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EXHIBITORLIVE | Monday After Next

February 13th, 2016 Mel White COMMENTS

ExhibitorBanner3

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

wp_002726_720What 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

  1. Charging counter options_View 1We’re showcasing two new Lightbox Extrusions, including the narrowest double-sided lightbox in the industry.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits. Join Lisa, Lauren, and Matt at #2059 to see their latest designs and talk about green exhibit trends.

Finally…

PMA

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.

Happy Presidents Day!

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

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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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Portable/Modular Awards | People’s Choice Voting

December 9th, 2015 Mel White COMMENTS

PMAHeader

People’s Choice Voting

Three years ago when EXHIBITOR announced the Portable/Modular Awards, we were delighted. These display categories deserved recognition for design excellence.

The first year we had two finalists. Last year, we had two finalists and won one. Our partner Eco-Systems Sustainable won as well. In addition, a Classic Exhibits Distributor was a finalist on two designs we built. This year, we are excited to have three finalists:  So Young, Philadelphia Commercial, and Nationwide. A sincere thanks to the Classic Distributors and their clients for allowing us to submit these spectacular entries.

EXHIBITOR encourages its readers to pick their favorites in the People’s Choice Voting. The rules are important. You can vote once per visit, so check back each day to support your favorite design(s). The finalist with the most votes will be announced at EXHIBITORLIVE. The PMA category award winners will announced at same time.

As the expression goes, “Vote early and vote often.” Bookmark the site. Put a reminder in your calendar. Hey… What else do you have to do in December, January, and February? Sheesh! For more information about the Portable Modular Awards eligibility and categories see this link.

Capture

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

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

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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EXHIBITORLIVE 2015 Review: Word on the Street — March 2nd thru March 6th

March 6th, 2015 Mel White 7 COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits

Well I don’t know about you … but I am pooped! EXHIBITORLIVE 2015 has come and gone. What an amazing week of visiting with old friends, making new friends, and seeing all the exciting new things in our GREAT industry.

First and foremost, I want to thank our terrific show staff. By the time Mel and I arrived on Saturday, the booth was setup and looked amazing. James Sharpe and Jim Ponomarenko, the Production Managers from Classic Rentals and Classic Exhibits, were amazing. Thanks!!

Our booth staff included Jim and James as well as Katina Rigall, Trina Broten, John Zipay (the new guy 🙂 ), Jim Shelman, Reid Sherwood, Jen LaBruzza, Glenna Martin, Mel and me. To all — Kudos on a great week. Thanks for representing the “Classic” culture so well, as always.

Also, thanks to our vendor partners who helped make our booth shine — Optima Graphics, Brumark Flooring, DS&L, OTM Furniture, ELITeXPO Cargo and TSCrew (the I&D team). We appreciate your valued long-term partnership.

The Show

IMG_8179Now to the show itself. EXHIBITOR Magazine did another stellar job creating an positive atmosphere for everyone.

Day 1 — It was chaotic to be honest. The traffic was relentless, which we all like. I was telling a fellow employee that I don’t remember NOT being able take at least a five-minute break on Day 1. No way this time. Every time I finished with one attendee, there was another one waiting to dive into a new conversation. It was great!

Day 2 — It started early with Strategic Partner Day. I always enjoy the opportunity to spend  time the Classic Family of Distributors, our partners, and meet with potential distributors.

Day 3 — This year was a busy Day 3. Did I get out of the booth a bit? Yes, but only for a short stint. Our booth was filled with lots of end-users making one last trek through the hall. Most told me that the first two days were spent identifying what they wanted to see in more detail. So we had lots of quality time with people looking to buy, seeing what’s new, and getting to know our products and services.

Back to Day 2 — Day 2 also included two spectacular events after the show floor closed: The Portable Modular Summit and the The PMA’s (The Portable Modular Awards).

