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EXHIBITOR 2012…What a SHOW!: Word on the Street — March 5th thru March 9th

March 11th, 2012 Mel White 5 COMMENTS
EXHIBITOR 2012...What a SHOW!

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Goosies!

To steal a phrase from J-LO (yes, I said J-LO) . . .  EXHIBITOR 2012 gave me goosies! 🙂

Let’s start on March 5 at 11:30 am. Normally the Classic Crew would be standing in the booth waiting for the doors to open and for the first attendees to arrive. But we weren’t! We weren’t because starting at 10:30 am we already had other exhibitors in our booth looking around, admiring the Classic Exhibits booth, and eager to learn about what we were showing this year. To be totally honest, neither Mel nor I noticed when the show opened because we were busy from 10:30 – 3:30 non-stop.

The Booth

This year’s booth was designed to show all aspects of our business. In the past, we have succeeded in showing slices of what we do at Classic Exhibits — portables, custom modular, rentals, extrusion. But we have never been able to actually show it all. So this year, we handed that design challenge to Mike Swartout and Erik Frost. And man did they deliver!  Our exhibit showed how well we can build Island Hybrids, probably the first thing you noticed when seeing the exhibit. But it also highlighted our capabilities within ClassicMODUL Aluminum Extrusions, such as our one-of-a-kind bending capabilities of TSP profiles for SEG graphics. It also illustrated our extensive custom rental offerings. But the cherry on the top was the elevated retail display windows showcasing four hybrid displays:  Sacagawea, Perfect 10, SEGUE, and Visionary Designs.

Exhibitor 2012 Classic Exhibits Inc.

Again, to Mike and Erik, very well done! And to our graphic designers at Flying High Creative Resources, thank you for nailing the “Be Better” theme throughout the booth. Like I said in the beginning of this post, the comments by visitors and friends regarding how we really hit a home run on the design not only made me very proud but also gave me goosebumps.

The show overall was solid this year. Kudos to John Pavek and crew from EXHIBITOR. You did a wonderful job putting together this year’s show. I did not hear a single negative comment regarding any aspect of the event. For Classic and crew it was just another year where we left the show feeling very proud to be part of EXHIBITOR.

Walking the floor proved to be a real challenge this year I must admit. Post show, we all compared notes and neither Mel, Jim, Reid nor I was actually able to see the entire show floor because we were so busy. But, for me, on Wednesday I had the privilege to work the EDPA booth for an hour. The booth was on the other side of the hall, so walking to and from the booth I took different routes just so I could see some of the other exhibits along the way. Everyone looked very good, and considering it was Wednesday, it was great to see exhibitors engaged with customers which is not always the story on the last day.

Other “Classic Exhibits” on the Show Floor

For the past several years, Classic has been very proud to help design and to build portions or all of the exhibits for many of our tightest vendor partners. This year was no different. This year we built the ClassicMODUL portion of Optima Graphics exhibit, the CORT Furnishings Island Exhibit, the New Leads 10 x 20 Sacagawea, The Immersive Realities 10 x 10 rental, the EXHIBITOR 10 x 20 Visionary Designs rental, the DS&L 10 x 20, and the ELITeXPO 10 x 20 Custom Visionary Designs Hybrid. I mention that unit last because it deserves special recognition. Thanks to Dave Mihalik and his whole team for really showing off what we do at Classic! It was an amazing structure with more curves than a county road in Eastern Kentucky. There were several other ClassicMODUL Aluminum Extrusion structures at the show as well, designed and built by custom houses. We can’t take any credit for these, except to personally thank them for choosing ClassicMODUL (which we did at the show).

Old Friends and New Friends

As in past years, it was wonderful to see you. It’s always such a great time and reminder of the great partnerships and friendships we have made over the years. For me, it’s always an opportunity to connect with many of the friends I have met over the past seventeen plus years. This year was no different.

Part of that came during our Annual Distributor Appreciation Event, held this year in the Vista Suite in Mandalay Bay in conjunction with Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. We had 200-250 people come through the afternoon and evening. It was a lot of fun to see you and to meet some of the new faces we have working with over the past year.

Exhibitor 2012 Classic Exhibits Inc.

