Trade Show TalesBlog

Archive for 2010

“Classic” Chippendales Video Compliments of Larry Crumlish

March 20th, 2010 COMMENTS

You may want to step back from the table in case you are eating. In fact, we strongly recommend that you wait at least an hour after eating or drinking before viewing this video. The images are VERY VERY disturbing.

Our thanks to Larry Crumlish from InSource for sending us this Chippendales video and for his explanation:

“This year, I was a bit concerned about what happened after your EXHIBITOR hospitality suite. My understanding that ‘what happens in Vegas . . . Stays in Vegas!’ So I do not know how the film clip below got published.”

As always, it was a pleasure seeing you at EXHIBITOR. We’re sending an index finger in your direction my friend. For an explanation of the “index finger” remark or just to give Larry Crumlish a thumbs up for the video, you can contact him at larry@insourcelc.com.

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Click the Image to View the Video

Video Emails from Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITOR 2010

March 19th, 2010 COMMENTS

We thought you might enjoy these videos taken by Jeff Abramson from MaxYourImage. The first video shows a quick walk through of the Classic Exhibits booth and an update by Kevin Carty, VP of Sales about EXHIBITOR 2010. Kevin discusses attendance at the show and the Classic products featured in the booth, including rental display kits and silicone edge graphics.

The second video with Jeff Abramson walks you through the key features of the Classic Exhibits booth with an emphasis on the backlit SEG graphics.  We hope you enjoy both videos!

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And the Sacagawea Winner is . . .

March 17th, 2010 COMMENTS
Classic Exhibits in Las Vegas

Classic Exhibits in Las Vegas

Our thanks to everyone who attended the Classic Exhibits Hospitality Suite last night at Mandalay Bay. A special thanks to Gina Porcaro and Tim Bonesteel from Optima Graphics for serving as bartenders. The conspicuous tip jar may have crossed the line, but otherwise your skill at keeping everyone lubricated was accomplished with graciousness and finesse. And, in spite of Mel’s best efforts to provoke distributors and vendors alike, there were no fistfights.

Now to the drawing . . . The winner of the Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Showroom Giveaway . . . . (the obligatory drum roll please!)

Steve Gable, Innovation Exhibits Inc.

Congratulations Steve. Contact Kevin Carty at your convenience, and we’ll get your Sacagawea order into Production.

We’ll post photos from the show early next week in Past Five Days. We’d do it today but typing with a hangover is hard. Editing and posting photos would require several Bloody Mary’s and a handful of Advil, both of which are in short supply this morning. And, frankly, we’re a little afraid of what photos would get posted by mistake. Just a warning . . . We have photos of Reid Sherwood impersonating Chris Farley in the Chippendale skit from Saturday Night Live.

Viva Las Vegas!!!

Word on the Street — March 8th thru March 12th

March 14th, 2010 COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

(With Kevin in Las Vegas at EXHIBITOR, Jim Shelman, GM of Exhibits NW Portland, has assumed the “Word on the Street” duties this week.)

Now That You’ve Decided to Rent Your Trade Show Exhibit . . .

There are lots of articles about the benefits of renting vs. buying an exhibit, including this one on Classic’s website. But, I don’t recall ever reading an article that discussed the do’s and don’ts once you have decided to rent. After 20 years of managing exhibit rentals for clients, including the past five managing the Rental Program for Classic Exhibits, I’ve learned that deciding to rent is the easy part. The hard part comes after the rental decision has been made. With all humility, please allow me to share these tips from someone who has experienced his fair share of rental bruises over the years.

Think Ahead about Future Shows
You’ve decided to rent your exhibit. Now take it a step further by planning your trade show schedule over the next two to three years. Developing a long-term plan could save you thousands of dollars by committing to a multiple-show rental contract. Most companies offer a substantial discount if you agree to multiple rentals up front, even for various size exhibits and different designs.

Customization
Rental exhibits have come a long way. Work with a company that’s willing to offer customization so you can achieve your specific exhibit marketing goals. Everyone should be wondering, “Is it a rental or not?” There are a number of ways to achieve a custom look. It can be achieved with graphic applications and/or materials such as infill panels for conference rooms and workstations. Sometimes all it takes is a small accent piece with your corporate colors to make a big difference in the overall design. Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you don’t want to jazz it up a bit and give it your own personal touch. It should have a similar look and feel to an exhibit you would purchase but with the added benefit that you can change things out from show to show.

rental_jimGraphics
Be sure you have all of the specs you need for your graphics. There are many graphic applications. Working with an exhibit professional will ensure that you choose the method that works best for your rental exhibit. And if you choose to sign a multiple show contract, you’ll want to design your graphics with future shows and exhibit designs in mind. There are usually graphic components that can be re-used, so keep that in mind as you work through each design concept.

