Author Archive
2014 “State of the Company” Letter by Kevin Carty
January 21st, 2015
1 COMMENT
Our Five $200 Rental Rewards Winners
January 20th, 2015
COMMENTS
CRS ANNOUNCES THE RENTAL REWARDS PRIZE WINNERS
In July, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS) launched Rental Rewards, a program designed to reward our distributors for rental returns without damage or missing components.
We take a lot of pride in offering the highest quality rental exhibits and graphics in the industry. We stage and photograph every order before shipping. We also include packing photos, setup diagrams, and a complete inventory list, regardless of the size of the order. And we only ship quality components, because to us, it’s not just a rental, it’s a brand new exhibit experience for your customer. And we want them to be happy with it.
One of the biggest challenges has been the increasing cost for repairing and replacing damaged items from careless handling and poor re-packing of rental properties. So we decided to put a positive spin on a negative problem by offering a 2% Rental Rewards Credit for every successful return. Since July, we’ve issued 49 Rental Rewards Credits to 32 Classic Distributors. We’re thrilled with the early success of this program!
The 2% credit is based on the total invoice amount and is applied to your next rental order. And along with the 2% credit, the Rental Rewards Program offers a 15% discount off a future rental order once you receive six 2% credits. Plus, your name goes into our semi-annual drawing for every credit you earn (June & December).
The Five Winners for the First Drawing:
- Dale Barger with Exhibit Concepts
- David Hankin with Total Displays
- Mark Bertelson with Atlantic Exhibits
- Cindi Codi with Xzibits
- Allison O’Neal with Apple Rock Displays
All five winners have received a $200 Amazon.com gift certificate.
“WOW! Thank you for the Amazon gift card winning! What a wonderful surprise! (I never win anything)
You guys are very generous and kind and I greatly appreciate it! I love working with you guys! Thank you so much!”
— Cindi Cody
“Oh wow – Jim, what a great prize! Very exciting. Thank you very much! Always a pleasure to work with you and your team!”
–Allison O’Neal
Remember, the more Rental Rewards credits you receive, the more times your name goes in the bucket.
Our thanks to everyone who has received our Rental Rewards credits. We would encourage you to speak with your I & D teams about treating rentals with TLC during install and disassembly. Including packing. We both win when this happens. We save money, and you save money. Plus, you have a chance to win exciting prizes. Our next prize drawing will be in June.
Thank you for your continued business and have a Happy New Year!
–Jim Shelman & the Classic Rental Solutions Team
p.s. Look for Classic and Classic Rental Solutions at EXHIBITORLIVE.
[subscribe2]
CRS ANNOUNCES THE RENTAL REWARDS PRIZE WINNERS
In July, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS) launched Rental Rewards, a program designed to reward our distributors for rental returns without damage or missing components.
We take a lot of pride in offering the highest quality rental exhibits and graphics in the industry. We stage and photograph every order before shipping. We also include packing photos, setup diagrams, and a complete inventory list, regardless of the size of the order. And we only ship quality components, because to us, it’s not just a rental, it’s a brand new exhibit experience for your customer. And we want them to be happy with it.
One of the biggest challenges has been the increasing cost for repairing and replacing damaged items from careless handling and poor re-packing of rental properties. So we decided to put a positive spin on a negative problem by offering a 2% Rental Rewards Credit for every successful return. Since July, we’ve issued 49 Rental Rewards Credits to 32 Classic Distributors. We’re thrilled with the early success of this program!
The 2% credit is based on the total invoice amount and is applied to your next rental order. And along with the 2% credit, the Rental Rewards Program offers a 15% discount off a future rental order once you receive six 2% credits. Plus, your name goes into our semi-annual drawing for every credit you earn (June & December).
The Five Winners for the First Drawing:
- Dale Barger with Exhibit Concepts
- David Hankin with Total Displays
- Mark Bertelson with Atlantic Exhibits
- Cindi Codi with Xzibits
- Allison O’Neal with Apple Rock Displays
All five winners have received a $200 Amazon.com gift certificate.
“WOW! Thank you for the Amazon gift card winning! What a wonderful surprise! (I never win anything)
You guys are very generous and kind and I greatly appreciate it! I love working with you guys! Thank you so much!”
— Cindi Cody
“Oh wow – Jim, what a great prize! Very exciting. Thank you very much! Always a pleasure to work with you and your team!”
–Allison O’Neal
Remember, the more Rental Rewards credits you receive, the more times your name goes in the bucket.
Our thanks to everyone who has received our Rental Rewards credits. We would encourage you to speak with your I & D teams about treating rentals with TLC during install and disassembly. Including packing. We both win when this happens. We save money, and you save money. Plus, you have a chance to win exciting prizes. Our next prize drawing will be in June.
