| 2013 Annual State of the Company Letter
It’s that time of the year when Kevin Carty, VP of Classic Exhibits, reports on 2013 and offers his insights on 2014.
Highlights include:
Uptrend in Sales in 2013
More Custom Hybrid and Custom Fabrication
New Classic Exhibits Website (oh so close to launch)
Growth in Rentals
Retail / Corporate Environment Trends
New Product in 2014
Positive Outlook about 2014
Click Here or on the image below to download the full 3 page PDF.
$349 iPad Telescoping Stand with Rolling Travel Case
Spin. Twist. Bend. Swivel. Exercise? That’s so January 1.
Why buy the P90X or join a gym when the MOD-1365 Telescoping iPad Stand does it all. Turn a knob and spin. Make an adjustment and tilt to your heart’s content. Even do those squats with the adjustable telescoping feature. As a bonus (yes, there’s more!), you can take it with you. The MOD-1365 comes with a travel case with wheels. Best of all . . . It’s on sale at $349. Call today. Seriously. Call today.
Resolute This! Word on the Street — December 30th thru January 3rd
I am all about resolutions and changes for the better, especially when it comes to health and family. But why such a focus on New Years. I mean I get it, a new year . . . a new you and all that. But REALLY? After the 4th or 5th year of failing, I would suggest choosing a different date. Start on June 8.
How to Entertain Yourself During Any Meeting
Here are a few suggestions on how to entertain yourself during any meeting. Your colleagues will appreciate your efforts; perhaps not during the meeting or that month but when they look back and reflect on all the years they spent cooped up like a chicken in a factory farm they’ll have a little chuckle.
100 Things to Watch in 2014 (by JWT Intelligence)
Annual Forecast of Trends
It’s that time of year when JWT Intelligence releases their forecast of key trends that will shape or significantly impact consumer behavior in 2014.
Why Our Brains Love Curves
In my last blog post, “Exhibit Designs that Sell,” I offered some tips on how to achieve a nearly 100% success rate. This time, I want to delve into a design element that connects to a deep-rooted preference in many people — graceful, mesmerizing curves!
Happy Holidays from Your Classic Exhibits Family: Word on the Street — December 16th thru December 20th
Is the tree up? Are the packages wrapped? Are you ready for the mayhem?
It’s the best time of the year in my humble opinion. Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. Literally! And just when you think you’re done with all your holiday shopping and you have everything prepared for the big day, you always find that you have one more thing to do or to get.
Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter
This week, we’re sharing the Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter from Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development. As many of you know, we have a manufacturing partnership with Eco-Systems. For those unfamiliar with Eco-Systems, we encourage you to visit eSmart Galleries in Exhibit Design Search or spend time on their website (www.ecosystemsdisplays.com).
| Best Practices Webinar (now on YouTube)
FREE BLOGGING WEBINAR
Experts say blogging is probably the most important tool in your social media toolbox. More important than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
Join Tim Patterson from TradeShowGuyBlog and Mel White from Trade Show Tales for a free interactive “How To” blogging webinar.
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/853229842
Wednesday, December 4 from 10-11 am PST (1 pm EST).
‘s the Expiration Date of Your Trade Show Display? 20 Clues.
Trade show displays, like yogurt and milk, have expiration dates. While it may not be printed on the box, it’s not hard to spot one that’s starting to spoil. Here are 20 Clues that it’s time to buy a new exhibit.
Recent Posts
Word on the Street — July 19th thru July 23rd
Calgon Take Me Away!
This past week I took a little vacation time. Worked Monday and Tuesday and then took off for a few days of camping. Something living in the Great Pacific Northwest offers us a lot of options for as it relates to locations. You can do anything from true “survivalist” camping in the middle of nowhere . . . where you hike into a remote location that might have never been camped at before . . . to camping in a “campground” that has showers and electricity. Something I refer to as “car camping.”
Sacagawea vs. Magellan vs. Perfect 10 vs. Visionary Designs
Comparing Four Hybrid Display Systems from Classic Exhibits
Are you comfortable describing the differences between the Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, and Visionary Designs Hybrid Display Systems with your customers? If not, here’s a helpful summary of each of these product lines.
It’s actually fairly straight-forward (and it makes a lot of sense). Please understand (which translates to me CMA) that these distinctions are broad-based, and there are always exceptions.
Shooting from the Hip — 9.10 (TS2 and LeBron)
TS2 and LeBron
Well, a couple weeks have passed since I posted. I think Mel thought I had given up on the blog, but the reality is the 4th of July, a couple vacation days (if you call working a charity poker tournament in Detroit vacation), and TS2, and you are into late July.
