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10 Big Trade Shows in North America | May 2017

May 2nd, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

10 Big Trade Shows in May 2017

We know you are patiently waiting for National Hug Your Cat Day on May 15. As are we. To help you pass the time, we’ve compiled a list of 10 BIG trade shows happening in May. What do cats have to do with trade shows? Thank you for asking:  What Cats Can Teach Us About Trade Shows.

Offshore Technology Conference, May 1 – 4, 2017, NRG Park, Houston, TX

http://2017.otcnet.org

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. OTC is the largest event in the world for the oil and gas industry featuring more than 2,30 exhibitors, and attendees representing 100 countries.

MuseumExpo, May 7 – 10, 2017, St. Louis, MO

http://annualmeeting.aam-us.org

MuseumExpo will buzz with connections being made, ideas being exchanged and innovative products being showcased. It’s the best place to find cost- and time-saving solutions from over 250 exhibitors. Exhibit at MuseumExpo and connect with high-level decision-makers such as directors, curators, financial officers, exhibit design professionals, educators and registrars.

AISTech, May 8 – 11, 2017, Nashville, TN

http://www.aist.org/conference-expositions/aistech

Steel’s Premier Technology Event will feature technologies from all over the world that help steel producers to compete more effectively in today’s global market. AISTech is a can’t-miss event for anyone involved at any level of today’s steel marketplace, providing perspective on the technology and engineering expertise necessary to power a sustainable steel industry. Whether you present, attend or exhibit, take advantage of this opportunity to network with industry peers and discover ways to improve your productivity.

Lightfair International, May 9 – 11, 2017, Philadelphia, PA

http://www.lightfair.com/V40

The transformative power of innovation and imagination converge in a global presentation of light and technology—brilliantly revealed at LIGHTFAIR International 2017. Where new discoveries, new connectivity, new knowledge and new solutions propel lighting design quickly into the future. All at the world’s largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference. 6 pavilions will showcase product-specific manufacturers and more than 550 of the world’s leading manufacturers will showcase their latest technologies and innovations in over 200,000 square feet of exhibit space.

SAPPHIRE Now, May 16 – 18, 2017, Orlando, FL

http://events.sap.com/sapandasug/en/

Join us for the largest global business technology event, hosted by SAP and ASUG. Connect with the community that uses SAP software every day. Learn how to enable your digital business strategy and get more from your technology investment. Plus this is the one place where you can meet the entire ecosystem of SAP Partners.

NRA Show, May 20 – 23, 2017, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

https://show.restaurant.org/Experience

What’s cooking at NRA (National Restaurant Association) Show? 45,000+ foodservice buyers with big budgets and an appetite to buy. The entire spectrum of the foodservice industry calls NRA Show their own. From commercial to non-commercial, chain to independent, QSR to fine-dining—as well as supermarkets, convenience stores, dealers and distributors—NRA Show is the only event where every segment comes with plans to learn, connect, and spend.

ICSC RECon, May 21 – 24, 2017, LVCC, Las Vegas, NV

http://www.icsc.org/recon/

RECon is the worlds, largest retail real estate convention with more than 37,000 attendees representing 58 countries who gather for power deal making, endless networking and innovative education. This makes RECon the premier gathering place for retail real estate professionals to conduct a year’s worth of business in just three days! No other convention will give exhibitors this unprecedented depth of exposure and reach.

AWEA WINDPOWER, May 22 – 25, 2017, Anaheim, CA

http://www.windpowerexpo.org

WINDPOWER is the largest North American wind energy trade show. The industry’s progress will be on full display at WINDPOWER 2017 with all the major industry segments coming together under one roof. We will unveil new enhancements to the show and feature a new focus on the brands investing in wind. There’s just no question…it’s the focal point of the U.S. wind energy industry and where purchasing decisions get made.

MUSE Conference, May 30 – June 2, 2017, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Ctr, Dallas, TX

http://www.museweb.org/Events/2017-International-MUSE-Conference

The 2017 International MUSE (Medical Users Software Exchange) Conference is the premier source for networking education and professional development for meditech users. This conference creates a space for attendees to generate and be exposed to ideas and innovative solutions including a vibrant exhibit hall to explore new product and solution providers.

BookExpo, May 31 – June 2, 2017, Javits Center, NYC

http://www.bookexpoamerica.com

BookExpo is evolving to lead the global publishing industry to its consumer driven future and celebrate storytelling in all its forms. It’s the place where industry, authors and readers converge to define the new publishing universe. BookExpo provides a focused professional environment to discover emerging authors and the next blockbuster titles, engage with the world’s most influential publishers and learn from industry leaders and peers.

