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Word on the Street — December 13th thru December 17th

December 19th, 2010 Mel White 3 COMMENTS
2011 Trade Show Predictions

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Are You Ready for the Most “Predictably Unpredictable” Two Weeks of the Year?

Anyone who has been in this business long enough knows what I mean. The final two to three weeks of the year are like playing Roulette. The odds aren’t good, but if you put enough chips on the table, you may hit a ginormous jackpot.

Activities outside of the office are always hectic during the holiday season:  planning and/or attending holiday parties, Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, seeing the lights in your neighborhood, keeping your brother-in-law out of the liquor cabinet, etc. There’s so much to do and not enough time in the day.

At the office, you expect the opposite. That orders and quotes will slow down. It seems logical as folks are on vacation or getting ready for the holiday. This is very true, but not always.

Here’s what us trade show pros know. Starting around December 15, you wonder if this is going to be a quiet or busy year-end because there is never any middle ground!

Quoting activity in early December is a pretty good indicator, but not always. Many companies need to dump their budget before the end of the year (the “use it or loose” theory). At Classic, we often see quotes for multiple quantity units, or quotes from earlier in the year which need to be massaged in hopes of pulling the trigger before the year ends. Sometimes this indicates a very busy end of year . . . other times it ends up being a lot of wishful thinking by Marcom Managers.

Well, back to Wednesday the 15th 2010. The orders started heating up, and by Friday, we could tell the finally two weeks were going to be busy. Even better, the orders do not appear to be “budget dumping” expenditures. Rather, they are exhibits being purchased for January and spring shows. It’s something we haven’t seen for two years.

So, please keep them coming. 🙂 We will be working Monday through Thursday this week and next to fulfill your orders.

From the entire Classic Exhibits family, may your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and wonder. Thank you for making us part of your lives.

–Kevin Carty

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

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FAQ — Intro Fabric Panel Displays

October 29th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

Intro Fabric Panel Displays

For nearly two decades, Intro Fabric Panel Displays have been the perfect choice for a flawless, re-configurable portable display.

Known for its strength, exceptional alignment, and customizable display panels, the “two-sided” Intro Fabric Panel Display performs beautifully in the most demanding trade show schedule. The Intro comes in 10 x 10, 10 x 20, and table top display configurations.

1. What are the unique benefits of the Intro Folding Fabric Display?

  1. There’s no more durable and versatile trade show display than the Intro. The Intro is perfect for exhibitors who require a reconfigurable fabric display that easily folds to a 10 ft., 8 ft., 6 ft., or even table top(s). The two-sided Velcro compatible fabric means one, two, or multiple colors are never a problem, the perfect solution when more than one division share an exhibit.
  2. After the show, the Intro can be folded into a tower for a lobby display, used as a colorful divider, or re-positioned as a backdrop.
  3. There are nearly 50 fabric color options in ribbed and flat fabrics.

2. What are the unique features of the Intro Fabric Panel Display?

  • 360 Hinge: The 360 panel hinges make the Intro remarkably versatile.
  • Independent Panels: Each panel is constructed independently, so panels can be separated and replaced in case of shipping damage.
  • Pack Flat: The panels pack flat, accordion-style, for easy shipping.
  • Adjustable Feet: The adjustable feet on every lower panel means you never have to worry about an uneven floor.
  • Reconfigurable: Easily turn the top or bottom sections into table tops.
  • Velcro Fabric: The Velcro-compatible fabric will withstand years of graphics attaching and detaching with minimal wear.

3. What components and accessories are available for the Intro?

There are literally hundreds of choices, each with multiple options. For example, choose from an array of stem lights, pedestals, counters, backlit headers, storage, slatwall, inlay fabric, lightboxes, and towers.

Give us a call to discuss. We’re here to assist you find the display and accessories that fit your exhibit marketing goals.

Next, Island Exhibits FAQ.

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FAQ — Table Throws

October 13th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS
Table Throw with Runner

Table Throw with Runner

Table Throws seem so simple. Yet, quality varies considerably. We offer only the best materials:  premium twills, vinyl perma logos, and dye sublimation. Our trained artisans craft the highest quality seams and hems, and the throws are washable and fade resistant.

Choose from 8 ft, 6 ft, runners, or even custom sizes.

1. What is Perma Logo?

Perma logo is a heavy-duty vinyl similar to the traditional vinyl you may have seen used for numbers on sports jerseys. The vinyl is computer cut and heat transferred to pre-dyed twill throw fabric. Many colors are available for the vinyl (and the twill).

2. The live area for a Dye Sub Applique is a 45″ W x 25″ H rectangle, and the visual representation of the throw is a circle. Are free-form shapes possible?

Yes. The real benefit of Dye Sub Applique is that complex gradients and photos or complex images like government or university seals can be represented accurately. An additional benefit is that these images can be any shape under the sun.

