.
BONUS: Marlys will create a branded webpage for you to promote the webinar to your clients. Just contact her at marnold@imagespecialist.com.
How to Build a Small Wood Crate — Classic Style (video)
Over the years, we’ve gotten lots of compliments on our wood crates. I often joke that a distributor will call and say, “My client really liked their new display, but THEY LOVED THE CRATE AND PACKAGING!” Sigh . . . I’m never quite sure how to take that.
Our dedicated crate building team does an amazing job, so we thought we would show you how we build a small crate, often called a “coffin crate” in the trade. Expect a video showing larger crates in about a month.
Why Distributors Enjoy Working with Classic
I’m asked this question a lot. New distributors will say, “What makes doing business with Classic Exhibits different from other manufacturers?” But, before I launch into this, a bit of a warning. I’m writing this from the hospital, hopped up on drugs before I have surgery. I’m in pain but I will be better in a few hours. So allow me a little latitude if this rambles.
Another Great SKU Class : Word on the Street — September 22nd thru September 26th
Last week, thirty trade show professionals descended on Portland, Oregon for Shared Knowledge University. The group was diverse, both in background and geography.
We are proud of every SKU graduating class, but this class was truly exceptional in my opinion. To a person, each and every student came to learn, listen, and participate in the class sessions and hands-on product training. For that, I thank you all. Your engagement across both days was truly over the top.
“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.
https://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.
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Classic Exhibits Welcomes Display Supply & Lighting to EDS
Lighting and Exhibit and Electrical Supplies Galleries
Classic Exhibits Inc., a designer and manufacturer of portable, modular, and custom hybrid displays, announces the addition of Display Supply & Lighting’s (DS&L) products to Exhibit Design Search. Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is a comprehensive web-based search tool for trade show displays and accessories, and includes over 1400 displays, 2000 photos, and 50 trade show articles. Most Classic Distributors have branded versions of EDS on their websites.
Trade Shows as First Dates
Trade shows are like first dates, first meetings, or job interviews. Unless you have an ego like Donald Trump, these “firsts” scare the bejesus out of you. They should. No matter how well you prepare, the unknowns trump the knowns by a ratio of about 10,000 to 1. If you ever had a blind date, or even a first date with someone you’ve just met, you know that a date is about being the person you strive to be, not the person you are.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: Word on the Street — May 2nd thru May 6th
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
This week, I was on the road visiting new and potential distributors for Classic and ClassicMODUL. Meeting with these folks reminded me of the power of photos in our business. Frankly, I take photos for granted since we take multiple shots of every display we build. I assume other manufacturers do the same thing. It makes sense. Photos document the order and serve as a convenient point of reference if there are questions once the exhibit arrives or several years later when the client wants to modify the design or reorder parts.
Who is Optima Graphics (and Why are We so Darn Shy)?
We Work Hard at Not Getting in the Way
Who is Optima Graphics? It’s simple, we are the wholesale graphics supplier to the trade show industry that helps you retain customers and grow your business. It sounds so mundane, but we listen to you, stay out-of-your-way, break the rules, provide you more time to sell, bring experience to your project and much more. Our behind-the-scenes business philosophy keeps your brand upfront with trade show consumers and keeps our brand out-of-sight. Think of Optima as an extension of your business, your own private factory. You sell exhibits, and we make sure you get those repeat sales from your client. Call us shy? I don’t know, some may refer to this approach as shymart. After all, you’re better at what you do, leaving us to focus on one thing — custom graphics.
Hiring a Project Manager — The 10 Essentials: Word on the Street — April 25th thru April 29th
Hiring a Project Manager — The 10 Essentials
Distributors who are looking to hire a project manager often ask me what Classic Exhibits considers the ideal qualities of an exhibit project manager. Here are 10 qualities we consider essential, in no particular order.
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.