Trade Show TalesBlog

What To Do in Las Vegas | EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

February 5th, 2015 Mel White 2 COMMENTS
Lesson #715 – Your Best Teacher is Your Last Mistake.

Lesson #715 – Your Best Teacher is Your Last Mistake.

Tips from a Townie

It turns out that there are good things and not so good things to do in Las Vegas. I’ve done a few that should be kept on the down-low, like New Year’s Eve on the Strip or walking from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay (Trust me, get a cab!). With these follies in mind, I’ll share some “Things to Do” recommendations while at EXHIBITORLIVE.

The High Roller baby! It isn’t your average Ferris wheel. In fact, some Las Vegans get downright testy when you call it that. The High Roller is an observation wheel — the biggest in the world as a matter of fact. It stands at a whopping 550-feet-tall. That’s nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer (who knew) and 107 feet taller than the London Eye (Take that you Lymies!). The High Roller is located in the heart of the Strip and is the focal point of the LINQ promenade. Once aboard the 40-passenger pod you will have 30 minutes to enjoy a cocktail and the view. Whether you choose to ride day or night, you will have spectacular views of the Strip, the valley and the mountains (see if you can spy some Red Rock’s to the west).

Groupon and Living Social run High Roller specials so make sure you check both sites before buying your tickets.

High RollerSome of you EXHIBITOR dinosaurs will remember the Imperial Palace. And you may even be wondering, “What the heck did they do with all of those sweet @$$ cars?” Well wonder no more!

The Auto Collection is still there at the LINQ with over 350 classic cars that span more than a century. It’s an auto enthusiast’s dream! And if you’ve never been or maybe it’s been awhile (15 years is really more than awhile. But who’s counting right?), it’s certainly worth a gander. And did you know that every single car is available for purchase? Even if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spare, you can stand by these beauties and snap as many pictures as you want, for FREE!

Speaking of FREE… Here are some great attractions that are just that… FREE!


1. The Aquarium at the Silverton – Located at the Silverton Hotel, South of Mandalay Bay on Blue Diamond Road and I-15, is an 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium complete with Mermaids. While you’re there, take a stroll through Bass Pro Shop to round out the aquatic-themed adventure!

2. P3 Studio at The Cosmopolitan  – I LOVE The Cosmopolitan! And located on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan is a glass-walled artist studio featuring contemporary artists from around the world who create interactive artwork as part of a residency program. You can watch the artists from outside the studio or go inside, interact with the artist… maybe even help create a masterpiece. You can see P3 Studio’s artist-in-residence in action Wednesdays through Sundays, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

3. The ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ Sign – After hanging with mermaids and artists, you must stop at this 50-year-old iconic sign for a memorable photo op. I’m not going to lie, I was very relieved when they actually made a parking area for tourists to park and snap their pictures. Sure beats the heck out playing Frogger with the tourists trying to cross the boulevard. Stop, snap some selfies, and if a ‘GOOD’ Elvis is there, tip him $5 bucks to take your pic with him.

Roadrunner4. Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden – Last but certainly not least is this sweet factory located about a 15-minute drive east on Tropicana from the Strip. Forrest Mars Sr. (of M&Ms fame) opened this factory in 1981 and named it after his mother Ethel. There is a short tour that lets you see chocolate in the making through the factory’s windows. The factory store at the end allows you to sample and purchase these sweet confections. While you may think you can skip the Botanical Cactus Garden… DON’T! Featuring more than 300 types of cactus it also has a soft spot for me in that the first roadrunner I ever saw in the desert was in that cactus garden. Keep you’re eyes peeled! Wile E. Coyote must not be too far behind right?

In past years during EXHIBITOR you may have been in Vegas on Valentine’s Day and St. Patty’s Day. This year the first day of EXHIBITORLIVE will fall on March 2 – ‘Old Stuff Day.’ This is not a day to do the “same old” stuff however. This is for doing just the opposite. These suggestions may require a rental car, but I promise they will not leave you thinking you just did the “same old” stuff in Vegas.

