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10 Big Trade Shows in North America | June 2017

May 30th, 2017 Mel White 1 COMMENT

Blog10Big

It’s officially summer. Thank goodness. Time to relax, enjoy a picnic, and attend a trade show. What? You forgot about trade shows? Shame on you.

Let’s start June with the NBM Show in Indy. Below are 10 Great Shows that embrace a trade show in June and the wonder of the Summer Solstice (June 21 – 22).

The NBM Show, June 1 – 3, 2017, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

https://thenbmshow.com/indianapolis-2017

Find the very latest in equipment, supplies and services in the sign making, digital printing & finishing, digital direct-to-substrate, electrical signage, wraps, apparel, heat transfers, apparel decorating, appliqué, embroidery, rhinestones, screenprinting, sandcarving, sublimation, awards, trophies, plaques, engraving, custom gift markets and more. @THENBMSHOW

If you are in a graphics-related business, THE NBM SHOW is for you! @THENBMSHOW

JCK Las Vegas, June 5 – 8, 2017, Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

http://lasvegas.jckonline.com

JCK Las Vegas is the jewelry industry’s leading annual trade event bringing together over 30,000 of the world’s most influential industry professionals in a secure environment for order writing, inspiring education, networking and fun! JCK’s all-encompassing expansive collections of jewelry, gems, timepieces and services make it a premier destination to discover what’s new and next in the fine jewelry market. The experience at JCK goes beyond business; it’s personal, uniting a community that is shaping the future of the jewelry industry.

World Pork Expo, June 7 – 9, 2017, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA

https://www.worldpork.org

If you’re part of the pork industry, you should be part of this show. The world’s largest pork industry-specific trade show brings together thousands of U.S. and global pork producers, industry professionals and industry experts for three days of education, innovation and networking. More than 350 companies are on-site displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents. @WorldPorkExpo

ACE17, June 11 – 14, 2017, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA

https://www.awwa.org/conferences-education/conferences/annual-conference.aspx

The American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition, ACE17,  showcases more than 450 exhibitors as well as expanded learning opportunities on the show floor. The professional program will deliver 119 unique sessions, with more than 1,000 expert presenters covering timely topics that are relevant to a global water audience. @AWWAACE

NeoCon, June 12 – 14, 2017, The Mart, Chicago, IL

http://www.neocon.com

North America’s most important commercial design show, NeoCon, has been taking place at The Mart in Chicago since 1969. NeoCon today remains the premier platform for connecting, learning and doing business in the industry. The three-day event attracts 50,000 design professionals. The show launches thousands of new products every year—satisfying a wide range of specification needs including building products, contract accessories, floor coverings, furniture, lighting, outdoor products, technology, textiles, tile, stone & other surfaces, wallcoverings and more. @NeoCon_Shows

E3 2017, June 13 – 15, 2017, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.e3expo.com/takeover

E3 is the world’s premier event for computer, video and mobile games and related products. At E3, the video game industry’s top talent pack the Los Angeles Convention Center, connecting tens of thousands of the best, brightest, and most innovative in the interactive entertainment industry. For three exciting days, leading-edge companies, groundbreaking new technologies and never-before-seen products will be showcased. E3 connects you with both new and existing partners, industry executives, and the biggest fans of video games providing unprecedented exposure to emerging markets. E3 is where it all starts. @E3 ‏

MD&M East, June 13 – 15, 2017, Javits Convention Center, New York, NY

http://mdmeast.mddionline.com

MD&M East – now in its 34th year – is the largest medtech event on the east coast, connecting attendees with thousands of engineers and executives, as well as hundreds of leading suppliers. Find the medtech solutions, innovations, and inspiration necessary to solve tough challenges, while staying on top of the latest advancements across the industry. The year the show floor spotlights two industry mega-trends – 3D printing and smart manufacturing – with a dedicated 3D Printing Zone, plus the latest in collaborative robots and robotics on display from the world’s top suppliers. @MDM_Events

InfoComm, June 14 – 16, 2017, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

http://www.infocommshow.org/welcome

InfoComm International is the association representing the commercial audiovisual industry worldwide. Whether this is your first InfoComm show – or your second, or fifth, or tenth – there’s always something new to find, especially this year. We’ve developed a wealth of content, technology, and just cool, fun things for attendees to enjoy at InfoComm 2017.  See the innovations first at InfoComm 2017 – up-and-coming pro-AV brands and companies exhibiting for the first time in the U.S. @InfoCommShow

