Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Intro’

5 Classic Tips x 5 Days = 25 Delights | Day #2

November 8th, 2016 Mel White COMMENTS

tipsday2

Welcome Back!

Today, we stroll through the colorful history of our product names. We’ll even touch on the funky Classic Exhibits logo. Don’t scoff. It’s more interesting than you think.

Insight #6 — SEGUE

Six years ago, all SEG-type displays were in Visionary Designs. We got tired of searching for them in VD whenever you requested an SEG design so we created SEGUE. Obviously, the SEG in SEGUE stands for silicone edge graphics, but did you know that segue, like in a movie, means the transition from one scene to another? Or in our case, from one product line to another. Seamlessly.

Insight #7 — Sacagawea

I know it’s hard to pronounce, and I’m sorry. When we developed Sacagawea during the Great Recession, we wanted to continue an “explorer” naming system, like Magellan. It seemed clever at the time. Unfortunately, we soon realized that most explorers have “issues” (think Balboa, Pizarro, Cortes, etc.).

My wife suggested Sacagawea, a resourceful and invaluable guide who accompanied Lewis and Clark. Since the new line was lightweight, durable, practical, and adaptable, it made sense. Honestly, I still think it makes sense, and it’s the only product line in our industry named after a woman.

Insight #8 — Gravitee

Gravitee was born from multiple intense R&D sessions in 2015 where we mined our past product successes to create a new modular panel system. The elegant clips from Euro LT, the 180° hinge from Intro, the MODUL locking system, and our familiarity with custom wood construction. We realized that connecting the panels was as easy as letting gravity do the work. The Newton and apple tree concept came along for the ride. As for the spelling… blame marketing.

Insight #9 — Aero, Intro, Quadro, and Euro LT

No idea since the lines predate me. That said… they are most self-explanatory, except for the weird fixation with ending in “O.” FYI — There was a Euro before there was a Euro LT.

Insight #10 — Classic Exhibits Logo

cesymbolonlyI am told it was created by a design agency on the East Coast. Kevin loves the Classic logo. I’ve grown to (mostly) love it over the years as we’ve made subtle changes. If nothing else, it’s iconic.

Eleven years ago and about seven months after accepting the job at Classic, I mentioned the logo to a distributor who said they liked how the “C” crested the “E.” To be honest, I had never noticed the “C” before in the logo. Now suddenly it made sense! Before that, I just thought it resembled Marvin the Martian.

OK, maybe it wasn’t quite as interesting as I promised, but it’s not like you’ve never been disappointed in a story.

Hump day tomorrow with #11 thru #15.

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

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New Fabric Color Swatch Tool

April 5th, 2013 Mel White COMMENTS

Front Runner and Prelude

Nearly 70 Colors

We just launched a web version of our Fabric Color Swatch tool in Exhibit Design Search. These fabrics are available for Quadro Pop Ups and Intro Folding Panel Displays.

Just a warning. It’s extensive. Nearly 70 colors, including current and discontinued Front Runner and Prelude colors. Many you may not have seen for awhile.

http://www.classicexhibits.com/trade-show-exhibit-design-search/fabric-swatches/

These are in-stock at Classic Exhibits, with a few exceptions. To our knowledge, no one has more color choices.

There are a couple of ways to get to the Fabric Swatches page:

There is link under the “More” drop down menu.

Links to fabric swatches are visible when viewing Quadro S, Quadro EO, and Intro kits, both full-size and table tops.

Or, simply go to the Docs & Dims tab.

Long gone are the days when Lockfast would introduce a new color and we’d all be giddy.  That said, we still sell lots of pop ups and table tops with fabric panels, and getting the right color still matters to your client.

Let us know if you have any questions.

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

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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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Word on the Street — April 4th thru April 8th

April 10th, 2011 Mel White 2 COMMENTS
Quarter 2011

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

One Quarter Down . . . 3 to Go!

It’s hard to believe how quickly the first quarter flew by. But it did, and what an interesting first quarter it was. January was strong. February a little dicey. March was a monster! I am glad to report that Q1 2011 was one of the best in Classic’s history. We owe it all to your hard work with your customers and to the positive attitude of the Classic team. Thanks so much!

It’s always a little dangerous in our business to predict Q2 sales based on Q1, but, what the heck, let’s put on our Jeanne Dixon psychic hat for a moment and peer into the crystal ball. The second quarter looks to be upbeat from what we are seeing and are hearing. This past week I spoke to quite a few distributors who told me that expect more of the same in the second quarter. They are seeing more activity from both existing and new customers, who are adding to existing structures, changing graphics, and in quite a few cases, purchasing new displays.

