The Gravitee One-Step Tower in the video was built for Shared Knowledge University. It’s a GK-5156 which re-configures into a GK-5155 and GK-2010. We used the tower as a training tool for Classic Distributors to show them:
How Gravitee connects and stacks without tools or loose parts
How SEG fabric and direct print graphics attach
How easily it disassembles (and by extension assembles)
The locking closet door
The overall stability of the tower
Finally, how the panels nest for shipping
The video shows three Classic Production Employees casually dismantling it. We increased the playback to 4X. Note: The inline structure with flat and curved frames to the right of the tower is also Gravitee.
Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, and custom exhibit solutions, including SuperNova LED Lightboxes. 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.
Thank you for a CRAZY FALL SEASON. We’ve had strong sales, including a record number of AMAZING custom projects. You kept us busy and inspired in Q3, which the Classic Exhibits Family appreciates.
The rental division, Classic Rental Solutions (CRS), saw the largest surge. And that’s not surprising. Exhibit rentals are growing at Classic and throughout the industry. More and more exhibitors are attracted to the smaller upfront investment and the luxury of changing their design from show to show or year to year. The exhibitor’s desire to “mix things up” challenges many builder’s design flexibility and capacity. Not every company has the capability (or willingness) to stretch their rental program.
But We Do. And Here’s Why.
#1.Classic Exhibits and CRS support over 200 distributors. Not every distributor taps into our rental division, but the vast majority send us multiple projects every year. That volume means we have an unmatched inventory when your client needs five LED lightboxes, a double-deck display, a 40 x 40 island, or 37 monitor stands for an event. There are few requests we can’t handle.
#2. We are the manufacturer. We’re not ordering modular frames, cut aluminum extrusion, or custom wood counters. We’re building them. If the rental division needs a custom counter or curved Gravitee One-Step frames, it’s done in days, not weeks. It also means we control the quality. We have no hesitation about throwing away damaged aluminum, chipped laminate, or rebuilding or replacing crates. What we ship has to be perfect because we’re answerable not only to you but also to your client. Happy customers mean more rental orders. And that makes us happy.
#3.We are the designer (in most cases). That gives us enormous flexibility to create customized rental designs. We can choose to build a custom component for a specific design. So many rental designs on the show floor are cut-and-paste, carbon copies of modular panel templates. Be honest. How often have you seen the same rectangular tower with four arches and stock counters? Rentals are growing but some of the designs on the show floor are getting pretty stale.
#4. We are Classic Exhibits. Over the years, we’ve built our reputation on design, quality, flexibility, and nimble engineering. And especially predictability. When you open a rental crate there should be no surprises. It will include detailed instructions, immaculate packaging, and graphics that fit, since the display was staged and photos taken in our facility.
#5.Lightboxes, Charging Stations, Monitor Stands, Tablet Solutions, LED Accent Lighting, etc. Trade show industry trends change FAST. Those trends should apply equally to rentals as they do to purchases. Sadly, that’s not true for all suppliers. At Classic Exhibits, we have no reason not to cross-pollinate purchase trends with rentals. We benefit. You benefit. Your client benefits.
So…. you may be wondering about the title of this blog post — “We Don’t Care. We Really Don’t Care.” On occasion, a distributor will apologize for a rental order. Their client considered both a rental or a purchase but eventually decided to rent. Yes, the initial order is is smaller but that’s fine. Rental orders, over time, tend to be larger than purchases. And frankly, the margins are better. There’s no need to apologize. We don’t care whether you purchase or rent from Classic Exhibits. We only care that you do one or the other.
Thanks again for a remarkable fall. Be sure to visit the Rental Display Gallery. We’ve added over 120 designs in the past two months, all with rental and purchase prices.
Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, hybrid, and custom 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.
Most modular wall systems were designed for European trade shows where tools and time are in abundance. North American trade shows prioritize speed, modularity, and easy assembly because time and tools cost money. The Gravitee One Step™ Modular System assembles without tools or loose parts. The double-sided panels connect with the attached clips. You’ll never fumble for a loose bullet connector or search for a special tool.
Gravitee’s lightweight aluminum panels accept both direct print and SEG graphics. SEG graphics never need to be clipped, so north or south, east or west, it’s one continuous run ensuring a perfect fit every single time.
To download the unbranded PDF version for the Gravitee One-Step Sales Tips, click here. To listen to the special audio clip, click here.
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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.
“Time is money” is one way to explain the concept of Opportunity Cost. It means time is a valuable resource (because our time in this world is finite), so it’s better to ensure your time is spent wisely.
