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Posts Tagged ‘ExhibitorLIVE’

Classic Exhibits | 2023 State of the Company Letter

January 15th, 2023 COMMENTS
State of the Company Letter from Classic Exhibits

Happy New Years Classic Distributor Partners

I trust and hope that you had a great holiday season. We did… and we are excited for 2023!

Classic's 30th Anniversary

2023 represents Classic’s 30th year as an exhibit designer and manufacturer. Somehow, we made it to 30 despite multiple recessions, a tech crash, 9/11, and COVID. I’m probably forgetting some other catastrophes along the way but who can keep count. We’ll be celebrating a bit later in the year, including at EXHIBITORLIVE in April, and we hope you will join our festivities.

But first, some thoughts on the past year or two.

2022 in Review

2022 was the exhibit industry’s rebound year. In basketball terms, an effective rebound starts with “boxing-out” your opponent.  We spent much of the year “boxing-out” a host of challenges.

Challenges ranging from supply chain woes that were ever present in the first two quarters of 2022 to exhibitors bound and determined to participate in as many shows as possible. The result was controlled chaos. For all.

By early July, the pricing and supply chain woes were manageable. Are we back to pre-pandemic scenarios? NO… and we likely never will be. BUT the “new” norm has settled in for the most part with more predictable costs, quotes, and turn times.

The one challenge that still exists is finding and hiring qualified employees. While it’s getting better, the jar lid did not loosen until late Q3. Thankfully, that’s improving week by week (for reasons no one fully understands).  

Portable Modular Exhibits

SALES:  Grumbling aside, 2022 was a record year for Classic Exhibits. But it wasn’t easy. The project mix was staggering. We built FAR MORE large custom wood exhibits than in any previous year. All while seeing a healthy increase in kit inlines and islands. Why? Exhibitors were eager to return to trade shows and events. And they wanted to make as BIG of a splash as possible. Especially after the failure of virtual shows. Mind you, we were grateful for every order.

Some Classic Specifics

Classic Shop Photo

We added nearly 30 new employees last year. And by “new” I mean new to Classic and new to our industry. We are grateful to have them in the family and excited to see their progress in their positions. And there are more coming as we expand our production capability.  

A few months ago, we returned to shorter, more predictable lead times. The kits in EDS are now listed as ranges. Those ranges are there for very practical reasons. It allows us to provide you with a shipping date based on your PO and our current production schedule. This has been a welcome change to many distributors, and we appreciate your comments.

What’s Coming in 2023? A Lot!

Q1 will be much like all of 2022. Lots of orders! However, the trade show calendar should return to its pre-pandemic cadence by Q2 with the normal ebbs and flows industry veterans expect. This should be a welcome sign, allowing everyone to catch their breath and refine internal processes. Plus, an exciting new product launch, but you’ll have to wait for more news about that.

After the uptick in large custom builds in 2022, I expect fewer over-the-top projects this year. And not for negative reasons. Simply put, what was built in 2022 will be used in 2023. Instead, our Q1 plate filling with Symphony and Sacagawea kits, lightboxes upon lightboxes, and LOTS of 20 x 20 to 30 x 40 modified islands using Gravitee Modular Panels. We are also already seeing orders for additions/modifications to the large custom booths we built last year.

Portable and Modular Trade Show Displays

Classic Exhibits will be introducing a new cloud-based ERP/CRM system in Q1. We are currently still in the testing stages and will be moving into the broader training phases through January with an expected launch in February. Once live, this will give our Distributor Partners something they have long been asking for, namely the ability to combine Rental and Purchase builds on one order with one PM. Along with that, the data metrics and analytic tools we have built into this new system will allow us to parse and share more immediate data with our internal production, customer service, and sales teams.

Classic will be purchasing new cameras for Peek-A-Booth, our online staging area cameras. The new cameras and software will come online sometime before Q2 2023. This will give you and your clients an even better, more immediate, peek into your Classic projects as they are being assembled.

Classic Rental Solutions
Rental Island Exhibit

Classic Rental Solutions continues to thrive and grow. Not just in sales, but in the depth of their product offerings and services. 2022 was a banner year for CRS. 2023 is already off to a stellar start with a projected record Q1. This may also be a sign of how/where client spending is headed as customers weigh the possibility of a recession and its effects on their industry.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 and 2023 (in Louisville)

EXHIBITORLIVE is moving! THIS year’s event will be in Louisville. Personally, I love the change. Not because of Louisville per se, but because OUR industry show needed a change of scenery. Based on the size of the show, I hope the EXHIBITOR Media Group continues to look at other similar size markets for future events. Pricing is another reason. The rates for shows in Vegas have gone up significantly and will continue to rise. The opportunity to “take the show on the road,” if handled well, will provide a fresh perspective and perhaps a new and growing audience.  