NOT the Same Old Stuff in Las Vegas

1. Springs Preserve – This 180-acre cultural and historic attraction sits on the site of former natural springs that contributed to “Las Vegas” – the meadows in Spanish. It features many exhibits, a Botanical Gardens, trails and The Springs Café.

2. National Atomic Testing Museum – It captures all of the history, propaganda, and controversy of the nuclear tests that once took place only an hour away from Las Vegas. See 10,000 sq. feet of interactive displays, short films, timelines and much more. You can even test your own radioactivity!

Pinball23. Pinball Hall of Fame – Featuring a total of 141 pinball machines from the 1950s through the 1990s, including retro arcade games like Super Mario Brothers. The best thing of all? You can play every single one of them. Just remember to bring a pocketful of quarters.

I’m sure there are things that I’ve missed or left off on purpose because you guys will be asking me these questions again in November 2015 for EDPA Access. Please don’t be shy, share your ideas or favorites for either list!

I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s show. Remember: registration for ExhibitorLIVE is now OPEN! Click here to access registration and receive an Exhibits Only pass courtesy of Classic Exhibits.

And in case you missed it, here’s my Where to Eat in Las Vegas during EXHIBITOR blog post.

Jen LaBruzza
Western Regional Manager (and Vegas Local)
jen@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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The Best Exhibit. The One You Already Own.

February 3rd, 2015 Mel White COMMENTS

Retail

There are lots of reasons to purchase a new exhibit. You may have an expanded trade show program or your company has a revised marketing focus. Or the style may simply be outdated. I won’t discourage you from buying a new display. That would be idiotic, since we design and build trade show displays.

But . . . that still doesn’t mean you should buy a new exhibit. Here’s why.

Condition

What’s the condition of your current display? Is it all there, but there are broken parts, scratches, dirty graphics, etc? Graphics can and probably should be replaced. Missing or broken parts can be purchased, assuming they are available. Scratches are another matter. Re-laminating is always an option, assuming the finish is still available. Wood can often be filled, sanded, and refinished. Metal can be re-anodized or powder-coated, but it’s usually cheaper to replace that piece.

Unlike most things, trade show exhibits are rarely damaged by use. They are damaged during assembly (or dis-assembly), by poor packaging, or shipping. You can GREATLY extend the life of your exhibit by hiring reputable labor contractors and by purchasing an exhibit designed with reusable packaging designed specifically for your display. Most budget portable exhibits have terrible packaging. That’s one of the ways they cut costs. Be sure to ask about the quality of the cases, setup instructions, and the packaging when reviewing your exhibit options.

VK_2113 A4 Render 1fModular

There are portable, modular, and custom exhibits. And combinations, such as portable-modular and custom-modular. Now, the term “modular” can be confusing. Some manufacturers will claim there designs are modular, meaning components or sections attach.  Others use the term to mean the display is re-configurable, allowing you to go from a 10 ft. to a 20 ft. display for example. In other cases, modular refers to standard components that can easily be replaced if damaged or lost. It’s confusing.

If your display is truly modular, allowing you to add or subtract components, then you may not need a new display. What you need is additional components, such as modular laminate panels or aluminum extrusion, to change the function and design. This is an important question to ask when you purchase an exhibit. Reputable manufacturers and distributors want to share this information with you since it differentiates them from their “here today, gone tomorrow” competitors.

Price/Quality

If you didn’t pay much for the display, it may not be worth repairing or upgrading it. Banner stands are a good example. Quality banner stands allow you to easily replace the graphics and replace broken components. Low quality banner stands make that option nearly impossible. It’s better to toss the cheap ones and purchase a replacement.

If you own a hybrid display, particularly from a domestic manufacturer, your options can be fairly expansive. Hybrid exhibits are built using mostly engineered aluminum extrusion and fabric graphics. The aluminum locks together to form the frame and then the fabric attaches to it. This makes it much easier to expand a display or should you decide to redesign the booth, some of the components could be re-used. Obviously, this depends on how much “redesign” is required.

In many cases, just replacing the graphics can take a tired exhibit and turn it into a star attraction. Both fabric and direct print graphics have gotten much better in the past five years. Colors are more vibrant. Skins tones more realistic. And overall color saturation, particularly with blacks and greys has improved immensely.

