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.
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.
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.
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.
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Word on the Street — January 3rd thru January 7th
Duck Duck War Eagle!
NO I am not alluding to the child’s game of “Duck Duck Goose!” I am referring to Monday’s National Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers.
The Top Trade Show Giveaways of 2010
In an article in Successful Meetings, although smartphones and iPads are shaping the meetings of tomorrow, traditional promotional products continue to impact the meetings of today according to a recent survey from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). More
100 Things to Watch in 2011
At the start of every New Year, the experts roll out their “trends” for the coming year. This one from JWT (J. Walter Thompson) takes a global perspective on technology, media, consumerism, and social trends in alphabetical order.You may not agree with every one or even recognize others, but frankly, that’s half the fun. Enjoy!
Word on the Street — December 27th thru December 31st
Out with the Old and In with the New
This past week was filled with a flurry of new (albeit last minute) orders and lots of quote requests for the New Year. It was a promising sign heading into 2011.
Shooting from the Hip — 16.10 (EDPA Access)
The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) held its annual meeting a few weeks ago – ACCESS 2010. Mel and I attended as the representatives of Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL. The meetings are held at a warm weather resort the week after Thanksgiving. It starts on Wednesday with a golf tournament or a fishing trip for the non-golfers (I always play golf since I can fish in ice in Michigan but can’t golf in it).
Word on the Street — December 13th thru December 17th
Are You Ready for the Most “Predictably Unpredictable” Two Weeks of the Year?
Sounds odd doesn’t it? But anyone who has been in this business long enough knows what I mean. The final two to three weeks of the year are like playing Roulette. The odds aren’t good, but if you put enough chips on the table, you may hit a ginormous winner.
Optima Graphics Wins the Golden Ham Award
Congratulations to our friends at Optima Graphics for winning the Golden Ham Award at the 2010 EDPA Access Conference in Ponte Verdra, FL. Dave Brown and Gina Porcaro are the feature actors in this one-minute spoof of a Progressive Insurance commercial.
Word on the Street — December 6th thru December 10th
Industry Predictions 2011 — Part 2
First let me say, “Hello!” With vacation and the holiday, I have been gone recently and as a result have not blogged for weeks. But I am back at the office now, and I would like to dovetail on Mel’s entry back in mid-November regarding 2011 industry predictions. So here are my thoughts . . .
Kevin Carty Elected to the EDPA Board of Directors
During the 2010 EDPA ACCESS meeting Kevin Carty, Vice President of Sales for Classic Exhibits Inc. was welcomed as a newest elected member to the EDPA’s Board of Directors with an initial two year term. Kevin and Classic Exhibits/ClassicMODUL are very active within the exhibit industry as members of not only EDPA but also TSEA (Trade Show Exhibitors Association) and HCEA (Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association) .
Shooting from the Hip — 15.10 (I am Thankful)
Things for Which I am Thankful
It has been a while since I blogged. It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say, but I didn’t have anything to say that mattered. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I will reflect a bit on those things for which I’m thankful for with a bit more nostalgia than normal. These are in no particular order except the last one.
Word on the Street — November 15th thru November 19th
As we head into the holidays, I thought I’d put on my clairvoyant hat and peer into my crystal ball. It doesn’t take a fortune teller to know that 2011 is already on your mind. You’re wondering if the exhibit industry will plod along like a Clydesdale, sprint like Quarter Horse, or remain stubborn and unpredictable like a mule.
FAQ — Design Monday Exhibits
In Design Monday, you’ll see inlines and islands, portables and modulars, banner stands and hanging signs. Three new exciting designs each week from the best exhibit designers.
When it’s all about pushing the boundaries of creative design, everything is fair game. See what’s new every Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions . . .
10 Quick Tips for Any Trade Show Newbie
Trade shows can...
How to Save Money on Your Next Trade Show Display
Buy Value – Not Price. Too often we focus on the price rather than the value. It’s human nature, especially when budgets are constrained. However, we all know the difference between a good value for the price and a low price on a shoddy product.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Glenna Martin at Flying High Creative Resources on the birth of her daughter: Lela Jane Blankenship. The mother and daughter are both fine. Lela tipped the scales at 7 lbs 4 oz and 19″ long. According to Glenna, “As you can see she has quite the head of hair. We’ve decided to keep her.” 😉