SEGUE SuperNova LED Inline Lightboxes
For the first time, exhibitors can enjoy the visible benefits of a large lightbox in a portable one- or two-sided display. SEGUE SuperNova LED Lightboxes from Classic Exhibits use a proprietary light system that attaches to the engineered aluminum frame.
Classic Exhibits has a NEW Chicago Rental Depot
Yes, you read that correctly! We’re excited to announce that we have added a rental depot in Chicago. We’ve teamed up with ELITeXPO to produce rentals at their corporate headquarters in Elgin, IL (right outside of Chicago). We’ll work with you on the sales end, and they’ll handle the fulfillment. And you’ll save big time on shipping costs!
How to Build Superfans for Your Brand: Word on the Street — July 8th thru July 12th
The fact I am writing this makes me laugh. A friend and fellow music lover shared an article with me last week about my favorite band — Pearl Jam. And the reason it makes me chuckle is that as a card carrying member of the Ten Club (their fan club) since 1992, I firmly believe that Eddie, Stone, Jeff, and Mike would cringe if they knew they were being written about as smart “business strategists.”
A Groovy First Year Retrospective
Lesson #56 – Problems Can be Opportunities in (a really bad) Disguise
Some might say “astounding.” Others may choose “astonishing.” I choose “G-R-O-O-V-Y”!
The past year has been, well, groovy. I’m imagining a few LOL moments from those who have spent time with me.
What Do You Do With Your Time?: Word on the Street — July 1st thru July 5th
Happy 4th of July
This past week was and probably will go down as the slowest sales week of the year. Having the holiday land on a Thursday can do that. Add to that it’s in July, and you get a whole lot of nothing.
Trade Show Flooring Galleries in EDS — WOW!
Brumark has made significant changes and additions to the Flooring — Carpet and Padding and Flooring – Other Options galleries of Exhibit Design Search!
In addition to enhanced product descriptions and updated images, they’ve added a variety of flooring products to meet just about any application and budget requirement. Here’s a description of the changes from Brumark:
Polishing Perfection: Word on the Street — June 24th thru June 28th
First, the issue. We design, manufacture and sell tradeshow exhibits. We depend on you to find new clients or to work with your existing clients to develop their tradeshow program. But there is, at times, a fly in the ointment or a pink elephant in the room. It’s YOU!
Magellan Portable Hybrid Displays
The Classic distributors who attend Shared Knowledge University (SKU), our comprehensive training program, hear the history and the explanation of our hybrid lines. They always tell us that what was confusing, now makes sense. So, over the next few weeks, I’ll do my best to encapsulate the SKU review into a series of blogs about the Classic Hybrid lines. We’ll begin with Magellan.
Meet Katrina Broten, Our Design Intern: Word on the Street — June 17th thru June 21st
The Classic Family is very happy to welcome Katrina Broten to our Design Department as a Summer Design Intern. Many of you might remember Katrina from earlier postings. She and I met through the EDPA Mentorship Program with Bemidji State University last fall. During her final year, she collaborated with Mike and Katina from the Classic Exhibits Design Department as she worked on her senior projects.
Custom Island Exhibit by Classic Exhibits
The 40′ x 40′ Calypto Island Exhibit was built by Classic Exhibits for Exhibits Northwest Portland. The custom construction island featured a 40 ft entrance with downlighting, backlit reception counters, silicone edge graphics, and three large monitors all framed by two large “C” bookends. Behind the entrance was private meeting rooms. Built using wood cam-lock construction, primarily 4 x 8 panels.
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10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #7
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #7. You probably already know this but will confirm it anyway. Not every exhibit design shown in Design Monday has been built (or in some cases even engineered). Heck, that’s why we called it “Design Monday,” not “Kits Monday.” Has it ever bit us in the tutu? Never, because we either design the exhibits to be built or we figure out how to build them. Sure we take risks . . . but we’re not stupid.