Thank you for your continued business and have a Happy New Year!
–Jim Shelman & the Classic Rental Solutions Team
p.s. Look for Classic and Classic Rental Solutions at EXHIBITORLIVE.
[subscribe2]
Promotional Product Trends in 2015
January 13th, 2015
3 COMMENTS
Tchotchke? Swag? Giveaway?
Cindi Cody, Guest Post
Xzibits, Inc.
www.xzibits.com
Look around your office. How many branded items do you have? I’d bet at least one or two or three . . . and you’re not alone. In 2013, advertisers spent more than $18 billion on promotional products. That’s $18,000,000,000 of swag. Wow!
At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way to market your company and increase your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power. Most are kept over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.
When Choosing a Promotional Product
Budget – You don’t have to spend a lot. My rule of thumb is to give them something they will be upset about if they lose it.
Imprint Area – Know the imprint area restrictions of the product. If you have a vertical logo more than likely it won’t imprint well on a pen.
Artwork – Always submit Vector art and convert fonts to outlines.
Proofs – Although you may be charged (usually less than $10) always ask for a proof.
Production Time – Build in at least 10 business days. If you have a rush order, there are several manufacturers that offer 24-48 hour production times.
Overages – Ask vendors to share their overage/under provision.
Trending in 2015
Technology
- Power Banks, Stylus Pens, Cord Organizers, Bluetooth Speakers, Phone and Tablet Stands.
Health and Wellness
- Hand Sanitizers, Pedometers, Fitness Watches, and Fingerprint ID Kits
Apparel
- Laser-etched Polos, Packable Garments, Folk Patterns, and a lot of Marsala! (Pantone Color of the Year 2015)
Drinkware
- Infusers, Mason Jars, Geometric Tumblers and Bright Colors
Check out the New Products Introduced at the 2015 ASI Show in Orlando
-
-
Spider USB Connector
-
-
Hand Sanitizer
-
-
Flexible Water Bottle
-
-
Stillwater Polo
-
-
Super Glide Wax Highlight
-
-
Cable Winder
-
-
Laser Engraved Polos
-
-
Square Power Bank
-
-
iPad Sleeve Stand
-
-
Ballpoint.Stylus.Stand.Cleaner
-
-
Phone Stand
-
-
Colorful Stylus Pens
-
-
USB Adaptor
-
-
Fold Up Tote
-
-
Mini File and Buffer
-
-
Glass Water Bottles
-
-
Custom Mug
-
-
Roots RapidLake Polo
-
-
Cord Manager
-
-
Sewing Kit
-
-
Power Bank Charger w/ Speaker
-
-
Suspension Calendar
-
-
Luggage Tag
-
-
Water Proof Phone Pouch
-
-
Medical Themed Tote
-
-
Stylus Pen Highlighter
-
-
Plastic Tool Pen
-
-
Drink from Phone
-
-
Tangled Stress Reliever
-
-
The Loop Earbud Winder
-
-
Conference Tote
-
-
Convention Tote
-
-
iPad Stand
-
-
EFlask Water Bottle
-
-
Hand Held Sports Bottle
-
-
Power Bank
-
-
Roots Tech Long Sleeve
-
-
Paper Clip Tumbler
-
-
Squeezable LED Key Chain
-
-
Colorful Journals
-
-
Round Power Banks
-
-
Silicone Cable Organizer
So… what branded product did you find on your desk? 😉
Have questions about promotional products? Give me a call.
–Cindi Cody
Tchotchke? Swag? Giveaway?
Cindi Cody, Guest Post
Xzibits, Inc.
www.xzibits.com
Look around your office. How many branded items do you have? I’d bet at least one or two or three . . . and you’re not alone. In 2013, advertisers spent more than $18 billion on promotional products. That’s $18,000,000,000 of swag. Wow!
At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way to market your company and increase your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power. Most are kept over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.
When Choosing a Promotional Product
Budget – You don’t have to spend a lot. My rule of thumb is to give them something they will be upset about if they lose it.
Imprint Area – Know the imprint area restrictions of the product. If you have a vertical logo more than likely it won’t imprint well on a pen.
Artwork – Always submit Vector art and convert fonts to outlines.
Proofs – Although you may be charged (usually less than $10) always ask for a proof.
Production Time – Build in at least 10 business days. If you have a rush order, there are several manufacturers that offer 24-48 hour production times.
Overages – Ask vendors to share their overage/under provision.
Trending in 2015
Technology
- Power Banks, Stylus Pens, Cord Organizers, Bluetooth Speakers, Phone and Tablet Stands.