Circles, rectangles, custom free-forms that outline images like frogs and horse heads have all been created.

3. Exhibit Design Search lists  6 and 8 ft. standard table throws. How can I order a throw for a different sized table?

Tables don’t just come in 6 ft. or 8 ft. lengths. Neither do our table throws. Need a custom throw (or anything else you don’t see for that matter)? Just ask us.

4. What is the difference between a “full size” and “economy size” table throw?

A full size table throw covers all four sides of the table, where an economy size throw will cover 3 sides leaving the back of the table open.

Next. Perfect 10 Portable Hybrid Displays FAQ.

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FAQ — Flooring (Carpet and Padding)

September 20th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS
Carpet and Padding

Carpet and Padding

Attractive flooring is essential to any successful trade show display. The first choice is often carpeting. The reasons are obvious. It’s available in many colors, it’s easy to transport and maintain, and paired with the right padding, it’s comfortable. To get you started in the right direction, here are some basic FAQ’s.

1. How do I calculate the amount of carpet I need?

Just follow these easy steps.

1.    Calculate your square footage – this is done by multiplying the length of the area by the width of the area: 10 x 20 booth space will be 200 sq ft.
2.    You will then need to calculate the carpet needed to cover the square footage.

  • If your carpet is 12’ wide, and your area is 10 x 20, you will have to purchase a 12 x 20 to cover the area = 240 sq ft.
  • If your carpet is 10’ wide, you will then order 200 sq ft.

3.    It is always safe to order an extra foot of carpet to insure you are totally covered in your area.

2. Is it better to rent or purchase exhibit/event carpet?

It depends on your short-term or long-term needs. It is more cost-effective to rent carpet if your schedule of exhibits is minimal. However, if you have several planned activities over a scope of time, you could experience significant cost-savings by purchasing.

3. How can I get versatile use of my carpet?

While carpeting is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options, inventive solutions such as dying carpet to custom PMS colors, binding, or incorporating custom inlays or logos will prove to be cost-effective while transforming the floor for other non-trade show projects.

4. How can I extend the longevity of my carpet use?

Taking care of your carpet during storage and transportation will extend the longevity of the carpet. Here are a few tips:

  • Store and ship in carpet bags
  • Store carpet on cores. This is very important – NEVER fold your carpet during storage or transportation
  • Store in a dry storage
  • Clean carpet before storing
  • Remove stains as soon as they happen
  • Repair all holes after each event

Next, FAQ — Visionary Designs Hybrid Exhibits.

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Word on the Street — December 7th thru December 11th

December 13th, 2009 Mel White COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Planning for 2010

This past week was very busy at Classic Exhibits, not only in sales and manufacturing where we saw a spike in orders, but also in administration where we devoted three full days to setting goals for 2010 and planning how to achieve them. Every year at this time, we review our successes and failures during the current year and chart our sales, marketing, production, administration, and personnel goals for the next full calendar year.

In 2009, we saw some great successes as well as some failures. In spite of the challenges of 2009, the past year gave us a clear plan of action for 2010 and beyond. Our distributors, both portable/modular and custom, are looking to Classic for “Systems” solutions because their clients are asking them for cost-effective but customizable, displays. They want unique looks and practical solutions without paying the price for either uniqueness or practicality. Exactly what do I mean by “Systems?” In inlines, I am purely referring to Hybrid Exhibits and options. And from an island standpoint, I am also referring to Hybrid Exhibits as well, but ones that can reconfigure and/or grow at a moments notice at little or no expense.

Looking forward to 2010, we realize that training is something that is greatly needed as well . . . and not your typical Distributor Training. Rather, a “program” of training sessions that people can pick and choose from and then attend. We are planning these sessions via GoToMeeting, or a similar service, every month throughout 2010.

This does not mean that you will not see our faces as well. Our travel schedule will be significant in 2010. Rather, online meetings provide us with the opportunity to have more touches together, without trying to coordinate multiple meetings in one city at the same time.

The highlight of the week (if not the year) was the Annual Classic Exhibits Holiday Party on Friday night. The annual party includes the families from all four Classic Exhibits divisions: Classic Exhibits, Exhibits NW Portland, Exhibits NW Seattle, and ClassicMODUL. What a fun night to see all the little ones running around, playing, and anticipating the visit from Santa. This year did not disappoint, as Santa arrived on schedule with gifts. Please keep your eyes out for photos from the function on P5D this week, including Mel with reindeer horns (Santa’s forgotten reindeer and for good reason).

Expect our Annual State of the Company letter in the next two weeks. As always, it will be a comprehensive overview of the previous year and a roadmap of Classic’s plans for 2010.

Finally, you will receive a Very Special E-broadcast this week with our Annual Gift to You. Here’s a little hint:  What’s shiny and bright and lightweight and the perfect demo display for the new Segue line?

Be well! 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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