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Eddie Haskell, Eddie Murphy, or Eddie Award?: Word on the Street — December 1st thru December 5th

December 6th, 2014 Mel White 9 COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Classic Exhibits Honored with the 2014 EDPA EDDIE Award

The 2014 EDPA ACCESS Event wrapped up in Florida on Friday December 5. But it was, as always, Thursday night that served as the BIG Night for the Exhibit Industry. Thursday night was the Gala Event, The EDPA Foundation Silent Auction, and the Annual Award Presentations.

The Awards, such as The Ambassador Award, The Hazel Hayes Award, and Designer of the Year Award are given to individuals in the exhibit industry. But there is another category of awards called the EDDIE Awards. The EDDIE is given to companies for their Marketing Excellence over the past year.

We Won

eddie_1This year, Classic Exhibits Inc. won an EDDIE. And to say we are proud and unbelievably honored is an understatement. We won specifically for Exhibit Design Search or EDS as so many of you have come to call it.

The award is presented as a “company” award, but let me tell you who this is really for… Mel White! Mel is the VP of Marketing and Business Development at Classic Exhibits. And while many of you know this already, he is the visionary behind EDS.

Now, as Mel would say, Exhibit Design Search is a collective effort. Tony Bennett, the Classic Exhibits Web Developer, is critical to the success of EDS. He is the genius that makes it all work seamlessly on the web and your “Go To” guy for every distributor-branded website. And then there is Glenna Martin, our Graphic Designer. Glenna plays a key role in the overall branding. There are the Classic Exhibit Designers who create all the beautiful designs that populate EDS with fresh new ideas, and the Customer Service Team who sweat over the Setup Instructions and Graphic Dim Sheets. And of course, every distributor who has offered suggestions, and our wonderful strategic partners in EDS — Optima, DS&L, Brumark, and Eco-Systems Sustainable.

Mel will be humble and say that everyone at the company has a part in the acceptance of this award, and while we appreciate that, as his partner at work and as a representative of the company as whole, I know better. EDS is Mel’s baby, his Brain Child, His Vision. And that Vision has helped transform Classic in so many ways over the past nine years.

This past Thursday night, my cell phone blew up when we won the award — from Reid, Jen, and Jim who were on site at ACCESS, and from so many partners and customers who were in attendance at ACCESS. There was one common thread in all the texts, emails, and phone calls. That common thread was “I/We are so happy for Mel.” That says it all to be frank.

So, as your friend and as your partner day in and day out Mel — CONGRATS! I, too, was beaming with pride and joy when I heard the news, proud of you and joyful that you were recognized for all your dedication and hard work.

BTW — Mel serves as my editor for this blog each week, not changing anything per say, rather editing my runoff sentences, adding commas, etc. And he is gonna REALLY REALLY hate that I did this.  🙂

Congrats my friend!

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

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Holiday Events 2014 Kickoff: Word on the Street — November 23rd thru November 27th

November 30th, 2014 Mel White COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

A Belated Happy Thanksgiving!

Hopefully by now you are enjoying your 6th, 7th or maybe even 8th serving of turkey and ham with all the fixings! With lots of dessert.

Probably the best part of all is those leftovers. This morning I had pumpkin pie for breakfast! I love this time of year.

On Monday, we start the final month of 2014. December promises to be a strong finish to an already amazing year in our industry. And December also means the Annual EDPA ACCESS Meeting. Classic of course will be there.

The event will be held at the beautiful Innsbruck Golf Resort in Florida, starting on Wednesday, December 3. And as mentioned, Classic will be there. We have a stunning 10 x 20 inline. Just look for the “Invisible Inc.” graphic and the On the Move Furniture.

Jim Shelman, Jen LaBruzza, and Reid Sherwood will be there to represent the company proudly. Mel White and I are unable to attend this year due to a conflicting schedules.

ACCESS is foundational one this year — the 60th Anniversary for EDPA! So you can expect many great sessions and special events, as well as most of the past Presidents in attendance. It’s sure to be an excellent educational event as always. I hope you can attend and I look forward to hearing from you about ACCESS. As  proud member of the Board of Directors of EDPA, and longtime believer in all the good that EDPA has done for our great industry, I am certainly going to miss this anniversary year.

Back to talking turkey… I hope and trust you all had a safe and enjoyable holiday with your families. I know I did. Certainly a ton to be thankful for in life and in business.