Health and Wellness
- Hand Sanitizers, Pedometers, Fitness Watches, and Fingerprint ID Kits
Apparel
- Laser-etched Polos, Packable Garments, Folk Patterns, and a lot of Marsala! (Pantone Color of the Year 2015)
Drinkware
- Infusers, Mason Jars, Geometric Tumblers and Bright Colors
Check out the New Products Introduced at the 2015 ASI Show in Orlando
-
- Spider USB Connector
-
- Hand Sanitizer
-
- Flexible Water Bottle
-
- Stillwater Polo
-
- Super Glide Wax Highlight
-
- Cable Winder
-
- Laser Engraved Polos
-
- Square Power Bank
-
- iPad Sleeve Stand
-
- Ballpoint.Stylus.Stand.Cleaner
-
- Phone Stand
-
- Colorful Stylus Pens
-
- USB Adaptor
-
- Fold Up Tote
-
- Mini File and Buffer
-
- Glass Water Bottles
-
- Custom Mug
-
- Roots RapidLake Polo
-
- Cord Manager
-
- Sewing Kit
-
- Power Bank Charger w/ Speaker
-
- Suspension Calendar
-
- Luggage Tag
-
- Water Proof Phone Pouch
-
- Medical Themed Tote
-
- Stylus Pen Highlighter
-
- Plastic Tool Pen
-
- Drink from Phone
-
- Tangled Stress Reliever
-
- The Loop Earbud Winder
-
- Conference Tote
-
- Convention Tote
-
- iPad Stand
-
- EFlask Water Bottle
-
- Hand Held Sports Bottle
-
- Power Bank
-
- Roots Tech Long Sleeve
-
- Paper Clip Tumbler
-
- Squeezable LED Key Chain
-
- Colorful Journals
-
- Round Power Banks
-
- Silicone Cable Organizer
So… what branded product did you find on your desk? 😉
Have questions about promotional products? Give me a call.
–Cindi Cody
2015 Portable Modular Award | People’s Choice Voting
January 12th, 2015
COMMENTS
EXHIBITOR Peoples Choice Award
Unlike Australia or North Korea, we can’t make you vote. But, we can supply you with a link and a little information.
The EXHIBITOR People’s Choice Award is open for all Portable Modular Award finalists. Classic Exhibits has four entries, submitted by Classic or by a distributor. Plus one entry by Eco-Systems Sustainable, a strategic partner.
- Epoch Inc.
- ELITeXPO
- Pacifica
- Cepia
- NASA (Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits)
Now, it’s not our intention to sway your valuable vote, but we are sponsoring the page (see the leaderboard ad), and you like us best. BTW — You are looking fine these days. Have you lost weight?
One last point, if some of those entries are portable/modular, then I’m the love child of George Clooney and Stephen Hawking. I’m not in case you are wondering. And don’t confuse me with details.
http://www.exhibitoronline.com/awards/pma/peopleschoice-vote.asp
Scroll through the photos representing finalists from EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Portable/Modular Awards. Then cast your vote for your favorite. You can vote once per visit, so check back each day to support your favorite design. In other words, you are allowed to stuff the ballot. You know others will.
–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.
[subscribe2]
EXHIBITOR Peoples Choice Award
Unlike Australia or North Korea, we can’t make you vote. But, we can supply you with a link and a little information.
The EXHIBITOR People’s Choice Award is open for all Portable Modular Award finalists. Classic Exhibits has four entries, submitted by Classic or by a distributor. Plus one entry by Eco-Systems Sustainable, a strategic partner.
- Epoch Inc.
- ELITeXPO
- Pacifica
- Cepia
- NASA (Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits)
Now, it’s not our intention to sway your valuable vote, but we are sponsoring the page (see the leaderboard ad), and you like us best. BTW — You are looking fine these days. Have you lost weight?
One last point, if some of those entries are portable/modular, then I’m the love child of George Clooney and Stephen Hawking. I’m not in case you are wondering. And don’t confuse me with details.
http://www.exhibitoronline.com/awards/pma/peopleschoice-vote.asp
Scroll through the photos representing finalists from EXHIBITOR Magazine’s Portable/Modular Awards. Then cast your vote for your favorite. You can vote once per visit, so check back each day to support your favorite design. In other words, you are allowed to stuff the ballot. You know others will.
–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.
[subscribe2]
The Best Trade Show Sales Advice You’ll Receive This Year
January 9th, 2015
1 COMMENT
Can It Get Any More Ridiculous
By Tom Werner, OTM Furniture
I recently returned from the NBAA Show in Orlando. NBAA is a business aviation show with about 1800 exhibitors.