Plus 1. Classic Exhibits is located on International Way in Milwaukie, OR (a suburb of Portland). Now, we’re not sure our industrial park, which is a beautiful industrial park with trees, a stream, and a wetlands, qualifies as international, but our workforce may. In addition to the many native-born Oregonians and Washatonians, we have employees born in Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Bosnia, and Turkey. And then there’s Charlie Shivel, our Kentucky-born PM. You’d think there would be a temptation to pick on Charlie, but Mel White, the VP of Marketing, is a much easier target. Although born in Washington State, he’s live much of his life in West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, and North Dakota. Statistically, Mel wins by a landslide.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #6
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #6. Good exhibit designers are different (and sometimes a little scary). By nature, they are creative, resourceful, efficient, inquisitive, and even petulant at times. They have the uncanny ability to envision complex solutions with minimal instructions. And while many of them are mentalists, like Kreskin, they are not psychics or mind-readers. They are good, just not that good. Want some practical advice on how to maximize a designer’s creative potential and minimize any peevishness (Hey, we’re human too), then we urge you to avoid the following “cotton candy” design descriptions:
Open and Airy
Contemporary but Classic
Clean not Cluttered
Modern Looking but No Metal
We’ll know what we want when we see it (Ugh?!!!!!!!)
Plus 1. Our production manager is Jim, but that isn’t his real name. Ten years ago, our former production manager couldn’t pronounce “Yevgenity,” so rather than learn to pronounce it, he simply decided that “Jim” was easier. He’s been Jim ever since. We share this because it illustrates how our production team accommodates distributor requests (sometimes to a fault). If you want a Yevgenity to be a Jim, then they’ll make it a Jim.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #5
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #5. Classic markets two pop up displays — the Quadro S (square frame) and the Quadro EO (self-locking, economy option frame). We want to be sympathetic when you tell us that naming both pop up systems Quadro is confusing (we really do). But the evil side of us says, “This is the same person who could describe ‘at length’ the differences between the Oreo Sandwich Creme and the Oreo Double Stuff and why the Oreo Cakester is better than the Milk Chocolate Covered Oreo.”
Plus 1. Anyone who has ever visited Classic can confirm the following . . . Classic has no lobby, no showroom, no receptionist. When you enter our building, you step onto the manufacturing floor. There’s no better example of who we are and what we do than that. We are a designer and manufacturer of trade show exhibits whose products are sold through an independent network of professional distributors.
Word on the Street — October 5th thru October 9th
The same can be said for us at Classic. We cannot succeed without the help and support of our key vendor partners. They provide the frosting for all the beautiful exhibits we create on behalf of our distributors. Companies like Optima Graphics and Brumark Flooring are critical to making a Classic, well . . . a Classic!
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #4
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #4. We often talk about being a transparent company to our distributors. We’ll discuss any aspect of Classic Exhibits Inc. except our financials (we’re privately held). We’ll break that rule just this once. On occasion, a distributor will ask us if we have enough aluminum extrusion to handle a large order. We always smile. Currently, we have over a million dollars in aluminum extrusion in our inventory. It would have to be a REALLY BIG ORDER to put a dent in our inventory. Bring it on baby!
Plus 1. Aside from Reid Sherwood’s obvious sales and people skills, not many people know that the third reason he was hired by Classic had a lot to do with Mel White’s obsession with Bigfoot!
For the only legitimate source of Bigfoot facts and sightings (according to Mel . . . and he’s serious), refer to the non-profit Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization(www.bfro.net).
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #3
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #3. Yes, Sacagawea is an odd name for an exhibit system, but we wanted to continue the explorer theme (Magellan). Do you have any idea how hard it is to find an explorer whose reputation hasn’t taken a beating in recent history? Think Cortez, Columbus, Pizarro . . . basically any explorer in the “New World.” For anyone struggling with how to pronounce “Sacagawea” or for a quick history lesson about this remarkable woman, click here.
Plus 1. Despite our denials, we actually own an anti-gravity device. We only use it for our special customers since it requires Plutonium 286 to power the reactor.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #2
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! When you call and ask us a question . . . and then there’s a pause, it’s probably because we are checking Exhibit Design Search for the answer. We love chatting with you (we really do!), but about half the questions you ask are available in Exhibit Design Search online.