On a personal note, after missing the show last year, it was exhilarating to be back on the show floor and to see those folks who have been so supportive over the past year. Reid, Mel, Jim and I always say, “At the end of the day, we want to do business with friends.” We are very fortunate and blessed to be able to do so daily. So “THANK YOU!” to those customers and vendor partners we saw over the past week. Along with our great staff, you make Classic Exhibits a great place to come to work to everyday.

One final thanks to Tim Patterson and Marlys Arnold for contributing their knowledge and time to our booth this year. We would not have been as successful without your pre-show marketing and in-booth contributions. We appreciate and thank you for all you did.

I am curious to hear your experiences and thoughts about EXHIBITOR 2012. Please share.

Be well!

–Kevin Carty

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

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The Great “Classic” Tradeshow Wall

January 30th, 2012 Mel White COMMENTS

Classic’s Great Tradeshow Wall

Sometime you just gotta take a flyer and throw it out there. If it sticks, it sticks. Jeffrey D. Brown has created an intriguing concept called The Tradeshow Wall, based on his success with The Guitar Wall. It’s part advertising, part resource center, part artwork. And, of course, it’s 100 percent unique.

We agreed to participate in the original free wall. Then after seeing it, we took the next step and had Jeff create a Classic Great Tradeshow Wall that includes images from Classic Exhibits, ClassicMODUL, and Classic Rentals. I like it.

FAQ’s from Jeff’s website:

Q: What’s the purpose of The Tradeshow Wall?

First, of course… is to do good… and do it well. Moreover, our goal is to create a highly recognizable, iconic site that is both an engaging and efficient referral resource for visitors, AND an effective and measurable marketing vehicle for Wall spaceholders fueled by a unique combination of simplicity and creativity… all in one sentence.

Q: Does it cost anything?

Well, that’s the good news. We’re giving away Wall spaces on a first come, first served basis (but we have a lot of Wall space to give away and don’t expect to run out anytime soon.) So the answer is NO… but, YES if you want to spend a little… like for high-quality custom professional (and creative) artwork for your wall space, or an Optional (but not necessary) Wall Space Management Account. Of course, now you can add more or bigger wall spaces beyond your free space or rent premium, top-row Wall spaces…or possibly your own… yes, your own Great Tradeshow Wall. But otherwise… NO.

Q: What’s the benefit of having a free Wall space on The Tradeshow Wall?

Well, let’s start with the low hanging fruit… it’s FREE. So that means ROI is relatively easy to achieve. Meaning that if you got one (1) new prospective, potential, reasonably qualified visitor to your landing page or website… you’re, as we say… ahead of the game. And then we can extrapolate from there.

Q: Who will visit The Tradeshow Wall and how will they know about it?

That’s an easy one. You may know that ten (10) years ago we started an odd little website called Tradeshow Blues… and a few other properties. Along the way we’ve connected with hundreds of thousands of tradeshow and event enthusiasts (Who would have thought?). We’ll start there… and throw in our social media reach, some email, a few strategic placements… and probably some measured yelling where appropriate.

Q: How do you know this Wall concept works?

Well, we’ve had well over a million (1,000,000) visitors to The Guitar Wall which has generated hundreds of thousands of referrals to our spaceholders’ sites and landing pages… for starters.

Take a few minutes to explore Classic’s wall. And let us know what you think. Cheers!

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

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

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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This, That, and The Other: Word on the Street — Jan. 23rd thru Jan. 27th

January 27th, 2012 Mel White 1 COMMENT
This and That

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

It’s Mel. This week, I’m filling in for Kevin who is at Disneyland treating his five-year old twins to the Magic Kingdom. For those on the East Coast and in the South, yes, there’s still a Disney Park on the West Coast. I know. It seems weird with Disney World a mere 3000 miles away, but five-year olds don’t know the difference . . . yet.

This week we’ll share some odds and ends . . .

EXHIBITOR 2012

It is oh so close. A mere five weeks away. We’ll be in booth #1645, a 20′ x 30′. And just like your typical customers, the exhibit design is nearly done, we’ve outlined the graphic concepts, and we’re juggling 100 balls at the same time. Next year, “we’ll be done by December,” our mantra since 2005.

