EVOLVE! – EDPA ACCESS 2013 at Marco Island, FL: Word on the Street — October 28th thru November 1st
EVOLVE! With your Industry Peers at EDPA ACCESS 2013, the Exhibit Industry’s premiere thought leadership event on Dec. 4-6. Come as our guest and save $100 by entering “Classic evip” when you register.
Minus the Fall: Word on the Street — October 21st thru October 25th
As we roll into the last week of October, I wanted to update you on Classic Exhibits and its Family of Companies. We are headed into November with more momentum than ever. After a summer that was, well let’s be honest, unpredictable at best, the September and October numbers have been very encouraging. Thanks to you!
We Need Your Help with a Testimonial
The EDDIE Award is an award judged solely on the self-promotion of your company not on the promotion of a client.
Here’s where you can help. We plan to submit Exhibit Design Search (EDS) for the award. We’ve written the submission but would like to enhance it with testimonials — your testimonials.
Exhibit Designs that Sell — Every. Single. Time.
I am often asked to design custom booths, and the #1 requirement I hear is — “Make a design that will SELL!” So I’d like to share with you one tip that is tried and true, that has had a nearly 100% success rate for turning a job prospect into a sale.
What is Your Most Powerful Trade Show Tip? (Excellent Discussion in Linkedin)
Recently, in the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Network, Vicki Judge of Judge Advertising, posed the question — “What is Your Most Powerful Trade Show Tip.” I’ll share a few of the 63 responses, but I would encourage you to read the entire discussion thread. Excellent stuff.
Mel White Takes to the Runway: Word on the Street — October 7th thru October 11th
This week, I wanted to step aside and share with you a GREAT series of articles featuring Mel White, if for no other reason that this is the one and only time Mel will be featured on a modeling website.
Four Part Interview with Mel White, Classic Exhibits Inc.
Here’s a shocker friends. I’m on a modeling website . . . and no money was exchanged. Margaret Colebeck from Vantage Advertising conducted an interview with me about displays, design trends and the exhibit industry which they posted on their blog. I’m usually not “chatty” (quit laughing Kevin), but this time I made an exception. They had to post it in four installments.
No Mountain is Too High . . . Well Maybe One: Word on the Street — September 30th thru October 4th
Welcome to the month of October. Yep, that’s right. Three quarters have come and gone in 2013. It’s truly hard to believe. But we certainly ended with a bang. And I hope the same is true for you.
Classic Exhibits had its largest September EVER! So THANK YOU for your continued confidence and loyalty. We certainly appreciate it!
September came to a close with two events: Shared Knowledge University (Fall 2013 session) and The Club 815 Gran Fondo Fundraising Bike Ride.
What are People Buying?: Word on the Street — September 16th thru September 20th
At least five times a day, I am asked by distributors: “So what are you seeing in exhibit design? What are people buying?” I love when I am asked that question. It’s usually an indication that we’re all busy.
So what’s selling? . . . Portable and custom hybrids with tension fabric graphics continue to drive the ship, but the biggest sales superstar right now – – iPad Stands!
The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. It Matters!
One benefit of blogging is having the luxury to promote something special to me and to our industry — The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (https://www.rsmgc.org/).
For most folks in our industry, “The Randy” is as recognizable as Cher, Madonna, or Bono. The Randy is an annual charitable golf tournament held in the Atlanta area. For those unfamiliar with Randy Smith, he was tragically taken from us several years ago. The first Classic was to raise money to help the Smith family with the financial burden they experienced. Since then, the mission has expand.
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Word on the Street — February 22nd thru February 26th
Sometimes Getting a Bloody Nose Can be a Good Thing
Not literally of course, but every now and then we overlook the obvious or we get too comfortable with the status quo. When it happens, it’s how a company or an individual reacts that defines who they are or where the future leads. At least you hope so.
That Annoying Plastic Screw is Gone
Let’s take a quick entertaining quiz:
Question: What’s the name of the part that holds the plex wings on Visionary Designs, Sacagawea, Magellan, and Perfect 10 displays?
Answer: A10.
Question: What do you dislike most about the A10?
Answer: The annoying plastic tension screw that requires a flathead screwdriver (or dime) to tighten.
Word on the Street — February 15th thru February 19th
Have you ever noticed that most companies fall into three camps when it comes to change?
* They never change.
