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Posts Tagged ‘ExhibitorLIVE’

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How Much will Material Handling Change at Post-COVID Trade Shows?

November 5th, 2020 Mel White 2 COMMENTS
Unraveling the Myths about Material Handling

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Exhibitors HATE material handling charges. Mostly because drayage seems arbitrary, excessive, and unpredictable. Over the years, GSC’s have occasionally tried to justify it. Last year, CEIR released “Unraveling the Myths about Material Handling.” The report explained what’s included (which was helpful), but let’s be honest, it still felt like cheap primer painted over a dark wall. 

Recent Material Handling Policies

Recently, Fern and Freeman announced new material handling policies which eliminate most special handling fees and offer simplified per-pound charges. In addition to more flexible cancellation policies. Click on the link for a more detailed article in ECN about Fern’s new polities.

At first glance, these seem positive… but let’s examine them in greater detail.

Here are two Freeman examples (PDFs). Admittedly a simple analysis. In both cases, only crated shipments are accepted at the warehouse. Uncrated and pad wrapped ships are accepted at the show site:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE 2020 (Las Vegas)
  • VMX 2021 (Orlando)
Material Handling Form
Material Handling Form

Let’s Assume a 2000 lb. crate.

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $2145
  • VMX 2021 = $2000

After Deadline:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $2685
  • VMX 2021 = $2500

Small Packages (with conditions):

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = $45 (min. 30 lbs)
  • VMX 2021 = $0 (under $10 lbs)

Surcharges:

  • EXHIBITORLIVE = Overtime, special handling, uncrated or pad wrapped fees
  • VMX 2021 = No special handling fees or overtime.

At first glance, most exhibitors won’t save much, assuming their freight arrives on time and in crates. The real savings are the surprise “special handling fees” and CWT rounding charges. This means greater predictability for the exhibitor since material handling is based exclusively on actually weight.

It’s a start, but the NAB Show Cares Program offers a much better model for exhibitors and the long-term health of the trade show industry. Now, here’s an even better question… Why isn’t EXHIBITORLIVE adopting the NAB Cares model?

NAB Show Cares

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

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Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, custom, rental 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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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Drayage, EXHIBITORLIVE, Material Handling | 2 Comments »

Women In Exhibitions (WIE) Breakfast at EXHIBITORLIVE

February 24th, 2020 Mel White COMMENTS
Women in Exhibitions at EXHIBITORLIVE 2020
Women in Exhibitions Breakfast

The 3rd Annual Women In Exhibitions Breakfast will be held at EXHIBITORLIVE in the Connection Zone, March 31, 2020 from 8-9:30 am. This once-a-year event brings leading women in the Exhibition and Event industry together to share success strategies, discuss challenges, and make new contacts.

Cost of admission includes breakfast and can’t-miss presenters. The presenters will address vital strategies such as confronting the wage gap, promoting yourself, and improving your management savvy.

  • Women in Exhibitions

What Attendees Say About WIE

“It was empowering to be sitting in a room full of women who were actively pursuing their careers in the exhibit industry. There’s nothing quite like being with a group of career-oriented women who want to see each other succeed. I am already excited to attend this event next year.” – Jessica Diers, Diers Exhibit

“The value that the ‘Women’s forum’ brings at EXHIBITORLIVE is astounding. It is a great opportunity to network with other women in the industry with strong core values that boost other women up. Hearing the speakers is a great inspiration and a big reason I brought my team of 7 women to the event this year. It is also a chance to see how women have changed the tradeshow industry. Year-to-year the group is growing, and that’s exciting to see.” – Lauren Wheeler, Willwork Global Event Services

“I was proud to be sitting amongst the best and brightest women in the industry. I think we all felt a sense of camaraderie.” – Gina Porcaro, Optima Graphics, Inc.

Tickets are available but space is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance is STRONGLY recommended: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-exhibitions-breakfast-in-the-connection-zone-tickets-91235900033.

Sponsorship Opportunities are Still Available

Show the women of our industry your support while increasing your company’s visibility at EXHIBITORLIVE by sponsoring this event.

Special thanks for the support of our established sponsors EXHIBITOR Media Group and Classic Exhibits Inc. 

Contact Katina Rigall Zipay for more information (katina@classicexhibits.com).