Earlier today, a Classic Distributor asked me why they should attend Shared Knowledge University on June 12-13. Honestly, I had to think about it since I’ve never been asked that before. Which is a little odd admittedly. So, why should you (or any distributor) spend two days attending Classic’s comprehensive training in Portland, OR?
Reason #1: Product Line Review
Do you understand the difference between Sacagawea, Magellan, Perfect 10, Visionary Designs, and SEGUE? All are portable or custom-hybrid displays, but each line has unique design, construction, and selling features. If you have ever stumbled when explaining to a potential client why they should purchase a Sacagawea vs. a SEGUE Sunrise, then you need to attend SKU. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg with our extensive hands-on review of the Classic and Eco-Systems product lines.
Reason #2: EDS
Exhibit Design Search is an amazing tool, one you may not be using to its full potential. In fact, other than your winning personality, My Gallery in EDS may be the single-most important feature to closing more sales. With My Gallery you share designs, trade show tip articles, and photos. Plus, I bet you didn’t know you can exchange design ideas in real-time. We’ll show you how at SKU (and so much more!).
Reason #3: Rentals
30-40% of your revenue should be rentals. Seriously. No other category is growing faster than rentals, and rental sales have the potential of making you more money and establishing stronger long-term relationships with your clients.
I suspect that no other exhibit manufacturer has a larger rental inventory than Classic Rental Solutions. We’ve been in the rental game since… well the beginning. We support a 200 distributor network with rental inlines, island, charging stations, counters, double-decks, lightboxes, etc. Discover the Lucrative World of Customized Rentals at Shared Knowledge University.
Reason #4: Gravitee One-Step
It’s not often you get to see the future. Gravitee One-Step is the future of modular wall solutions. At SKU, you will have extensive hands-on training on Gravitee components, designs, and selling tips. New orders, where appropriate, are built with Gravitee panels, whether straight, curved, SEG fabric, or direct prints. Just this week, Adam Gilles from ELITeXPO told us:
“The client loved their new Gravitee booth! They do a high volume of shows every year and liked how easy it was to set up the Gravitee panels. They are thinking of purchasing a few more of the 10 ft sections so they will be able to spread the ease of set up to their sales representatives across the world.”
Reason #5: Classic Distributors
Time after time, Classic Distributors rave about the time they spend with fellow distributors (both sober and inebriated). In our small industry, there are too few opportunities to tell stories, ask questions, and seek advice from your trade show industry colleagues. SKU always seems to bring out the best in folks who want to share what works, what doesn’t, and where they are headed. We’ve always felt that Classic Distributors are a community and previous Shared Knowledge University sessions have proven that collectively we are a smart and formidable team.
Reason #6: Food, Fun, and Festivities
We treat you like royalty while you are here. Portland is a foodie town, and we ensure you experience all its gastronomical glory. From food carts to brew pubs, you’ll see why Portland deserves its reputation as the crossroad of culinary creativity. Our food jaunts will take you into several fascinating neighborhoods including the Pearl District in DT Portland where you’ll see more “man-buns” per capita than anywhere else in North America. AND, if you are good, very good, you may even get to experience a Voodoo Doughnut.
Reason #7: Classic Employees
We may not be celebrities, but that doesn’t mean we are not stars. Meet the irrepressible Tony Bennett, the guru of web and EDS design. Shake hands with Bob Buehl, the elder statesman of project managers (he will kill me when he reads that). Share show floor stories with James Sharpe, our rental manager, and then after a few beers ask to see his calves (freakishly muscular). You’ll meet the Classic “K” Design Team: Katina, Kim, and Kevin. Talk shop with Jim Ponomarkenko, our Production and Engineering Manager. And so much more…..
We look forward to seeing you at SKU on June 12-13.
For details about attending Shared Knowledge University, contact Jen LaBruzza, Classic’s National Sales Manager (jen@classicexhibits.com).
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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.
If you were at EXHIBITORLIVE, you already know. It was amazing! So many upscale designs and clever promotions this year. We’ll share details in a future blog (once we fully recover), but we thought you might enjoy this fun video edited by Glenna Martin, our Graphic Design Manager.
See anyone you recognize?
Thanks to the Classic Team at the show and back in Portland for making our EXHIBITOR experience special. A big hug to all the Distributors who visited our booth. A thumbs-up to Eco-Systems Sustainable for their partnership. And finally, a special nod to our Designers for our two Portable Modular Award winners: Best Inline (10×20) and Best Graphic Design. Katina, Kim, Kevin S. and Glenna — You Rock!
