Annual State of the Company Letter 2019/2020 by Kevin Carty
Every January, we share highlights from the previous year and describe what you can expect this year in our State of the Company Letter.
Introducing Harold Mintz
Harold Mintz, a Classic Regional Sales Manager, compares visiting trade show distributors 10 years ago to visiting them now. Most of the folks I’m meeting don’t know me. Maybe they’ve heard my name, but most are unaware of me or my experience in the industry. This is a constant reminder of the old axiom, “What have you done for me lately?”
Our Gravitee One-Step Federal Trademark Registration
Earlier this year, we received a utility patent for the Gravitee One-Step Modular Wall System. Today, we receive our federal trademark registration for the Gravitee logo. For anyone who’s ever sweated over a logo with all the opinions and iterations that accompany it, you know this is a big deal.
Classic Exhibits — 2019 Event Marketer Fab 50 Award Winner
Each year, Event Marketer Magazine selects the 50 Best Custom Exhibit Builders in North America. Otherwise known as the Fab 50.
The Best Strategies for Trade Show and Event Giveaways and Promotional Products
Few trade show tasks are as fun and frustrating as selecting the appropriate giveaway. Gone are the days when the options were limited to pens, mugs, stress balls, and calculators. There are thousands of promotional products from thousands of vendors. So how do you choose?
Up Your Game Newsletter — December 2019
Each year, Event Marketer Magazine selects the 50 Best Exhibit Builders. Otherwise known as The Fab 50. It’s a tough list to make, and we are delighted to be one of the honorees. It’s our fifth time!
Get Help w/ Your Trade Show Marketing. Trust Me, You Need It!
When it comes to trade shows, most exhibitors don’t have a plan when it comes to trade show marketing. They purchase a display, which they think is THE PLAN.
They rely on Act-On, Marketo, or HubSpot for automation. They use CRM software like SalesForce or Infusionsoft. They have a comprehensive email campaign strategy and track it with Constant Contact, Yesware, or MailChimp.
So before I harangue you with the obvious suggestions, let’s talk. Really talk.
| November 2019
In January 2020, Classic Exhibits will introduce Symphony, a portable system with over 30 mix and match configurations, seamless graphics, and dramatic shapes.
6 Smart Reasons to Partner with Classic Rental Solutions
Our size and in-house capabilities give Classic Rental Solutions six distinct rental advantages that benefit Classic Distributors and their clients.
Walking The Produce Marketing Association Show
Recently, my friend Jason Cornatzer from 2020 Exhibits invited me to attend this year’s Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
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Recent Posts
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1960s
Eventually, you will find yourself at a trade show in Las Vegas. Before you hit the road, make sure your booth is up to the magic moment.
It’s time to consider a new exhibit, new graphics, and an updated approach to your trade show marketing. If you are truly honest with yourself, you know the same old song won’t attract customers.
Five (5) Sober Mid-Year Resolutions
Perhaps it’s time to start a new tradition — Mid-Year Resolutions. Now, you’re probably saying to yourself, “I never keep my resolutions, so why should I make more in July.” Think back for a second. Did you make those 2016 resolutions around 11 pm December 31st? With a drink in your hand?
Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1950s
What’s the biggest mistake that exhibitors make? They wing it rather than plan. It could happen to you. Maybe you don’t know what to expect, or you just need a refresher. Here is some friendly trade show marketing advice with a few entertaining music videos along the way. Enjoy!
College Scholarship Deadline — EDPA Foundation
As many of you know, I am on the EDPA Scholarship Foundation Committee. The Exhibit and Designers Association Foundation offers college scholarships to member families who apply and qualify. It’s a great opportunity for the Association to give back to its members and a benefit to you.
SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Designers) Conference Notes
Several Classic employees attended the SEGD “Experience Seattle” Conference from June 9-11. It was well-attended by top professionals in the Experiential Graphic Design community and beyond, well-stocked with expert presenters, and well-staffed with knowledgeable personnel.
The Magical Middle of Trade Show Displays
Many exhibit houses and distributors devote nearly all their resources to low budget exhibitors (under $3000) or multi-national corporations. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, but it ignores the true sweet spot in our industry – The Middle.
These customers want value, quality, and most importantly, personalization in design and accessories. They
appreciate value-added resources such as consultation, reusable packaging, detailed setup instructions, and show services.
‘s New This Summer at Classic Exhibits
Summer 2016 wouldn’t be “Classic” without new products and promotions. See all the new charging station options, including a 60″ conference table. The On the Move Portable Furniture line now includes curve, comfortable backs for white and black chairs. There’s two new Rental Furniture Galleries including soft seating, chairs, and bistro tables. Finally, you can’t go wrong with specials on 12 rental designs.
| Pat Friedlander
When I was new to this industry, I heard the word “Octanorm” bandied about as if it were the last ditch attempt for stingy exhibitors There was no design consideration — just how many panels and how many uprights.
The 100-Day “Love It”| A Classic Exhibits Exclusive
There’s not much you can’t return or exchange these days… except a trade show display. Not anymore. Classic Exhibits announces the only 100-Day “Love It” Guarantee in the exhibit industry. Within the first 100 days after receiving your Sacagawea, Perfect 10/20, Quadro, or Quadro FGS Display, you can return it for a refund if you’re not completely satisfied (minus graphics and shipping).
| 10 “Must Ask” Questions
It’s common to express remorse after a big ticket purchase. Typically when the purchase is infrequent, such as a home, car, or expensive equipment. Buying a trade show exhibit is that type of purchase, especially a corporate inline or island exhibit.
A Better Way to Rent Trade Show Furniture
If you have ever rented furniture from the show book, you know it’s not always user-friendly. And too often, it’s a task that’s completed right before the show, adding stress and expense to your trade show experience. We have a better solution.
Meet Kim DiStefano, Classic Exhibits Designer
We’ve been talking with Kim DiStefano, an exhibit designer, for awhile. Kim lives a few miles from our shop in Milwaukie, OR. Enticing her to join us has taken some time and persuasion. Not that she didn’t like us, but as a contract designer with a family, she was uncertain if she wanted to work in an office. Well, eventually Kevin convinced her, wore her down, or she changed her mind. Probably a little of all three.
| Summer Gift Card Promotion.
Earn a $25 Nike Gift Card for every $1000 in wholesale orders. Eligible on all Classic Exhibits inlines from May 26 thru July 31. Get your game on this summer with Nike gear compliments of Classic. Some restrictions apply. See details.
Kevin, Why Have You Worked at Classic So Long? “C”ing is Believing!
July will mark my 22nd year at Classic. I often hear, “Wow, that is a long time by today’s standards to be with the same company.” Or I am asked, “What is it that keeps you there for so long?” The answer is easy.
The Trade Show Show Podcasts
Last month, I had the good fortune of meeting Todd Youngblood while attending the E2MA Red Diamond Congress (RDC) in Orlando. Todd runs The Trade Show Show, a podcast series about the exhibit industry. The RDC was fertile ground for Todd, since the event attracts trade show managers, suppliers, show organizers, builders, exhibitor-appointed contractors, etc. Basically, anyone with a vested/financial interest in the trade show biz.