Conclusion

The key to saving money on an exhibit can be condensed into three simple suggestions:

1. First, work with a knowledgeable trade show professional who offers multiple product lines.

2. Second, ask lots of questions about the exhibit you want right now AND the one you think you’ll want in two to three years.

3. Third, make an educated decision about the level of quality you need. Buy what you can afford, purchase the display that fits your marketing goals, and consider any future costs.

Have questions? Send me an email or give me a call. I welcome your comments about trade show displays and exhibit marketing.

–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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Don’t Pity the Pop Up Display

February 2nd, 2015 Mel White 11 COMMENTS
Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful

Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful

Over the years, I’ve had a bit of an obsession with trade show pop up displays. I started my career working for a pop up manufacturer in the mid-nineties back when pop ups still elicited WOWs! and most fabric units sold for $3600.

Back then, I could talk about the idiosyncrasies of one frame vs. another frame, the strengths of one channel bar vs. the competitors, and the nuances of a magnet-to-magnet vs. a magnet-to-metal panel connection. Frankly, we were in a brutal pop up war based on features and benefits, and took delight comparing fiberglass to aluminum, skinny to square tubes, and my favorite, the difference between self-locking to connector-locking frames. Even the cases were part of the daily sales battle.

Those Days are Long Gone

Many customers are not concerned about the features and benefits of pop ups. They are shopping exclusively on price; they want it to last a few shows, and they are less concerned about all the bells and whistles or whether the frame has a lifetime warranty. But they should. Good pop up display systems are amazing. They are versatility, portable, durable, and offer remarkable graphic impart. However . . .

Treat Me with Respect. I've Earned It.

Treat Me with Respect. I’ve Earned It.

The pop up, once the pride and joy of any portable trade show program, has lost its luster. Where we once treated it like a dress from Saks Fifth Avenue, carefully hanging it in plastic and sending it to the dry cleaners, many now treat it like a skirt and blouse from Ross and wash it with our dirty underwear and towels. They wear it after it has faded. They wear it wrinkled. They wear it after it’s missing buttons. They continue wearing it because it’s comfortable and convenient, not because it’s flattering.

You still see pop ups everywhere, but they are often assembled haphazardly, showing their age, or leaning precariously like a hillbilly shack.

Frankly, seeing them saddens me because I know, as do you, that pop ups can be attractive and effective displays, particularly when combined with the right accessories, such as shelves, shadowboxes, monitor mounts, and headers. But it’s rare to see them with these accessories since the budget pop ups have all but abandoned them. That’s a mistake. No other display does more than a pop up for the price. No other affordable display has more accessories or more visual impact — dollar for dollar. However . . .

Walk on Any Trade Show Floor. You’ll See the Following:

1. The Flapper:  A good 50 percent of the pop ups have at least one end panel waving at attendees.  Apparently, attaching an end panel has become either too labor intensive for many exhibitors, or to be fair, something has broken making it impossible to attach them. And fixing it is too much trouble.

2. The Old Lady:  We are a society obsessed with youth, except when it comes to pop up graphics. Wrinkles, creases, and de-lamination are perfectly acceptable. I’ve seen graphics so battered and abused that I involuntarily looked away in embarrassment.

3. The Hurler:  The setup instructions for most pop up displays have apparently changed. You stand 6 feet away from the frame and toss the panels on the channel bars. Wherever they land, that’s where they stay.

4. The Barn Door: We all know the expression, “Your barn door is open.” You’re just one crossed leg away from giving everyone a freebie they don’t want.  In the past month, I’ve seen two pop up displays with missing front panels. When I asked one exhibitor about it, she said, “Yea, we lost it about a year ago and the owner doesn’t want to pay to have it replaced.”

4. The Muscle Shirt: Do you have a male relative who wears a sleeveless muscle shirt to every gathering, including Thanksgiving Dinner? This same “dude” was last seen standing in front of a pop up display without end panels. Yes, it’s an acceptable look for tension fabric pop ups like Xpression, but not traditional pop ups. It’s tacky.