* They make constant incremental changes (they tinker).
* They make big changes every year or two or three (the grand gesture), but generally stay pat until then.
Introducing the Sacagawea Portable Hybrid PS-Series
Classic Exhibits announces the new Sacagawea Portable Hybrid PS-Series, a design addition to the very popular Sacagawea Display line. The PS-Series designs split the backwall into two distinct tension fabric sections while adding both depth and curves to the overall appearance. And like the existing P and T-Series, the PS includes options such as monitor mounts, workstations, pedestals, brochure holders, and standoff signage.
The Basics of Business Entertaining and Building Friendships
There are really two primary reasons to entertain for business: to reward or thank customers for their existing business, or to attract new business from prospective customers. Ultimately, the goal is not all that complicated. We want to make new friends or to strengthen existing friendships. I know that selling is often seen as a cold and calculating transaction, but that’s not my style. The goal for me is create new friends and lasting friendships with our customers.
Word on the Street — February 8th thru February 12th
Road Warrior Stories
Many of us travel a lot for our jobs. And by a lot, I mean up to half the year. My wife tells anyone who will listen that I’m on the road four months a year. I don’t know if it’s quite that bad, but I do travel frequently, whether it’s just for a night or for a week visiting distributors in the Midwest, South, or East Coast.
Word on the Street — February 1st thru February 5th
The Best “Pre-Show Marketing” I Have Ever Seen
After 15 years in the trade show industry, I don’t consider myself an expert, but I am a pretty good judge of certain things — like pre-show marketing.
In late December and early January, I witnessed one of the very best ever. It was created and implemented by Griffin Technology, an aftermarket accessory provider for iPods, iPhones, Blackberrys, and the upcoming iPad. And it was implemented specifically to generate buzz and traffic for their booth at CES 2010.
Classic Exhibits, ClassicMODUL, and EXHIBITOR2010
In case you were wondering, we will be in Las Vegas at EXHIBITOR2010 from March 15-17. You can find us at booth #929, a 20′ x 30′ island. Just head left once you enter the hall and look for the pinwheel hanging sign with the distinctive (and always attractive) Classic logo.
Word on the Street — January 25th thru January 29th
Presentation “Surprises”
Let’s face it . . . it has happened to all of us.
1. Your shipment of samples is lost by UPS or FedEx. Or, if they are packed with your luggage, your luggage arrives in Dallas but you are in Pittsburgh and on your way to Baltimore.
2. Your presentation files are corrupted.
3. You stop by just to “see how things are going.” It’s supposed to be a casual meeting with the “team” only to discover that the “team” is an audience of 30 people expecting a full-blown presentation. 1.
Word on the Street — January 18th thru January 22nd
Don’t Take Yourself Too Serious!
Those who know me, know that I don’t take myself too seriously. The same can be said about Classic Exhibits. Just look at our recent contest “Find Reid’s Head.” Clearly, we are laughing at ourselves while making a point about the Exhibit Design Search.
Annual State of the Company Letter from Kevin Carty
Thankfully, 2009 is in the rear view mirror. It was a rough but enlightening year.
How did Classic do in 2009? There’s both a short and a long answer.
Word on the Street — January 11th thru January 15th
A Lasting Impression
Ever leave a meeting or sales presentation and wonder if what you said “stuck”? Better yet, after giving a presentation have you ever discovered that your client went in another direction. Worse, the direction they chose was something you could have handled as well. Wonder why?
Aero Overhead Hanging Signs — Setup Animation Video
This one minute animation of the Aero Pinwheel shows how Aero Overhead Hanging Signs assemble. Every Aero Overhead Hanging Sign assembles with push-button connectors and the aluminum frames are wrapped in tension fabric graphics with zippers.
Word on the Street — January 4th thru January 8th
Effective Meetings
After leaving a meeting recently, I was asked by a friend, “How was your meeting?” Too which I responded, “Long, but good.” His response was, “A long meeting is never a good meeting.”
My Favorite Las Vegas Website — Cheapo Vegas!
With EXHIBITOR2010 just around the corner, I thought I’d pass along my favorite Las Vegas website. Let me rephrase that . . . my favorite family friendly Las Vegas website.
Be warned. It’s addictive. I would strongly advise you to not start reading this site while you’re at work, unless you’re the boss. Next thing you know, you missed lunch and it’s getting awfully close to dinner.