  • Classic Exhibits / Eco-Systems Sustainable Reception. We’ll host a reception on Tuesday, March 6, in a Mandalay Bay Suite. The reception will be from approximate 3:30 to 7 pm, or until we exhaust our beer, wine, and snacks. Please touch base with us on Monday or Tuesday at EXHIBITOR for the room number.
  • Optima Graphics Reception. You’ll also see our friendly faces at the Optima Graphics Reception on Monday March 5 in the Mandalay Islander D-E Ballroom. Please check with our good friends at Optima for details.
  • Other Classic Exhibits Displays. Based on our latest count, there should be around four or five Classic-built displays at EXHIBITOR. Ask us about them at the show, and we’ll give you an unofficial tour.
  • New Product Showcase. This year we submitted the MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert into the EXHIBITOR New Product Showcase. The MOD-211 is available on most Classic Counters, Pedestals, and Workstations. It’s an easy and secure way to transform any counter top into a iPad station. You’ll see several examples in our booth.
  • FREE Pass. For a free pass to the show hall compliments of Classic Exhibits and ClassicMODUL, click HERE.

Upcoming Promotion

We’ve teamed up with Marlys Arnold, the Image Specialist, to offer her book Build a Better Trade Show Image to your customers. Starting in mid-February, we’ll include an “Our Gift to You” promotional postcard with most inline and island hybrid displays, such as Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, Visionary Designs, and SEGUE. The postcard will have a unique code where they can download the 280+ page e-book on how to launch, improve, finesse, or fix their trade show marketing program. It’s an excellent book, valued at $27, which every trade show expert or novice should own.

To see the download page, please go to www.imagespecialist.com/classicexhibits. Marlys will be at EXHIBITOR 2012, including several sessions in the Classic Exhibits booth and (probably) at the Classic Reception. We encourage you to meet Marlys and pick her brain on training programs available to you and to your customers.

ClassicMODUL Aluminum Extrusions

We hesitate to use this term . . . but the ClassicMODUL website is now “sexy.” Well, as sexy as engineered aluminum extrusion can get. We’ve made a number of significant changes to the website, including easier navigation, an extrusion depot site legend, and a very cool page flipping tool to browse the MODUL 6.0 Index. In the next week or so, we’ll also be adding extrusion photos in addition to the renderings.

When do you order from ClassicMODUL (and not Classic Exhibits)? Whenever you are ordering cut or full-length extrusions on projects you are project managing yourself. ClassicMODUL provides CAD services and can detail the extrusions you’ll need. They can guide you toward the most cost-effective solutions based on your design. Plus . . . there are ClassicMODUL extrusion depots in Portland, OR, Cheshire, CT, and Birmingham, AL.

Some New Products You May Have Missed (in Your Haste to Make a Living and Have a Life)

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert for Trade Shows

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert

  1. LTE-1001 and LTG-1001 Tapered Pedestals:  These are less expensive versions of the always popular LTK-1001 Tapered Pedestal.
  2. MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert: I know. I’m repeating myself. But it’s a great idea and it’s only $295.
  3. VK-1850, VK-1851, VK-1852 SEGUE Table Top Displays
  4. MOD-1285 and MOD-1283 Lightboxes with Rotating Header
  5. VK-5081, VK-5082, and VK-5083 SEGUE Islands
  6. SEGUE Sunrise DS (ex. VK-2314 and VK-1910):  These are the two-sided versions of the popular SEGUE Sunrise, an affordable, no-tools assembly SEG portable display.

Some Changes to Exhibit Design Search You May Have Missed (in Your Haste to Make a Living and Have a Life)

  1. Audio Clips: Over the past three months we’ve added 30-40 second audio clips to many kits in EDS. These clips give a brief description of the features and benefits of the products, such as the Quadro S Pop Up, Xpressions, Visionary Designs, or Design Monday.
  2. eSmart Galleries: We recently changed the name of these galleries from Eco-Smart to eSmart. Not a big change, but one that was intended to send a subtle message. The eSmart Galleries are not only eco-friendly designs, but also distinctive and affordable designs whether your client is interested in a green display or not. We encourage you to include the eSmart galleries in your search whenever you’re looking for a 10 x 10, 10 x 20, or island. Go for the design . . . get Green as a bonus.
  3. Brumark and Display Supply and Lighting: These are not new, but way down at the bottom of EDS, there are four galleries for Flooring, Exhibit Supplies, and Lighting. These are the Brumark and Display Supply and Lighting Galleries. If you use these galleries, please let them know. If you would like to see changes or additions to these galleries, please let them know. They are important strategic partners of Classic Exhibits and of Exhibit Design Search.