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Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid 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.

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What a Mel Meltdown Looks Like

April 21st, 2017 Mel White 4 COMMENTS

Exhibit Design Search

Twelve years ago, we coined the phrase “Exhibit Design Search.” Back then, it was exactly that — a simple way to search through our product galleries for kit numbers and features.

At the time, it didn’t occur to me, or anyone at Classic Exhibits, to trademark or copyright Exhibit Design Search. After a few years, Exhibit Design Search and by extension EDS, became synonymous with Classic Exhibits and our distributor-branded versions. I assumed that others would make that same assumption.

As with anything successful, there are bound to be copycats. Other display vendors and distributors have attempted to replicate Exhibit Design Search. Some have done OK on a superficial level, but no one has ever duplicated the depth of EDS. Who can blame them. It would require 10s of thousands of hours and an IT and programming budget beyond the reach of nearly every company in our industry.

Islands on Exhibit Design Search
Frankly, I respect anyone who embraces the challenge. I know how difficult it has been to build and maintain EDS. Every single day there are multiple changes. Tony Bennett, our web guru, devotes a huge percent of his time each week to improving the functionality and aesthetics of Exhibit Design Search. On a bad day, it’s a never-ending monster hungry for more information. On most days, however, it’s a work of art. The website manage tools alone are breathtaking.

Am I proud of our work? Of course. Which brings me to a rub. From time to time, I stumble on a website that has appropriated “Exhibit Design Search” as a menu, page, or function. I’m not on a mission. There’s no daily Google search for EDS as a term. I just find it, and it makes me mad for 5-10 minutes. Then I suck it up and move on. That is, until it happened last week on an updated display manufacturer’s website.

It’s not that the overall search design was elegant. It was basic. Nor that it looked like EDS, although there were some minor similarities. It was the header:  Exhibit Design Search — in all caps and a similar font. It wasn’t exactly the same but it wasn’t different. It was a conscious decision, which is the crux of my annoyance. Point two, it’s not like there aren’t other variations of EDS that would have been equally descriptive as a phrase. For example:

  • Design Search
  • Exhibit Search
  • Display Search
  • Search for Displays and Exhibits
  • Display Finder
  • Rat Bastard Display Search for Designs

You get my point. What bothers me is the lack of imagination and the gall. I want to believe it wasn’t a conscious decision. That it just happened. But that would make me naive once again.

I’m not in the midst of a meltdown anymore. Writing this has been my therapy session. Perhaps I should be honored on behalf of Classic Exhibits and every Classic Exhibits Distributor with a branded EDS site. But I’m not. If you happen to chance upon this website, consider that someone made an ethical decision about something as minor as a phrase and a design, which easily could have been something else. Remember, it’s almost always the little things that reveal a company’s personality and moral character, not the big things.

I’m better now. Mostly. Unless I visit that website again.

p.s. Just in case there’s any doubt regarding our history and use of EDS, the following URLs are owned by Classic Exhibits:

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite
https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Exhibits-Inc-113601405319757

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Your Spring “Shared Knowledge University” Invitation (SKU)

April 14th, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

SKU_Portland

Quit pretending. You want to attend Shared Knowledge University (SKU). You know it. We know it. Heck, your colleagues are sick and tired of hearing you talk about it. Just do it! (as another much more famous Portland company would say).

Will you learn a lot? Yes. Will it be exhausting? Yes. Will you want to leave Portland on Wednesday morning? No. But as former SKU graduates have discovered, we’re going to take your sorry, broken, hypnotized, and dehydrated body to the airport whether you want to leave or not.

Space is limited and openings fill fast. Contact Jen LaBruzza (jen@classicexhibits.com) to reserve your spot on June 12-13 (Monday and Tuesday). Embrace your chance to add the SKU logo to your LinkedIn profile.

Click on the image below to view the happy SKU video.

Shared Knowledge University, Spring 2017

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite
https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Exhibits-Inc-113601405319757

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The People’s Almanac of Trade Show Knowledge

April 6th, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

TPA_BlogHeader

In 1975, David Wallechinsky and his father Irving Wallace published The People’s Almanac. Two more followed — one in 1978 and another in 1981. I bought them all. These were not your grandparent’s Farmer’s Almanacs with weather predictions, quotes, and gardening tips. The TPA was a big fat book with obscure facts, lists, and esoteric information. Reading it made you feel smarter, dangerously so at parties, family gatherings, and bars. If you had any social skills, you quickly learned that a 20-year-old know-it-all isn’t endearing.

