Ahhh, The Elusive Email Subject Line
Anyone who writes marketing or sales emails sweats over subject lines. Admittedly, I’ve read quite a few articles from experts, each with kernels of wisdom. Yesterday, I read a great one from Tina Brown at Warp Corp, a builder and printer of tension fabric structures in Seattle. Tina brought it all together in a tidy, well-written package. So, I’m sharing.
| Get the Skinny from Classic Exhibits
I don’t know about you, but we are delighted EXHIBITORLIVE is a bit later this year. It was a crazy January at Classic Exhibits, and February has already gotten even wackier with designs, quotes, and orders. Thanks for all the business.
So, what can you expect from Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITORLIVE? [All future references to the show will be “EL.” If I have to type all caps and then change LIVE to italics again, I will lose my friggin’ mind]. As a reminder, the show runs from March 12-16 at Mandalay Bay.
Some Thoughts… After Visiting Classic Exhibits Distributors
In January, I had the pleasure of visiting distributors in Southwest Ohio and Chicago. So, what did I hear from over 20 distributors? Industry trends, of course. It’s an interesting time to be in the trade show business.
| March 2017
March can be a little crazy both in weather and in basketball. Not only do we have the “Luck o’ the Irish” working in our favor, but there are also some OUTSTANDING trade shows that month.
| February 2017
January was a slamming month for trade shows. February holds strong and makes us wanna say, “I Heart Trade Shows!” Here are 10 of the Biggest Shows in North America this month.
‘s 2017 “Inclement” Weather Via the Aerial Tram and Oregon Zoo
You either love snow… or you don’t. I love snow and have no hesitation braving the elements either in a car or on foot. However, there is the reality of how cities handle winter weather conditions. Portland, “bless its heart” (as they say in the South), is ill-equipped to manage snowstorms. That’s not a criticism of PDX. We get so little snow that the capital investment would be silly. So rather than complain or grumble, let’s revel in the beauty. Here are two videos: one showing DT Portland via the aerial tram and the other at the Oregon Zoo.
2016-17 Design Insights by Katina Rigall (Vlog)
Katina Rigall, the Creative Director at Classic Exhibits, shares her perspective on 2016 and what to expect from the Design Department in 2017. It was challenging year with the loss of Mike Swartout, our long-time Design Director. Since last spring, the Design Department has added two experienced (and amazing) designers and a stable of contract designers.
Is Imitation the Sincerest Form of Flattery? Nope!
In the past month, our designs have been copied three times. Three clear examples, all very different in scope. Question: When do you throw up your hands vs. taking legal action to protect your intellectual property? Thought you might like to read what we decided to do in each situation.
| EDS Tutorial Videos
Recently, a tech savvy Classic Distributor and friend created four Exhibit Design Search tutorials. These 2-3 minute tutorials cover: Exhibit Specials, Search, My Gallery, and Photo Galleries. You can find them in our Video Library and on YouTube, but I’ll make it even easier by posting them below. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts.
Free 2017 EXHIBITOR Hall Pass from Classic Exhibits
Get a Complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass to EXHIBITORLIVE from Classic Exhibits. Code 4044. Click on the link or the graphic to register.
And while you are there, take a moment to vote for the Portable Modular People’s Choice Award. You can vote once a day until EXHIBITOR. Classic Exhibits has (5) finalists for the 2017 PMA, our most ever!
Recent Posts
Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter
This week, we’re sharing the Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter from Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development. As many of you know, we have a manufacturing partnership with Eco-Systems. For those unfamiliar with Eco-Systems, we encourage you to visit eSmart Galleries in Exhibit Design Search or spend time on their website (www.ecosystemsdisplays.com).
| Best Practices Webinar (now on YouTube)
FREE BLOGGING WEBINAR
Experts say blogging is probably the most important tool in your social media toolbox. More important than Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
Join Tim Patterson from TradeShowGuyBlog and Mel White from Trade Show Tales for a free interactive “How To” blogging webinar.
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/853229842
Wednesday, December 4 from 10-11 am PST (1 pm EST).
‘s the Expiration Date of Your Trade Show Display? 20 Clues.