5. The Cripple:  I know. I know. That term isn’t PC anymore, but we’re talking about a pop up not a person. These pop ups have broken connectors, missing channel bars, bent frames, and snapped hanger pins. Duct tape is visible. Plastic security ties are considered hi-tech repairs. If this was a loved one, you’d give it an overdose of morphine just to put it out of its misery.

6. The Creatively Confused: Now I can’t attest to seeing this, but a distributor told me about it last week. The exhibitor had managed to attach the pop up panels to the convex/reverse side of the curve frame. He then complained that the pop up wasn’t as attractive as the one he’d seen in the showroom. I believe his booth was next to to guy in the muscle shirt, who coached him through the setup.

Make My Day!

Make My Day!

7. The Just Passing Through: Every pop up exhibitor should purchase the case-to-counter wrap. They’re brilliant and practical particularly when combined with a graphic. But there’s always the booth with just the case . . . the battered, scarred, and naked case holding brochures, business cards, or a fishbowl. This person is so anxious to leave the show that even hiding the case behind the display or converting it to a case-to-counter unit is too much trouble. I’m guessing that Golden Corral once ran out of shrimp when he didn’t arrive by 5:15 pm after a show. Well . . . that will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN!

Perhaps, I’m simply getting sentimental, but I miss those days when pop ups were respected and coddled. I yearn for those exhibitors who carefully put their graphic panels back in the plastic sleeves, and whose eyes widen with wonder the first time they opened the frame.

I’m still in awe of pop up displays. They do so much, and the good ones, the really good ones, have the power to transform a simple 10 x 10 space with large graphics, shelves, and a monitor (or two). I still see them on trade show floors. When I do, I can’t help but smile, and invariably, I find myself stepping into the booth and complimenting the exhibitor on their display.

–Mel White
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/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.

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Things You Learn from 8 Year Olds: Word on the Street — January 26th thru January 30th

February 1st, 2015 Mel White COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

8 … What an interesting age. Not quite the age where you start thinking you know everything, and not quite the age when you feel totally dependent on your parents.

Each Friday and Saturday, I am surrounded by 20 of them, including my twins, as their youth basketball coach. This includes one team of 10 boys and another of 10 girls. All 8 or approaching 8. Each week, they are a wealth of insights and lessons.

Lesson 1. It’s OK to celebrate when your opponent or friend scores.

Is it really such a bad thing to acknowledge a great shot in basketball by your opponent? Or to congratulate a business competitor on a win? For example, new product segments created by others can open potential business for your business as well. Just look at all the coffee shops, thanks to Starbucks. Rather than spending time getting angry, celebrate it and use it as fuel for you and your team to make changes to your business.

One of my players approached me at halftime saying, “Hey coach, that screen the guys put on me was awesome! I want to learn how to do that. Did you see what happened? His teammate was able to score so easily.”

Lesson 2. Having your teammate’s best interest at heart ONLY creates victory for the whole team

image9When someone challenges your solution or approach, listen to them and be objective about the information. Too often, we decide to go “our way” without heeding sound advice or help. Or without engaging our clients (who are part of our team) in a solution.

In the end, a win for the team (your business and your client) is all that really matters

One my girls walked up to a teammate and told her that the next time they were on the court she would pass it to her so she could score. Even though the girl who had the ball had no problem creating her own shot opportunities. But she realize that the other girl was a better shooter, which meant a greater likelihood the team would score.

Lesson 3. Details matter Coach!

This comes from my girls. At the end of each practice, they all want to know (more than anything else!) if they are wearing their gold or their blue uniforms for the game. To which I say, “I don’t know. Why does that matter?” The response from one girl was telling. “Details coach…they matter…like wanting to make sure I wear the proper color of ribbon in my hair. It has to match my uniform. Duh?!”

I know we all know this, but the devil truly is in the details in our business lives. The smallest can make the difference between a winning exhibit and a dud. You can create the most outstanding display for a company, but if their experience in setting it up becomes so painful due to poor setups, poor engineering, or just poorly packaging, it won’t matter how good it looks. The negative tone was already set, and it will influence how they perform at the show and how they approach the next one.

There are countless lessons these kiddos teach me every week, some more important than others, but all near and dear when you stop to think of the messengers — just 8 year old kids having fun.