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., EXHIBITORLIVE, Katina Rigall | No Comments »

Up Your Game Newsletter | February 2020

February 20th, 2020 Mel White COMMENTS

EuroShop 2020

EuroShop 2020

In Dusseldorf at EuroShop? Kevin Carty and Katina Rigall Zipay are there too. They will be walking the floor and connecting with colleagues at the EDPA booth, along with meeting our European partners in Germany and France. And, if all goes as planned, they will share photos and their reactions in several blog posts and on Instagram. See Photos #1, Photos #2, and Photos #3.

Feel free to contact Kevin or Katina if you would like to chat with them while they’re at EuroShop. Or just arrange to meet them in the mannequin hall, the creepiest hall at EuroShop.

EXHIBITORLIVE 2020

EXHIBITORLIVE 2020

Do you remember when EXHIBITOR announced the 2020 date for EXHIBITORLIVE and you were puzzled by the late March date? We were, but now were delighted since it’s crazy busy at Classic Exhibits. That’s not to say, we aren’t checking off our EXHIBITORLIVE tasks. Here are a few things to expect from us.

  • We’ll have two booths this year — #220 (10 x 30) and #242 (10 x 15), both perimeter spaces. There’s a reason for this, which you’ll just have to discover at the show. 😉
  • Classic Exhibits is sponsoring the 2020 Annual Portable Modular Awards. You are invited to attend as our guest. It will be held on Tuesday after show hours. Also, are you STILL voting on the People’s Choice Award? Don’t make us nag!
  • Interested in attending the Women in Exhibitions Breakfast? Contact Katina or register here. Seats are limited so early registration is strongly encouraged.
  • Would you like to schedule a meeting with us at the show? Just let us know. Kevin, Mel, Jim, Katina, Kim, Jen, Harold, and Tom will be in Las Vegas for all or a part of EXHIBITORLIVE.
  • Oh yes… the NEW Symphony Portable Display line is entered in the New Product Showcase. Yea!
  • Still need to register for a free show hall pass? Go to this page and enter Code 4044. There’s no limit so share (and share) away. 

Classic Sales Territories

Classic Exhibits -- National Sales Territories

Beginning in January, we realigned the Sales Territories for Jen LaBruzza, Tom Beard, and Harold Mintz. You can click here to view the map, but in general, Jen, Tom, and Harold cover the following geographic areas:

  • Jen LaBruzza, National Sales Manager: West and Southwest, excluding California
  • Harold Mintz, Regional Sales Manager: California, South, Mid-Atlantic, and Western Canada
  • Tom Beard, Regional Sales Manager: Midwest, Northeast, and Eastern Canada

Past Five Days

Past Five Days

Did you know that Past Five Days, the daily photo gallery, is the second most visited site on the Classic Exhibits website?

Since 2006 (yes, 2006!), we have posted photos of select projects passing through our shop and when possible, linked them to the designs in Exhibit Design Search. We can’t show everything, but we do our best to showcase exciting designs and builds in real time. All thanks to you! Your willingness to allow us to post these photos benefits the entire Classic Exhibits Community.

Don’t forget to tap into P5D as a search tool too. It’s a great place to search for exhibits with “shelves,” “custom charging” solutions, “lightboxes,” and “Gravitee” (for example).

Shared Knowledge University June 15 & 16

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., EuroShop 2020, EXHIBITORLIVE, Past 5 Days, Shared Knowledge University | No Comments »

Up Your Game Newsletter | January 2020

January 20th, 2020 Mel White COMMENTS
January 2020 Up Your Game Newsletter from Classic Exhibits

EXHIBITORLIVE 2020 (Code #4044)

EXHIBITORLIVE 2020

If you are attending EXHIBITOR LIVE and want a FREE exhibit hall pass, go to this page and enter Classic’s code 4044 . There’s no limit on the number of free passes so share (and share) away.


To reserve your seat for the Women in Exhibition Breakfast on March 31, contact Katina Rigall Zipay .

Now & Then with Harold Mintz

Harold Mintz Blog Post

A lot has changed in the exhibit industry over the past ten years. And Harold Mintz, a Classic Regional Sales Manager, has a unique perspective on those changes.


As many know, Harold took a trade show hiatus for ten years. What was common “back in the day” isn’t quite as common today, such as dedicated territories, show rooms, and modular wall systems. 

Read Harold’s thoughts about “What’s Different” in 2020 in the Trade Show Tales blog. 

Eco-Systems Sustainable by Classic Exhibits

Eco-systems Sustainable Designs Press Release

We’ve all seen the phrase, “New Look, Same Great Taste!” whenever companies refresh their packaging.  Effective January 1, Eco-Systems Sustainable has joined the Classic Exhibits Family. Same ECO products, designs, and people, just with new Classic packaging.


