It’s hard to believe I’ve been with Classic Exhibits for seven months (although I feel like I’ve been here for years). Thankfully, it’s been a smooth transition and everything that I hoped it would be and more!
Here’s what I knew going
into this position. I would be surrounded by some of the most genuine,
respected, and talented individuals in the industry. No surprise there! I
believe our distributors can attest to this as well.
What I didn’t know, until I experienced my first large build, was how easy it is for our Distributor Partners to source projects to us.
No, we’re not the least
expensive but we are reasonable (I knew this going into my position). The value
we bring to our distributors is incredible. For a Distributor to send a PO and
artwork to us and essentially move onto the next opportunity truly sets us
apart. The level of detail from our Project Management and Production teams is
like nothing I’ve experienced in my 20+ years in the industry.
If you want to work smarter
not harder, then Classic is a great partner. If you want to save a buck by
sourcing to multiple manufacturers then figuring out how to put the complete
package together, then you’re making things much harder than they need to be.
At the end of the day, working with Classic Exhibits means our distributors save time which makes them money so they can focus on the important things in life… like actually having a life. 😊
Last batch of photos from EuroShop 2023. Plus, two videos showing a wide range of exhibits, lighting, and technology. In case you are wondering if there are more photos and videos, there are… but you’ll have to wait to see those during Katina’s Euroshop Design Trends webinar on August 28. Register HERE.
For even more photos and videos, see the posts from Day 1 and Day 2.
Video 1
Video 2
(9) EuroShop 2023 Photo Gallery
(10) Photo Gallery
Classic Exhibits has been designing and building solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards.
With over 200 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative close by to assist with any rental project. Contact us today whether you need an inline rental display, a double-deck island exhibit, or a contemporary kiosk rental. At Classic, we’re not just different. We’re better.
Recently, I spoke with Jessica Sibila, who’s the owner of Jessica Sibila Consulting, and the Executive Director of The Exhibitor Advocate. If you are unfamiliar with The Exhibitor Advocate that’s understandable. It’s brand new. However, the professionals spearheading this association have been championing the rights of exhibitors for many years.
For anyone who’s worked in the exhibit industry or participated in trade shows, you know it can be complicated, confusing, and often opaque, especially to exhibitors. They don’t always know their rights or how to dispute charges or even propose changes to a show. Collectively, they have the largest financial commitment to the success of a trade show but often the least amount of influence on how it’s priced, managed, and marketed.
The Exhibitor Advocate Mission
The Exhibitor Advocate is a newly formed non-profit organization dedicated to supporting exhibitor needs in the exhibitions and events industry. The group provides expert advice, research, and tools to act on behalf of all exhibiting companies, focusing on addressing challenges and pain points so that exhibitions and events remain a valuable and irreplaceable marketing channel.
Exhibitors are an essential part of the industry ecosystem; without them, we don’t have a trade show. In this post-COVID world, exhibitors are being challenged by exponentially rising costs, lack of data availability, and limited metrics and ROI. It’s important the industry understands the needs of the exhibiting community and works towards addressing these issues in order to sustain the industry for the future. We can no longer rely solely on the attendee to drive the success of a trade show. The exhibitor is a strategic partner in creating an event that is beneficial for all parties.
The Exhibitor Advocate amplifies the voice of the exhibitor. We are a powerful community that finally has a platform for sharing best practices and addressing challenges we face. We invite all industry stakeholders to join the cause and support The Exhibitor Advocate. Become a member or donate funds at ExhibitorAdvocacy.com. Together, we can ensure the enduring success of the exhibitions and events industry.
For most Classic Distributors, Exhibit Design Search is one tool in their exhibit toolbox. Many are experts. They understand how to navigate EDS and use it efficiently to close sales. Others are less familiar with it. They understand the basics, but rarely use the fully set of EDS tools available to them.
Mel White shares six essential Exhibit Design Search skills anyone can master in just 40 minutes. In no time, you’ll be able to Search, Save, and Share solutions so clients have ideas in minutes, instead of hours.
The Wall Street Journal reports investors showed little interest in the Flabby Daddy IPO, which tanked during its launch yesterday.
Kevin Carty, who will be returning to Classic Exhibits
effective today, said, “I think investors were put-off by the 27 times I said
‘moobs’ during the press conference.”
Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey, Goodbye!
Flabby Daddy Founder + CEO
Dear Distributor Family,
It has been my great pleasure to work with you all these years. But like all good things, my tenure at Classic is ending. Why? Simple really. COVID stress put 25 lbs. on my body, and in a recent effort to shed the unwanted weight, I started doing 6-minute abs. Sadly, it failed miserably, so I thought, “Why not embrace this Dad Bod of mine?”
I’ve created my own clothing line called “Flabby Daddy.” Flabby Daddy Clothing comes in both denim and khaki colors, and is designed to accentuate the Dad Bod — moobs and all.Plus, Flabby Daddy announces the return of corduroy shorts and the mesh half-shirt (with your favorite college logo). The mesh half shirt and corduroy shorts (order two sizes too small please) were created to show off the full Dunlop waistline acquired through years of pre- and post-meal snacking.
BTW — I have forgotten you all already…so don’t ask for money. Peace Out!
–Kevin Carty
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“Angry protests over the changing of Design Monday to Design Friday has forced Classic to reconsider its decision. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt,” said Mel White. “Effective immediately, we’re reverting back to Design Monday and urge protesters to release the exhibit designers they’re holding hostage.”