The Summit was titled “The New Evolution.” I hosted the event with my friend and mentor Jay Burkette from ExpoDisplays. With over 300 exhibitors and attendees in the audience, our conversation focused where we are in the Portable/Modular segment. There’s been a shift toward more complex, design-driven inlines and 400-900 sq foot islands with higher budgets and more creative displays. Our segment is not just healthy, it’s growing exponentially! Thanks to everyone who attended and took part in the discussion.

10411160_10150486186119995_2152677747564161621_nAfter the summit, Travis Stanton from Exhibitor Magazine took the stage. He served as the Host of the Portable Modular Awards ceremony, along with John Pavek. As Travis and John  announced the finalists and the awards, I was proud of what our segment is producing these days. It’s much more dynamic than any time in my 20 years in the industry. We truly have come a long way!

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not brag a bit. 🙂 Classic Exhibits and Eco-Systems both won awards this year! Classic Exhibits won for Best 20×20 Island of 2014!! Kudos to Katina Rigall for designing the Pacifica 20 x 20 Island and to Laura Magdalen from Exhibits NW for selling the beautiful project!

11021060_10150486186389995_5087437637545251912_nEco-Systems Sustainable won for the Best 10 x 10 Inline for the NASA project. It’s one of the best and most creative 10 x 10 spaces I’ve seen in years. Our congrats to Lisa Koskela and Lauren Orao for again taking portable hybrid design to new heights!

For those who could not attend, I am truly sorry. This year there were many new highlights, many of which were technology based. Technology continues to be an ever-growing accessory to spaces of all sizes. It allows exhibitors to stretch their dollars further. And by that, I don’t mean spending less. I mean getting more out of their exhibit assets.

The Classic Exhibits Booth

IMG_8256Classic showed new elements as well. There was considerable buzz around our New Charging Stations and the On The Move Furniture.

We introduced three new charging stations ranging from a coffee table to full size stations with lightboxes. All of which were very well received. For your reference, they are the ones highlighted in Design Monday last week.

The OTM Express was a true hit! Especially to clients wanting to maximize their exhibit dollars. OTM provides the ability to include branded furniture in your space that can be re-used show after show, as opposed to renting each show. And it packs down and is totally portable! I had one end-user pull out her calculator app on her iPhone and start calculating the savings for this year. She participates in 19 shows a year and figured she would save approx $11,500 over the remainder of the year. Pretty cool stuff.

Yes I am pooped. But a good kinda of pooped. The week really was very fulfilling. And like many years past, I left Las Vegas welling with pride not just for the staff we have, or for the great vendor partners we have, but also for the many great friends/distributors in the Classic Family.

Thanks, and have a great restful weekend with your families.

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

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What To Do in Las Vegas | EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

February 5th, 2015 Mel White 2 COMMENTS
Lesson #715 – Your Best Teacher is Your Last Mistake.

Lesson #715 – Your Best Teacher is Your Last Mistake.

Tips from a Townie

It turns out that there are good things and not so good things to do in Las Vegas. I’ve done a few that should be kept on the down-low, like New Year’s Eve on the Strip or walking from the Stratosphere to Mandalay Bay (Trust me, get a cab!). With these follies in mind, I’ll share some “Things to Do” recommendations while at EXHIBITORLIVE.

The High Roller baby! It isn’t your average Ferris wheel. In fact, some Las Vegans get downright testy when you call it that. The High Roller is an observation wheel — the biggest in the world as a matter of fact. It stands at a whopping 550-feet-tall. That’s nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer (who knew) and 107 feet taller than the London Eye (Take that you Lymies!). The High Roller is located in the heart of the Strip and is the focal point of the LINQ promenade. Once aboard the 40-passenger pod you will have 30 minutes to enjoy a cocktail and the view. Whether you choose to ride day or night, you will have spectacular views of the Strip, the valley and the mountains (see if you can spy some Red Rock’s to the west).

Groupon and Living Social run High Roller specials so make sure you check both sites before buying your tickets.

High RollerSome of you EXHIBITOR dinosaurs will remember the Imperial Palace. And you may even be wondering, “What the heck did they do with all of those sweet @$$ cars?” Well wonder no more!