28th Annual Energy Fair, June 16 – 18, 2017, Custer, WI

https://www.theenergyfair.org/

Now in its 28th year, The Energy Fair brings people together to learn about clean energy and sustainability, connect with others, and take action towards a sustainable future. The Energy Fair features over 200 exhibitors related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Booths include artisans, solar installers, sustainable product vendors, non-profits, and more. The Energy Fair is the longest-running event of its kind in the nation. @TheEnergyFair

ISTE 2017, June 25 – 28, 2017, San Antonio, TX

http://conference.iste.org/2017/

Extraordinary educators deserve extraordinary professional development. At ISTE 2017, you’ll find strategies that work from the brightest minds in ed tech. We’ve combed through thousands of ideas and picked the best for you. Connect and learn from other innovative educators, thought leaders and education companies at the world’s most comprehensive ed tech meeting of the minds.

The annual event attracts over 18,000 attendees and industry representatives, including teachers, technology coordinators, administrators, library media specialists, teacher ecucators and policymakers. Attendees also enjoy world-class keynotes, hundreds of sessions in a variety of formats and a massive expo hall. @isteconnects

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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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Posted in Classic Exhibit Systems, Jen LaBruzza, Trade Show Exhibit Tips, Trade Show Marketing, Trade Shows by City | 1 Comment »

A Positive Change is Coming

May 26th, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

M6 Assembly Knobs

A positive change is coming. The photo below shows a custom translucent “hurricane” t-knob. It’s an M6 thread with a 10 mm thread length and a 25 mm width (approximately 1 inch). This will replace some of the M6 screws in one of our current product lines making assembly faster and easier.

Which line? Well, we’ll leave you guessing on that. We don’t want to give away too much yet, especially to our competitors. Expect an announcement in about 45 days.

Knobs_3

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite
https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Exhibits-Inc-113601405319757

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7 Reasons to Attend Shared Knowledge University

May 12th, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

Shared Knowledge University (SKU)

“Time is money” is one way to explain the concept of Opportunity Cost. It means time is a valuable resource (because our time in this world is finite), so it’s better to ensure your time is spent wisely.

Earlier today, a Classic Distributor asked me why they should attend Shared Knowledge University on June 12-13. Honestly, I had to think about it since I’ve never been asked that before. Which is a little odd admittedly. So, why should you (or any distributor) spend two days attending Classic’s comprehensive training in Portland, OR?

Reason #1: Product Line Review

Do you understand the difference between Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, Visionary Designs, and SEGUE? All are portable or custom-hybrid displays, but each line has unique design, construction, and selling features. If you have ever stumbled when explaining to a potential client why they should purchase a Sacagawea vs. a SEGUE Sunrise, then you need to attend SKU. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg with our extensive hands-on review of the Classic and Eco-Systems product lines.

Reason #2: EDS

Exhibit Design Search is an amazing tool, one you may not be using to its full potential. In fact, other than your winning personality, My Gallery in EDS may be the single-most important feature to closing more sales. With My Gallery you share designs, trade show tip articles, and photos. Plus, I bet you didn’t know you can exchange design ideas in real-time. We’ll show you how at SKU (and so much more!).

Reason #3: Rentals

30-40% of your revenue should be rentals. Seriously. No other category is growing faster than rentals, and rental sales have the potential of making you more money and establishing stronger long-term relationships with your clients.

I suspect that no other exhibit manufacturer has a larger rental inventory than Classic Rental Solutions. We’ve been in the rental game since… well the beginning. We support a 200 distributor network with rental inlines, island, charging stations, counters, double-decks, lightboxes, etc. Discover the Lucrative World of Customized Rentals at Shared Knowledge University.