Join The Exhibitor Advocate

The Exhibitor Advocate

If you have not heard about The Exhibitor Advocate, please visit their website: www.exhibitoradvocacy.com, Then join their mailing list (no cost), and consider making a donation. The Exhibitor Advocate, an organization led by Jessica Sibila and supported by an outstanding Board of Directors, is long overdue. Their goal is to advocate for exhibitor rights and provide hands-on assistance, with things like surprise billings and show floor service issues.

If we’ve learned anything over the years, meaningful change in our industry will only happen when exhibitors assert their rights. The Exhibitor Advocate is the right tool at the right time to make that happen. Please encourage your clients to join as well. It’s a win-win for both you and your client.

Shared Knowledge University is Back!

Shared Knowledge University

In November, we held our first Shared Knowledge University since 2019. And it was just what the doctor ordered. We hosted 35 Distributor and Vendor Partners in Portland for two full days of training. It was incredible.

We will be hosting two SKUs in 2023! The first will be in June. Contact Jen, Tom, or Harold if you are interested. Seats fill FAST.

Awards and Other Cool Stuff

We were happy to be recognized by the industry in 2022, starting with a Find-It Top 40 Award at EXHIBITORLIVE. We also won the People’s Choice Award for the Slate Island rental project.

Katina Rigall-Zipay, our Creative Director, won the Star Award from FIT. This award recognized her outstanding service and commitment to the FIT Graduate Degree Program in Exhibit Design.  

Lastly, there is the EDDIE Award we received at EDPA 2022 in San Antonio. This one was special. The award has historically been given to an outstanding Online or Multi-media campaign. But we were honored to win this award for our “Classic Conversations” outreach. The idea was to create a space where Classic Distributors and vendors could share ideas, struggles, and successes during and after the pandemic. Kudos to all who have participated in these ongoing conversations.

Are you interested in joining a Classic Conversations group? Let us know. We meet quarterly for an hour via Teams or Zoom. Contact Jen, Harold, or Tom for specifics. All exhibit industry roles are welcome — sales, marketing, design, production, etc. You will not be disappointed. Spending time with others in the industry is invaluable… and a lot of fun!

To all our Distributor Partner Family — THANK YOU. 2022 was hard, and the struggle to bring an industry back to life is ongoing. YOU ALL helped make the adjustment easier.

I often tell my friends and family the following, “Yes, we do some really cool stuff. And it’s stressful even in the best of circumstances. But it’s the people we get to walk this path with each and every day that make it special. They are the reason we come to work each and every day.”

Thank you again for your ongoing support of our Classic Family. Here’s to a prosperous 2023. I hope to see you soon.

Your Classic Exhibits Shared Success Newsletter | July 2022

July 11th, 2022 COMMENTS
July Classic Exhibits Shared Success Newsletter.

Take a breath
Enjoy the summer
Fall is coming
We’ve got your back
Send us your overflow

Deep Breaths by Jen LaBruzza

Jen LaBruzza and Classic Exhibits

A gentle poetic reminder that although it’s feeling Easy Like Sunday Morning right now, the Manic Mondays of Fall will be upon us before we can say, “20 x 40 island.”

And in case you missed our EXHIBITORLIVE memo, Classic Exhibits is North America’s Largest Private-Label Exhibit Builder. That means you don’t have to say, “No.” Just tap into our custom, modular, portable, and rental capabilities when your production schedule is maxed out.

So, as we pause and catch our breath, remember the Early Bird gets the BEST spot in the production schedule. It’s time to contact those Lazy Daisy clients and get those creative juices flowing. Reach out to our Sales Team, Designers, or Project Managers for assistance and let’s start filling up our dance cards.

Rental Winter Turns into Rental Fall by Jim Shelman

Classic Rental Solutions Update

Sales: Q1 and Q2 Rental orders broke all previous sales numbers for Classic Rental Solutions. Early numbers show more of the same for the second half of the year.

To support our growth, we’ve added office and production staff. Josh Christensen joined CRS as a detailer, and he also manages our rental inventory. Kristofer Viaes and Victoria Writer are Project Coordinators. All three have already proven to be invaluable.

As you know, CRS’s inventory is both large and expansive, but our most popular components continue to be SuperNova Lightboxes and Gravitee Modular Walls.

Gravitee Modular Walls have become our rental backbone. Backwalls, towers, conference rooms, storage rooms, kiosks, and counters using Gravitee and SuperNova are being utilized in every possible configuration. It’s hard to imagine how we ever managed without the versatility of these options, along with ClassicMODUL, to create any design imaginable.

