Trade Show Tales Blog

Trade Show Tales is your comprehensive guide to informative articles about trade show marketing, exhibit industry news, promotions, and updates on Classic Exhibits. 

For specific topics, use the Search Tool in the blog or visit the Trade Show and Event Tips in Exhibit Design Search.

Quadro S Pop Up Assembly and Features Video

Recently, a Classic Distributor asked us to record a quick video showing the basic assembly and features of the Quadro S Pop Up Display. So a few days ago, we recorded this off-the-cuff and very casual video in our shop once everyone had left. You’ll quickly see why I never auditioned for any high school or college plays.

We thought we’d share it for anyone unfamiliar with the benefits and features of the Quadro S. My thanks to Jeff Garrett, our video guru, for turning a pile of @*!% into something mildly presentable.

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The Fallacy of Running a Small Business

The Fallacy of Running a Small Business

Sales/Marketing, Finance, and Operations

Choose one. Just one. You’ll won’t be good at all three.

In a former life, I was a small business consultant for start-ups, mostly with technology companies and inventors. It was rewarding . . . and it was brutal. Nearly every day, I worked with entrepreneurs on their financials, marketing plans, and operations. Most were obsessive and deluded. They knew their product or service, but they struggled with long-term planning, raising capital, implementation, and customer service.

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Classic Exhibits 2012 BBQ and Potluck

Last Friday, we held our Annual BBQ ad Potluck at Classic Exhibits. Even on a hot day Portland, it didn’t appear to curb anyone’s appetite. Our thanks to all the employees at Classic Exhibits, Classic Rentals, and Exhibits Northwest Portland who attended and brought so many excellent salads, desserts, and appetizers.

See below for photos from the event.

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iPad Sneak Peek — Perfect 10 Pedestal with Swivel Stop Feature

Perfect 10 Pedestal with Swivel Stop iPad Mount

We don’t do this very often . . . but here’s sneak peek of a new product. It’s a P10 Pedestal with the patent pending Swivel Stop. It’s shown in portrait setting, but it easily swivels to the landscape mode with a quick twist. We are developing new uses for the Swivel Stop. These existing products already have the Swivel Stop feature: the iPad Kiosks MOD-1332, 1333, 1334, and the backwall extrusion mount MOD-1318.

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EDPA Pulse Survey:  Submit by August 24

EDPA Pulse Survey: Submit by August 24

FROM EDPA — Exhibit Designers and Producers Association

We are excited to start the 2nd Quarter PULSE for 2012 and look forward to increasing participation even more. We invite any companies who are interested in doing this to share this important industry initiative.

This quarter we continue to refine the survey and make it easier and more efficient for you to complete. Please continue to participate and encourage all of your industry peers to join in as well.

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Delegating Tasks: Word on the Street — August 13th thru August 17th

Delegating Tasks: Word on the Street — August 13th thru August 17th

I don’t often reference an article in my posts, but this week I just couldn’t resist. Jay Goltz writes a column, “You’re the Boss: The Art of Running a Small Business” in The New York Times. Last week, his post was relevant to nearly everyone who manages people, projects, or just about anything. Here’s the first paragraph, and then a link to the full article. I encourage you to read the comments as well.

The One Task I Can’t Seem to Delegate

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Calling all Distributors to EDPA ACCESS 2012: Word on the Street — August 6th thru August 10th

Calling all Distributors to EDPA ACCESS 2012: Word on the Street — August 6th thru August 10th

EDPA ACCESS 2012

It may seem early to chat about an event that is not slated until late November, but I would challenge you that it is not. Particularly for Classic Distributors.

As you have probably gathered over the years, I am a passionate advocate for EDPA (for what it represents and for what it has accomplished for our beloved industry). ACCESS is a huge part of why I am so passionate about the association.

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Apple iPad and Tablet PC Options for Trade Shows

Apple iPad and Tablet PC Options for Trade Shows

Apple iPad and Tablet PC Ideas

Back in late 90’s, Geoffery A. Moore wrote Crossing the Chasm, a book that explained how many high-tech products are purchased by early adopters. After the early adoption phase, a lull occurs before mainstream buyers purchase them — but when they do, the sales skyrocket.

For some products, this “lull” barely exists. The Apple iPad is a great example. We saw few requests for iPad stands with version 1 and 2, but now that version 3 has hit the market, we’re seeing a dramatic upswing in activity. We expect this trend to continue as more customers want iPads or tablet PCs incorporated into their trade show displays. Make no mistake. Your customers expect that you already have iPad solutions for their display. I emphasize “solutions” because there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Delegating Tasks: Word on the Street — August 13th thru August 17th

Town Call Review: Word on the Street — July 23rd thru July 27th

With July almost past, I am beginning to question where summer has gone. In Oregon, it doesn’t begin until July 5. I’ve heard Mel’s wife refer to June in the Pacific Northwest as Junuary. Very true, particularly this year.

Well, with August around the corner, we are in full blown busy mode already. Lots and lots of designing and quoting for fall shows. Thank you all for the new opportunities both large and small, kits and custom. From what we’ve seen, some amazing work lies ahead in the coming months.

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