Shared Knowledge University

Reason #4: Gravitee One-Step

It’s not often you get to see the future. Gravitee One-Step is the future of modular wall solutions. At SKU, you will have extensive hands-on training on Gravitee components, designs, and selling tips. New orders, where appropriate, are built with Gravitee panels, whether straight, curved, SEG fabric, or direct prints. Just this week, Adam Gilles from ELITeXPO told us:

“The client loved their new Gravitee booth! They do a high volume of shows every year and liked how easy it was to set up the Gravitee panels. They are thinking of purchasing a few more of the 10 ft sections so they will be able to spread the ease of set up to their sales representatives across the world.”

Reason #5:  Classic Distributors

SKU_photoTime after time, Classic Distributors rave about the time they spend with fellow distributors (both sober and inebriated). In our small industry, there are too few opportunities to tell stories, ask questions, and seek advice from your trade show industry colleagues. SKU always seems to bring out the best in folks who want to share what works, what doesn’t, and where they are headed. We’ve always felt that Classic Distributors are a community and previous Shared Knowledge University sessions have proven that collectively we are a smart and formidable team.

Reason #6: Food, Fun, and Festivities

We treat you like royalty while you are here. Portland is a foodie town, and we ensure you experience all its gastronomical glory. From food carts to brew pubs, you’ll see why Portland deserves its reputation as the crossroad of culinary creativity. Our food jaunts will take you into several fascinating neighborhoods including the Pearl District in DT Portland where you’ll see more “man-buns” per capita than anywhere else in North America. AND, if you are good, very good, you may even get to experience a Voodoo Doughnut.

Reason #7: Classic Employees

We may not be celebrities, but that doesn’t mean we are not stars. Meet the irrepressible Tony Bennett, the guru of web and EDS design. Shake hands with Bob Buehl, the elder statesman of project managers (he will kill me when he reads that). Share show floor stories with James Sharpe, our rental manager, and then after a few beers ask to see his calves (freakishly muscular). You’ll meet the Classic “K” Design Team: Katina, Kim, and Kevin. Talk shop with Jim Ponomarkenko, our Production and Engineering Manager. And so much more…..

We look forward to seeing you at SKU on June 12-13.

For details about attending Shared Knowledge University, contact Jen LaBruzza, Classic’s National Sales Manager (jen@classicexhibits.com).

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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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Trade Show Material Handling Calculator and Infographic

May 9th, 2017 Mel White 2 COMMENTS

Drayage or Material Handling

Drayage or Material Handling CalculatorIf you are familiar with trade shows, you are all too familiar with material handling or drayage. These two terms, which mean the same thing, often elicit a very strong emotional response from exhibitors.

So what is drayage? Drayage refers to the movement of your trade show booth items from your carrier’s delivery vehicle to your booth space. This service includes:

  • Unloading the trade show freight once it has arrived at the receiving dock,
  • Transporting the goods to the trade show booth space,
  • Removing empty shipping items (such as crates and pallets) from the trade show booth space,
  • Ttemporarily storing empty shipping items during the show,
  • Returning empty shipping items once the show is over,
  • Transferring the freight back to the loading dock, and
  • Loading the items into your carrier’s delivery vehicle.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is there a logical reason? No. So, rather than age six months each time you receive your material handling bill, it might make more sense to manage your freight to minimize your bill. Use this drayage calculator to estimate your charges. Note how overtime and special handling will significantly increase what you pay.

If you are not already suicidal about drayage, this blog post from three years ago might be the tipping point. It discusses the rising cost of material handling:  You Can’t Fix Stupid — Material Handling.

Helpful Advice:  Although shipping to the Advanced Warehouse is more expensive, it’s a better financial decision since you are less likely to pay for waiting time from your carrier, and you have greater control over scheduling the delivery of your exhibit to your booth space during regular straight-time hours.

For an overview of material handling, see this informative infographic by TS Crew, an exhibit-appointed contractor for installation and dismantle.

Drayage Infographic

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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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Gravitee One-Step Modular System (Video)

May 2nd, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

Below is a Gravitee One-Step video where we disassembled a large conference room in less than five minutes. When we took the video, that was the only goal. Then we sent it to Glenna, our Graphic Designer, who saw what we clearly failed to see — namely a whole lotta plumber’s butt.

The display was on the way to a show, so re-shooting wasn’t an option. So, we made lemonade out of lemons. We want to thank our guys for their sense of humor, and if you haven’t seen it, we encourage you to watch this clever (and funny) video.

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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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