It would be easy to see Q1 as an anomaly, but the first quarter was a blend of sales with a healthy mix of larger exhibits, custom inlines, counters and workstations, and standard kits. In 2010, you may recall that we had a lot of kit sales without much customization, especially 10 x 10’s and 10 x 20’s. But so far in 2011, while kit sales have continued to set the pace, we are building more “souped” up kits and a lot more high-budget islands.

Product Mix

We continue to sell quite a few hybrids like Visionary Designs, Sacagawea, Magellan, P10, and SEGUE, but we are also selling Intro Folding Fabric Systems, Quadro Pop Up Displays (both S and EO), and Aero Table Tops. And I can’t even keep track of the Aero Overhead Hanging Sign sales. It seems like every time I walk onto the setup floor there is another Aero Overhead Sign being assembled. Some are part of larger exhibits, but also a lot are add-ons to a client’s existing exhibit.

Looking forward, it appears the mix of sales is continuing. Most of what we have quoted or have headed for Production in April and May is either customized kits or larger island exhibits.

So what does all this mean? I was watching a video from EXHIBITOR interviewing attendee’s who were asked about the climate of business. Most of the responses were “We’re back!” or “We’re on the way back.” And I have to agree that it certainly feels that way, despite all the news you hear regarding the state of our economy.

What Have We Learned?

History Repeats ItselfHowever . . . I want to ask you a question before we get too comfortable with the “recovery.” What did we/you learn about our industry, about business, and about our customers over the past two plus years?” Did we learn anything that will make the industry stronger, our businesses healthier, and our sales increase?

I suspect the answer is not as transparent we would all like to believe. Not to rely on a cliche, but as we all know, history tends to repeat itself when we don’t analyze and understand the past. We are already getting hints of this it relates to inflated trade show charges, arbitrary rush fees, and inflexible customer service within our industry.

Let me know your thoughts, and next week I’ll share mine as well as your comments, observations, and rants. Give me a call, send me an email, or simply reply in the comments section of the blog.

Thanks again for making the last quarter so great. Have a great week ahead.

–Kevin Carty

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

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FAQ — Table Top Displays

October 5th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

Sacagawea VK-1292

When it comes to trade show displays, Table Tops are all too often the Rodney Dangerfield of exhibits — they just don’t get much respect. That’s unfortunate since table tops are the exhibit and event lifeblood of many for profit and non-profit organizations.

At Classic Exhibits, we offer more table top designs than anyone. Choose the two-sided Intro Fabric Table Top or the contemporary Aero Tension Fabric Table Top. Or, select the always popular Quadro Pop Up or the economical Classic Presentation Briefcase Display.

To select the perfect table top display for your needs, start with these helpful FAQs:

1. I see a variety of table top designs with prices ranging from several hundred dollars to several thousand. What are the differences?

  • Quadro EO and S Pop Ups: Traditional pop up table tops with an expanding metal frame and channel bars. Excellent for any company showing a large graphic(s) on a lightweight, easy-to-assemble display.
  • Classic Presentation: Lightweight 3-panel briefcase table tops with a durable plastic frame, carrying handle, and Velcro compatible fabric. The table top of choice for recruiters, colleges, non-profits, and anyone needing a table top that’s ready to go in 5 seconds or less.
  • Sacagawea: Aluminum extrusion and tension fabric table tops with accessories such as standoff graphics, headers, and shelves. Perfect for just about any situation.
  • Aero Freestanding: Powder-coated aluminum push-button tubes in contemporary shapes with tension fabric and first surface graphics. Hi-tech and pharmaceutical companies love these upscale shapes.
  • Perfect 10: Curved aluminum extrusion table tops with tension fabric. Attached knob assembly. Large, easy-to-assemble, and dramatic.
  • FT (Intro): Two-sided folding fabric panel table tops in varying widths and heights. These are perfect for anyone with an extensive trade show schedule where you expect the table top will take a beating.

2. Are graphics included with the table top displays?

It depends on the system. Aero Table Tops include the larger tension fabric graphic (backwall) but not the direct print graphic. The Quadro Pop Up table tops have a two options — with and without graphics. Sacagawea and Perfect 10 include all graphics. However, graphics are not included on the Intro and and Classic Presentation systems.

3. Will these table top displays fit on a 6 ft and 8 ft table?

With the exception of a few Intro Table Top designs, which are built exclusively for 8 ft. tables, all the tabletops will fit both 6 ft and 8 ft tables.

4. What are my options for Table Throw Covers?

See the Table Throw Cover Gallery to see all your options.

Next, Trade Show Table Throw Gallery FAQ

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