The content is AMAZING! Brands that come to EMS are not just
representative of the best of the best but also come ready to engage with
others.
At the same time, everything is intimate in size and very
accessible.
So why doesn’t Classic Exhibits have a booth at EMS? That’s a very fair question. 😊
We Did Exhibit at EMS
Classic participated as an EMS exhibitor in the past, and it was great. But it also created uncomfortable conversations… while still providing good leads.
Why uncomfortable conversations? As you know, Classic does not sell direct. Countless times, we would engage Brand “X” in a productive dialogue in our booth… and then we would ask where their marketing office was located so we could connect them with one of our Distribution Partners. Now insert the previously mentioned “uncomfortable pause.” It was then followed by a deflated, “so we cannot work directly with you and your team?”
After explaining more, they understood and were willing to
connect with a Classic Distributor Partner, but the energy and enthusiasm of
the end-user wasn’t as palpable. I would say “bummer” often described the
end-user’s mood.
We Encouraged Others to Exhibit
Starting last year, we opted NOT to exhibit at the show, but
rather heavily encourage our Exhibit House Distributor Partners to consider
exhibiting. Many of which have taken our advice and will exhibit at EMS.
That “direct” connection with the audience at the Experiential Marketing Summit made so much more sense frankly… and has reaped great rewards.
So even if you are not exhibiting, I encourage you to
consider sending 1 or 2 of your company’s representatives to this event. Like I
said before, the content is AMAZING, and the engagement with top brands is
invaluable.
Let us know how we can assist you with any EMS-related
project opportunities.
Thanks and good luck to everyone attending in the Experiential Marketing Summit!
— Kevin Carty (kevin@classicexhibits.com)
Who We Are
For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands.
Lead times should be a straightforward topic… but they’re not. Every design in EDS has a stated lead-time, like 12-17+ Business Days — about 2-3 weeks in this case. Meaning the ship date can vary depending on when you submit your PO, your client’s artwork, and our current production schedule.
The first two are easy to understand, but the third one requires some explanation. The good news is that once you understand how our production schedule works, then you’ll know how to ask us about your project’s lead time.
Our
Production Schedule Count
Every order is assigned a production count, ranging from 1 to 450 units. Those units are like balls in a big tube. Once we fill that tube, then (technically) that’s it for the day. In reality, we have some days that overflow the tube, and there are other days when the tube may only be half or a quarter full. It’s the job of a PM to work with Production to find a balance by looking for unfilled days to minimize daily production swings.
However,
lead times don’t always fit a tidy schedule. Sometimes you need less time or
even a specific date. When you do, the next step is to ask us… but knowing how
to ask your question is critical.
Details Really Do Matter
NEVER “just” ask about our current lead times. Frankly, that’s not helpful. Instead, ask about a specific design, quote, or kit along with any details. It’s the details that REALLY MATTER. That allows the PM to check the production schedule, consult with the Customer Service Manager, or ask the Production Manager about any flexibility in the schedule. For example, a SYK-1034 Symphony wouldn’t negatively impact the schedule, even on a mostly full day.
We ALWAYS want your order and will make every effort to accept it. Sometimes it’s not possible or will require rush charges. But asking and providing details should be your first step when in doubt. We’ll do our best to make it happen!
Who We Are
For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands.
Classic Exhibits was honored by EXHIBITOR Magazine once again. If that sounds like we’re ungrateful, nothing could be further from the truth. Here’s why…
Since 2018, EXHIBITOR has recognized the Top 40 best exhibit producers in the industry. According to Emily Olson, editor of EXHIBITOR magazine, “the competition, now in its eighth year, serves as a sort of Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for our industry.”
Every year, Classic Exhibits has been named a FindIt Top 40 honoree. Every single year! To put that in context, we’re the ONLY private-label exhibit designer and builder on the list. The only one. Over 20 of the TOP 40 exhibit companies are Classic Exhibits Distributors, which makes our inclusion even more gratifying. We’re in rarified company (pun intended).
