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Resolute This! Word on the Street — December 30th thru January 3rd

January 3rd, 2014 Mel White 1 COMMENT
What to Be Resolute About

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Happy New Years!

I trust you had a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Like most folks older than 40, mine was quiet and involved sleep. Although I actually did stay up until midnight PST and am still paying for that mistake. I find the older I get the more sleep I need, but that might also have to do with having seven year old twins.

But, I digress . . . There are some things that never change year after year with the whole “New Year’s” thing. The absurd amount of weight loss ads that hit TV and radio starting on New Year’s Eve and run for the next two weeks incessantly. The same thing for “Quitting Smoking.” And the one I love the most is the insane number of people who suddenly turn into “runners” on January 1.

In my neighborhood alone, I saw six people (the same six from last year) running on New Year’s Day. By about the 10th of January, I notice that I haven’t seen them for a couple of days.

I am all about resolutions and changes for the better, especially when it comes to health and family. But why such a focus on New Years? I mean I get it, a new year . . . a new you and all that. But REALLY? After the 4th or 5th year of failing, I would suggest choosing a different date. Start on June 8. It seems like a good day, and think of how much LESS pressure there is on June 8 to make a life change.

I digress once more . . . I always enjoy reading the lists of the most failed New Year’s Resolutions. Call me a sadist. But here are some that are most likely to fail.

1.  Lose Weight — Historically, this one was a challenge for me, but I found a better date. Super Bowl Sunday was my date. After I gorged myself two years ago on melted Velveeta Con Queso at a Super Bowl Sunday party, I along with 12 others started a weight loss competition the next day. One that still exists. We have all lost weight and are doing well.

2. Save More Money — Really. Right after Christmas your plan is to save more money? The real challenge for most of us is to pay off the credit cards from all the Christmas shopping. This one is doomed to fail.

3. Be Happier and Stress Less — Well, if you’re going to attempt 1 and 2 with any passion, then this one is sure to fail. Besides, why wait until Jan 1st to decide to adjust your life so that you can be happier and stress less?

4. Quit Drinking — For some of us, this is less a resolution than a necessity. You can’t achieve the first three without #4. 🙂 In all seriousness, I am leaving this one alone.

5. Fall in Love — Sweet thought, but in the end, this requires another person. You are at best 50% in control of this one ever happening. Might I suggest that if you are determined enough to achieve 3 out of previous 4 on this list, then your odds on this one increase a great deal

6. Spend More Time with Family — Again, why do we feel like January 1 is the kickoff day for this one? Shouldn’t this just be a given? But again, if your uncle resembles Cousin Eddie from the Vacation movies, I can see why this might pose a challenge.

Here are some funny ones (which I hope none apply to you):

  • I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.
  • I will avoid taking a bath whenever possible and conserve more water.
  • I will assure my lawyer that I will never again show up drunk at a custody hearing.
  • I resolve to work with neglected children — my own.
  • I will read the manual… just as soon as I can find it.
  • When I hear a funny joke I will not reply, “LOL… LOL!”
  • I will not say, “it was the dog,” when I fart. I reserve the right to change this if I get a dog.
  • I will find out why the correspondence course I purchased on “Mail Fraud” never arrived.
  • I will start buying lottery tickets at a luckier store.
  • I will always wear clean underwear, “just in case.”
  • I will eat more nice things like candy, Big Macs, popcorn and ice cream. Eat less crap like fresh fruit, vegetables, and soy nuts.
  • I will spend less money on buying useless stuff like this new DVD Rewinder from QVC.
  • I will never again take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
  • I will stop saying, “Ooh, that feels nice” whenever the security guys frisk me at airports.

Anyway, I hope you had great Holiday Season and I truly look forward to working together in 2014.

Be well and have a great weekend.

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

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Why Our Brains Love Curves

December 28th, 2013 Mel White 3 COMMENTS

Katina Rigall, Designer

In my last blog post, “Exhibit Designs that Sell,” I offered some tips on how to achieve a nearly 100% success rate. This time, I want to delve into a design element that connects to a deep-rooted preference in many people — graceful, mesmerizing curves!

There are two reasons why your client may be drawn to curves. The first is biological. A recent scientific study tested how the brain responds to curved vs. linear designs. In the study, the part of the brain linked to emotion was more stimulated when participants were expressing a greater affinity for the curved designs they were viewing.

It appears many people have a positive emotional pull to curved spaces. In the insightful article Why Our Brains Love Curvy Architecture, Eric Jaffe explains why curved designs tug at our hearts. Curvature appears to affect our feelings and signal safety or a lack of threat.

When it comes to exhibit design, the second reason clients may be drawn to a booth with curves is the elevated status that is associated with it. Curves are more difficult to manufacture. They require more labor because the materials, whether metal, wood, or plastic, must be modified from straight to curves. Because of this, curved booths have historically been designed for clients who can afford curves and other custom features.

