Convenient Material Handling Calculator
Mention “drayage” or “material handling” to any exhibitor and it’s bound to start a conversation. And not always a pleasant one. So how do you predict your trade show material handling expense? Use our handy Drayage Calculator.
The World of Silicone Edge Graphics (As I See It)
Excellent history of the introduction and evolution of Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) by Dave Brown. My first exposure to Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) was in 2002. At the time, we (Optima) were using a foam/rubber gasket to finish fabric graphics.
New Lower Prices on Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays
We did our math homework on Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays. The margins have gotten better, so we decided to (wait for it!) lower the prices.
Shared Knowledge University — Fall 2018
November in Portland, OR. Overcast. Rainy. Brisk. Nine games into the Portland Trail Blazers schedule. And, if you believe Kevin, the U of O Ducks football team is undefeated and headed to a national championship. Sounds like the ideal time to visit the Rose City for Shared Knowledge University.
Gravitee Modular Lightbox Video with Kevin Carty
We developed a lightbox. But not just any lightbox, one 2″ deep with all the wonderful features of the Gravitee One Step System such as no loose parts and no tool assembly.
Planning — Before the Show Opens. After the Show Closes.
Even if you maximize your pre- and post-show planning, it’s possible to miss potential sales because your trade show planning didn’t include right before the show opens and right after the show closes. Every day.
Gravitee One-Step Modular System vs. The Holes
Unlike most existing modular wall systems, Gravitee doesn’t rely on loose bullet connectors to attach panels, either vertically or horizontally. Instead, Gravitee connectors are built into the panels so it assembles faster and with fewer parts and pieces.
Stephanie L’Herault, Designer for Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits
Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits welcomes Stephanie L’Herault to the Eco Design team. Stephanie works directly with Eco Distributors on exhibit and environment design projects and then with internal project managers, detailers, and production specialists to turn those 3D concepts into reality. We asked her to share a short bio about her personal life and professional background.
How to Make Your Small Company Look Like a Really BIG Company
Let’s say you have a small company. But you want it to appear bigger because bigger is better, right? How do potential customers perceive you when they see your website? What clues do you leave that tell your story and let customers know you are big enough to handle their business, yet still small enough to build a good working relationship?
Two Full Buckets of Exhibit Design Search Upgrades
Recently, we made multiple upgrades to Exhibit Design Search, which probably isn’t a big surprise. The upgrades fall into two buckets:
Filter by Category
Filter by Year
Recent Posts
Trade Show Marketing Success Video (Very Practical Advice!)
Earlier this week, Classic Exhibits hosted the Countdown to Trade Show Success webinar with trade show marketing expert Marlys Arnold. I wish EVERY EXHIBITOR would take 45 minutes and watch it. She presented practical advice about exhibit marketing, graphics, and booth etiquette. If nothing else, start watching at the 29 minute mark, “The 10 Commandments of Booth Staffing.” Excellent advice and spot-on photos of bad and good behavior.
If You Only Have a Hammer . . . : Word on the Street — April 20th thru April 25th
Pointing your finger is almost a rite of passage in sales. It’s always the “other guy” who has a limited set of tools or your competitor who doesn’t listen to the client. Unlike the “other guy,” you would never guide your client toward a product or solution that “just so happens” to fit your product assortment.
Book Download — Super Networking at Events and Tradeshows
A couple of months ago, Tim Patterson, otherwise known as The Tradeshow Guy, wrote a 90 page e-book titled, Super Networking at Tradeshows and Events Using Social Media. He had copies printed and gave them away to friends, industry colleagues, and at trade shows. Classic Exhibits was a sponsor for both the book and the printing.
Reconfigurable Custom Inline Exhibit
All Custom. More Than Modular.
One of the most overused terms in the exhibit industry is “custom modular.” Too often, it means, “At some point in the future if you purchase more components, you can transform this display into another size, but you’re unlikely to do it any time soon.”