A HUGE Congratulations to everyone who made the 2025 list.
The 2025 FindIt Top 40 includes:
2020 Exhibits
3D Exhibits, a Sparks Company
Acer Exhibits
ADEX International
Apple Rock
ASV Experiential
BlueHive Exhibits
CenterPoint Marketing
CEP – Chicago Exhibit Productions
Classic Exhibits
ColorCraft
Condit Exhibits
Creaplan Group
Czarnowski Collective
Deckel & Moneypenny
Derse
EDE
Elevation3D
Exhibit Concepts
Exhibitus
Freeman
George P. Johnson (GPJ)
Hamilton
Hargrove
Hill & Partners, Inc
Impact XM
Kubik
MC²
MSM Inc.
NPARALLEL + Atomic Props
Pinnacle
ProExhibits
Rockway Exhibits + Events
Skyline Exhibits
Sparks
Spiro®
Steelhead Productions
Storylink Creative
The Taylor Group
Visual Communications, Inc.
According to EXHIBITOR, “Small, medium, and large exhibit houses with offices anywhere in the world were eligible to apply. Entries were evaluated to reflect how EXHIBITOR magazine readers value a variety of criteria when determining whether or not to include an organization on a request for information (RFI) or request for proposal (RFP). The evaluation process also included a survey of current clients and a review of entrants’ past projects, selling points, and innovations.”
Who We Are
For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands.
Exhibit Descriptions: Linda Armstrong, EXHIBITOR Magazine
EXHIBITOR Magazine announced the winners of the 12th Annual Portable Modular Awards in San Antonio at EXHIBITORLIVE. Classic Exhibits was a finalist in seven categories and won in three. See below.
For a full list of the winners, CLICK HERE. Winners will be featured in the June/July issue of EXHIBITOR magazine. Our thanks to the EXHIBITOR Group, the Classic Exhibits Distributors who allowed us to submit their entries, and to the Classic Exhibits Family for their amazing contributions.
They say
there’s no place like home. But at the 2024 International Consumer Electronics
Show, Motorola Mobility LLC proved there’s no home quite like a smart home. The
firm transformed 3,000 square feet of convention center concrete into a
technological tribute to domestic tranquility that made even jaded tech
journalists want to kick off their shoes and stay a while.
Working with
Event Strategy Group (ESG) and Classic Exhibits Inc., the team orchestrated a
series of themed product areas that flowed together like well-appointed rooms
in an upscale home. The strategic use of Gravitee One-Step Modular wall panels
and ClassicModul Aluminum Extrusions created distinct environments that invited
exploration while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
“They
turned technology into interior design,” observed one judge, praising how
the exhibit elevated consumer electronics into lifestyle statements. The muted
color palette, architectural lighting, and premium finishes transformed what
could have been a sterile tech display into an inviting domestic environment.
Plus, by combining rental components with premium finishes, the space achieved
a luxurious feel without breaking the budget.
In the end, Motorola didn’t just showcase devices. They showed us how seamlessly technology could integrate into the art of living well.
Inline Exhibit
Category: Inline Exhibit Exhibitor: Classic Exhibits Inc. Design: Classic Exhibits Fabrication: Classic Exhibits Event: EXHIBITORLIVE 2024 Size: 10 x 30
Can a
10-by-30-foot space truly command attention at a bustling trade show like
EXHIBITORLIVE? Classic Exhibits Inc. proved it can. Its 2024 exhibit
showcased how impactful design, combined with subtle sophistication, can create
an experience that far exceeds its physical footprint.
Rising 14
feet above the show floor, a commanding LED back wall anchored the space, while
lenticular walls created an unexpected analog activity. One judge praised the
design as “a masterful blend of manufacturing prowess and artistic
restraint,” noting how visitors were naturally drawn to discover different
messages hidden within the shifting patterns as they moved through the space.