The Auto Collection is still there at the LINQ with over 350 classic cars that span more than a century. It’s an auto enthusiast’s dream! And if you’ve never been or maybe it’s been awhile (15 years is really more than awhile. But who’s counting right?), it’s certainly worth a gander. And did you know that every single car is available for purchase? Even if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spare, you can stand by these beauties and snap as many pictures as you want, for FREE!

Speaking of FREE… Here are some great attractions that are just that… FREE!


1. The Aquarium at the Silverton – Located at the Silverton Hotel, South of Mandalay Bay on Blue Diamond Road and I-15, is an 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium complete with Mermaids. While you’re there, take a stroll through Bass Pro Shop to round out the aquatic-themed adventure!

2. P3 Studio at The Cosmopolitan  – I LOVE The Cosmopolitan! And located on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan is a glass-walled artist studio featuring contemporary artists from around the world who create interactive artwork as part of a residency program. You can watch the artists from outside the studio or go inside, interact with the artist… maybe even help create a masterpiece. You can see P3 Studio’s artist-in-residence in action Wednesdays through Sundays, 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

3. The ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ Sign – After hanging with mermaids and artists, you must stop at this 50-year-old iconic sign for a memorable photo op. I’m not going to lie, I was very relieved when they actually made a parking area for tourists to park and snap their pictures. Sure beats the heck out playing Frogger with the tourists trying to cross the boulevard. Stop, snap some selfies, and if a ‘GOOD’ Elvis is there, tip him $5 bucks to take your pic with him.

Roadrunner4. Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Botanical Cactus Garden – Last but certainly not least is this sweet factory located about a 15-minute drive east on Tropicana from the Strip. Forrest Mars Sr. (of M&Ms fame) opened this factory in 1981 and named it after his mother Ethel. There is a short tour that lets you see chocolate in the making through the factory’s windows. The factory store at the end allows you to sample and purchase these sweet confections. While you may think you can skip the Botanical Cactus Garden… DON’T! Featuring more than 300 types of cactus it also has a soft spot for me in that the first roadrunner I ever saw in the desert was in that cactus garden. Keep you’re eyes peeled! Wile E. Coyote must not be too far behind right?

In past years during EXHIBITOR you may have been in Vegas on Valentine’s Day and St. Patty’s Day. This year the first day of EXHIBITORLIVE will fall on March 2 – ‘Old Stuff Day.’ This is not a day to do the “same old” stuff however. This is for doing just the opposite. These suggestions may require a rental car, but I promise they will not leave you thinking you just did the “same old” stuff in Vegas.

NOT the Same Old Stuff in Las Vegas

1. Springs Preserve – This 180-acre cultural and historic attraction sits on the site of former natural springs that contributed to “Las Vegas” – the meadows in Spanish. It features many exhibits, a Botanical Gardens, trails and The Springs Café.

2. National Atomic Testing Museum – It captures all of the history, propaganda, and controversy of the nuclear tests that once took place only an hour away from Las Vegas. See 10,000 sq. feet of interactive displays, short films, timelines and much more. You can even test your own radioactivity!

Pinball23. Pinball Hall of Fame – Featuring a total of 141 pinball machines from the 1950s through the 1990s, including retro arcade games like Super Mario Brothers. The best thing of all? You can play every single one of them. Just remember to bring a pocketful of quarters.

I’m sure there are things that I’ve missed or left off on purpose because you guys will be asking me these questions again in November 2015 for EDPA Access. Please don’t be shy, share your ideas or favorites for either list!

I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone at this year’s show. Remember: registration for ExhibitorLIVE is now OPEN! Click here to access registration and receive an Exhibits Only pass courtesy of Classic Exhibits.

And in case you missed it, here’s my Where to Eat in Las Vegas during EXHIBITOR blog post.

