Exhibit Design Search, the award-winning display search from Classic Exhibits, offers multiple branded and unbranded versions.
Branded and Unbranded
There’s the Classic version at www.classicexhibits.com in addition to two unbranded versions: www.exhibit-design-search.com (w/ prices) and www.exhibitdesignsearch.com (w/o prices). Many Classic Distributors have branded EDS websites with customized graphics, pricing, URL’s, and contact-specific tools. See below for a summary of the features and benefits of each version. For more details, contact Mel White in the Marketing Department.
For over 13 years, I was on the distributor side of the exhibit business, working directly with local clients/exhibitors while I owned Exhibits Northwest. During that time, I experienced firsthand what was important to our customers and what we needed to do to make them feel comfortable. I found that the more confident we were, the more confident our customers became with us. They expected us to be the experts and to guide them through the process, and we understood that’s what we were there to do, and we enjoyed doing it.
Shopping at Nordstrom
It reminds me of a twenty-year span where I would go on shopping sprees for business clothes about every two to three years. This was back when we were all dressing up to go into the office every day, and wearing slacks, with dress shirts, ties, and a sports jacket. I know, I just dated myself big time.
I always shopped at the same Nordstrom store in Portland, and Pam in the Men’s Suits Department helped me every time. Once I became confident with her guidance and direction, I had no reason to ever consider shopping anywhere else. Early on, she learned what styles I liked, and what I was comfortable with. She always shared what was new, made great suggestions, and guided me through the process.
She would walk throughout the
store, selecting my size in pants, shirts, and jackets, and color coordinate
them for me. I simply stayed in the dressing room and tried everything on to
decide what I was going to buy. She was super confident, and clearly plugged-in
as an expert in men’s clothing. It was about a two-hour process, and then I was
set for another two to three years. I really admired and appreciated Pam’s
confidence and her approach, and I trusted her judgement. But more importantly,
I became very comfortable with the process, and I knew what I could expect
every time, and I was happy with my purchases. It was always a no hassle
experience for me. To no one’s surprise, Pam was a Top 50 salesperson for Nordstrom
nationwide.
We’re all looking for this
type of buying experience, where we work with people and companies that truly
get it and are experts in their field. And we want them to guide us through the
process and help us feel comfortable with our purchasing decisions.
Earning Your Trust and Confidence
At Classic Rental Solutions, our goal is to make our customers feel the same way that Pam made me feel as her customer through all those years. We want to earn that same trust and confidence to deliver successful experiences every time.
Renting an exhibit is more
complex than buying men’s clothes, but here’s what we set out to do for our
customers for every project:
Assist with design to help provide solutions that match our customer’s expectations
Guide and direct the process from the beginning to the end
Manage the details for every project to make sure everything is produced correctly, and on time
Maintain the highest level of quality control to assure that every exhibit looks brand new on the show floor
Stage every order, and test fit the graphics prior to shipping
Include staging photos, packing photos, setup diagrams, and an inventory list with every order
Offer webcam or FaceTime previews
Reward our customers with CRS Rental Rewards credits towards future projects, and other reward incentives.
If you shop around, you’ll discover that these comprehensive services are rarely offered by other providers.
A Complete Rental Program
As I always like to say, a
lot of companies rent exhibits, but we offer a complete rental program. That’s
what makes us different.
We’re constantly adding new
designs to our inline, island, and accessories website galleries, and we offer
rebrand and custom design services. And we’re always happy to jump on a design
call. We’ll make structural and functional suggestions and try to come up with
cost savings ideas.
As a division of Classic Exhibits Inc., CRS is supported by a full-service shop that produces our rental components in-house. This allows us to offer customization for every design. And our inventory is virtually unlimited. If we’re out of something, we produce more to fulfill new orders. And that’s very rare in our industry. All the designs shown on our website are always available, as long as we have a standard lead time. We don’t shy away from rush orders either.
We have fun doing what we do,
because we build something new and different every day. It can be stressful at
times, but it’s very rewarding to be a part of our customer’s successful
projects from the beginning to the end. And we’re like little kids when we
receive show photos with a positive note saying how successful the show was.
That’s what it’s all about.
For more information about Classic Rental Solutions, please contact Jim
Shelman @ jshelman@classicexhibits.com
or call 503-345-0525 x 103.
What Do Trade Show Displays Have in Common with Restaurants?
Many inexperienced exhibitors struggle with their show display options. And who can blame them? Even for hardcore marketing professionals, trade show exhibits can be puzzling and the prices bewildering. Some displays are hundreds of dollars, other thousands, and larger projects easily climb into six figures.
So how do you choose? Oddly enough, trade show displays are a lot like restaurants. Yes, restaurants. There are fast food displays and fine dining exhibits. Don’t want fast food or fine dining… how about casual dining displays? Where you eat depends on your budget, your taste preferences, and your priorities. So, let’s take a moment to compare the familiar (restaurants) with the unfamiliar (trade show exhibits). Hopefully it will make choosing your next display much easier.
Fast Food
A fast-food restaurant provides the quickest food and
service at the cheapest prices. The décor is simple, and the selection limited.
Going to Taco Bell, KFC, and of course, McDonald’s is almost always convenient,
predictable, and inexpensive but perhaps not always healthy depending on your
choices.
Finding fast food displays is just as easy and convenient. There’s no shortage of imported banner stands or tension fabric displays on the web, all available for a click or two. These displays serve a purpose for local events or for small businesses not participating in professional trade shows. They are cost-effective, graphic mediums with limited accessories and an uncertain lifespan. Just like a burger, fries, and COKE, they taste great but should be consumed in moderation. The experience is nearly always transactional, not consultative. Click here for examples.