Classic
Exhibits created an environment that served as a living portfolio of its
capabilities, featuring custom wood-build elements, Gravitee modular wall
panels, and SuperNova light boxes. Inside a private meeting area, a circular
lightbox fostered an inviting atmosphere, its plant imagery softened by ghosted
word art that subtly referenced company values.
The coordinated LED content on the main wall and front counters cycled through capabilities demonstrations and moments of branded serenity. The combined effect clearly communicated the firm’s capabilities and brand values, showcasing both practical demonstrations and moments of visual calm.
Island Exhibit 900 sf and Fewer
Category: Island Exhibit 900 sf and Fewer Exhibitor: Talos Engineered Products LLC Design: Zilla LLC Fabrication: Classic Exhibits Event: MODEX 2024 Size: 20 x 40
How do you
make warehouse logistics look like a blockbuster attraction? While some might
reach for smoke and mirrors, Talos Engineered Products LLC opted for slotted
walls and LED lighting — and created such a compelling environment at MODEX
2024 that it established a new benchmark for innovative exhibit design in the
logistics industry.
The
20-by-40-foot island exhibit, designed by Zilla LLC and fabricated by Classic
Exhibits Inc., made an immediate impact with its massive Aero Frame sign
featuring dimensional logos that commanded attention from every angle. Below,
dimensional slotted wall panels illuminated by green LED lighting created a
distinctive branded environment that one judge praised as “a perfect
marriage of form and function.”
Throughout
the space, custom counters and desks provided ample workspace for
demonstrations and conversations, while cleverly integrated storage areas kept
marketing materials and promotional items close at hand. The layout maintained
generous open floor space for potential equipment displays while offering
numerous meeting areas for both casual and semi-private discussions.
Most impressively, every element was engineered for flexibility — from the modular wood walls to the structural supports — allowing the exhibit to be reconfigured for different show environments while maintaining its custom appearance.
For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands.
Lots of questions, speculation, and intrigue are swirling
around tariffs and all things tariff related. Even if you try to avoid the news,
you’re still hearing about tariffs along with inflation, gas, and eggs.
Kevin Carty, Classic Exhibits
So the big question is — “Will this affect Classic’s prices?” Which is a fair question since Classic, like other builders, uses a lot of aluminum, which is tied to the 232 tariff on steel and aluminum.
Short and simple answer is prices will increase on selective items. No companies can absorb the ongoing increases along with those in March. Some suppliers have intimated that these increases will not impact their pricing. Frankly, that’s foolish to say or to believe.
Classic’s History with Imports
Allow me to share some history (and to cushion the overall
message). Years ago, we (Classic) moved several profiles from China due to the
ADD law/ruling (see definition below).
We “onshored” those profiles to domestic extruders, then made secondary dies for about 12 common profiles for a supplier in Vietnam. As a result, the original China tariffs were negligible, but the ADD fees on our containers from Vietnam have continued to increase.
So, what about the price increases? Over the past few years, we have absorbed some of the increases rather than implementing across the board price changes. Instead, we made targeted increases based on those materials. It made no sense to increase an entire kit design by 25% when the laminated wood components and graphics weren’t affected.
Starting in March, if you purchase aluminum components from us or a Gravitee Modular Frame, it will be a bit more. Ranging from 8% to 15% depending on the profile and where we have it pressed.
Now, here’s where the tariffs get a bit more complicated. For example, why would any of the profiles you press in the US be increased? Well, the “devil is in details.” Most of the aluminum billets used at USA extrusion plants come from offshore locations. As their prices increase, they pass those prices along to us.
Are you still with me? I know this isn’t a sexy topic. Bear with me a little longer as I share some tariff background.
Engineered Aluminum Extrusion
Background Information about 232 and 301 Tariffs
Rob Cohen from DSL and I have represented our industry, via EDPA Advocacy, on all things tariff related for the past 6-7 years now. We speak monthly with other industries and to countless elected officials in and around DC.
