Tips from a Townie — EXHIBITORLIVE 2015
Several years ago, I shared my VEGAS LOCALS perspective on places to eat, shows to see, and things to do while at EXHIBITOR. A lot has happened since then, and I wanted to suggest some new places. These are not your standard tourist fare and many are (thankfully) outside the Hacienda Triangle (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur). In Part 1 — Dining Options.
Everything I Know About Business, I Learned From “THE Batman”
To me, the best issues have never been about crime fighting or adventure, but instead are the issues that focus on a forcefully driven man forcing the world to play by his rules, against all odds.
THIS is the Batman that has focused so much of my adult life and that has — believe it or not — helped shape the way I approach my professional life. You see, everything I know about business I learned from Batman.
A Wish and A Prayer — Trade Show Marketing
This cartoon, designed by our friends at American Image (www.american-image.com), speaks to the “wish and a prayer” marketing approach of most exhibitors. It’s a cautionary tale we can’t repeat enough to our customers. Our thanks to Charles Dugan and Jacob Norris for permission to reprint it.
NETGEAR Showroom Tour at CES 2015
This video, produced by NETGEAR, shows their 2015 CES Exhibit. Except for the tables in the hallway in the beginning, it’s entirely a Classic Rental Solutions exhibit. Thanks to Steve Riches at Laguna Displays for sharing and for the order. A pat on the back the the CRS Team. This is a terrific example of how they create customized solutions for Classic Distributors every single day.
2014 “State of the Company” Letter by Kevin Carty
Thank you for supporting the Classic Family of Companies. Now before 2014 is too far in the rearview mirror, let’s spend a few minutes reviewing last year’s Top 10.
Our Five $200 Rental Rewards Winners
In July, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS) launched Rental Rewards, a program designed to reward our distributors for rental returns without damage or missing components.
Since July, we’ve issued 49 Rental Rewards Credits to 32 Classic Distributors. We’re thrilled with the early success of this program!
Promotional Product Trends in 2015
At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way of marketing your company and increasing your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power with an average of just over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.
EXHIBITOR People’s Choice Voting
The EXHIBITOR People’s Choice Award is open for all Portable Modular Award finalists. Classic Exhibits has four entries, either submitted by Classic or by distributor. And one entry by Eco-Systems Sustainable, a strategic partner.
OTM Portable Trade Show Furniture
Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture this is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective.
How Am I Doing? Reid Sherwood
All in all, it was a great year because of the Classic Distributor Network. I won’t go into detail since Kevin will cover it in the 2014 State of the Company letter, but here is what I will say about my year.
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‘s Green Initiatives: Word on the Street — May 16th thru May 20th
Classic’s Green Initiatives
So, you may be saying “well it’s about time!” But not so fast.
Over the past three to four years, we have witnessed a lot of companies jump, or should I say “belly-flop,” into the Green/Sustainable movement. In doing so, many have, quite frankly, looked foolish by attempting to make “Green” a marketing ploy rather than a responsible business plan. I’m sure you’ve seen many of the claims. My favorite was the exhibit company that claimed their lunchroom was a green initiative since many employees ate there rather than driving to a fast food joint.
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.”