I’ve attend this show every year since 2006 to manage the installation of my client’s exhibit. Part of my service includes ordering show services, carpet, and furniture. The furniture has ALWAYS been a challenge, namely finding something that fits their needs at an affordable price that didn’t look worn and abused. And because the furniture prices are listed in the exhibitor kit, I can’t mark it up much, if any.
Over the years, I’ve been able to observe trends and developments with furniture, and more specifically, the amount being used, how it’s being used, and the cost of renting it.
Amount Used
In the beginning, there wasn’t much furniture in the booths, and I had to search for it. This isn’t surprising since one of the golden rules of booth staff training has always been “Don’t sit in the booth space!” Over the years, I started to see more and more of it. In 2014, there was WAY MORE than I could ever photograph, and this year virtually every exhibitor had furniture.
How It’s Being Used
In addition to the standard black tables and chairs, two other types of furniture have become popular: bar height table and chair sets and lounge furniture.
Honestly, it makes sense for most companies. One of the objectives of trade shows is to build relationship with clients and prospective customers. Bar height tables and chairs allow for informal meetings in limited floor space, while lounge furniture is a great way for your visitors to relax and spend more time in your booth.
The Cost of Renting
This year, my client asked me what they spent on the conference room tables and chairs. So, I went back and looked at the numbers. I knew the cost had increased, but I had no idea how much. It was significant (numbers below).
Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective. See the OTM Furniture videos.
My client, Raisbeck Engineering / NBAA, rented two 6 ft. conference tables and 12 chairs from Freeman.
6 ft. Table (Luna Conference Table)
- 2012 = $639 ea. x 2 = $1278
- 2013 = $718 ea. x 2 = $1436
Chairs (Diplomat)
- 2012 = $225 ea. x 12 = $2700
- 2013 = $305 ea. x 12 = $3660
Which Means…
- 2012 rental cost = $3,978
- 2013 rental cost = $5,096
- 21.9% increase
Still not convinced? Mel White from Classic Exhibits recently returned from the AIEE Expo Expo Show in Los Angles. Below are photos he took. Nearly 80% of the booths had rental furniture.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I would love to hear your experiences of dealing with furniture at trade shows and events. You can reach me at Tom@OTMfurniture.com.
Tom Werner
On the Move Furniture (OTM)
[subscribe2]
Can It Get Any More Ridiculous
By Tom Werner, OTM Furniture
I recently returned from the NBAA Show in Orlando. NBAA is a business aviation show with about 1800 exhibitors.
I’ve attend this show every year since 2006 to manage the installation of my client’s exhibit. Part of my service includes ordering show services, carpet, and furniture. The furniture has ALWAYS been a challenge, namely finding something that fits their needs at an affordable price that didn’t look worn and abused. And because the furniture prices are listed in the exhibitor kit, I can’t mark it up much, if any.
Over the years, I’ve been able to observe trends and developments with furniture, and more specifically, the amount being used, how it’s being used, and the cost of renting it.
Amount Used
In the beginning, there wasn’t much furniture in the booths, and I had to search for it. This isn’t surprising since one of the golden rules of booth staff training has always been “Don’t sit in the booth space!” Over the years, I started to see more and more of it. In 2014, there was WAY MORE than I could ever photograph, and this year virtually every exhibitor had furniture.
How It’s Being Used
In addition to the standard black tables and chairs, two other types of furniture have become popular: bar height table and chair sets and lounge furniture.
Honestly, it makes sense for most companies. One of the objectives of trade shows is to build relationship with clients and prospective customers. Bar height tables and chairs allow for informal meetings in limited floor space, while lounge furniture is a great way for your visitors to relax and spend more time in your booth.
The Cost of Renting
This year, my client asked me what they spent on the conference room tables and chairs. So, I went back and looked at the numbers. I knew the cost had increased, but I had no idea how much. It was significant (numbers below).
Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective. See the OTM Furniture videos.
My client, Raisbeck Engineering / NBAA, rented two 6 ft. conference tables and 12 chairs from Freeman.
6 ft. Table (Luna Conference Table)
- 2012 = $639 ea. x 2 = $1278
- 2013 = $718 ea. x 2 = $1436
Chairs (Diplomat)
- 2012 = $225 ea. x 12 = $2700
- 2013 = $305 ea. x 12 = $3660
Which Means…
- 2012 rental cost = $3,978
- 2013 rental cost = $5,096
- 21.9% increase
Still not convinced? Mel White from Classic Exhibits recently returned from the AIEE Expo Expo Show in Los Angles. Below are photos he took. Nearly 80% of the booths had rental furniture.
I would love to hear your experiences of dealing with furniture at trade shows and events. You can reach me at Tom@OTMfurniture.com.
Tom Werner
On the Move Furniture (OTM)
[subscribe2]