Quit pretending. You want to attend Shared Knowledge University (SKU). You know it. We know it. Heck, your colleagues are sick and tired of hearing you talk about it. Just do it! (as another much more famous Portland company would say).
Will you learn a lot? Yes. Will it be exhausting? Yes. Will you want to leave Portland on Wednesday morning? No. But as former SKU graduates have discovered, we’re going to take your sorry, broken, hypnotized, and dehydrated body to the airport whether you want to leave or not.
Space is limited and openings fill fast. Contact Jen LaBruzza (jen@classicexhibits.com) to reserve your spot on June 12-13 (Monday and Tuesday). Embrace your chance to add the SKU logo to your LinkedIn profile.
Click on the image below to view the happy SKU video.
In the past month, our designs have been copied three times. Three clear examples, all very different in scope. Question: When do you throw up your hands vs. taking legal action to protect your intellectual property? Thought you might like to read what we decided to do in each situation.
Base Plate.
To be honest, we expected this to happen at some point. About seven years ago, we created an identifiable base plate for our Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Display line. The design made the base plates lighter, distinctive, and easier to carry. We expected other display manufacturers to create their own unique designs. What we didn’t anticipate was that a budget manufacturer/importer would simply tweak our existing design. See the minor difference.
What was surprising was seeing it at an exhibit association event, where members take an oath to honor one another’s intellectual property. I asked the owner about the base plate design and basically got a shrug. In other words, it is what it is. Will we pursue this legally? No but it’s an annoyance. This manufacturer has purchased parts and pieces from us in the past. We won’t sell to them again.
Charging Table.
Over the past year, we’ve designed and engineered a line of charging tables in various sizes and heights. The tables are clearly identifiable as Classic Exhibits designs, including the LED lights around the perimeter. Other charging solutions fit into one of two categories: sofas, tables, and chairs with plugs or charging towers, similar to what you would see at an airport. Ours look nothing like those.
Last week, I noticed a photo showing our MOD-1432 in LinkedIn… yet, it wasn’t. The shape was the same, along with the LED lights, USB charging ports, post, and base. Only the proportions were different. Honestly, we were surprised that someone would copy a design so clearly identifiable with Classic Exhibits. Yes, a round bistro table is a round bistro table, but the copy appeared to have the same LED light pattern and number of USB ports. Frankly, that’s being intellectually lazy.
I won’t share the photo because it would implicate the customer, rather than the manufacturer. So, what did we do? We sent the owner an email, who was kind enough to give me a call. While he felt their design didn’t infringe on the MOD-1432, he did agree to revisit the design and see if some changes were possible. We’ll see what happens.
Island Exhibit.
This one will blow your mind. Late last summer, our sister company Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits quoted a modified eSmart ECO-4073 island to a Distributor which included several Classic Exhibits counters and iPad stands. Several months later, we were contacted by a graphic designer asking for templates on the island they purchased in September. Except, we never built the island. The graphic designer sent us their invoice, which listed Classic kit numbers.
What the client purchased was a copy of the modified ECO-4073. Some small variations but 98% the same. The Distributor chose to build part of it and purchase other components, but it was an ECO-4073. And the distributor even included our part numbers on the invoice. For legal reasons, I can’t go into details; however, we are pursuing this aggressively with an IP attorney and expect a lawsuit to be filed within the next two weeks.
Like you, we are in a very creative business, so we’re always surprised when someone takes a design shortcut by copying. It’s one thing to improve, refine, expand on a design. It’s another thing to blatantly copy. And like you, we have to decide on the best recourse each time. We always address it. Sometimes tactfully, Sometimes bluntly. And sometimes legally. If you don’t, then the lazy will do what they do best. Steal your designs.
We would enjoy hearing your experiences and thoughts on this topic.
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
What 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
We’re showcasing two new Lightbox Extrusions, including the narrowest double-sided lightbox in the industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. Join Lisa, Lauren, and Matt at #2059 to see their latest designs and talk about green exhibit trends.
Finally…
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.
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.
The Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems Sustainable relationship started about six years ago. In the beginning, we supplied them with ClassicMODUL metal. A couple of years later, we assisted them with design and manufacturing. Then, we agreed to be their exclusive contract manufacturer. It’s a partnership that works, and we’re very proud of the amazing progress they’ve made in design and operations.
Think about it. Over the past six to eight years, there have been any number of new display suppliers, all opening price-point focused, all basically importers. Many no longer in business. Only one did three “really, really smart” things while remaining true to their core principles, even during the recession:
Concentrate exclusively on sustainable materials
Focus on mid-priced, design-focused displays, and
Manufacturer in the United States
Late last week, Eco-Systems took another big step — redesigning their website. For those who have gone through that ordeal, you know how arduous it can at every stage. There are no easy tasks when it comes to website redesign, organization, graphics, and coding. Allow me to commend three people who were immersed in the task for two months: Eric Albery, the VP of Marketing and Business Development, Glenna Martin, Graphic Design Manager, and Tony Bennett, Classic’s web guru who has created most of your Exhibit Design Search websites. They did an amazing job!
What’s New:
Responsive Design. Adjusts to your smartphone, tablet, or desktop screen.
Horizontal Layout. It’s silly not to use all the available real estate, and, frankly, an 800 x 600 layout screams “outdated.”
Photo Portfolio. Take a stroll through photos of past projects.
Search for Setup Instructions. Never fear if you’ve lost your instructions. Starting with January 2014, they are all online.
Kit-to-Custom Gallery
Easier and Faster Search Options
Design Services Template
I invite you to stroll through the new Eco-Systems website. Take your time. You are in for a treat.
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.