Be well. Look for a comprehensive EDPA ACCESS followup blog next week after Jim, Jen, and Reid return.

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

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I Get Questions: Word on the Street — November 25th thru November 29th

December 1st, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS
Elevator Pitch -- Take One

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

The belly is full, Christmas lights are on the house, and the tree is in the stand. Sound familiar? It’s the post-Thanksgiving weekend. It’s just what you do.

Next week, I am off to Marco Island, FL for the Annual EDPA ACCESS meeting. Something I look forward to every year as a proud sponsor and member of the Board of Directors.

Since I will not be seeing some of you there, I thought I would use this week’s blog as an opportunity to practice my elevator pitches to the usual (and unusual) questions that I’m often asked.

1. I haven’t heard of Classic Exhibits. What do you do?

Sigh . . . I don’t get this question as often anymore, but I tell folks that Classic Exhibits is a manufacturer of the highest-quality, best-designed custom hybrid, custom modular, and system exhibits on the market. We lead by design and close with customer service and quality. We are a non-direct selling manufacturer that focuses on helping our distributors build their brands in their markets with our products.

2. How’s business?

2013 has been an odd year. Some real highs and some real lows to be honest. Thankfully many more highs. We celebrated two of our largest months in the company’s history and are looking to finish the year between 10-15% up over last year. I am currently working on my annual State of Company letter. Stay tuned for more in a few weeks.

3. Are you selling many iPad stands?

Many is not quite the term I would use. We sell “tons” of them actually. Overall, our iPad sales have truly been off the charts. I give a lot of credit to our Design and Marketing Departments. They have continued to innovate. It seems like about every two weeks or so they come up with something new or some great little tweak that makes the product line even better than before.

4. What’s the relationship between Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits?

We are great partners first and foremost. Friends second. Classic Exhibits serves as the contract manufacturer for the Eco-Systems product line.

5. Any predictions for 2014?

We have high hopes for 2014. All indications are pointing to Classic and its distributors having a banner year in 2014. Again, more to come in my State of the Company Letter in the coming weeks.

6. How are the twins?

Thanks for asking. They are amazing and continue to be a blessing to my wife and me. As a matter of fact, they just turned 7 this past Sunday, December 1st. They are very proud 1st graders, and we are very proud parents for sure. 🙂

7. Is there any truth to the rumors that Reid Sherwood was selected as an alternate for the Jamaican Bobsled team in the upcoming Sochi Olympics?

SHHH! Nobody is supposed to know that. But let’s just say that Mr. Sherwood is sneaky fast.

8. Hey, you’re from Oregon right? How accurate is that show Portlandia? I mean really, be honest, it’s not that weird right?

Our former Mayor participated in the Naked Bike Ride . . . need I say more?

9. What is selling right now?

More and more Islands. Sure we sell a lot of 10 x 10’s, 10x 20’s, and counters, kiosks, table tops, etc., but we are seeing a huge uptick in the smaller island builds — 20′ x 20’s to 30′ x 40’s and everything in between. Clients seem to be building for more and more “smaller islands” in lieu of their traditional large island builds for one or two big shows a year. Instead they are using smaller islands and attending more regional events.

10. Any design trends that jump of the page these days?

Maybe not a “design” trend so much as an overall “look” trend. We are seeing more backlighting of large dye-sub fabric. Nearly every day we receive requests for backlit fabric using our SuperNova LED technology.

11. How was your Thanksgiving Holiday?

Probably my best ever. Not only did I get four great days with my family and extended family, but my favorite band was in Portland Friday night — Pearl Jam. And as luck would have it, the Tour Manager put me on the band’s special guest list for the show. I watched the entire show standing 8 feet from the lead guitarist. Amazing view!

12.  How is Classic handling the whole healthcare dilemma?

This hotel only has like 8 floors dude.

13. Does Classic Exhibits have a rental program?

Yes, and one that we are very proud of, managed by Jim Shelman. Classic Rentals is probably one of the most custom-built and well-designed Systems Rentals programs you will find. We have inventory located in Portland, Chicago, and Vegas. Everything from the most basic counter units to 20 x 30 double deck structures. And we are continually adding new inventory. Most of which is driven by design and client needs.

14. Duck or Beaver?

Duck for sure for me. Nothing against the Beavers. Just always preferred the Ducks within the state rivalry. I appreciate both programs however and all they have done over the years to bring the spotlight of collegiate sports to the state of Oregon.