Not much happened in late June and early July so I will catch up very quickly.
Word on the Street — July 12th thru July 16th
Post-TS2 Review and Highlights
This past week I was in Boston attending the TS2 Conference and Expo — a show that, to be honest, has had questions attached to it lately.
Questions like: What is the show’s direction? What is the show’s future? What is the motivation and/or reason for attending the show? All very valid questions.
Social Media 101 — Sponsored by Classic Exhibits
Social Media 101 – Sponsored by Classic Exhibits
Want to get into Social Media but don’t know where to get started? Join us for a fun, info-packed webinar on the basics of Social Media.
Tim Patterson, VP of Sales and Marketing for Interpretive Exhibits (a Classic Exhibits distributor) is a Social Media Guru, and he’s agreed to transform you into a guru too.
Word on the Street — July 5th thru July 9th
Who’s to Beantown? And Have You Voted Yet?
Classic Exhibits Inc. will of course be at TS2. We are in booth #315. Be sure to come by and check out the beautiful 20 x 20 island we have designed. It is highlighting many of the new TSP profiles from ClassicMODUL which accept Silicone Edge Graphics, most of which we are showing “backlit”! We are also showing one of the newest Sacagawea PS kits and a totally redesigned Magellan kit that will looked somewhat familiar but much improved.
TS2 Guest Passes and a Free, Flexible Waterproof Keyboard
Attend the 2010 TS2 Show in Boston compliments of Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL. Simply download a guest pass and register on the TS2 website with the Special VIP Code (CLASSIC).
Your VIP Guest Pass entitles you to FREE admission to the following:
‘ Choice Awards
Classic Exhibits has been nominated for the Best Exhibit House in the 2010 TSEA Exhibitors’ Choice Awards.
We’re shocked, flattered and frankly a little overheated at the moment. To the person or persons who nominated us — thank you very, very much!
Word on the Street — June 21st thru June 25th
Your First Day in High School
Do you remember your first day in high school? This week I am doing something I have not done in almost 12 years. Going to a show for the first time.
Now as you might imagine, I have been to many, many trade shows over the years — just like you. But this week I am attending as a first time exhibitor. I can’t remember the last time that happened. And it is an interesting process.
Recent Updates, Price Lists, and Kit Sheets
Recent Updates, Price Lists, and News
Kevin’s on his LIVESTRONG ride this weekend. As you read this, he’s either struggling to climb the final hill on his 100 mile ride (Sunday) or in bed with enough Motrin in his bloodstream to disorient an adult hippopotamus (Monday).
In his absence, we’ve collected two months of Recent Updates, Price Lists, and News about Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL into one convenient blog posting.
10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Hybrid Trade Show Display
Attend any recent trade show and you’ll see many, many hybrid displays. They have gone from the exception to the rule in many show halls in the past two or three years. Visually, the reason is obvious. Hybrids are attractive, lightweight, and feature large format graphics.
But just like any product, there are good, better, and best versions. For the sake of simplicity, let’s focus on one segment of hybrid designs: portable hybrids. There are also modular and custom hybrids.
10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Hybrid Display
Shooting from the Hip — 8.10 (Really Columbus?)
Really Columbus?
The week’s travels were challenging, but the meetings made up for any hassles. I can’t complain too much. A couple of canceled flights allowed me, on my 23rd wedding anniversary, to have dinner with my wife instead of my good pal, Kevin Carty. Vicki, thank you for the 23 years of adult child care you have provided. Remember, I am still the acorn waiting to become the giant oak.
Portable and Modular Trade Show Displays — Lesson #1
Are you confused about trade show displays? Well, I am, and I’ve worked in the trade show business for over 10 years. Browse through the web and you’ll discover hundreds of websites showing similar products with prices ranging from bargain basement to “Are you friggin’ kidding me?” It shouldn’t be this complicated. And, honestly, it’s not.
Word on the Street — June 7th thru June 11th
What’s the Best Business Advice You’ve Ever Received?
I am going to dovetail this week’s blog with my friend Reid’s blog from earlier this week. Reid talked about the advice he has received from his bosses over the years.
What are Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG)?
You may have noticed something new at trade shows and events. Traditional fabric graphics are frequently being replaced by Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). So what is SEG and what are the benefits?
What is SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)?
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)
Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)
SEG is a high-resolution dye-sublimated fabric graphic finished with a thin silicone strip (or welt/gasket). The silicone strip is sewn directly to the edge of the graphic, and the strip is then inserted into a frame with a recessed groove.