Trends:  We’re seeing an increase in extended rentals for multiple shows, along with repeat orders with replacement graphics and minor design tweaks. Repeat rentals with no changes (except cleaning graphics) are more common. Yes, graphics can be cleaned and look like new again.

People's Choice Award at EXHIBITORLIVE
Exhibitor Magazine People’s Choice Award

Award: Classic won Exhibitor Magazine’s People’s Choice Award for the Technolutions Slate Rental 20’ x 60’ Design with our Distributor Partner Jill Kinduell, Owner of Total Graphic Source.

We look forward to working with many of you on your upcoming rental projects, and we sincerely thank you for your business!

Fast and Furious Webinar Recordings

Fast and Furious Webinar Series by Classic Exhibits

Over the past two months, we’ve hosted five Fast and Furious webinars. And more are coming! Expect a webinar on Interactive Games for trade shows (see the new gallery in EDS) and an Exhibit Design Search tutorial, titled “EDS and Coffee are for Closers!” 😉 If you missed any of the Fast and Furious webinars, we uploaded the recordings to YouTube.

  1. The Future of Marketing with Lisa Apolinski
  2. 20 Promotional Product Trends in 20 Minutes with Rama Beerfas
  3. 50 Essential Trade Show Tips for a Newbie or Wannabe with Tim Patterson
  4. Step-by-Step Flooring Trends with James Zackarias
  5. 20 Proven Trade Show Sales Tips in 20 Minutes with Harold Mintz

EXHIBITORLIVE and WIE Videos

Women in Exhibitions Breakfast at Exhibitorlive.

Finally, if you missed EXHIBITORLIVE or if you attended and want to see if made the final cut, see the two videos below. Kudos to our own Glenna Martin for documenting the show and creating both videos.

The 4th Annual Women In Exhibitions Breakfast was a huge success! Over 100 women gathered on June 22 in the Connection Zone at EXHIBITORLIVE. All who attended enjoyed a delicious breakfast and shared their personal experiences during a special presentation.

MaryCay Durrant

Guest speaker MaryCay Durrant provided insight into how women are uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles in ways that fulfill our desires for meaning, connection, health, and prosperity. Women In Exhibitions is proud to provide quality content and networking opportunities for the women in our industry, and this event was no exception.

This was all possible due to our generous sponsors:

  • Diamond – EXHIBITOR Media Group, Classic Exhibits Inc.
  • Platinum – Hill & Partners
  • Gold – Brumark, Centerpoint Marketing, CORT Events, Design Factory Las Vegas, Hamilton, Impact XM, NuVista, Pinnacle, Taylor
  • Silver – Access TCA, ASTOUND, beMatrix, ProGlobalEvents, Condit, Czarnowski, Deckel & Moneypenny, ExhibitForce, Genesis Exhibits, MSM, Steelhead, Xzibits, EDPA Las Vegas Chapter

Your Shared Knowledge Newsletter | May Edition

May 9th, 2022 COMMENTS

Experiential Marketing Summit 2022 (EMSlive)

What a great week in Las Vegas at EMSlive 2022. I walked into this event not knowing what to expect, but several friends who had attended before told me, “Just go, interact, network, and converse and you will quickly see why this event is a part of our yearly plans.” They were correct.

EMSlive is a blend of EXHIBITORLIVE based on the end-user attendees and EDPA ACCESS with its showcase floor. And yet totally different.

For Classic Exhibits specifically, we participated for two reasons: guilt and opportunity. We have been named to the Event Marketer FAB 50 Exhibit Builders for 5 of the past 7 years, but we hadn’t participated in their event. We owed it to them to be there. However, guilt was not the only reason (Click to read the full article).

Tom Beard Returns (Part Deux)

Tom Beard

On March 18, 1995, Michael Jordan sent an “I’m Back!” fax to the media announcing his return to basketball. Like MJ another Chicagoan is returning. Please welcome Tom Beard back as a Regional Sales Manager for Classic Exhibits.

According to Tom, “I look forward to re-connecting with my friends and colleagues in the industry. In case you retired my contact information, I can be reached at tom@classicexhibits.com and 815-321-9258.”

Tom will be responsible for IL, WI, MN, IN and MI. Expect to see or hear from Tom in the coming weeks.

New EDS Gallery — Games & Digital Activations (CP)

There’s a new Gallery in Exhibit Design Search – Games and Digital Activations (CP). We delighted to welcome Captello as a strategic partner to EDS. The Captello gallery includes eight affordable games for trade shows or events which can be launched on any electronic device. The games include custom branding, leaderboard options, and prizes. And like our other partner galleries (CORT, DS&L, Brumark, and Taylor), you can order directly from them (not Classic). Click HERE for the Ordering Process PDF.

