Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘displays’

Why Blog? What Bloggers Say.

October 23rd, 2012 COMMENTS

Why Blog?

We’re often asked by Classic Exhibits Distributors about the benefits of blogging:  “Isn’t it time consuming? How do you decide on topics? How often should I submit posts?” I have a hard time answering those questions because the answer is, “It depends.” I ask them if they enjoy writing about our trade shows and events, or if they feel they have something to share about sales, marketing, or small business. They do, even if they don’t realize it. That’s the first reason to blog. Everything else is frosting on the cake.

Blogging may seem a little old fashion compared to Facebook and Twitter, but it’s not. Good content (and the catharsis that comes from writing) is important. So why should you do it? I did a search on “Why Blog?” You might enjoy the answers, along with links to the original posts. Enjoy.

Build Trust

People are skeptical. They are skeptical about strangers on the street and they are even more skeptical about strangers on the internet. A blog with consistent, truthful and helpful content will allow you to bridge that gap between distrust to trust.

Growing Stream of Organic Search Traffic

It’s hard to think that anybody would doubt the benefits of blogging to improving your organic search engine efforts, which in turns drives more traffic to your site, but in case there are any unbelievers out there…here’s the evidence:  people who’ve blogged five times in the last 7 days will get 6.9 times more search traffic.

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/7-reasons-why-blogging-is-still-important-in-2012/39225/

But influence may be the grandest reason to blog. Garnering influence means building an online voice and thought leadership with every word you write, and every piece of content that you would share online.

http://wpengine.com/2012/08/why-blog/

Writing Leads to Understanding

Blogging forces you to write down your arguments and assumptions.  This is the single biggest reason to do it, and I think it alone makes it worth it.

When you move from your head to “paper,” a lot of the hand-waveyness goes away and you are left to really defend your position to yourself.

http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/blog/2011/08/why-i-blog.html

A business blog is an informal, easily maintained method for regularly communicating with your customers. A business blog offers a more approachable, informal information-providing approach in which customers find enjoyment, get to know your company, and learn about your products, achievements, and innovations.

A business blog is an informal, easily maintained method for regularly communicating with your employees. Whether you host your internal employee blog on a commercial site, on your webpage in a password protected location or on your Intranet, you have created a strong communication tool.

http://humanresources.about.com/od/businessblogs/a/business_blogs.htm

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Audio Clips in Exhibit Design Search

October 22nd, 2012 2 COMMENTS
VK-1662 iPad Pedestal

VK-1662 iPad Pedestal

One unique feature of Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is the Audio Clips. It seems a little odd to refer to “audio” as unique, but the internet is dominated by video and text which makes audio-only files unusual. That difference, I would contend, is a difference of distinction. It’s one way that distinguishes your Exhibit Design Search site from other online display websites.

Now, I recognize it’s just one feature. It’s hard to “hang your hat” on one feature. However, and yes I’m probably going a little too far on this, I would maintain that the audio coupled with the “See Photo Examples” adds a personal touch absent from most display sites. Allow me to share a few of my favorites. There are over 80 different audio clips throughout EDS.

I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts about the audio clips, good or bad. Have you ever listened to them with a potential client while on an appointment? What was their reaction?

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

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and engineered aluminum extrusions (ClassicMODUL). 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.

Tradeshow Rentals: Growth and Customization Trends

October 18th, 2012 1 COMMENT
Rental Displays from Classic Exhibits

Right Down the Line
Jim Shelman, GM Classic Rentals

Our exhibit rental business continues to surge. There’s never a dull day in the Classic Rental Division. And that’s what I like about what we do here.

Flexibility and customization has been the key to our continued growth.

If we were limited to a few select “kits” or standard design offerings, it just wouldn’t be the same. But with our flexibility in offering customization to our rental exhibit designs, our days are much more interesting! Customization isn’t limited to large projects. It can be as simple as coming up with a way to connect an iPad holder to a workstation or kiosk. Or working curved headers and towers into a rental design.

Here are four recent rental projects that I’d like to share with you.

10′ x 20 “Vigilant Robots” Inline Rental Exhibit
(VIP EXHIBITS, Sherri Harrod)

  •  10′ x 20′ back wall using our ClassicMODUL TSP 50 fabric retaining extrusion profile & rear supporting structure.
  •  (2) Flat canopies with black fabric covers
  •  (1) One-piece SEG fabric graphic
  •  (5) Halogen arm lights

20′ x 20′ “LabCorp” Island Rental Exhibit
(Poretta & Orr, Ed Koebert)

  • 16′ high tower with storage access
  • Curved bridged headers
  • Workstation kiosks

10′ x 20′ “ARTAS” Inline Rental Exhibit
(ColorZone, Joshua Feller)

  •  10′ x 20′ Backlit back wall structure
  •  (2) RE-1213 Counters with attached iPad holders
  •  (1) MOD-1167 Reception counter
  •  (2) Large monitor mounts

10′ x 20′ “Kobos Coffee” Inline Rental Exhibit
(Hawkwing, LLC, Taka Saito)

  • 10′ x 20′ Extrusion back wall
  • 10′ Arch-canopy used for header graphic application
  • (2) Small monitor mounts
  • (5) RE-1201 tapered counters
  • (8) Small clear acrylic shelves

I’ve been in this business since rocks were tools, and I still love working with our team on new ideas and solutions for your clients. It’s a lot of fun to watch a concept on paper become a reality on our staging floor and in your customer’s booth.