Jen LaBruzza
Western Regional Manager (and Vegas Local)
jen@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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Where to Eat in Las Vegas | EXHIBITORLIVE 2015

January 29th, 2015 Mel White COMMENTS
Lesson #215 | The Only Constant is Change

Lesson #215 | The Only Constant is Change

Tips from a Townie

January is CRAZY in Las Vegas! CES and PPAI just finished. Up next is SHOT Show, International Builder’s Week, and World of Concrete. Blink once and it will be February. Blink again… EXHIBITORLIVE!

Several years ago, I shared my VEGAS LOCALS perspective on places to eat, shows to see, and things to do while at EXHIBITOR. A lot has happened since then, and I wanted to suggest some new places. These are not your standard tourist fare and many are (thankfully) outside the Hacienda Triangle (Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur). Part 1 — Dining Options in Las Vegas.

Dining Options

Down Las Vegas Boulevard from Mandalay Bay is Michael’s Gourmet Room at the Southpoint Casino. It’s a longtime locals favorite and a hidden gem. Michael’s is a throwback to the glamour of the Rat Pack era with captains, uniformed staff, velvet banquets, intimate size, and exquisite service. The old school menu features forgotten dishes like saltimbocca, escargot, chateaubriand for two, and a signature intermezzo of sorbet with Dom Perignon champagne. The food, the service, and the setting… It all works here.

On the opposite end of the strip is The Top of the World Restaurant at the Stratosphere. It’s perched 844 feet above the city and revolves in place, rotating a full 360 degrees every 80 minutes for a birds-eye view of Las Vegas. The view attracts tourists, but it’s the menu of re-imagined classics that makes it hard to get a reservation. In addition to a generous helping of ambiance, the menu boasts delectable seafood, prime-cut steaks, and decadent specialties. While there, you can visit the observation deck. The Stratosphere boasts several thrill rides that are not for the faint of heart. My recommendation, make a choice… rides or restaurant and stick to it! The two aren’t very compatible.

Vegas EatsAt the center of the strip, there’s the new LINQ area. I’ll get to the High Roller (the fancy ferris wheel you’ve heard so much about) in Part 2. This time around (no pun intended), we’ll focus on the eateries. Guy Fieri, of Food Network fame (graduated from UNLV don’t ya know) opened his first Las Vegas Restaurant, appropriately named Vegas Kitchen & Bar. Yardhouse has an installation here too, as well as Brooklyn Bowl, Tilted Kilt, and Sprinkles Cupcake ATM. Yep, you can now get your cupcake fix 24/7 in Vegas! Chayo Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar, Haute Doggery, Flour & Barley, and F.A.M.E round out the line-up of eateries in this lively new section of the strip.

Finally, there’s the buffet. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s Palace is the “sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll” of Vegas buffets. Bacchanal Buffet is what happens when you throw $100 million budget at a buffet renovation. The Bacchanal Buffet is not only a feast for your tummy but also for your eyes. The dining room is broken into air, water, or wood-themed sections. And then you have the more than 500 daily offerings many of which are prepared in front of you. The menu changes daily depending on products, season, and chef’s whims. Must tries include fried chicken and waffles, red velvet pancakes, mini Wagyu sliders, Japanese curry, and a made-to-order dessert crepe.

Bacchanal

I’m not going to lie, it’s a little spendy as buffets go ($52+ for dinner) but Groupon has a deal going right now that will get you breakfast buffet and mimosas for 2 plus VIP line passes for $65 total. The catch is that it is only valid Monday- Friday but might be a good option for Thursday if you have an afternoon flight.

Depending on your culinary mood, you might want to give these Off-The-Strip Delights a try:

Okay, I’ve done my best to get you going in the right direction. Let me know what you think and please add your own suggestions.

In the meantime, don’t forget registration for EXHIBITORLIVE 2015 is OPEN! Click Here to access registration and receive an Exhibits Only pass courtesy of Classic Exhibits.

In case you missed it, here’s my What To Do in Las Vegas during EXHIBITORLIVE blog post.

Jen LaBruzza
Western Regional Manager (and Vegas Local)
jen@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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