Fast Casual
Unlike fast food restaurants, fast casual restaurants are more likely to serve healthier choices and offer more comfortable dining rooms. Customers usually order their food at the counter, although drive -thru and takeout is available. Think Chipotle, Boston Market, or even Panda Express. And while you have choices, those choices don’t include cooking the Kung Pao Chicken, for example, without chicken or peanuts.
Fast Casual Displays are typically purchased from a local exhibit professional, although they can be ordered online. These displays offer more accessory options such as shelves, monitor mounts, lightboxes, etc. There’s usually a conversation or consultation between the buyer and seller about their specific trade show product or marketing needs. Packaging is better. Quality is better. And while they are often based on pre-configured “kits,” those kits can be re-configured within limits. Click here for examples.
Casual Dining
Casual dining restaurants offer a wider menu selection,
table service, and a family friendly environment. Servers/waiters offer advice,
take orders, and serve food. The prices are higher than at fast casual but more
affordable than fine dining restaurants. Some are chains like Applebee’s or
Cheesecake Factory but also include local establishments with either highly
specialized menus or a broad range of cuisine.
Most corporate exhibitors who participate in industry-specific trade shows fit into this category. They work with local or regional exhibit designer/builders to design a system solution or a customized exhibit. As exhibitors, they want an exhibit that reinforces their brand, presents a professional appearance, and adapts to their trade show marketing program without breaking their budget. More often than not, they are receptive to custom rental solutions if the design offers more flexibility and visual impact, but at a cost lower than purchasing an exhibit. They appreciate selection, value, service, and welcome guidance from a knowledgeable exhibit marketing professional. The experience is almost always consultative if the exhibitor doesn’t have an extensive exhibit marketing program. Click here for examples.
Fine Dining
Fine-dining restaurants come with the most elaborate menus
and expensive prices. Owners of fine-dining restaurants want to present an
atmosphere of elegance and grace. They employ chefs who attended culinary
schools and possess many years of experience.
Fine Dining exhibits, like fine dining restaurants, are
equal parts atmosphere, presentation, quality, and experience. They are almost
always memorable, and their size and creativity can be a magnet for attendees throughout
the show hall. Most are pure custom, both in design and construction, although
subtle and effective modular construction has become more common.
These exhibits are more likely to include LED Video Walls or
A/R. We often associate Fine Dining Exhibits with larger island exhibits or
double-deck structures, but inlines (like 10 x 20 or larger) can project the
same elegance and upscale appearance. It’s possible to achieve this level of
sophistication without spending hundreds of thousands of dollars but it
requires the right exhibit partner and a commitment to all facets of trade show
marketing (and not just the display). However, a steady diet of fine dining, just like one of fast food, is rarely healthy or cost-effective for most exhibitor. Click here for examples.
Hungry for successful trade show results? It all starts with choosing the right display for your marketing goals and budget and working with an exhibit professional committed to your long-term success. And yes, we all love french fries and chocolate milkshakes, but a more balanced diet is always a better choice. And don’t forget to treat yourself from time to time with something extravagant.
Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, custom, rental 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.
It’s time to register for Classic Exhibits’ semi-annual Distributor Partner Training. The next Shared Knowledge University is June 21-21. See the details below for more information. Click here to download the registration form. Or click here to see the SKU video on YouTube.
Classic Exhibits Inc. announces the addition of Harold Mintz to the Classic Family. As a Regional Sales Manager, Harold will work alongside Jen LaBruzza, the National Sales Manager, to support the Classic Distributor Partner Network throughout North America.
Harold brings over 20 years of trade show and event experience to Classic with previous leadership positions at custom houses, a portable/modular manufacturer, and a graphic printer. More recently, he worked in the entertainment industry for seven years as the Communications Director for Shady Acres Entertainment.
According to Kevin Carty, VP, “On behalf of the entire Classic Family of companies, we are excited to have Harold join us. Harold brings not just a wealth of industry knowledge, but also a great creative and inquisitive approach to relationships. He will compliment Jen LaBruzza and her efforts in creating, building, and maintaining our partnerships in North America.
On a personal note, I have known Harold for 20 plus years — first as
friendly competitors which then quickly developed into a friendship. When asked internally about Harold, I tell my colleagues, ‘He is one of us’ meaning he fits our culture and how we view the relationship between Classic and our Distributor Partners. I am excited to work with him professionally.”
Harold states, “The trade show industry is chock full of creative, talented people. Classic has all that, plus a supportive, dynamic culture. I believe my background in sales, politics, training, and public speaking combined with Classic’s capabilities are a perfect fit. I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the Classic Family. I look forward to working with the Distribution Network.”
On a separate note, for those who know Harold, you are familiar with his passion for organ donation programs. He states, “I donated my left kidney back in 2000. It was one of the best and most impactful things I’ve ever done. I often speak to groups large and small about the life-saving benefits of organ donation.”
Please take a moment to welcome Harold to the Classic Family. You can reach him at harold@classicexhibits.com. For more information about Harold, see his LinkedIn profile.
Classic Exhibits Inc., based in Portland, OR, designs and manufactures trade show, retail, and corporate environments for over 200 independent distributor partners. For the past two years, Classic Exhibits has been named a Find It Top 40 Exhibit Builder by EXHIBITOR Magazine.