Our Design Department continues to receive custom design requests for curvy booths (and thankfully budgets that allow for them). But more notable is the huge increase in requests to re-brand our existing kits from Exhibit Design Search, such as VK-1320, TF-5202, and VK-5095. From 10×10’s to large islands, curved structures are selling because there is a recognition that branding on these structures offers bold and eye-catching surfaces for creative graphics. These designs attract attention and, as you know, attention is everything on the trade show floor.

The Classic Rental Department recently added many new curved island and inline designs. I spoke with Jim Shelman, GM of the Rental Dept., who is thrilled about these new rental options. As we all know, curves have typically not been an option in the past. To preserve small budgets, straight lines were predominant. According to Jim, clients are excited about getting a curved rental booth because these booths are both upscale and affordable.

One of my resolutions for the Classic Design Department in 2014 is to continue producing designs that will “Wow!” your clients . . . and sell like hot cakes. Watch for creative new designs in Design Monday. I see twists and turns and lots of curves in our future!

When your client’s budget allows for curved elements, do they prefer a curvilinear booth or a linear design aesthetic? Let me know in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Rigall
katina@classicexhibits.com

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Happy Holidays from Your Classic Exhibits Family: Word on the Street — December 16th thru December 20th

December 21st, 2013 Mel White 3 COMMENTS

A Classic Holiday Season

Is the tree up? Are the packages wrapped? Are you ready for the mayhem?

It’s the best time of the year in my humble opinion. Christmas and New Years are just around the corner. Literally! And just when you think you’re done with all your holiday shopping and you have everything prepared for the big day, you always find that you have one more thing to do or get.

Well, this year, for the first time I can remember, I am actually all done with all my holiday shopping. And it’s a great feeling . . . and this year it’s a good thing too. Because at work we are busy, busy, busy. So there is little free time.

Work-wise we always await this time of year to see what’s in store for us. It’s always feast or famine during the final two weeks. Companies either spend their remaining budgets or go quiet for a couple weeks. This year, people are spending their end-of-year budgets. So while we are hectic, we appreciate all your orders. Thanks Santa!

I hope you have lots of amazing plans in the coming days with your families and friends. I know we do. Time with family and friends, church, and functions at the twins school. Great, great fun.

From all of us at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits NW, Classic Rentals, and ClassicMODUL, we wish you a fantastic upcoming week with your families. One that is safe and filled with joy and merriment.

And as far as the business stuff goes — keep it coming. No one wants a lump of coal to ruin the Holiday Cheer.

Be well and Merry Christmas.

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

p.s. I am currently working on my Annual State of the Company Letter. Hope to have it completed in the next couple of weeks.

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Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter

December 13th, 2013 Mel White 1 COMMENT

This week, we’re sharing the Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits Annual Letter from Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development. As many of you know, we have a manufacturing partnership with Eco-Systems. For those unfamiliar with Eco-Systems, we encourage you to visit eSmart Galleries in Exhibit Design Search or spend time on their website (www.ecosystemsdisplays.com).

Eric Albery, Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits

Annual Letter and Review

As 2013 comes to a close, it marks the seven year anniversary of Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. Yes, seven years. We’ve come a long way as many of you know. After yet another amazing year, I want to share with you what we saw in 2013 and what to expect in 2014.

This year, I have been on the road visiting distributors more frequently, a trend that will continue in 2014. Those visits have been very beneficial – not only in conveying the goals and capabilities of Eco-Systems, but also in understanding your challenges and what you expect from a manufacturer. The overwhelming consensus is that design sells! That message is loud and clear. Our Design Department continues to be the centerpiece of Eco-Systems, as Lisa and Lauren continue to push the boundaries of exhibit design. Not a week goes by that I don’t hear positive comments about our designs, our designers, and our responsiveness to your client’s requests. Thank You!

One example is the “Kit to Custom” campaign, which showcases customized kits. You’ve told us time and time again that speed, accuracy, and free design services are invaluable in the sales process. We hear you. While other manufacturers make the customization process cumbersome and expensive, we don’t. We live for those opportunities.

I can’t say enough about our four year manufacturing partnership with Classic Exhibits. It allows us to be flexible on design, whether modular or custom, meet seemingly impossible lead times, and offer competitive pricing. Our “kit” offerings continue to grow, and many existing kits are being re-engineered to incorporate newer, lighter, and more innovative materials. All of these advancements and innovations ensure your client receives a better exhibiting experience at a lower price.

In 2014, Eco-Systems will continue to be the leader in sustainable exhibit technology and will continue to innovate state of the art materials and manufacturing processes. We hear from distributors that “sustainable” is no longer a want but an expectation, if the design and pricing is comparable. We have solved this issue and are now able to offer the most sustainable and innovative exhibit options on the market at the same price (or sometimes lower) than traditional displays. While some customers may not be asking for sustainable solutions, they are delighted when presented with designs that fit their exhibit marketing goals and are sustainable.

What Else Can You Expect from Eco-Systems in 2014?