Makes me wish we could all have a “younger” perspective in our daily business lives. It would certainly make it a lot more fun.

Have a great weekend!

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

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Where to Eat in Las Vegas | EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

January 29th, 2015 Mel White COMMENTS
Lesson #215 | The Only Constant is Change

Lesson #215 | The Only Constant is Change

Tips from a Townie

January is CRAZY in Las Vegas! CES and PPAI just finished. Up next is SHOT Show, International Builder’s Week, and World of Concrete. Blink once and it will be February. Blink again… EXHIBITORLIVE!

Several years ago, I shared my VEGAS LOCALS perspective on places to eat, shows to see, and things to do while at EXHIBITOR. A lot has happened since then, and I wanted to suggest some new places. These are not your standard tourist fare and many are (thankfully) outside the Hacienda Triangle (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur). Part 1 — Dining Options in Las Vegas.

Dining Options

Down Las Vegas Boulevard from Mandalay Bay is Michael’s Gourmet Room at the Southpoint Casino. It’s a longtime locals favorite and a hidden gem. Michael’s is a throwback to the glamour of the Rat Pack era with captains, uniformed staff, velvet banquets, intimate size, and exquisite service. The old school menu features forgotten dishes like saltimbocca, escargot, chateaubriand for two, and a signature intermezzo of sorbet with Dom Perignon champagne. The food, the service, and the setting… It all works here.

On the opposite end of the strip is The Top of the World Restaurant at the Stratosphere. It’s perched 844 feet above the city and revolves in place, rotating a full 360 degrees every 80 minutes for a birds-eye view of Las Vegas. The view attracts tourists, but it’s the menu of re-imagined classics that makes it hard to get a reservation. In addition to a generous helping of ambiance, the menu boasts delectable seafood, prime-cut steaks, and decadent specialties. While there, you can visit the observation deck. The Stratosphere boasts several thrill rides that are not for the faint of heart. My recommendation, make a choice… rides or restaurant and stick to it! The two aren’t very compatible.

Vegas EatsAt the center of the strip, there’s the new LINQ area. I’ll get to the High Roller (the fancy ferris wheel you’ve heard so much about) in Part 2. This time around (no pun intended), we’ll focus on the eateries. Guy Fieri, of Food Network fame (graduated from UNLV don’t ya know) opened his first Las Vegas Restaurant, appropriately named Vegas Kitchen & Bar. Yardhouse has an installation here too, as well as Brooklyn Bowl, Tilted Kilt, and Sprinkles Cupcake ATM. Yep, you can now get your cupcake fix 24/7 in Vegas! Chayo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, Haute Doggery, Flour & Barley, and F.A.M.E round out the line-up of eateries in this lively new section of the strip.

Finally, there’s the buffet. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace is the “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll” of Vegas buffets. Bacchanal Buffet is what happens when you throw $100 million budget at a buffet renovation. The Bacchanal Buffet is not only a feast for your tummy but also for your eyes. The dining room is broken into air, water, or wood-themed sections. And then you have the more than 500 daily offerings many of which are prepared in front of you. The menu changes daily depending on products, season, and chef’s whims. Must tries include fried chicken and waffles, red velvet pancakes, mini Wagyu sliders, Japanese curry, and a made-to-order dessert crepe.

Bacchanal

I’m not going to lie, it’s a little spendy as buffets go ($52+ for dinner) but Groupon has a deal going right now that will get you breakfast buffet and mimosas for 2 plus VIP line passes for $65 total. The catch is that it is only valid Monday- Friday but might be a good option for Thursday if you have an afternoon flight.

Depending on your culinary mood, you might want to give these Off-The-Strip Delights a try:

Okay, I’ve done my best to get you going in the right direction. Let me know what you think and please add your own suggestions.

In the meantime, don’t forget registration for EXHIBITORLIVE 2015 is OPEN! Click Here to access registration and receive an Exhibits Only pass courtesy of Classic Exhibits.

In case you missed it, here’s my What To Do in Las Vegas during EXHIBITORLIVE blog post.

Jen LaBruzza
Western Regional Manager (and Vegas Local)
jen@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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