The Real Reason Will Smith Slapped Chris Rock
Several months ago, Classic Exhibits hired Forrester-Yates, a national research firm to analyze our email marketing. Their comprehensive research included trade show industry trends, social media results, and conversations with Classic Exhibits Distributors.
According to Forrester-Yates, 87% of Americans have a negative opinion of Monday vs. a 73% positive attitude about Friday. In addition, they determined that 81% of exhibit industry employees are hungover, high, or severely depressed on Monday mornings. Sadly, Fridays are not much better.
Based on their recommendations, Design Monday will become Design Friday. You will receive it at noon on Thursday to maximize opens… and generally confuse you. Design Friday will include clickbait titles like:
I Can’t Believe This Happened to Me… OMG!
24 Reasons Why Chicken Fingers are Healthy
Kim Kardashian Said WHAT about Kanye!
3 Colognes Designed to Make You Smarter
The Dark History of the Magic 8 Ball Revealed
Should you have any concerns, contact Forrester-Yates. We’ll be at a bar drinking.
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An explosion and ensuing fire at a convention center in the Midwest, reminiscent of the Hindenburg airship disaster in 1937, has prompted Classic Rental Solutions to put the brakes on plans to switch to inflatable displays. Bystanders who saw the large island exhibit burn were heard to say, “Oh the Humanity!” Fortunately, no one was injured.
We’re Blowing Up the Rental Display Industry
We all love balloons. The bigger the better. Well,Classic Rental Solutions has embraced this concept by switching to inflatable exhibits.
More Air. Less Labor.
For nearly four years, we’ve been developing the perfect instant trade show booth technology. It hasn’t been easy and the technical challenges have been enormous, but we’ve persevered through pops, leaks, and an occasional explosion. What prompted this switch? As you may recall, about 10 years ago, a competitor introduced inflatable displays via a live video feed. We were gob smacked. Our first thought was, “We’re toast. Who wouldn’t want an inflatable display? How can anyone compete with this?”
We didn’t have the resources to develop our version at the time… but now through the generosity of a billionaire investor with an interest in all things electric, we’re ready to “blow things up in the exhibition industry.” Every tabletop, inline, and island from CRS will now be an inflatable display with no compromises. Need shelves? No problem. Backlighting? Sure. Monitor mounts? Of course. Locking storage? We’ve got you covered!
We’re not quite ready to share renderings. Be patient… they’ll hit your inbox soon. Just keep checking (and checking).
BTW – We’d love to hear your suggestions for a product name. We considered “Wind… something” but that seemed silly. Send your suggestions to Jim Shelman.
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Sadly, Display U Las Vegas has closed. The FBI reports that Jen LaBruzza has disappeared along with the tuition money. There’s speculation that she fled to the Isle of Man, which lacks an extradition treaty with the United States. In a note left behind, Jen said she’ll be in touch with friends and family once the money runs out.
The FIRST Practical Trade Show Degree: Display U Las Vegas!
Earn Your TS-BS Degree
Courses will be taught by Professor Jen LaBruzza. Required courses include:
Classic Exhibits is launching a one-of-a-kind degree program — “You Know You Work in Trade Shows When…”
How to flip the middle finger to the Trade Show Man by “carrying- in” your entire booth.
How to furnish your home with abandoned IKEA furniture and TVs.
Creams vs. Powders? What’s the best option for chafing and rashes on the show floor in Orlando.
When to beg vs. bribe to get your freight delivered.
How to construct a replacement exhibit with nothing more than PVC pipe, carpet tape, Velcro and zip ties.
This TS-BS degree program will cost a cool $1,000,000 because drayage is now $10,000/CWT and lord knows someone’s gotta pay for it. Might as well be the exhibitors… I mean students. Please reach out to Professor Jen for details on this ONCE in a LIFETIME educational opportunity.
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In a last-minute shift, A-List actors are currently under consideration for the television series The Floor. They include Sam Elliot, Brad Pitt, Queen Latifah, and every actor from Reno 911.
Harold Mintz and Dave Brown are both shocked and insulted
as they had been promised their big break. Stay tuned as this re-casting
unfolds.
Is Hollywood Stardom for YOU?
A Star is Born
Ten years ago, I (Harold) was working in Los Angeles with Tom, one of Hollywood’s most successful movie directors. Tom, who had directed multiple blockbuster comedies, asked me if I had any good ideas for a television series. I told him that the trade show business would make a great backdrop since most people have attended a convention. Tom agreed and asked me to write the first few episodes because of my knowledge of the industry.
The next day, I contacted industry icon Dave Brown and asked if he wanted to work on it with me. He said, “Sure!” and even gave the project its working title — The Floor.
Universal Studios green lit the project, and we penned the first three episodes. The responses were though the roof, but in Hollywood, nothing is real until someone yells, “Action!” Unfortunately, Universal chose other “more timely” projects and The Floor was shelved.
Until last week! The studio contacted Tom at Shady Acres Entertainment and requested 8 episodes ASAP.
Are you ready for stardom? Got any acting experience? You won’t need a union card since this is only the first season. If interested, please contact me at your earliest convenience with your reel (if you’ve got one) and contact info.Please send toTheFloorShow@classicexhibits.com.
Hands Down! At $14,499, the ECO-1121 is an amazing deal! We’ve cut the price dramatically so don’t pass on this offer. Your client may want to take two, perhaps even three.
ECO-1121 Sustainable Exhibit
Supplies are limited (52 in stock). Custom crates will be marked with your logo (per your request).
FREE Shipping, Flooring, and OLEG Monitor to select Distributors. Click to see if your name is on the list.
