Trade Show TalesBlog

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A Humbling Lesson About 10 ft. Displays

July 23rd, 2014 COMMENTS

520-10X8-2Safety in Numbers

Over the years, I’ve learned a humbling lesson. There’s safety in numbers when it comes to 10 ft. inline trade show displays. Most exhibitors choose the predictable over the bold, the safe over the dramatic. And while I understand, I also don’t understand. Yes, budget is a factor. Fear too. No one wants to make the wrong decision when purchasing a display. It’s easier to choose something you’ve seen on the show floor rather than a design that’s unfamiliar.

Too often, I’m disappointed when I walk the trade show floor and review the inlines. I see banner stands pretending not to be banner stands. I see weak, pixelated graphics on pop up displays. I see boring pillowcase frames with fuzzy 4-color graphics and cheap hybrid displays with gaping parts and pieces. Sadly, most arts and craft fair exhibits are more creative than the typical corporate inline display.

Now before you think I’m picking on low-cost displays, I’m not. A similar trend can be found in more expensive displays, where the quality is better but design still takes a backseat to predictability.

Taking Chances

So, why the reluctance to take chances? Is it because, as someone once told me, “No one ever got fired for buying a pop up.” That said, I’m going to take a chance, albeit one that’s a bit self-promotional. Below are displays from Exhibit Design Search that do not fall within the “safe zone.” I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts about these designs, understanding that none are below $8000. Some considerably more. These design sell, but not in the same numbers as Sacagawea, Magellan Miracle, or a VK-1321.

Put your customer glasses on, share your thoughts from a buyer’s perspective, and vote for your favorites. In this election, it’s OK to vote for more than one. 😉

 

Please share your comments. Thanks.

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

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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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It’s a Partnership that Works — Eco-Systems

July 18th, 2014 COMMENTS

It’s a Little Complicated

Eco-SysWithTaglineThe Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems Sustainable relationship started about six years ago. In the beginning, we supplied them with ClassicMODUL metal. A couple of years later, we assisted them with design and manufacturing. Then, we agreed to be their exclusive contract manufacturer. It’s a partnership that works, and we’re very proud of the amazing progress they’ve made in design and operations.

ECO-2018-B_V1.5-web

Think about it. Over the past six to eight years, there have been any number of new display suppliers, all opening price-point focused, all basically importers. Many no longer in business. Only one did three “really, really smart” things while remaining true to their core principles, even during the recession:

  1. Concentrate exclusively on sustainable materials
  2. Focus on mid-priced, design-focused displays, and
  3. Manufacturer in the United States

Late last week, Eco-Systems took another big step — redesigning their website. For those who have gone through that ordeal, you know how arduous it can at every stage. There are no easy tasks when it comes to website redesign, organization, graphics, and coding. Allow me to commend three people who were immersed in the task for two months:  Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development, Glenna Martin, Graphic Design Manager, and Tony Bennett, Classic’s web guru who has created most of your Exhibit Design Search websites. They did an amazing job!

ecoweb
What’s New:

  • Responsive Design. Adjusts to your smartphone, tablet, or desktop screen.
  • Horizontal Layout. It’s silly not to use all the available real estate, and, frankly, an 800 x 600 layout screams “outdated.”
  • Photo Portfolio. Take a stroll through photos of past projects.
  • Search for Setup Instructions. Never fear if you’ve lost your instructions. Starting with January 2014, they are all online.
  • Kit-to-Custom Gallery
  • Easier and Faster Search Options
  • Design Services Template

I invite you to stroll through the new Eco-Systems website. Take your time. You are in for a treat.

–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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Custom Table Top Display Video

July 9th, 2014 COMMENTS

Charlie Shivel, a project manager in the Customer Service Department, discusses a custom Visionary Designs table top display. This table top was designed by Trina Broten, a Classic Exhibits Designer, to fulfill the specific marketing requirements of a distributor’s client. Charlie does a terrific job of keeping it short, sweet, informal, and informative. Well done Charlie.

 

–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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NEW Rental Rewards Program

July 9th, 2014 COMMENTS

RentalRewardsLetter7-14

RentalRewardsLetter7-14

Happy (Post) 4th of July!: Word on the Street — June 30th thru July 4th

July 5th, 2014 COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

May Your Rocket’s Red Glare . . . and Your Bombs Burst in Air

July is here and it’s off with a BANG! Even in this shortened week, business is booming, and by the looks of the quotes you are sending us, the remainder of the month looks to be busy.

We sincerely appreciate it and welcome the opportunity to work with you to serve your client’s needs.

Here are some odds and ends:

1. Just a quick reminder to check the Specials Gallery in Exhibit Design Search and the weekly Lightning Deal.

  • FREE iPresent Presentation Software Trial Offer with Purchase of an iPad Kiosk
  • Purchase a MOD-1365 iPad Stand for $89 (reg. $425) with any Sacagawea, Magellan, or Perfect 10 Kit (thru 8/15)
  • Summer Savings on Select Intro Portable Displays (thru 8/31)
  • Special Savings on Many 20 ft. Hybrid Island Designs (thru 7/31)

2. On Tuesday, July 7, expect an ebroadcast about a new Classic Rental Solutions Program. This program has NEVER EVER been offered before in our industry. It’s clever. And it puts money back into your pocket with each successful rental. My compliments to Jim Shelman, the GM of CRS, for his ingenuity.

3. Finally, if case you call us on Friday the 11th around lunch time and we don’t answer quite as quickly, it’s because we’re chowing down at our Annual Classic BBQ and Potluck. If it’s anything close to previous years, we may go into a food coma after 12:30 pm. Look for photos on our Facebook page.

So . . . let me keep this short so I can get to my overeating, fireworks, rodeo watching, and sleeping in.

Happy July to you and yours. Please, on behalf of the Classic Family, have a safe and enjoyable summer. Eat more than you should, enjoy the family time, and get ready for what looks to be a busy summer.

Be well!

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

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