Trade Show TalesBlog

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Blogging for Beginners — Sponsored by Classic Exhibits

September 15th, 2010 COMMENTS

Free Blogging 101 Webinar

Blogging for Beginners

Blogging for Beginners

Do you ever ask yourself: “Should I start a blog?” Or wonder “Where do I start?”

Most people ask the same questions. After all, blogging is not as simple or straightforward as joining Facebook or Twitter.

Experts say your blog is probably the most important element of your social media mix. More important than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn – and those platforms are the hottest in the social media puzzle.

Now you can learn what it takes to start a blog. In this FREE one-hour webinar you’ll learn how to choose a platform (WordPress, Typepad, Blogger, etc.), how to customize your blog, how to find topic ideas, and how often to blog.

Join Tim Patterson, VP of Sales and Marketing at Interpretive Exhibits and learn what it takes to become a blogger, whether on your own or for a company or organization.

After all, the more you know about blogging, the better off you’ll be in dealing with the quick-changing social media world.

Join this fun, fast-paced, informative webinar set for September 29 from 10 – 11 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern).

Sign up today at http://budurl.com/blogstarter. Seating is very limited.

FAQ — Exhibit Design Search

September 15th, 2010 COMMENTS

So you think you know Exhibit Design Search? I’m sure you do, but just in case you need a refresher, here are several Frequently Asked Questions about EDS, the world’s largest database of exhibit designs.

Exhibit Design Search from Classic Exhibits

Exhibit Design Search from Classic Exhibits

1. What is Exhibit Design Search?

Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is a comprehensive display database and search tool. There’s nothing even remotely close anywhere in the world. With EDS, you can select from over 1500 designs, ranging from banner stands to 50’ x 50’ Islands, to find the perfect display for your budget and your marketing objectives.

But EDS is much more than just a database of exhibit designs. You’ll find over 40 articles about trade show marketing, tips on installation, cord management, freight, over 2000 exhibit photos, exhibit specials, and Frequently Asked Questions about products and services.

2. With over 1500 displays in Exhibit Design Search, where do I start?

Here’s what customers tell us:

Products:  Some customers know what they want. They are searching for a specific product, such as a banner stand, pop up, or hanging sign.  In those cases, they search the appropriate product gallery.  Within the product gallery, they refine their search by Booth Size or Price Range.

Prices: Other customers have a budget and a booth size but don’t know what they want. They are looking for ideas. Depending on your budget, there could be hundreds of choices. Once you find several ideas that appeal to you, click on the appropriate Category within the Design Details page. You’ll see similar ideas.

To narrow you search from the start, click on Show Product Galleries on the EDS Home Page. Then deselect those product categories which do not apply. This will refine your search to just those galleries which apply.

Sizes: Searching by size can be overwhelming, particularly for common booth sizes such as 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 20’ exhibits. When searching by size, you will want to quickly refine your search by prices or products.

Text: Alphanumeric searches can be very powerful, especially in combination with sizes, prices, and products. On its most basic level, you can search for “conference rooms” or “lightboxes” for example. Or, you can search for specific kits, such as “VK-1032” (be sure to include the hyphen). We’re often asked about a kit by company name shown on graphic. Unfortunately, the company name is rarely identified in the design details so it is best to search by product features or the kit number.

3. Where can I see photos of the designs?

Exhibit Design Search contains an extensive photo database of over 2000 display photos. For many designs, there are multiple photos, and new photos are added every day. On most designs, you’ll see “See Photo(s)” in the additional images gallery. See Photo(s) links to photos of that kit or product line.

You can also search for photos by clicking on the “Photo” menu button. This will take you to Past Five Days, a daily showcase of images. In Past Five Days, you can search by week or by size. Or if you have a little time to waste, you can click on the “Randomizer” button. This button will randomly show you photos from the past four years. It’s actually very entertaining.

Use the “Email Image” or “Send Me More Information” if you want to share a photo or request additional information.

Sacagawea VK-1231 Hybrid Display

Sacagawea VK-1231 Display

4. What are the benefits of the My Gallery feature?

With My Gallery, you can build a library of your favorite designs (Think of it as a shopping cart but without the e-commerce functionality).

There’s no limit to the number of designs your can add to My Gallery. Need more information about multiple designs? Add them to My Gallery and click on the Send Me More Information or Request a Design tabs, You can even email them to one or multiple addresses. And, whenever you email a design, you will be cc’d so you have a record of the email.

The designs will remain available until you clear the gallery or clear the cookies on your computer.

5. What other features are available in Exhibit Design Search?

  • Top 12: A convenient slide show showing some of the most popular displays.
  • Quick Ship:  Displays available to ship in 8 Days or Less. Don’t see exactly what you want? Give a call and we’ll do everything possible to accommodate your needs. 
  • Exhibit Specials:  Deals on displays. This changes frequently so be sure to check back at least once a month.
  • Trade Show Tips:  Over 40 helpful articles written as a primer for the trade show novice or as a reminder for the trade show warrior.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions:  You know what this is all about my friend. If you don’t see an answer to your question, send us an email or give us a call.

6. I have a question about a display. What is the next step?

Send us an email using “Send Me More Information” located on every Product Detail page. We’ll respond within 24 business hours (or less). Or give us a call.

7. I’m new to trade shows and have lots of questions about exhibit marketing. Where should I start?

Frankly, the biggest danger for most trade show novices is too much information. There’s a lot of information about trade show marketing on the Internet, much of it with conflicting messages. You need to find the path that works for your goals and your budget. Here are three excellent resources.

1. Trade Show Tips:  This article database was designed primarily for the novice. The trade show marketing articles walk you through topics such as exhibit design, exhibit services, lead management, designer selection, and display tips. In addition, the articles will familiarize you with trade show terms like drayage and booth selection. There are over 40 articles, all easily digestible in a short time.