Please send us your thoughts on new trends that you see with rental exhibits.

Jim Shelman
General Manger
Exhibits Northwest & Classic Rental Division
jshelman@exhibitsnw.com

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and engineered aluminum extrusions (ClassicMODUL). The Classic Rental division offers an extensive gallery of inline and island exhibits with flexible customization options. 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.

The ALL NEW Exhibit Design Search

September 18th, 2012 COMMENTS

How new? It’s so new that it still smells like fresh programming code on a dewy spring day. Inhale and savor the crisp scent, my friend. It’s a new day in the land of Exhibit Design Search (EDS).

Introducing Version 3.2. All your favorite features are still there, like photos, specials, exhibit tips, FAQ, and 28 product galleries, but we reorganized it, made it prettier, and added a couple of new features as well. The new EDS will be much easier to navigate, thanks to a layered approach to the graphic design. The important stuff is upfront like images and the design description. The weightier stuff is one click away like accessories, set-up instructions, and graphic dims.

Changes:

  • A Quick Search on the EDS home page. Want a more detailed search, go to the Refine Search option.
  • Don’t want to navigate through the product galleries, then use the 10 x 10, 10 x 20, or “Other” button to go directly to Banner Stands, Table Tops, Portable Hybrids, etc.
  • There’s a new More button. You can go directly to a Trade Show Calendar, see booth regulations, or click on a specific product gallery.
  • The Design Details page is all new. The additional images are next to the main image. There’s a prominent My Gallery button, and the Share This Design, Request a Design, and Send Me More Information are front and forward. All other details are in the Accessories & Options and the Documentation tabs.

Exhibit Design Search

Tour the new EDS on Classic’s website. The distributor versions will take about a week or two to implement given all the format changes. But . . . in no time, you’ll see it on your website. When you do, take a deep breath. Everyone has that new EDS smell. To see EDS on an unbranded site, go to www.exhibit-design-search.com.

Let me know if you have any questions. I will be conducting Exhibit Design Search training via GoToWebinar in about a month.

p.s. A very special thanks to Tony Bennett, our gifted web developer, for his insights and his patience as we slogged through concept after concept and more tweaks than a NASCAR stock car on race day.

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

Calling all Distributors to EDPA ACCESS 2012: Word on the Street — August 6th thru August 10th

August 12th, 2012 COMMENTS
EDPA Access 2012

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

EDPA ACCESS 2012

It may seem early to chat about an event that is not slated until late November, but I would challenge you that it is not. Particularly for Classic Distributors.

As you have probably gathered over the years, I am a passionate advocate for EDPA (for what it represents and for what it has accomplished for our beloved industry). ACCESS is a huge part of why I am so passionate about the association.

This year will be NO different. As a member of the Board of Directors, I take pride in ACCESS and how it represents our industry. The association has shown positive growth, and education is a big reason for that growth.

Years ago, EDPA was perceived as an association for custom houses, system manufacturers, and service providers. And years ago, that may have been somewhat true. But not anymore. That I can promise you, without hesitation. EDPA and ACCESS are for distributors. It’s a place where you can sit side-by-side with representatives from all facets of the industry. A place to focus and shape how we work toward the common good of our common customers. A place to forge new partnerships and deepen existing ones. All without the distractions of a larger show experience.

Many of you have shared your frustrations, feeling that you not have a voice within the industry. EDPA is your opportunity to have that voice and to shape how the industry evolves. ACCESS is not EXHIBITOR. The show floor is limited. There’s no CTSM education tracks, and no end-users. Just education sessions on design trends and business, roundtables discussions, and social events with your peers. It’s casual and meaningful, where one conversation can change your perspective on how you conduct your business.

This year, your participation is critical. The Distributor/Dealers who attend ACCESS will help create a future track within the conference tailored to your needs and wants. So this year make the decision to put it on your calendar. Don’t wait. You will not be disappointed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call and ask me about ACCESS.  I’ll share my experiences.

Have a great week ahead. Be well.

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

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Registration For EDPA ACCESS 2012 Is Now OPEN! Introducing Early, Early-Bird Incentives: Save On Your Hotel Today!

EDPA is proud to announce that the 58th Annual Conference & Showcase is now open for registration at our special early, early-bird rates. Join us November 28 – 30 at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Palm Springs, CA for three days of learning, networking and growth.

For many, EDPA’s ACCESS conference is a must-attend. So why not register early?

Book now to take advantage of the lowest rates of the year and save even more with our new ‘Room Block Special’: Register before September 5, and receive $200 off the full-price of registration PLUS a $100 credit on your room nights at the Renaissance Esmeralda.*

This year’s theme of ‘Connect & Create’ could not be more important. Business is rebounding and there’s no better time to get together with your fellow industry leaders to exchange ideas and walk away energized and inspired for the year ahead.

Sign-up today and lock in the lowest rates of the year (a $300 savings total) and save on your room nights!

Register Now!

For more information, contact:

Melissa Nemitz, Member Services Coordinator

p: 203-899-8491 | e: mnemitz@edpa.com