Here are some Cliff Notes that I think are important as you absorb the news regarding tariffs. Specifically, the 232 and the 301 tariffs:
232 – Steel and Aluminum Tariff
301 – Finished Goods Tariff – electronics, machinery, toys, plastics and much more
1. Tariffs are apolitical
Trump 1.0 Tariffs added to China
Biden renewed the tariffs as they were set to expire and was working on and implementing increases and expansion to tariffs during his 4-year term
Trump 2.0 tariffs
Tariffs have generated over $300 BILLION in revenue for the US government. (do you think they want to see that go away?)
2. Section 232 and 301 tariffs are two different categories of tariffs on top of tariffs that already existed
3. No Exemptions
Under the new additional proposed tariffs (going into effect in March 2025) – there is no right to file for any exemptions or exclusionary language.
This is the HUGE detail that gets overlooked by many. Basically, even if you are a top 10 business in the US economy, after March 12, 2025 all tariffs in place, existing, additional or reciprocal, will affect ALL US Businesses bringing items in from offshore
4. Congress has no authority to legislate tariffs! None.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has this authority and is guided by the Executive Branch (President) only
5. As of today –
Tariffs are to be imposed on goods from ALL countries that apply tariffs to the importation of goods from the US
6. We get asked all the time.
“Can’t you just get the materials you need in another country?” NO, all countries are now “likely” to subject to the tariffs in the coming weeks/months and varying percentage rates.
It’s very expensive to get new safety listings (UL) for electrical parts – New molds for extrusions…items like this must be created new when you change factories let along countries. And even in the US you cannot use the same molds or listings from one factory to the next
We have not even discussed the subject of the cost of mfg in the USA
7. General matters to consider:
The HTS code assigned to a product impacts the amount of the tariff to be paid
Companies cannot stop innovating because of the imposition of tariffs. We must continue to still be creative and develop products that will enhance face to face marketing
We are all in the same “boat” professionally and personally
There is a workforce development challenge in the US. Even if we were to move all manufacturing back to the US – the workforce does not exist to handle the additional manufacturing load
Last 12 months have shown a decline in the number of people who are members of unions.
Many of the NEW tariffs coming are not “replacing” the existing ones, they are being layered atop the existing ones
Port fees go much further than just the tariffs you hear daily about today in the news. With aluminum for example you have the ADD fees (Anti-Dumping fees) which can range from 25% to 125% of the invoice value of the material you are bringing in depending on which country it is coming from. This determination is made by CBP (customs) at the port based on your manifested items
A BIG note worth mentioning is the specifying language now in the ADD documentation. It specifically includes “tradeshow display fixtures and framing”
This is all a moving target so be watchful of “reciprocal”
tariff talk. It could be even more impactful on us all, again personally and
professionally.
In Simple Terms
Let’s look at Indonesia. Indonesia charges approx. 37%
tariff on all US imports. So, if the current administration decides to apply a
reciprocal tariff to all things coming from Indonesia, then we would need to
consider the impact. Look at the volume of plywood (various species) used in
the US for home building, exhibit building, and more. Many retailers and lumber
brokers source from Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, Canada and Europe for our sheet
goods (wood).
I don’t say this to scare anyone. Rather you need to be
prepared should the reciprocal tariffs take effect in any meaningful way in the
coming months.
Again, my apologies for this long-winded update/post, but I
wanted to give you some context to the “why” when it comes to any price
increases you may see not only from Classic but also from all suppliers.
I thank you all for your ongoing partnership for the past 33 years. We are grateful for your trust in us as your private label manufacturer.
— Kevin Carty, Executive Vice President
For over 30 years, Classic Exhibits has been designing and building creative custom solutions for our Distributor Partners and their clients. As North America’s largest private-label exhibit manufacturer, we have the unmatched capability, capacity, and creativity to create 3D projects ranging from 10 x 10 inline displays to 60 x 80 double-deck islands.