However, when done well, it truly means “custom” and “modular.” Here’s an excellent display example, narrated by Charlie Shivel, a project manager at Classic Exhibits.
Why the Big Picture MATTERS in Graphic Design
Many trade show clients and graphic designers are unfamiliar with how to design for 3D structures. If you have a client that fits that description, then our new Graphic Inspiration Galleries will be useful. We’ve dug through the Past Five Days (P5D) photo archives and identified outstanding examples of graphics.
Invite Your Clients and Prospects to Free Training
On April 29, Classic Exhibits will host the “Countdown to Trade Show Success” webinar with trade show marketing expert Marlys Arnold. You have the opportunity to invite your clients and prospects to participate for free, compliments of Classic.
RFP Certification Program: Word on the Street — April 7th thru April 11th
The EDPA RFP Certification program seeks to verify that certain items are in existence, that industry standards and best practices are met and adhered to, based on various benchmarks. Research conducted in 2012 with the assistance of Exhibit Surveys to Corporate Exhibitors proved there “was unanimous enthusiasm for the concept of an EDPA ‘Good Housekeeping Seal’ that would prescreen exhibit house vendors on the basis of business integrity and operational practices and capabilities.
The Experts at the Table: Word on the Street — March 31st thru April 4th
So, forgive me if you’ve seen this video after Seth Godin posted it. It quickly went viral. But, it’s just too good not to share in my weekly WOTS.
Have you ever been in this meeting before? And if you have, should I ask, “Have you ever been any of the ‘non-engineers’ depicted in this video?”
Sour Apple(s): Word on the Street — March 24th thru March 28th
I have long admired the folks in Cupertino for their innovative thoughts, ideas, product aesthetics, design intuitiveness, etc. Apple is a model in many ways of how marketing and product development should be.
Well . . . even the shiniest Apples sometimes have a worm in them, or best said, sometimes they are picked a little too early. This apple is a little sour once you take that second or third bite.
EXHIBITOR / GlobalShop 2014 Recap: Word on the Street — March 17 thru March 21st
My nose is bleeding, my eyes are burning, and I am exhausted! Yep, you guessed it, I was in Vegas for the past week. 🙂
Like many of you, the Classic Team descended on Vegas starting last Friday for both EXHIBITOR Show and GlobalShop. Since we exhibited at both shows, let me break this into two blog posts starting with EXHIBITOR.
Why EXHIBITOR Matters (But Should It?)
Each year, I have to remind myself why participating in EXHIBITOR matters. That may seem odd. After all, EXHIBITOR spends a mountain of cash listing all the reasons to attend. Who am I to argue with them. They know their audience. But, I still have to ask myself why should I attend? I’ve gone at least fifteen times.
The EDPA Portable/Modular Summit: Word on the Street — March 3rd thru March 7th
There’s one event/meeting I would strongly encourage you to attend — The Annual EDPA Portable/Modular Summit. This meeting will be held at EXHIBITOR on Tuesday, March 18 from 3:45 – 4:30 pm right on the show floor. It’s free. Just head towards the Food Service Area (far right of exhibit hall) and look for the sign leading you to the meeting.
Classic Exhibits Named a 2014 Fab 50 Exhibit Fabricator
Event Marketer announced their 2014 Fab 50 Fabricators serving the North American event and exhibit industry. For the second year in a row (drum roll please . . .), Classic Exhibits was honored by the editors of Event Marketer and the analysts at the Event Marketing Institute.
EXHIBITOR 2014 Awards Night: Word on the Street — Feb. 24 thru Feb. 28
Say goodbye to February! Come Monday we will be three days into March already.
What a crazy first two months of the year it has been. And, we’re only two short weeks away from all of us descending on Las Vegas.
Even For Ladies
A product description sign at EuroShop. Honestly, I half expected to see Ron Burgundy standing in the booth pitching the product.
“You know I love the ladies, but when it comes to most lightboxes . . . ”