Anywho . . . we are looking forward to seeing you at EXHIBITOR. Please stop by the booth and join us at the Reception. If you would like to meet with Kevin, Reid, Jim Shelman, or me during or after show hours, please let us know. We are filling in our appointment slots PDQ.

See you later alligator! (I am so old).

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

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

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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2011 “State of the Company” Letter from Kevin Carty

January 11th, 2012 Mel White COMMENTS

Kevin Carty, VP of Sales

Happy New Year! Hope you had a great Holiday Season.

Classic Exhibits Inc. and its divisions continued to rebound in 2011, after showing solid increases in 2010. Across the board, volume grew from 22 to 33 percent, depending on the division. Most refreshing, we saw no single trends, meaning our sales came from kits and custom, rentals and extrusions, and trade shows and retail. Nearly every week we were surprised by interesting projects that challenged and stimulated us.

New Systems Released

SEGUE Sunrise Trade Show Display

SEGUE Sunrise Portable Hybrid

Most new kits were based on MODUL TSP extrusions, which use silicone edge graphics. SEGUE Sunrise is a good example. Released in early January 2011, the Sunrise was one of those product releases you dream about. While it wasn’t the first SEG backwall on the market, it was the first to get it right from assembly to packaging. The Sunrise assembles without tools on both the single and double-sided versions and packs in die-cut foam packaging. Much like the Sacagawea and the Perfect 10, the Sunrise addresses a specific price point while not sacrificing design or value.

We introduced several iPad solutions as well. These have done well. If you haven’t seen them, I would encourage you to add them to your arsenal:  the MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert and the MOD-1276 Kiosk.

Design Monday Anniversary

In February 2011, we celebrated the 6th Anniversary of Design Monday. Kudos to Mel White, Mike Swartout, and the Classic Design Department for creating a marketing broadcast that transformed Classic and made a difference to our distributors. Other manufacturers shared their designs, but Classic made it a weekly feature. You can imagine the discipline it takes to create three new designs each week, but it’s that discipline that sets Classic apart. It forces us to never be complacent about innovation.

Exhibit Design Search/Website Changes

ClassicMODUL Aluminum Extrusions for Trade Shows

NEW ClassicMODUL Website

If you were watching closely, you saw lots of tweaks to Exhibit Design Search. We upgraded the UI, reorganized the galleries, finessed the Design Descriptions, and added 30 second audio clips. All that in addition to daily photos in P5D, new kits, articles, FAQ’s, and bi-monthly specials.

The ClassicMODUL website changed dramatically, www.classicmodul.com. If you haven’t been there recently, we encourage you to take a tour. The extrusion galleries are much easier to navigate. We’ve added a legend showing which depots have which extrusions, and (my favorite), the MODUL 6.0 Index can be viewed via Page Flip software. It’s pretty cool. As a reminder, we encourage you to contact ClassicMODUL when you need aluminum extrusion for designs you are constructing yourself.

Distributor Events

Historically, we have always been eager to participate in Distributor Events, such as open houses and training. There was a lull in those events during the recession, but 2011 saw a resurgence. We partnered with several Distributor Open Houses and Marketing Events. We applaud those distributors who took the time and effort to organize in-house activities. A special shout out to Atlantic Exhibits for their two ExhibiTrends events. Excellent turnout and they both ran like clockwork.

Alternate Markets

Like many display shops, retail and museum jobs have always been part of the mix. But this year we really pushed that envelope. Projects included studio set work for several television networks, a flagship store for Comcast Xfinity, retail fixtures for an athletic apparel company, and my favorite, building a museum onsite at a music festival celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band Pearl Jam.

These projects and many others were learning experiences that opened doors for Classic and our distributor network. We expect the trend to continue in 2012. In fact we started off the New Year with an in store display celebrating the Rose Bowl Victory for the Oregon Ducks. This display was designed to hang in a storefront of the flagship NikeTown store in Portland. Pretty cool.

VK-5077 Trade Show Island

VK-5077 Island Exhibit

Islands are Back and Better than Ever

Islands are back and not just those with meager budgets. Well thought out, design-centric islands with realistic budgets are growing and a clear indicator of the “paced” economic recovery.

Internally at Classic, Exhibits NW and ClassicMODUL

Mel and I have always bragged about the great family atmosphere at Classic. In 2011, as we grew, we added employees to that family. And our employees did their job preparing for Classic’s employment needs in the future. At least five newborns were born.