Business Model: 10% Referral Fee or 30% Reseller Fee

Referral Fee is when distributor refers end-customer to Captello to handle invoicing, payment, etc.

Reseller Fee is when the end-user purchases directly from the Classic Distributor and the Distributor handles the purchase and support. Resellers will have access to their own Captello account and the ability to switch to different sub-accounts to set up the end-user software on their behalf. Reseller Partners receive training and support from Captello. End-users do not have to pay an onboarding fee with this model. Reseller can profit from professional services and training in addition to license fees. White label options are also available.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022

Classic Exhibits EXHIBITORLIVE Exhibit

Las Vegas… one final time?

  • Conference: Mon., June 20 – Thurs., June 23
  • Exhibit Hall: Tues., June 21 – Thurs., June 23

To register for your FREE HALL PASS, go HERE and ENTER code #4044. Classic will be “glowing” with a 20 x 30 island in booth #1219. Visit us and you could win a $500 discount on your next order. 

People’s Choice Voting

People's Choice Voting Page

The People’s Choice Page is active with 50 finalists. However, only one design can win the People’s Choice.

You can vote once per day until June 22, 2022. The finalist with the most votes will be named this year’s People’s Choice Award winner. All winners will be announced during a ceremony at EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 in Las Vegas.

As many of you know, we have been consistent cheerleaders for the PMA since the beginning, including sponsoring the voting page (see our banner ad). Please support the PMA by voting for the next two months.

Women in Exhibitions Breakfast

Women in Exhibitions Breakfast at EXHIBITORLIVE

Calling all Women in Exhibitions and Events! The 4th Annual Women in Exhibitions Breakfast event will be held in the Connection Zone at EXHIBITORLIVE on June 22 from 8-10 am. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast while you network with peers and share your experience in breakout sessions. Learn how women are uniquely suited to take on leadership roles from our special guest speaker MaryCay Durrant.

Date and Time:

  • Wed, June 22, 2022
  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM PDT
  • Register HERE

Space is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance is STRONGLY recommended.

Find It Top 40 Exhibit Producers

For the 5th straight year, Classic has been named an EXHIBITOR Find It Top 40. EXHIBITOR “received nearly 500 applications from exhibit houses in North America, all of which were subjected to an exhaustive evaluation process including more than 50 individual criteria weighted to reflect how EXHIBITOR readers and Editorial Advisory Board members value them when vetting and selecting potential partners.”

We’re honored to be named a Top 40 once again, and we’re proud and delighted for the 29 Classic Exhibits Distributors who were also honored. Well done! Pretty darn special.

Webinars

In May and June, we are sponsoring (3) “fast-paced” webinars in conjunction with Lev Promotions, Brumark, and Tim Patterson (The Tradeshow Guy).

20 Trends in 20 Minutes

  • 20 Clever and Creative Promotional Products with Rama Beerfas, Lev Promotions
  • 20 Step-by-Step Flooring Trends with James Zacharias, Brumark

The Fast and Furious 50

  • Tradeshow Stupid to Tradeshow Smart in 50 Minutes. 50 Essential Trade Show Tips for Every Newbie (or Wannabe). Tim Patterson, Tradeshowguy Exhibits

Look for the details, including dates and times, in an ebroadcast later this week.

January 2022 | Shared Knowledge Newsletter

January 24th, 2022 COMMENTS
Classic Exhibits Shared Knowledge Newsletter
Shared Knowledge Newsletter from Classic Exhibits

2022 EXHIBITOR Portable Modular Awards

Portable Modular Awards

Do you have a Classic-built design you would like to submit the for a Portable Modular Award? If so, let us know. We’ll review it, assist with the submission, and even pay the entry fee. Contact Katina Rigall Zipay for details. She’s the Classic Zen-master on structuring your submission for “finalist” consideration by the judges.

Entries must have debuted between 02/11/19 – 02/11/22

Since 2014, Classic Exhibits has been an enthusiastic supporter of the PMA (and one of several companies that advocated for the award in the first place). We’ve been fortunate to have finalists and category winners every year.

To review the PMA categories, click on this link.

Build a Better Trade Show Image, Revised Edition

Want to see your client’s project featured in an upcoming book?

Marlys Arnold is working on an updated version of her book, Build a Better Trade Show Image, and is looking for creative new examples to include.

