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.
Recent Posts
‘s Showtime!: Word on the Street — March 11th thru March 15th
EXHIBITOR opens on Sunday March 17 with sessions and meetings. Then the show floor opens Monday morning at 11:30 am.
We have been onsite since Friday morning setting up the Classic Exhibits Inc. booth (#1637).
Trade Show Ethics 201: Word on the Street — March 4th thru March 8th
As I write this, we are 10 days from the opening of our industry’s premiere event — EXHIBITOR2013. But every year I get frustrated by two problems that inevitably happen at EXHIBITOR, as well as other trade shows. And while I won’t say these problems are epidemic, I will say they are very real problems that should be addressed.
Be Our Sweetie. Win an iPad Kiosk from Classic Exhibits.
Win a MOD-1314 iPad Kiosk for Easter
The Easter Bunny told us to create an iPad Kiosk contest. So we did . . . Frankly, no one at Classic had the guts to tell the Easter Bunny, “No.”
NEW iPad Solutions Brochure
In the past six months, we’ve tripled our iPad Solutions. And, there’s another half dozen in the R&D pipeline. Here’s the newest brochure where you’ll find iPad kiosks, stands, extrusion solutions, counters, and inserts — all designed specifically for retail, trade shows, and special events.
10 Totally Free Things to Do at EXHIBITOR2013
EXHIBITOR2013 is just around the corner. And, if you’re like me, you’re wondering, “What can I do at the show that won’t cost me any money.” Kevin will tell you that’s how I think 365 days of the year. Not true. Sometimes I wonder how I can pay even less.
Mixed Messages about Distribution: Word on the Street — Feb. 18th thru Feb. 22nd
I promise I’m not being snarky, but I am confused by some of “pre-show” marketing from our competitors heading into EXHIBITOR2013.
There are two common paths to exhibit sales from a manufacturer’s perspective: direct to the end-user or through a professional network of independent distributors.
Portable/Modular/Hybrid Summit at EXHIBITOR2013
The EDPA Portable/Modular/Hybrid Summit will be held during EXHIBITOR2013 on Tuesday, March 19 at 3:45 pm in the Food Service Area (far right of exhibit hall) of Mandalay Bay North Convention Center. There is no charge. This event is open to all industry manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, educators, and consultants.
EXHIBITOR2013 — Show Me the Best Shows, Baby! (from a Las Vegas local)
The countdown to EXHIBITOR2013 is on — T-minus 26 days and counting. That means you have less than a month to get tickets to see your favorite shows and/or performers in Las Vegas. As a Las Vegas local, I want to share with you some of my favorites on and off the Strip.
Another Seth Godin Beauty: Word on the Street — Feb. 11th thru Feb. 15th
I have referenced Seth Godin before, but bear with me one more time because last week one of his posts struck me as relevant to our community.
Let me explain my relationship with Seth. When I wake up each morning at 5 am, the first thing I do is read two emails.
Reserve Time with Classic Exhibits at EXHIBITOR
We expect the Classic Exhibits booth to be very, very busy this year. And, we don’t want to disappoint anyone. By blocking out a time, you can request a meeting with a Classic employee during the show hours, for breakfast, or at the Hospitality Suite.
Please let us know if you would like to schedule time with a specific Classic person, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Simply click on the link below.
“Island I See You in All My Dreams”: Word on the Street — Feb. 4th thru Feb. 8th
With each New Year, there comes a rush of business for the upcoming spring shows, and this year has been no different. Except, for the number of Island Exhibits we are quoting and ultimately building. So far this year, we have had several islands ship every single week.
‘s TOWN CALL This Tuesday — Join the Conversation!
Join us for Classic’s Quarterly Town Call Webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 12. There will be a review of 2012, predictions for 2013, and an overview product trends. Panelists include Kevin Carty, Mel White, Jim Shelman, Reid Sherwood, Jen LaBruzza, and Eric Albery (Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits). Expect a lively Q&A/Discussion with Distributors.
Reserve your seat today — https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/559525874
15 Tips for a Successful Installation & Dismantle
Successful Installation & Dismantle
Planning ahead will save you time and money on your next setup. More often than not, preventable snags slow down installations on the show floor. Here’s a list of ten tips that will help avoid those common obstacles that can waste time and drive labor costs through the roof. As you’ll see, there’s a theme here — PLAN AHEAD . . . and you’ll probably come in under budget!
| February Exhibit Specials
Throughout the year, we feature some of our most exciting trade show designs at a special price or with bonus features. Click Here for the Exhibit Specials Gallery. See the specifics for each one in the Design Description.
Lasting Impressions: Word on the Street — Jan. 28th thru Feb. 1st
Mel and I often speak to new employees regarding their first impression — be it on the phone or in person. Sadly for some, the first impression is their “best,” and it’s all downhill from there. But for others, that first impression is meaningful, and every interaction, every contact thereafter continues to reinforce that positive connection.