Trade show displays, like yogurt and milk, have expiration dates. While it may not be printed on the box, it’s not hard to spot one that’s starting to spoil. Here are 20 Clues that it’s time to buy a new exhibit.
EDPA ACCESS 2013 Review: Word on the Street — December 2nd thru December 6th
Marco Island was the setting and what an incredible setting it was. It was 20 degrees in Oregon all week, windy and crisp. But in Marco, it was in the mid-80’s and sunny. Not that I got to experience much of the sun. We had a jam-packed week of content rich sessions and enjoyable networking.
Prior to the ACCESS event, as a member of the EDPA Board of Directors, I participated in a motivating Board Meeting with my fellow Board Members.
I Get Questions: Word on the Street — November 25th thru November 29th
Next week, I am off to Marco Island, FL for the Annual EDPA ACCESS meeting. Something I look forward to every year as a proud sponsor and member of the Board of Directors.
Since I will not be seeing some of you there, I thought I would use this week’s blog as an opportunity to practice my elevator pitches to the usual (and unusual) questions that I’m often asked.
Healthcare and an Exhibit House: Word on the Street — November 11th thru November 15th
The issue of Healthcare Reform affects us all personally and professionally. At Classic, we have attempted to stay on top of it in anticipation of the changes to our employees. Mel White, Beth Senter, and I have had quarterly review meetings with our insurance broker since Q4 2012. And each meeting/review comes with a new list of information, changes, and uncertainties.
| Call for Entries: Word on the Street — November 4th thru November 8th
You Know — The PMA’s!
In case you haven’t heard, the fine folks at EXHIBITOR have added a great event to EXHIBITOR2014 — The Portable Modular Awards. This inaugural event will be held on Tuesday evening March 18, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Customized Tablet Stand with Disability Access (Video)
Recently, a Classic Exhibits Distributor asked us to customize the MOD-1353 iPad Stand for their client. Four modifications were requested: Disability Access, Lockable Clamshell for Galaxy Tab 3 Tablet, Tilt, and Secure Electrical Box. See the short video to see the final result.
”ts of Trade Show Graphics
You decided on your new trade show display . . . but you’re not done yet. Now, it’s time to design the graphics. Every day we see completed graphics, many of which we feature in Past 5 Days. Some amaze us. Others not so much. You want AMAZING!. Below are 10 tips to consider when designing your next trade show graphics.
EVOLVE! – EDPA ACCESS 2013 at Marco Island, FL: Word on the Street — October 28th thru November 1st
EVOLVE! With your Industry Peers at EDPA ACCESS 2013, the Exhibit Industry’s premiere thought leadership event on Dec. 4-6. Come as our guest and save $100 by entering “Classic evip” when you register.
If Puppies Ran Trade Shows and Events
11 reasons why our lives would be better if puppies ran trade shows and events. To the ferret, goldfish, and lizard owners, you’re on your own. I’m done.
| Minus the Fall: Word on the Street — October 21st thru October 25th
As we roll into the last week of October, I wanted to update you on Classic Exhibits and its Family of Companies. We are headed into November with more momentum than ever. After a summer that was, well let’s be honest, unpredictable at best, the September and October numbers have been very encouraging. Thanks to you!
We Need Your Help with a Testimonial
The EDDIE Award is an award judged solely on the self-promotion of your company not on the promotion of a client.
Here’s where you can help. We plan to submit Exhibit Design Search (EDS) for the award. We’ve written the submission but would like to enhance it with testimonials — your testimonials.
Exhibit Designs that Sell — Every. Single. Time.
I am often asked to design custom booths, and the #1 requirement I hear is — “Make a design that will SELL!” So I’d like to share with you one tip that is tried and true, that has had a nearly 100% success rate for turning a job prospect into a sale.
What is Your Most Powerful Trade Show Tip? (Excellent Discussion in Linkedin)
Recently, in the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Network, Vicki Judge of Judge Advertising, posed the question — “What is Your Most Powerful Trade Show Tip.” I’ll share a few of the 63 responses, but I would encourage you to read the entire discussion thread. Excellent stuff.