2. Industry Sites:  Trade show industry websites, which include publications, research websites, and associations, contain vast libraries of articles, white papers, and case histories. If you’re a person who likes to dive into the deep end of the pool, this is where you want to go.

3. Your Local Exhibit Consultant: There’s no better source for practical advice about trade show marketing than your local exhibit professional. They’ve handled hundreds of customers and thousands of shows over the years. They know what works and what doesn’t work. By working with a local exhibit consultant, you’ll sidestep the mistakes that many new exhibits make and maximize your Return on Investment for each show. After all, you aren’t participating in a trade show for the free pens and notepads. You’re there to boost sales and make contacts. Rely on a local exhibit consultant to guide you to trade show success from the very start.

Next. Rental Displays and Options

Social Media 101 Webinar Slides by Tim Patterson

September 14th, 2010 2 COMMENTS

Slides from the Social Media 101 webinar that Tim Patterson conducted in July. Tim is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Interpretive Exhibits.  The webinar was offered to Classic Exhibits Distributors.

Word on the Street — September 6th thru September 10th

September 12th, 2010 COMMENTS

Why we participate in the TS2 Show

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

When to Order from Classic Exhibits vs. ClassicMODUL

This is a topic that comes up quite frequently, and I apologize for not addressing it sooner (or at least more often).

Here is the “2-Second Answer”:  When you want it turnkey, order from Classic Exhibits, but if you want to order the extrusion and build it yourself, order from ClassicMODUL.

Now, here is the longer, more detail answer.

Let’s use the analogy of building a home as the example.

Option #1: If you are building a new home and decide to build it yourself, then you essentially become your own contractor. You coordinate with the foundation people, the lumber company, the flooring company, the cabinet folks, etc. They may provide advice and guidance regarding materials, quantities, and installation, but you are the contractor on this job. You order what you need and bring in expertise when you need it. In this case, the final cost to your client includes your labor and project management in addition to the cost of the materials.

Option #2: You go to a home builder and select the floor plan, the finishes, and the appliances and they build the home from start to finish. The builder is the contractor. The final cost is based on the contractor’s time and materials.

It’s not that different when working with Classic Exhibits or ClassicMODUL.

ClassicMODUL is like the lumber broker. You can buy full lengths or pre-cut lengths of metal from ClassicMODUL to build your display in-house. But you may not get full CAD drawings, packing details, or Project Management support as part of the basic package. Those are line item additions (as requested). Instead, you receive the metal, functional CAD drawings (where appropriate), and a bill of materials.

But it’s important to remember that ClassicMODUL is more than extrusions. There is also a full line of retail and POP accessories. Literally hundreds of options.

ClassicMODUL’s primary competitors are AGAM and Octanorm. In our humble opinion, ClassicMODUL has significantly better customer service, West Coast and East Coast Distribution hubs, and the knowledge and support of a company that knows how to build exhibits (Classic Exhibits). Frankly, there’s no comparison between ClassicMODUL and the other two.

Classic Exhibits on the other hand is like the full service contractor. You work with our design team (or yours) to create the ideal display for your client, then we do the rest. Turnkey! Our Project Managers take care of creating the detailed CAD drawings, set-up instructions, packaging instructions, ordering  graphics, monitor the project through Production, including doing a full set-up, taking photos, and making any final recommendations.

Technically, Classic Exhibits has competitors, such as Nimlok, Nomadic, Skyline, etc. But, to be honest, they are competitors only in the sense that they manufacture portable/modular exhibits.

From time to time, you will hear a Classic Exhibits Project Manager, Designer, Mel or me recommend that you order directly from ClassicMODUL. This may come into play on POP and/or retail projects that are done in multiples, or a large project with mostly metal. Often they do not require complicated assembly, design, or project management so we’ll recommend that you call Tom Jones at ClassicMODUL. Or, we’ll send you to ClassicMODUL because your project management team has extensive experience working with aluminum extrusion systems, and it makes sense to work directly with the extrusion provider.

On a final unrelated note, if you haven’t completed the Classic Exhibits survey sent last week, please take a moment to do so. We want to hear from you!

–Kevin Carty

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

FAQ — Eco-Smart Displays

September 10th, 2010 COMMENTS
Green Trade Show Display

FERO -- Eco-Smart Display

From small portable displays to large island exhibits, Eco-Smart Sustainable Displays are now front and center in most exhibit discussions.  All of our Eco-Smart products are designed and constructed with the most environmentally friendly materials available. Review our Eco-Smart FAQ’s to learn more.

1. Do Eco-Smart Displays cost more?

It depends on what you are comparing them to, but we have tried to make our Green displays cost the same or less than the industry standard. It is our philosophy that it should not cost more to own a Green Display.

2. What if I do not see a design I love?

No Problem. We have a complimentary design service. We can create a unique, custom display that is specific to your needs. Simply contact us, and we’ll get started right away.

3. Are these Eco-Smart Displays reconfigurable to different sizes?

Yes. Our displays are designed to be reconfigurable to different sizes with minimal additional components. If you would like to see renderings of how a specific display can be reconfigured into another size, please contact us!

4. What makes an Eco-Smart Display “green”?

We use the most eco-friendly materials available on the market, without sacrificing design or price. For example, recycled aluminum extrusions, graphics made from recycled soda bottles, LED energy efficient lights, rapidly renewable bamboo, low VOC adhesives, and MUCH more.

Please contact us for full details about our sustainable materials.

5. Are there Eco-Smart accessories such as lights, cases, pedestals, and workstations?

Yes, these are located in the Eco-Smart Accessories Gallery.

Next, Exhibit Design Search Tips FAQ.