Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Classic Exhibits’

EXHIBITORLIVE | Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down

March 4th, 2016 COMMENTS

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We’re back from an early EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 this year. I have a vague recollection back in the days of Bally’s of one around Valentine’s Day but then again, all my EXHIBITOR memories are somewhat fuzzy for reasons that would be best not to explore. While it’s still fresh on my mind, I thought I’d share a few Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs.

Thumbs Up

1. Gravitee, our new modular wall system, was the Belle of the Ball. Several Classic Distributors told me that Gravitee was “the next big thing” in exhibit industry. No tools. No loose parts. Seamless SEG graphics. Compatible with MODUL and Euro LT. What amazed me the most was the number of distributors who saw the demo, then came back again and again to see another demo. It’s as if they thought they’d finally catch the Classic magician hide the ball under the cup.

IMG_26212. Katina Rigall, Tim Patterson at Communication One Exhibits, and our Production and Project Management team for winning the 10 x 10 Portable Modular Award. Frankly, I knew in my gut that the So Young booth would win after seeing the other 10 ft. finalists. It wasn’t even close.

3. Congratulations to all the EXHIBITORLIVE PMA Award Winners. Each year, the number of entries increases and the design bar rises

4. Class Act Competitors – Several friendly competitors asked to see Gravitee, our charging stations, tablet stands, and our new backlit extrusions. They were gracious and respectful, never taking photos without permission or peering behind the “curtain” without asking.

5. Glenna Martin, our Graphic Design Manager, for her tireless work getting the booth ready each morning, taking photos during the day, and creating the two entertaining videos (Day 1 and Day 2). And, for her amazing “It didn’t fall far from the tree” graphics.

6. The year Optima decides not to hold a reception is the year I decide not to attend EXHIBITOR. It’s the single best place to talk to industry friends, meet new ones, and let all the pre-EXHIBITOR stress melt away. Thank you Optima!

7. The Entire Classic Team, including those who attended and especially those who stayed behind. While you couldn’t all be there, I promise you that you were there in spirit with every accolade about the exhibit, the products, the quality, and Classic Commitment to Service. We heard again and again – “You are the BEST!” We wish everyone we did business with had the same Shared Success philosophy as Classic.”

8. Classic Distributors. Thank you for spending time with us, asking questions, and sharing your concerns. You are the reason we participate in EXHIBITORLIVE each year.

9. Our Neighbors. Thank you! No crazy presentations. No blaring music. No 20 ft. wall blocking visibility. My apologies to the transportation company across the aisle. I turned off your video loop at 9 am Wednesday while we were recording a video. And frankly, I couldn’t listen to it one more time without suffering a mental breakdown.

10. Finally, the guy in the middle seat on the flight back to Portland, who clearly had work to do, but graciously chatted with woman on the aisle ALL THE BACK to PORTLAND. If not you, then it would have been me. Thank you.

Thumbs Down

1. The Portable Modular Awards – Not the awards themselves, but the companies that didn’t attend, particularly the finalists. This is your award program, something we have wanted for years. I encourage you to submit next year, attend the PMA ceremony, and support the portable modular segment of our industry. Please.

2. Classless Competitors – We saw, but we didn’t say anything when you snuck into our booth to take photos and fondle Gravitee. You know who you are. Shame. All you had to do was ask. We would have gladly given you a demo.

3. Has anyone ever finished a meal in the Mandalay Bay/Luxor complex and said, “Well, that was worth the price?” That’s not saying the food isn’t good, and often excellent, but the restaurants make drayage fees seem reasonable by comparison. You know you’re in an alternate universe when a fast food meal exceeds $15.

4. Finally, to the dude who felt compelled to have three LOUD phone conversations at Gate 5 while waiting to board the plane back to Portland. Did I really need to know the details about the person you plan to fire on Monday or all the ways your teenage daughter is out-of-control? Perhaps not.

May the exhibition gods grace you with strong sales. 😉

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite

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Based in Portland, Oregon, 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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Introducing Gravitee | The One-Step Wall System

February 25th, 2016 COMMENTS

BannerGravitee

Yes, Gravitee really is as simple and clever as it appears:

  • Panels Connect without Tools or Loose Parts
  • Upper Panels Stack without Tools or Loose Parts
  • Attach Direct Print or SEG Graphics
  • Flat and Curve Panels (60, 90, and 120 Degrees)
  • Lightweight, Durable Engineered Aluminum Extrusion
  • Connects to Euro LT and ClassicMODUL Extrusions
  • Contact Your Classic Exhibits Project Manager for Prices

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Based in Portland, Oregon, 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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A Subtle Update to Exhibit Design Search

February 24th, 2016 COMMENTS

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Don’t Roll Your Eyes

How often have you heard me say,  “Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress, always evolving and changing.” I’m glad I can’t see you. It would hurt my feelings… just a little.