Monitors
If you’re planning to use monitors, check that the mounts can be incorporated into the design. In other words don’t waste money on monitor stands if you can use the existing structure. A good rental exhibit company will offer a variety of solutions for monitors and wire management.

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Cocktail Party Espionage at EXHIBITOR 2010

March 9th, 2010 5 COMMENTS
Join Us at the Classic Hospitality Suite at EXHIBITOR 2010

Join Us at the Classic Hospitality Suite 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.

In anticipation of the event, the Classic paparazzi have gathered tidbits, rumors, innuendos, and general gossip about some of the attendees. However, we need to enlist your assistance to ferret out the remaining dirty truth so we can use it as blackmail throughout year.

For example, these folks can expect a not-so-subtle phone call when sales are slow in June . . . “Hey Chris, how about purchasing a Sacagawea Hybrid Display this week (or even three or four), and we’ll consider burning a certain incriminating ‘photo’ in our possession?”

If you are uncomfortable dabbling in the gentle art of espionage, consider using the following helpful conversation starters. Once you get them talking, be sure to ask about any “funny” or “embarrassing” stories they may have from spring break, college, or their trip to Argentina to visit a “friend.” We’ve found that casually dropping the word “experiment” seems to be particularly effective after a few drinks.

Just a little hint . . . Be wary of the swizzle sticks and cocktail napkins at the party. They may not be what they seem.

  • Chris Griffin (Trade Show Supply) —  “Did you really beat Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a bicycle race through the Orange County Convention Center?”
  • Kim Merkin (Czarnowski) – “Kim, I hear you have put on two very successful and informative Open Houses over the past couple of years. What is your secret?”
  • Jay and Carol Larimore (Tradeshow STOP) – “Do you really have the largest collection of iPod accessories East of the Mississippi?”
  • Robert Keller (Bay Area Exhibits) – “I hear your building contains one of world’s largest trampolines . . . what’s that all about?”
  • David Hanken (Total Displays) — “What’s the secret to selling an expensive hybrid display to your wife’s software company?”
  • Dave Desko (The Exhibit Source) – “Did you really paddle across the Boston Harbor using only a lacrosse stick?”
  • Joe Shelman (Exhibits Northwest Seattle) – “Are you really excited about the off-season signing of Cliff Lee by the Mariners?”
  • Mark Bendickson (Exhibit Design) – Did you really supplement your 2009 sales by publishing a book titled Texts from Last Night?
  • Jim Shelman (Exhibits Northwest Portland) – “Jim, is there some sort of curse on the Blazers this year? What’s up with all the injuries? Did you put a voodoo hex on them?”
  • Ron Armstrong (Armstrong Display Concepts) – “Have you ever lost an Elvis impersonator competition?”
  • Cindi Cody (Xzibits) – “Why do you carry two Chapsticks with you?”
  • Susan Coppola (Imagecraft)– “Susan, rumor has it you have the coolest lunch spot ever near your facility. It’s located in an Apple Orchard or something?”
  • John Snyder (Atlantic Exhibits) – “Did you think this was the Safari Club International Show? Is that why you’re wearing camo?”
  • Larry Crumlish (InSource LC) – “Have you been given the finger lately?”
  • Justin Hersch (Delphi) – “Justin, you have to have one of the more unique manufacturing facilities . . . an old airplane hangar. I hear some episodes of Myth Busters have been shot there. Is that true?”
  • Sean Combs (Steelhead Productions) – “Sean, exactly how many times a day do people refer to you as Puffy or P-Diddy?”
  • Dave Walens (Brumark) – Do you really have to be in New York by 11:30 pm to lead the Late Night Orchestra?

As you can plainly see, we will be surrounded by greatness. Please stop by for a wonderful event on March 16 (from 3:30 to 6:30 pm). You’ll be contacted afterward to report your findings. The urine test . . . and blood test will not be optional.

Till the next time,

Reid