  • A “New and Improved” Website.
  • EXHIBITOR2014. We’ll see you there!
  • Additional Green Graphic Options.
  • More Island and Rental Solutions.
  • And So Much More.

Last year was especially monumental for Eco-Systems as we increased sales, expanded design capabilities, and welcomed a host of new distributors. Our loyal and talented distribution network continues to be the lifeblood of Eco-Systems, and we appreciate your business and support. I speak for everyone here at Eco-Systems when I say “Thank You”. We look forward to working with you in 2014 and welcome your feedback and advice.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Eric Albery, VP of Marketing & Business Development
eric@ecosystemsdisplays.com | 616.726.6269
www.ecosystemsdisplays.com | 866.463.2611

 

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EDPA ACCESS 2013 Review: Word on the Street — December 2nd thru December 6th

December 7th, 2013 Mel White 1 COMMENT
EDPA ACCESS 2013 Review

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Lots to Share My Friends

Marco Island was the setting and what an incredible setting it was. It was 20 degrees in Oregon all week, windy and crisp. But in Marco, it was in the mid-80’s and sunny. Not that I got to experience much of the sun. We had a jam-packed week of content rich sessions and enjoyable networking.

Prior to the ACCESS event, as a member of the EDPA Board of Directors, I participated in a motivating Board Meeting with my fellow Board Members. We caught up on the association’s initiatives as well as spent a lot of time charting the continued course of the association, a course that includes a magnificent new EDPA Certification project that was launched at this year’s event. Gwen Hill from Exhibitforce did an incredible job laying out this certification process. Think of it as a “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval” for exhibit builders which will remove much of daunting detail gathering we all go through in the RFP process with customers. Exciting stuff!

The event started in the sun at the annual EDPA Golf Outing, proudly sponsored in part by Classic Exhibits. The weather was beautiful and the course was challenging. But, the really challenging part was all the freaking gators and not just little baby gators — 6′, 7′, and 8′ gators. A shot near the water’s edge certainly left you questioning whether or not it was really worth $5 to retrieve your ball.

The Golf Outing benefits the EDPA Foundation. Something I am truly passionate about. Proud to say that a lot of money was raised for the foundation and its future good works.

Later on Wednesday, the ACCESS event took off with the opening reception and opening of the Showcase (exhibit hall). More than 300 industry professionals descended on the Showcase to preview all the suppliers showing off their wares. Classic Exhibits was a proud participant showing off our SuperNova LED Backlighting in a 10 x 20 back wall. We were also debuting a great new counter and stool unit from OTM (On The Move). More to come on that in the coming weeks, but suffice to say, it was a real hit!

Thursday morning started with a breakfast meeting with the entire member group and a great welcome from then president Justin Hersh. After that, I was off to Speed Networking, an hour long session where you got two minutes to network with someone at your table, then every two minutes the tables shifted to another person. It was a great way for me to meet many new members and some old friends and get a feel for who they were and what they did. Truly a smart format for meeting a lot of people in the course of one jam-packed hour.

I attended many sessions Thursday but the other highlight session for me was the “Partnering With Contractors and Show Management” session. After more than 19 years of being in this industry, this was the first time I remember ever having the Builders, the Show Managers, and the General Contractors all in one room to talk about how we can ALL work together to fix many of the issues that end users experience when attending trade shows. I commend both Jay Atherton from Freeman and David Audrain from Clarion Events for their candor, honesty, and their accountability for some of the issues we see and hear about every day from our clients.

Friday was no different. I attended many sessions, even presented one myself — “Leveraging Your Partnerships with Portable/Modular System Providers.” The session went very well and was well attended. I thank all the attendees for their willingness to be active participants. Chris Lake from Highmark was my co-presenter. We used the platform as a way to help explain the benefits that many Custom Houses and Distributors recognize when they partner with companies like Classic to help design and build for their clients 800 square foot and smaller opportunities. Along with Trust, Quality, and a Delivery as key bennies, Margin Predictably was clearly a huge benefit most appreciate in their partner builds.

The event overall was a huge success. The “Not-so-Silent Auction” raised money for the foundation. And the student programs at FIT and Bemidji State University were highlights as well. We even got to see a film that included pictures of our own Trina Broten, who graduated from the Bemidji program. It was a proud moment.

For those who could not be there, you really need to consider joining EDPA. The professional development and professional connections you can make with partners and competitors alike is really well worth it.

This was yet another year where I left the EDPA Annual Meeting feel genuinely proud of my membership and participation on the Board of Directors.

To my EDPA family and friends, it was great to see you, and I want to thank you again for all the new insights you helped me realize at this year’s event and sessions. I always feel like I leave these events with more tools in my management toolbox that hopefully help me be a better leader and help Classic Exhibits be an even better organization to serve its distributors and employees.

Hope you had a great week and look forward to sharing more with you as we talk in the coming weeks. For more photos of EDPA Access, please see our Facebook page.

Be well.

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

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