All the ECO kits are in Exhibit Design Search, and you now have access to the full Classic Design Team. See the press release in EXHIBITOR along with quotes from Kevin Carty and Colleen Crawford.

Shared Knowledge University

Shared Knowledge University June 2020

There’s no substitute for hands-on training and one-on-one interaction with your industry colleagues. Just ask the over 600 Classic Distributors who have attended Shared Knowledge University in Portland.

This year, the two-day training will be on June 15-16 (Monday and Tuesday). SKU includes morning sessions with Classic and our Strategic Partners and afternoon sessions at the Classic facility where you work with products like Gravitee, SuperNova, InCharg Charging Solutions, and Symphony. Plus amazing meals and entertainment.


For more information and to reserve a seat, contact Jen LaBruzza, Harold Mintz, or Tom Beard. See the video below for SKU highlights.

Click Here for More Information & to Register

Our Annual State of the Company Letter

Classic Exhibits, Annual State of the Company Letter

In case you didn’t see Kevin’s 2019/2020 State of the Company letter, here’s a link to download a PDF version. Topics included the 2019 sales roller coaster, custom projects, new additions to the sales team, and changes to Classic’s Customer Service Department, including the addition of Eco-System Sustainable into the Classic Family.

And while 2019 was exciting, we expect 2020 to be even more eventful as we continue to expand our rental offerings, launch the Symphony Portable line, and work on even more interesting projects ( although building the Millennium Falcon may be hard to top ).

Shared Knowledge University Video

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Eco-Systems Sustainable, EXHIBITORLIVE, Harold Mintz, Katina Rigall, Kevin Carty, Tom Beard, Trade Show Marketing, Women in Exhibitions | No Comments »

Up Your Game Newsletter | December 2019

December 18th, 2019 Mel White COMMENTS

Holiday Hours

We would love to close during Christmas or New Year’s week, but your persistent design, quote, and order requests make that impossible. 😊 😉 😉 We’re obviously delighted and thankful for your business. It’s been a hectic November and December. 

We expect an exciting 2020 Q1 as we head into a new decade filled with exciting projects.  Our Holiday Hours are…

  • December 24, Closing at 2 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
  • December 31, Closing mid-afternoon. Closed New Year’s Day.

The Fab 50

Each year, Event Marketer Magazine selects the 50 Best Exhibit Builders. Otherwise known as The Fab 50. It’s a tough list to make, and we are delighted to be one of the honorees. It’s our fifth time! 

See the announcement here. See the full list here. Congratulations to all the other 2019 Fab 50 Exhibit Builders. 

Here’s a weird fact about the Fab 50. Classic Exhibits is the only company on the list that’s a supplier to 29 of the 49 other winners. Yep. Kinda weird but also really great. We love our Distributor Partners and are overjoyed they made the list. We are also proud to be their supplier and to be recognized by Event Marketer for our own, albeit often hidden, merits as North America’s Largest “White Label” Exhibit Builder.  

EXHIBITOR Portable Modular Awards

Once again, we scored multiple finalists in the 2020 EXHIBITOR Portable Modular Awards. Nine Classic and Eco-Systems designs this year. Does it get old being named a PMA finalist year after year? IT DOES NOT! 

Congratulations to the Classic and Eco Distributors that allowed us to submit their projects. To see all the finalists by category, click here. To vote for the annual PMA People’s Choice Award, click here. You can vote once a day per device for the next 100+ days.

Please note the banner ad at the top of the page (InCharg Charging Solutions). For the seventh straight year, Classic Exhibits is sponsoring the People’s Choice PMA page. 

EXHIBITORLIVE 2020

Yes, it is really kinda late this year. Officially March 29 thru April 2 for the conference. Just in case you are counting, Classic Exhibits has had a booth at every single EXHIBITOR.

This year we’re taking a different approach. We’ve reserved about the same sq. footage as in the past, but instead of an island, we’ll have two perimeter inlines (#220 and #242). One will feature our new Symphony System. The other will be… well, we’re still deciding but it will have a decidedly custom appearance and theme.

If you are attending EXHIBITORLIVE and want a FREE exhibit hall pass, go to this page and enter code 4044. There’s no limit on the number of free passes so share and share away. Seriously, please SHARE!

New Symphony Portable Display System 

Curious about the Symphony System launching in January? See the video.

Additional Videos

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Posted in Classic Exhibits Inc., Event Marketer Fab 50, EXHIBITORLIVE, Portable Modular Awards, Symphony Portable Displays | No Comments »

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