Exhibits NW added folks to the Classic Rental Division. They have been wonderful additions who fit the culture and work ethic. I know I speak for Jim Shelman when I say how happy and thankful we are for the talents they bring to the company.

We expanded the Customer Service Department, adding two new FT positions to Set-up Instructions. We have consistently gotten high praise for our personalized set-up instructions, and Jeff and Pavel made them even better. Great job guys!

The Classic Production Department has grown as well, as business grew through out the year. They have all proven to be very talented additions who we hope will remain in the Classic Family for many years to come.

Thanks to the Staff

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert for Trade Shows

MOD-211 iPad Counter Insert

I wanted to say a special thank you to the Classic Exhibits, Exhibits NW, and ClassicMODUL staff. As always you make Classic . . . well, Classic. I appreciate all that you do to keep our customers and their customers happy. This past year, like many before, we celebrated many double-digit anniversaries at Classic. It always chokes me up when we celebrate anniversaries once a month. Usually there are several folks who are celebrating 8, 9, 10, or even 12 years at the company. Thank you for your dedication and your hard work.

On a personal note many of have asked about my travel schedule. I have stopped traveling for the most part with the exception of industry events like EXHIBITOR, EDPA, and The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. Except for a rare trip here and there, I have chosen to stick closer to home. And to be honest I am really enjoying it on a personal and professional level. I like being in the office every day and having more time to run the business with Mel and our management team. And I love being able to come home to my beautiful wife and two five year olds each day.

Having said that, I know this leaves a void in visits to you. For that I apologize. We expect to add to our outside team this year, sooner rather than later, to complement the great work that Mel and Reid have been doing. I look forward to updating you on this in the coming months. And certainly look forward to seeing you all in Las Vegas at EXHIBITOR 2012.

Speaking of additions, I want to welcome to the Classic Family a new Designer. Katina Rigall starts on January 16. She is a talented and much needed addition to the Classic Exhibits Design Department. I know I speak for Mike when I say, “We can’t wait for your arrival Katina.” 🙂

I hope you have a very successful 2012 and that we continue to be a part of it. Thanks for all your support and business over the past year. We really, really appreciate it.

Thanks,

–Kevin Carty

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

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

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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What’s Going On?: Word on the Street — July 4th thru July 8th

July 10th, 2011 Mel White COMMENTS
What's Going On

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Lots of Exciting News

This week, I’d like to recap some recent press, promos, and blogs. There’s a lot going on in the world of Classic. We’re relentless . . .  but that’s one of the many reasons you love us (and why we love you).

Recently, Classic Exhibits/ClassicMODUL participated in a feature article for Exhibit City News. The article was an interview with three manufacturer representatives about aluminum extrusion trends. Take a look and tell us what you think. It’s more interesting than the topic would lead you to believe.

http://www.classicexhibits.com/tradeshow-blog/?p=5545

If you missed it, we have a groovy Summer of Love promotion going on right now. Otherwise know as the “Booths with Benefits” Special.

Get a FREE 22″ LCD Monitor with the purchase of any Sacagawea Hybrid unit with a workstation between now and August 31, 2011. Yeah Baby Yeah!!

If you would like the “native” file of this promotion so you can re-brand it and send it to your customer email list, you can download it from this location. Now is a great time to build excitement for those fall shows.

http://www.classicexhibits.com/tradeshow-blog/?p=5526

And lest we forget . . .  Lt. Colonel “Big Daddy” Reid Sherwood (inside joke) was recently featured in a great piece by Jeff Abramson from MaxYourImage on current Exhibit Trends. Very well done and spot on!


MaxYourImage: New Display Ideas from Reid Sherwood

Classic Exhibits participated in an Open House at Atlantic Exhibits in Philadelphia in early June. We weren’t content to collect business cards from the attendees. Instead, we decided to collect jokes. The winning joke won an Amazon Kindle. To see a compilation of the best and lamest jokes, view the YouTube post.

Finally, you might enjoy reviewing a timeline of Eco-systems Sustainable Exhibits, created by Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development. The timeline highlights many of the important events that have shaped Eco-Systems, including the development of many eco-friendly first materials and product lines.

Eco-systems Timeline

The Eco-systems Sustainable Visual Timeline

Have a safe and restful weekend.

–Kevin Carty

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

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