Speaking of sports . . . did ya see the finish of that Iron Bowl this weekend? Amazing! Nothing better in life than seeing Nick Satan’s…um…Saban lose in historic fashion. Just saying.

15.  Last but not least — Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or Yeti? Which is it?

Call Mel at ext. 219.

Be well and have a wonderful week ahead. I truly hope you had a great Thanksgiving Weekend with your family and friends.

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

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EVOLVE! – EDPA ACCESS 2013 at Marco Island, FL: Word on the Street — October 28th thru November 1st

November 2nd, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS

EVOLVE! With Your Industry Peers at EDPA ACCESS 2013

There are only four short weeks until Thanksgiving. Can you believe it? Well, as soon as you drop your fork from Grandma’s apple pie and Aunt Susie’s overcooked yams, I hope you head to Marco Island. It’s time to join me for the 59th Annual EDPA ACCESS, the Exhibit Industry’s premiere thought leadership event on Dec. 4-6.

Better Yet — come as our guest and receive a $100 discount on your registration (code: Classic evip).

Here is the full agenda to wet your appetite.

Please don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas and network with your peers. I Hope I see you at EDPA ACCESS for three days of learning, networking, and growth.

Have a great weekend.

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

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Post EDPA ACCESS 2012 Report: Word on the Street — Nov. 26th thru Nov. 30th

December 2nd, 2012 Mel White 1 COMMENT
It's about inspiration NOT disillusionment

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

I LOVE this industry! And events like EDPA ACCESS only make me love it more!

Palm Springs provided an amazing setting this past week for Education, Advocacy, Networking and Strategy. To those who were there, it was great to see you and get caught up professionally and personally. And as a proud member of the EDPA Board of Directors, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in attendance. Your participation is appreciated and will continue to shape this great industry of ours.

Some Highlights . . . .

Dr. Will and his “Refrigerator Rights” talk was our opening keynote. It was a much needed look at our need for real and claimed family, those people who have the right to opening our refrigerator. Essentially our support system. We all have that in our real family at home, but you must have that in your “professional family”as well. This really spoke to many of the “family and friends” I have in this industry. People who I rely on professionally and even personally.

The Golf Outing. I know. It was a highlight Kevin. You got to play golf on what would normally be a workday. Duh!! It was more than that. Great networking for all who were in the tournament. But for me, I was able to play with one of my many mentors from over the years, Dave Walens from Brumark. He made the golf outing even better! Thanks again Dave!

Financial State of Affairs Session. Kelli Glasser did a great job of sorting through and sharing the results of the recent economic survey. Both the highs and lows. By the end, it was clear that there is positive growth happening along all lines. And together we will continue to secure our industry’s future.

The NOT SO SILENT AUCTION. One of the events that is near and dear to many of our hearts. This tremendous event did not disappoint. Thanks to the hard work by David Mihalik and Lara Davie from ELITeXPO. Their tireless dedication to this event impresses us all, along with the great assistance of the EDPA staff in attendance . Early totals indicated that over $17,000 was raised for the EDPA Foundation. AWESOME! This is all money that goes directly to scholarships and worthy causes!

Those are just some highlights. I could write a ten page report and still not do the event justice. So, to those who attended please share your highlights as well.

To Red 7 Media, our HQ for EDPA. Since taking over the EDPA’s day-to-day management several years ago, you have never let us down. Jeff Provost has been and continues to be a great captain of the ship. Thanks! But I wanted to send a special thanks out to Melissa, Anna, Anu, and Tracy from Red 7. As a member and an exhibitor in the showcase you were a tremendous help to my company and me personally. Thanks for your help and dedication to our industry!

Finally, to those who haven’t attended EDPA ACCESS in the past, allow me to explain what it is and isn’t about.

  • It’s about people NOT about products and services
  • It’s about what’s happening in 2-4 years NOT about what’s happening in 2-4 months
  • It’s about opening opportunities NOT about closing deals
  • It’s about sharing accomplishments NOT about pointing fingers
  • It’s about inspiration NOT about disillusionment
  • It’s about listening, asking questions, and offering advice (in that order)
  • It’s about collaboration, cooperation, and competition (in that order)

Next year, ACCESS 2013 will be at Marco Island Resort and Spa in FL right after Thanksgiving. Hope to see you there.

Have a great week ahead and be well.

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

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