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How Much will Material Handling Change at Post-COVID Trade Shows?

November 5th, 2020 2 COMMENTS
Unraveling the Myths about Material Handling

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Exhibitors HATE material handling charges. Mostly because drayage seems arbitrary, excessive, and unpredictable. Over the years, GSC’s have occasionally tried to justify it. Last year, CEIR released “Unraveling the Myths about Material Handling.” The report explained what’s included (which was helpful), but let’s be honest, it still felt like cheap primer painted over a dark wall. 

Recent Material Handling Policies

Recently, Fern and Freeman announced new material handling policies which eliminate most special handling fees and offer simplified per-pound charges. In addition to more flexible cancellation policies. Click on the link for a more detailed article in ECN about Fern’s new polities.

At first glance, these seem positive… but let’s examine them in greater detail.

Here are two Freeman examples (PDFs). Admittedly a simple analysis. In both cases, only crated shipments are accepted at the warehouse. Uncrated and pad wrapped ships are accepted at the show site:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE 2020 (Las Vegas)
  • VMX 2021 (Orlando)
Material Handling Form
Material Handling Form

Let’s Assume a 2000 lb. crate.

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $2145
  • VMX 2021 = $2000

After Deadline:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $2685
  • VMX 2021 = $2500

Small Packages (with conditions):

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $45 (min. 30 lbs)
  • VMX 2021 = $0 (under $10 lbs)

Surcharges:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = Overtime, special handling, uncrated or pad wrapped fees
  • VMX 2021 = No special handling fees or overtime.

At first glance, most exhibitors won’t save much, assuming their freight arrives on time and in crates. The real savings are the surprise “special handling fees” and CWT rounding charges. This means greater predictability for the exhibitor since material handling is based exclusively on actually weight.

It’s a start, but the NAB Show Cares Program offers a much better model for exhibitors and the long-term health of the trade show industry. Now, here’s an even better question… Why isn’t EXHIBITORLIVE adopting the NAB Cares model?

NAB Show Cares

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

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Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, custom, rental 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.

Virtual Lunch Interview on Post-COVID Exhibit Design

October 27th, 2020 4 COMMENTS

Our HUGE thanks to Marlys Arnold from the Exhibit Marketers Cafe for the discussion with Mel White on Post-COVID exhibit design. The conversation didn’t stop there. They discussed new technologies, the blending of real and virtual tradeshows, and rental exhibits as options. In addition, Marlys and Mel talked about how COVID represents an opportunity to reset the North American trade show experience for everyone. Enjoy!

See past interviews on Marlys’s YouTube channel.

Share our predictions of post-COVID trade shows in the comments.

Word Search for Safety Dividers and PPE Solutions

October 26th, 2020 COMMENTS

Search for PPE Safety Solutions from Classic Exhibits. Complete the word search and send your answer to mel@classicexhibits.com by November 7 for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks Gift Card. For a full range of Safety Divider Solutions, CLICK HERE.

Safety Solutions Word Search
Search for PPE Safety Solutions from Classic Exhibits

IFES Survey on COVID-19’s Impact on the Exhibition Industry

October 19th, 2020 COMMENTS
IFES Exhibition Industry Survey 2020

Recently, IFES published an international survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the Exhibition and Event Service Industry. In total, 86 participants from around the world filled out the survey. The results were aggregated into global totals and also broken down into geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Questions Included:

  • Governmental Support
  • Opening Dates for Exhibitions
  • Measures of Hygiene Concepts
  • Revenue Changes and Alternate Incomes
  • Employee Head Counts
  • Upcoming Challenges

Read the 73-page PDF Report HERE.

IFES Exhibition Industry Survey
IFES Exhibition Industry Survey

Are You Experiencing Virtual Exhibit Paralysis?

October 9th, 2020 COMMENTS

A Simple, Straightforward Explanation

Many trade shows have shifted to the virtual world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what does that mean for exhibitors who want to continue to connect with existing and potential clients via trade shows? They need a presence via a trade show virtual exhibit.

Unfortunately, most virtual solutions are not “fully baked” by show organizers. What they offer is limited and proprietary to their show and doesn’t allow the exhibitor to fully show their products and services nor does it provide the attendees with an engaging and immersive experience.

The PlaceLyft 3D Virtual Solution has three distinct benefits compared to those provided by the show.

  • First, it’s comprehensive, allowing exhibitors to embedded media, social media, chat, polling, Zoom, and even tracking.
  • Second, it’s portable, meaning the virtual exhibit can be taken from show to show since it’s URL based.
  • Lastly, it’s both immersive and cost-effective.

For more information, www.classicexhibits.com or call us at 503-866-2100. With over 200 Distributors in North America, Classic can put you in contact with an virtual exhibit expert right in your backyard.