Plus 1. Combined, Reid Sherwood and Kevin Carty have one good liver. See them destroy what’s left next week at the 15th Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, October 12, 2009 at Berkeley Hills in Duluth, GA.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #1
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually, one, plus another one each day. Enjoy! #1. When your shipping carrier arrives at noon, but your order isn’t scheduled to ship until 4 pm and won’t be ready until then, we always tell the driver it’s your fault.
Plus 1. During slow production months (November and May in particular), Classic Manufacturing transforms into a “Snuggie” factory. What can we say. . . Cash flow baby!
p.s. Now available in many fashionable patterns such as Leopard and Zebra!
Words of Wisdom from My Grandmother
In business, “Taking the Time” is a mindset. We all know it’s easier and less expensive to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. That fact has been drilled into our brain repeatedly. Yet, we devote most of our energy to chasing new customers or simply reacting to existing ones. What we rarely do is contact our existing customers. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. When did you call a customer for advice about a product or service? How often do you send out surveys asking for feedback? Do you ever phone a customer just to ask how they are doing without launching into a sales pitch?
Word on the Street — September 25th thru October 2nd
Content is KING!
This week was a travel week for me. I was fortunate to see new customers as well as some great existing customers/friends.
The standout day this past week was easily Wednesday. That was the day I attended an Open House hosted by one of our customers.
I have been to quite a few Open House Events in my 15 years of doing this. Many hosted or organized by folks who are reading this blog. Honestly, there are a few that I end up leaving and feeling “that was so close, but it was missing something . . . and I can’t seem to put my finger on it.”
When 50% “Show” and 50% “Trade” is 100% “In Doubt”
After 10 plus years in the exhibit industry, I tend to make assumptions about trade shows. To me, they are convention halls, pipe and drape, carpeting, hanging banners, and trade show displays. They are drayage, union labor, and confusing electrical forms. You expect the exhibit hall to be 50 percent “show” and 50 percent “trade.”
Word on the Street — September 21st thru September 25th
It’s almost “Randy” time!
This week I am using this forum for a totally different purpose. But something I feel very passionate about and want to share with you.
15th Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic
October 12, 2009
at Berkeley Hills in Duluth, GA
Word on the Street — September 14th thru September 18th
Where Have All the Turnaround Times Gone?
Of course, I say this partially in jest, but boy isn’t it true right now?!?
And please don’t get me wrong. Like you, we are delighted to have the business. As many of you have shared with me this week, everyone is ordering much later this year.
If Trade Show Exhibits Were Celebrities, They Would Be . . . .
Banner Stands (cheap, attractive, but not always reliable): Tara Reid, Andy Dick, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan
Custom Exhibits (talented, larger than life, mostly professional but occasionally temperamental): Meryl Streep, Orson Welles, Dame Judi Dench, Aretha Franklin
Overhead Tension Fabric Signs (highly visible and stretched tight): Joan Rivers
Table Tops (small, perky, occasionally cute): Kathy Griffin, Danny Devito, Herve Villechaize, Dakota Fanning,
Pop Up Displays (versatile, portable, and over-exposed): Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, John Mayer, Jennifer Aniston
Modular Exhibits (adaptable, upscale, but not custom): Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Jimmy Stewart, Christopher Walken
Hybrid Exhibits (lightweight, re-inventing, contemporary): Johnny Depp, Robin Williams, Madonna, Tom Hanks
Green (eco-friendly but pushy): Ed Begley Jr., Al Gore, Sheryl Crow
Aluminum Extrusion Systems (durable, versatile, supporting role): Keith Richards, Alfre Woodard, John Tuturro, William H. Macy, Vivian Vance and William Frawley
Homemade Cardboard Display (barely functional, always tacky): Tom Arnold, Jon and Kate Gossling (but not the kids), Omarosa, Carrot Top
Vinyl Hanging Signs (last resort, unstable): Screech (Dustin Diamond) from “Saved by the Bell”
Word on the Street — September 7th thru September 11th
I’m traveling for business this week. During several of my meetings, I discovered that not everyone knows what a Classic Project Manager does. That surprised me because our Project Managers are critical to how your quotes, your orders, and even your basic product questions are handled. They are your “eyes” and “ears” at Classic Exhibits. They are your advocate, not only in Customer Service but also when your order goes to our Production Manager and our Production team.