Knowledge is NOT the SAME as Expertise

I’m reminded of that all too often. Recently, a distributor asked me an exhibit design question. I’m not a designer, but I feel comfortable answering basic design questions. This question, however, required the expertise and knowledge of 3D exhibit designer.

If I was cocky, I would claim that 20+ years of experience makes me qualified. It doesn’t. I have exhibit design knowledge, but that doesn’t make me an exhibit designer.

Trade show questionsYour Ego, My Ego, the Client’s Ego

We all love working with an informed client about trade shows and trade show marketing. They ask our advice. We give it. Sometimes we state facts. The booth guidelines for an inline space in North America are XYZ. Sometimes we offer opinions. It’s better to hire the Exhibit-Appointed Contractor than the GSC labor. If you are like me, you occasionally wade into information quicksand, and then keep talking until you are way over your head. I would encourage you not to make that mistake. Defer to the experts, like those listed below.

Exhibit Designers

You probably knew I would start with this one. It’s a pet-peeve of mine. Having a pen and a napkin doesn’t make you a designer. It means you can (and should) share your design advice based on your experience. But at some point, you should seek the advice of a professional. That’s why every exhibit house and display builder hires folks who do nothing but design exhibits. They understand current design trends, materials, and accessories. They know how to translate “this is what we do and these are our goals for the show” into a stunning 3D structure.

Builders

Now this just seems obvious… but just because you made a bread board in woodshop, it doesn’t make you a carpenter, mill-worker, or electrician. I speak from experience. I see their craftsmanship every day in our shop. We design and detail every project, yet they find ways to improve these projects in both big and small ways.

Show Labor

Whether you chose labor from the GSC or from an Exhibit-Appointed Contractor (EAC), you can be sure the crew has done it at least 1000 times more than you. Not necessarily your exhibit, and sadly not necessarily every laborer. It’s been my experience that they know what they are doing and are amazing at problem solving. You’ll be rewarded if you respect their skill set, provide them with helpful supervision, and don’t freak-out when they take their required breaks. They deserve them.

Trade Show People on the floor

Account Executives and Project Managers

You probably know them the best. They guide you through the exhibit buying experience. They assist you with show regulations, shipping, repairs, and trade show marketing. They are the ones who pester you about the next show, graphic files, collateral, and promotional products. They want you to succeed because then you are happy. When you are happy, you continue to invest in trade shows.

Consultants, Talent, Service Providers

Our industry has a wealth of seasoned professionals with insider knowledge about improving your trade show ROI. There are trade show consultants, booth staff trainers, in-booth presenters, lead capture specialists, A/V gurus, models, international exhibiting experts, etc. The list is vast and the talent impressive. I’ve learned over the years that we can only know so much about trade shows. We do a disservice to our clients when we don’t steer them to someone who has the talent to elevate their trade show return.

trade show freightFreight

No offense, but do you really want to spend time learning about freight and logistics? No you don’t. You want to go to your grave with the least amount of information regarding freight, wait times, LTL, and the Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Find someone who thinks about it on weekends and holidays and offer them your first-born child. Think of it as your contribution to a better world.

Clearly, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to experts in our industry. Graphic designers, detailers, show organizers, etc. all have unique skills acquired through specialized training or on-the-job skills. Too often, we delve into areas best left to those with more knowledge. While it’s flattering to be “the source” for all trade show questions, it’s smarter to be the one “who knows the person who knows.” That’s not something I learned from The People’s Almanac.

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite
https://www.facebook.com/Classic-Exhibits-Inc-113601405319757

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10 Big Trade Shows in North America | April 2017

March 30th, 2017 Mel White COMMENTS

10 Big Trade Shows in April 2017
Spring has officially sprung, and we’re hopping into April with another BIG trade show month. This month features coffee to craft brewers, and furniture design to architects and broadcasters. There’s something for everyone.

PROMAT 2017, Apr. 3 – 6, 2017, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL

http://www.promatshow.com/

ProMat is where manufacturing and supply chain professionals go to find their X – that unknown quantity that will take their supply chain to the next level of success. ProMat 2017 is the one show where attendees will see in person, in action the best solutions and innovations the industry has to offer and meet the leading providers face-to-face. As a bonus, a ProMat badge will get attendees into Automate 2017 where they’ll find automation solutions they need to make operations work more profitably.

SAE International World Congress Experience, Apr. 4 – 6, 2017, Cobo Center, Detroit, MI

http://wcx17.org

At WCX17: SAE World Congress Experience practical meets potential. The premier talent in the automotive and mobility industry converge to address current challenges, discover new avenues of exploration, and explore the promise of the future of transportation engineering in an interactive experience. More than 200 exhibitors – including OEMs, suppliers, and technology companies – will be exhibiting at WCX.