She wants case studies of exhibits that:

  • Use creative themes (sports, food, outdoor, whimsical, etc.) to convey the message
  • Feature unique elements in the overall floorplan
  • Engage attendees with interactive elements or activities (hands-on demos, gamification, tech, etc.)

If you have client projects you’d like to share, contact her on LinkedIn or send a note via her website.

For any case studies chosen, both you and your client will receive an autographed copy of the updated edition.

Display Supply and Lighting Logo

Display Supply and Lighting EDS Gallery

If you haven’t visited the EDS Lighting Gallery lately, we encourage you to take a peek. DS&L has added lots of new LED products and accessories.

LED Products in Exhibit Design Search

Event Marketer Fab 50 & Experiential Marketing Summit 2022

Experiential Marketing Summit 2022

Each year we make the Event Marketer Fab 50 list we’re a little surprised. Not because we don’t think we deserve it. We do. But as a “white label designer and builder,” we’re not always on the industry’s radar. We’re appreciative that Event Marketer recognizes us. We’re also happy for all the other honorees, but we’re especially delighted for the 29 Classic Distributors who also make the list. Congratulations!

If you are planning to attend the Experiential Marketing Summit on April 27-29 in Las Vegas, be sure to stop by and visit us. This will be our first time at this show so any tips, tricks, or techniques for a successful EMS show will be greatly appreciated.

Event Marketer and the Fab 50 Awards

Parsons Counters and Genius Bars

Parsons Counters

Parsons Counters and Genius Bars appear to be all the rage. As a result, we’ve added designs to Exhibit Design Search, in the purchase and rental galleries. The MOD-1705, 1706, and 1707 Parsons Counters all have storage, wireless charging, and either backlit or vinyl graphic options. The MOD-1714 has a backlit graphic. The MOD-1709 and MOD-1708 are more basic (less expensive) options for someone who doesn’t need backlighting or charging.

The Genius Bars (available as rentals) are the same general shape as Parsons Counters but are wider and lack storage. Depending on the kit, they’re available in black or white laminate and with USB charging ports. See RE-1583, RE-1579, and RE-1578.

To see all the designs, including exhibits with these counters/bars, search “parsons” or “genius” in EDS.

Wunderman Thompson Annual Trends Report for 2022

The Future 100: Trends and Change to Watch in 2022

Every year, we look forward to downloading the Wunderman Thompson report on annual trends. It’s their snapshot of the year ahead. It charts 100 Emerging Trends across 10 sectors, spanning culture, tech, beauty and more. It’s free and easy to download HERE. The report is not your typical PDF teaser with minimal content. You’ll need to carve out a few hours (or days) to browse the 223 pages.

From the foreword written by Emma Chiu, Global Director:

This year ushers in a resolute positivity that encourages playfulness and creativity—so much so that Pantone created a completely new color to define 2022 (see unbounded optimism, p13). Brands and marketers are eager to provide joy in people’s lives by creating euphoric ads (p85) as they too ride the optimist wave.

The Worldwide Leader in Trivia Entertainment

EDPA Texas Chapter

Who is the Official Sponsor of the EDPA Texas Chapter Trivia Contest?

  • George Strait
  • Matthew McConaughey
  • Carol Burnett
  • Classic Exhibits

If you guessed Classic Exhibits, you would be correct. Classic is proud to be the OFFICIAL SPONSOR of the monthly EDPA Texas Chapter Trivia Contest. And now that the leadership torch has been passed from Matthew Little to Noelle Webster, we’re praying the number of questions about the Texas Tech Red Raiders declines significantly.

If you are interested in participating in the monthly trivia fun, contact noelle.webster@willwork.com. You don’t have to be from, live in, or plan to visit Texas to participate.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2022 Teaser

Exhibitorlive and Classic Exhibits

Of course we’ll be there. But that’s not the exciting news. We’re planning something exciting for Classic Distributors who attend EXHIBITORLIVE.

Details to come in April. Keep it on the down low… we’ve already said too much.

Join Kevin Carty (Virtually) at EXHIBITORLIVE 2021

October 27th, 2021 2 COMMENTS

If you’re not attending EXHIBITORLIVE, Classic Exhibits still wants you to experience it. On Tuesday, November 2, Kevin Carty will host a live one-hour virtual tour at 10 am PST/1 pm EST. You’ll see the Classic booth, chat with some interesting guests, and walk the floor. All live… so it’s bound to be entertaining. ALL are WELCOME!

Topics:

  • Day One Review of Show (attendees, traffic flow, atmosphere)
  • Current Protocols on the Show Floor
  • Trends in Exhibit Design from the Show Floor
  • Feedback from Attendees

Be sure to add the Live Feed to your calendar. November 2 at 10 am PST.