I Get Questions: Word on the Street — November 25th thru November 29th
Next week, I am off to Marco Island, FL for the Annual EDPA ACCESS meeting. Something I look forward to every year as a proud sponsor and member of the Board of Directors.
Since I will not be seeing some of you there, I thought I would use this week’s blog as an opportunity to practice my elevator pitches to the usual (and unusual) questions that I’m often asked.
Healthcare and an Exhibit House: Word on the Street — November 11th thru November 15th
The issue of Healthcare Reform affects us all personally and professionally. At Classic, we have attempted to stay on top of it in anticipation of the changes to our employees. Mel White, Beth Senter, and I have had quarterly review meetings with our insurance broker since Q4 2012. And each meeting/review comes with a new list of information, changes, and uncertainties.
Call for Entries: Word on the Street — November 4th thru November 8th
You Know — The PMA’s!
In case you haven’t heard, the fine folks at EXHIBITOR have added a great event to EXHIBITOR2014 — The Portable Modular Awards. This inaugural event will be held on Tuesday evening March 18, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Customized Tablet Stand with Disability Access (Video)
Recently, a Classic Exhibits Distributor asked us to customize the MOD-1353 iPad Stand for their client. Four modifications were requested: Disability Access, Lockable Clamshell for Galaxy Tab 3 Tablet, Tilt, and Secure Electrical Box. See the short video to see the final result.
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.
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Cocktail Party Espionage at EXHIBITOR 2010
This Tuesday (March 16), Classic Exhibits will host our EXHIBITOR Show Hospitality Suite at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. There will be no awards, but there will be a bunch of very nice Classic friends and employees.
Word on the Street — March 1st thru March 5th
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates!
But should your trade show exhibit buying experience be?
For starters, yes I did just watch Forrest Gump. And YES, i do think life is like that. Meaning, you never know what you’re gonna get in many situations.
Recent Changes to EDS — Caterpillar to Butterfly
If you spend anytime at all in Exhibit Design Search, whether on Classic’s site or on your own version of EDS, you’ve watched it change from a caterpillar to a butterfly over the past 30 days. Nearly every day, there have been small but important changes either to the functionality or to the User Interface.
Aero Portable Table Top Display — Setup Video
This creative animation by Mike Swartout, the Classic Design Director, shows how the Aero Table Top assembles. Every Aero Table Top assembles with push-button connectors, and the lightweight aluminum frames are then wrapped in tension fabric graphics.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqx9lLP_3ck&fmt=18
Aero Table Top Displays are designed to be beautiful, adaptable, and recognizable, whether it’s for a trade show or special event. Choose from 13 imaginative designs such as the TF-404, TF-407, TF-411, and TF-414. Aero Displays are economical to own, simple to assemble, and easy to maintain.
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.