Coverings, Apr. 4 – 7, 2017, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

http://www.coverings.com

Coverings is the largest tile and stone show in North America with nine miles of the latest trends and exhibitors from over 40 countries. The show floor at Orange County Convention Center will feature 1,100 global exhibitors showcasing the latest tile & stone innovations. From Live installation demonstrations and tours of the show floor, to networking events and segment-focused Appreciation days, Coverings will be packed with things to see and experience.

Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, Apr. 10 – 13, 2017, Washington, D.C.

https://www.craftbrewersconference.com

The 34th Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America will return to the nation’s capital. It is presentment annually by the Brewers Association and is the craft brewing industry’s leading event, and the only one that serves both brewpubs and packaging breweries.

BrewExpo America is the main trade show for American craft brewers providing the opportunity to connect customers, leaders, and more than 775 vendors in one location in the national and international brewing arena. The trade show sets the stage for exhibitors and buyers to develop profitable business relationships and helps brewing and brewery restaurant professionals encounter the latest and best products and services that industry vendors have to offer.

Global Specialty Coffee Expo, Apr. 20 – 23, 2017, Seattle, WA

http://coffeeexpo.org

The Global Specialty Coffee Expo has everything for everyone in the coffee world. Roasters and Retailers can attend and have the opportunity to exhibit their products on the show floor, network with the industry’s decision makers, and further their professional careers by participating in the SCA’s numerous lectures, labs or certificate programs. Food and Beverage professionals can attend to view the industry’s most innovative and cutting edge coffee products, learn about integrating specialty coffee into their existing business plan, and easily make purchasing decisions face to face on the show floor.

Coffee Enthusiasts of all professional backgrounds can attend to participate or watch the coffee competitions, mingle with like-minded attendees at receptions and lunches, or learn more about the art of cupping, brewing or roasting in the educational programs.

Artexpo New York, Apr. 21 – 24, 2017, Pier 94, New York, New York

http://artexponewyork.com

Each year thousands of art industry insiders flock to the Artexpo New York in search of the art and artists that will shape trends in galleries worldwide. Hosting more than 25,000 avid art enthusiasts annually, Artexpo New York is the largest international gathering of qualified trade buyers—including gallery owners and managers, art dealers, interior designers, architects, corporate art buyers and art & framing retailers.

High Point Spring Market, Apr. 22 – 26, 2017, High Point, NC

http://www.highpointmarket.org/

The High Point Spring Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, bringing more than 75,000 people to High Point, North Carolina, every six months. Serious retail home furnishings buyers, interior designers, architects, and others in the home furnishings industry can be found in High Point twice a year because if you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist. Currently there are 180 buildings with a combined 11.5 million square feet of show space. There are 75,000 attendees each market, more than 2000 exhibitors, with 100+ countries represented.

FDIC International, April 24 – 29, 2017, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

http://www.fdic.com/

There is no other event like Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC) International.  The FDIC “Experience” is hard to convey in mere statistics, percentages and words. You’ll hear many of our past attendees talk about the “hallway conversations”, “life-long friendships”, and the power of this event to recharge the passion. In 2016 there were 780 exhibitors interacting with 32,439 attendees. 1,403 were international attendees from 59 countries. Also in 2016, TSNN named FDIC International was named #39 of the top 250 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in 2016.

NAB Show, Apr. 22 – 27, 2017, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

http://www.nabshow.com

The result of these once distinct fields of media, entertainment and technology are converging and becoming something far greater than the sum of their parts. That’s the M.E.T. Effect – and it’s redesigning the very nature of how we live, work and play.

This cultural phenomenon is fueled by internet connectivity and integrated systems, opening up limitless opportunities. Behavior and business have merged to redefine workflows and revenue streams. Corporate alliances are forming and development teams are working vigorously to fill consumer demand for more digital content and immersive experiences. NAB Show is where global visionaries convene and where this phenomenon comes to life.

The entire digital ecosystem attends the Show, including Broadcast, Digital Media, Film, Entertainment, Telecom, Post-Production, Academia, Mobil, Houses of Worship, Advertising, Military, Government, Retail, Security, Sports, Live Events, Online Video, IT, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and so many more.

AIA Conference on Architecture, Apr. 27 – 29, 2017, Orlando, FL

https://conferenceonarchitecture.com

Every year, the AIA Conference on Architecture attracts thousands of architects and design professionals—a collection of talented and visionary individuals who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in all communities. Nearly 800 leading building product manufacturers are bringing their best architectural products and materials to the expo so attendees can experience what’s new, next, and cutting edge.

**********************************************

Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid 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.

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