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No Mountain is Too High . . . Well Maybe One: Word on the Street — September 30th thru October 4th

October 6th, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS
o Mountain is Too High …Well Maybe One: Word on the Street -- September 30th thru October 4th

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

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.

Shared Knowledge University — Go Fighting Hybrids!

First, SKU was another screaming success. While the group was a bit smaller than some past classes, this semester’s graduating class was engaged, participatory, and of course just plain good people.

McMenamins Detention Room

On behalf of Mel, Jim, me, and the entire family here at Classic Exhibits Inc., thanks to the new graduates for giving your time and attention. We hope you left with a better understanding of the breadth of the product line, the usefulness of the tools we offer such as EDS, and of course we hope you have an even better sense for who we are as a company.

Finally, every class is distinct, and every class leaves its mark on the school and you. The Class of September 2013 was no different. You have left us with memories of KNOBS and just how critical they are to our day-to-day work and personal lives. Now graduates . . . . celebrate your degree with a muffin or two. Please let Jen LaBruzza or Reid Sherwood know if you would like to participate in the May 2014 class. Space is limited and typically fills fast for the Spring session.

Grand Fondo Hood River Bike Ride

Second, The Club Rode once again.

On Saturday September 28, 2013, the setting was once again picturesque Hood River, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Team: Joel Roy, Cathy Roy, Grant Murrell, Greg Garrett, Mel White, Dave Brown and Kevin Carty. The Cause:  to raise funds for our colleague and friend Mike Swartout, Design Director of Classic Exhibits.

If this sounds familiar, it should. This is the second year we have ridden this same ride for this same great friend. But believe me when I say this year was much, much different in both good and bad ways.

The good part was that this year the wind was manageable, Only about 20 MPH at its worst. But the Bad part was it rained cats and dogs for the first 51 miles of the 80 mile ride. I mean it poured!

To my teammates — Thank You! You are all inspiring individuals in your own right and I appreciate you taking the time once again to go on the ride with me. I know you will agree with me when I say, the rain really was no big deal and did not bother us at all. We were motivated by the presence of Mike and Janet Swartout all along the route. Having you both there was so great and soooo appreciated! Especially at the King of the Mountain climb.

And thanks to all who donated to our ride. We truly appreciate all your support! And its not to late to send in last minute donations. Please follow this link:

https://mycharityofchoice.com/campaign/profile/336.

Back to business. I hope your fall is shaping up as well as ours. And thanks again for such a great kickoff to the fall.

Be well.

Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

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What are People Buying?: Word on the Street — September 16th thru September 20th

September 22nd, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS
What are People Buying?: Word on the Street — September 16th thru September 20th

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

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!

If you have been to Classic, then you know my office is above Accounting and next to Design. Everyday, I walk up and down those stairs 15-20 times. On my way to Customer Service or the Set-up area, I generally tour Production to see what is being built and shipping that day.

Without fail, I always see multiple iPad Stands, an iPad enclosure, or some creative way we are integrating an iPad or other tablet into an exhibit. From Islands to Table tops and everything in between. And while I see lots of standard “kits,” I also see lots of customized applications as well.

iPad Stands

Classic Exhibits has devoted more than two years to designing a wide assortment of tablet solutions into exhibits of all shapes and sizes. We are clearly the leader. I say that not because I’m bragging, but because we have devoted enormous R&D, Design, and Marketing effort to achieve that position. The proof is in the pudding. Not a day goes by that we are not shipping 5-25 iPad kiosks or enclosures.

Design and innovation has certainly been the driver. From the get-go, we applied for Design and Utility patents because we wanted to protect not only our intellectual property, but also ensure that Classic Distributors had a unique competitive advantage in the marketplace. Those distributors who have embraced iPad Solutions and have marketed them consistently and aggressively are reaping the rewards of their efforts.

Aside from design, the other element that stands out is the “secret sauce,” such as our “Port\Land” Swivel Stop Technology. Whether you’re using an iPad or some other tablet unit, such as a Samsung Galaxy Tab or ASUS, this feature really sets the Classic products apart from those Johnny Come Lately knockoffs. All are clunky, heavy, and less functional, even those units that have “attempted” to copy the same design features.

It’s one thing to “copy” as opposed to “innovate.” Innovation requires a well thought out process that:  a). focuses on your customers, b). understands how they will use it, c). designs it to be attractive and functional, and d). engineers it to be durable and lightweight. Copying does none of that.

iPad Kiosks

I digress. Whether you are building a dynamic island design or just a freestanding interactive kiosk, please keep our iPad Solutions in mind. They are an affordable and a practical accessory to any exhibit.

Thank you for your continued support of Classic Exhibits. We welcome your design and R&D suggestions.

Hope you have a great weekend with your families. Talk to you next week.

Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

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The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. It Matters!

September 19th, 2013 Mel White 1 COMMENT
Shooting from the Hip (trade show tips)

Shooting from the Hip by Reid Sherwood

One benefit of blogging is having the luxury to promote something special to me and to our industry — The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (http://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.

“The objective of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic is to help families in the exhibition industry who have suffered severe tragedies or face insurmountable medical expenses. Our commitment is to provide financial and emotional support to all past and present recipients and their families.”

We all feel invincible, and we assume that nothing bad will ever happen to us. Well, a few years ago, Mike Swartout (my friend and the Creative Director at Classic Exhibits) was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Mike is still battling that cancer today, but in 2011, he was a recipient at The Randy.

Several years ago, an Optima employee, Jim Wetherington Jr., was diagnosed with brain cancer and was taken at a very young age. The Randy was able to provide emotional and financial support to his family during that time of need.

I have said all that just to say this . . .  The Randy Smith Golf Memorial Golf Classic is the one event all year where competitors come together, lay down their swords, and work to help industry colleagues who need it most.

This year, The Randy is on October 14 at Chateau Elan, a few miles north of Atlanta. We welcome golfers, sponsors, and workers. It is an incredible event. There are at least 11 recipients, so your financial donations, hole sponsorships, or corporate sponsorships are very needed.

For more information, please visit www.rsmgc.com. We would love to see you there. Should you have any questions, please email or call me.

Reid Sherwood
reid@classicexhibits.com

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and engineered aluminum extrusions (ClassicMODUL). Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100.

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New LIGHTNING DEAL on Exhibit Design Search

September 16th, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS

Effective today, there’s a new feature on Exhibit Design Search — Lightning Deal. The Lightning Deal (LD) button appears on the Home Page between Display Type and Search.

Lightning Deal vs. Specials

Currently, there is a Specials Gallery. Specials last anywhere from 30-60 days and include a range of products and price points. A Lightning Deal will be priced more aggressively than a Special, typically 5-10 percent more. There will be only (1) one “active” Lightning Deal per week; however, we will honor the LD price for another week. So, technically, all LD’s are two weeks long. All LD’s are pre-configured kits, with no substitutions or modifications.

Why the Lightning Deal?

  1. Although Exhibit Design Search is first and foremost a search tool, it should also be seen as a transaction tool. The LD button will reinforce that with exhibit buyers.
  2. “Weekly” deals should increase visits to Distributor-branded EDS sites. Those visits are already very good, but increasing them even more is always a plus.
  3. It’s our hope that aggressive deals with shorter time frames “may” assist in closing certain orders faster. When the clock is ticking . . . .

Let us know if there are any kits or product lines you’d like to see featured as a Lightning Deal. We are open to any and all suggestions.

This week we are featuring the VK-1240 Magellan Magic Hybrid Display. Next week? Well, you’ll have to come back and check. 😉

 

–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com

**********************************************

Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

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What Goes Up . . . Hopefully Comes Down!: Word on the Street — September 9th thru September 13th

September 13th, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS
What Goes Up...Hopefully Comes Down!: Word on the Street -- September 9th thru September 13th

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Club 815 Powered by The EDPA Foundation Rides Again!

It’s mid-September in Oregon. Right now, there are clear blue skies, 88 degrees, sunny . . . and not a lick of wind in the forecast. Sounds pretty nice huh? And lest I forget to mention, not an ounce of humidity. September is always a banner month in the Pacific Northwest and one of the reason I love living here. I am saying this in hopes it will stay this way for the next two weeks.

In two weeks, a group of friends will be gathering in the Great Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge to be specific. We are gathering to ride for a good friend and colleague once again. And privileged to do so.

Many, if not all of you, know Mike Swartout (our Design Director) and his courageous story. And can easily see why a group of sub-par cyclists feel compelled to go on an 85 mile ride, through 50 mph winds, and up 7000 feet of climbs to raise money for Mike, his lovely wife Janet, and awareness for Prostate Cancer. And just in case you don’t, please follow this link to learn more about Mike and about supporting us on our ride this year.

Charity of Choice

https://mycharityofchoice.com/campaign/profile/336#.UjMxvhacevQ

Joining me this year are:

  • Greg “Marathon Man” Garrett
  • Mel “Crash Happy” White
  • Dave “Weird Science” Brown
  • Joel “Grumps” Roy
  • Grant “King Of The Mountain” Murrell
  • And Kevin “White Cheeks” Carty. Don’t ask because I won’t tell

We appreciate any help, even just kind words of encouragement. 🙂 We will be posting via my Twitter account as we ride for those who want to follow the merriment–and pain–along the way. Here are a few photos of our journey from last year.

Hope you all have a great weekend with your family.

Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

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