Nearly everyday, we make little changes to EDS. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the wording, adding a kit, or linking to a new photo. Other times it’s BIG — like adding a new feature. Tony Bennett, who you know as the programming guru of EDS, has a laundry list of enhancements. Just when he’s nearly finished them, we (meaning mostly me) quiz him. I ask questions based on EDS feedback from distributors and Classic employees, and general stuff I happen to see on web. All that turns into another list (see Tony sigh).

You see the major changes but not always the small, subtle ones. Last week we introduced a subtle one. On every kit, the main image now rotates through the secondary images. For example, seeing all the angles/views of an island without having to click-through the additional images was a simple blessing. It’s not magic. Heck, it’s not even sexy, but it’s easy on the eyes and practical. And I’ll settle for that.

Thought I’d share, if for no other reason than I didn’t want to be the only one who noticed and appreciated it. Nice job Tony! Now get started on that EDS Home Page enhancement! 😉

eds-detail-rotationSeveral examples:

 

Stop by our booth at EXHIBITORLIVE to see Gravitee, the latest charging stations, new SuperNova lightboxes, and a whole lot more. @ Booth #1645. And don’t forget to attend the Portable Modular Awards on Tuesday right after the show hall closes.

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite

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

Based in Portland, Oregon, 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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Custom Inline Exhibit with LED RGB Lights (Very Cool!)

February 20th, 2016 COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Do you want to see something AMAZING?

As we head into EXHIBITOR, I wanted to share a video of a recent custom build. It’s (2) 10 x 10’s that convert into a 10 x 20.

Before you say, “Big deal Kevin… an inline exhibit… we have seen them all.” I challenge that idea. NO YOU HAVE NOT! This particular build is special. For starters, the end-user was the driver behind the design elements required for this booth. They are a high-tech, high-end fiber optics company with an amazing product. They wanted a booth that exuded that same high-tech, high-end look and feel that customers expect from their brand.

I won’t go into great text detail since the video covers it, but I will say this. KUDOS to our manufacturing, project management, and detailing teams for their flawless execution on this project. And thanks to the distributor for bringing us this wonderful project.

Enjoy the video and your week ahead.

See you all in Vegas in just a few short days. Please come by our booth to see Gravitee. In my 21 years of attending EXHIBITOR, I’ve never been more excited to show you a new product line.

–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a

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EXHIBITORLIVE | Monday After Next

February 13th, 2016 COMMENTS

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So close. We’re a mere two weeks away from another EXHIBITORLIVE. And yes, out of respect for EXHIBITOR, I add the LIVE in italics and caps (but noticeably wince each and every time).

Gravitee

wp_002726_720What should you expect from Classic Exhibits? BIG BIG stuff! Over the past month, you’ve received two teaser ebroadcasts about Gravitee™, our new exhibit system. You’re probably thinking, “He’s about to make the big reveal!” Nope. But, the image to the right is a hint. We’re excited about Gravitee and what it represents for our distributors. We could make extravagant predictions and bold claims. Perhaps even a live video simulcast with the production values of an “As Seen on TV” product. But, we’re not that company.

If you are interested in a sneak peek before the show, contact Jen or Reid. They’re hosting a very casual meet and greet from 9-11 am on Monday in a Mandalay Bay conference room.

What Else

  1. Charging counter options_View 1We’re showcasing two new Lightbox Extrusions, including the narrowest double-sided lightbox in the industry.
  2. Charging Stations are HOT, HOT, HOT! And I don’t mean hoverboard on fire hot. Expect to see several standard kits, many with LED lights. Plus, we will show the magic behind turning almost any Classic counter, pedestal, or monitor stand into a charging station. All for less than $300.
  3. iPad and Surface Stands. This category continues to grow. Tablet sales may have flatten, but not tablet stands. See our newest solution for the iPad Pro.
  4. On the Move Portable Furniture. We’ve added a new feature to the chairs — a seat back. They’re just as portable, attractive, and brandable as ever, but now they’re even more comfortable.
  5. Exhibit Design Search. Sit down, relax, have an apple, and let us to show you the latest features in EDS. The best just got better.
  6. Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. Join Lisa, Lauren, and Matt at #2059 to see their latest designs and talk about green exhibit trends.

Finally…

PMA

We invite you to attend the Portable Modular Awards on Tuesday, just after the show hall closes. We want you there, and not because we’re up for several awards and not because Classic is the co-sponsor of the event. Let’s face it gang. As a group, we don’t get as much recognition as we deserve in spite of our considerable economic influence in the industry. By showing up in force, we tell EXHIBITOR that these awards are meaningful and our segment MATTERS. It’s free. So why not. Join your colleagues and friends and celebrate the design excellent showcased by the PMA.

See you at the show. We’re at #1645. Just look for the exhibit with the very colorful apple tree motif. Get a free show hall pass by entering code 4044.

Happy Presidents Day!

–Mel White
mel@classicexhibits.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
https://twitter.com/melmwhite

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

Based in Portland, Oregon, 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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