Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘Past Five Days’

Why the Big Picture MATTERS in Graphic Design

April 17th, 2014 6 COMMENTS

Glenna Martin, Graphic Design Manager

Graphic Inspiration Galleries

Many trade show clients and graphic designers are unfamiliar with how to design for 3D structures. If you have a client that fits that description, then our new Graphic Inspiration Galleries will be useful. We’ve dug through the Past Five Days (P5D) photo archives and identified outstanding examples of graphics. Each image has notes about why the graphics are successful (in our humble opinion). Our hope is that these notes will help you start an informed conversation with your client about their next project.

We love using P5D as inspiration space when designing graphics — there is tons of great stuff in there. Keep checking back as we add more images and create new categories.

In addition to the Inspiration Galleries, we’ll post a few of our favorites in the blog each month. Here are a few favorites from March:

Otterbox:
Wonderful combination of lifestyle photos in these graphics and bright yellow band as the focal point for copy. This display also has a unique header shape that mimics of the logo shape.
Busch:
It’s very unique how the images flow down the left side of this table top and land flat on the visual plane in the graphic. This does a great job of guiding your eye to their logo and copy points.
PayTech:
Excellent use of contrast between header and backwall graphic. The curves compliment the contrast and the ribbon’s “z” shape emphasizes their URL and copy points.
BillPro
Very vibrant shade of blue in these graphics. The backlighting makes all of the colors pop and look amazing. The angles in the graphics stretching around the corner creates a nice flow in a small space. This is a great example of what SuperNova lights can do for artwork.
Federated Sample:
This counter is a spectacular example of a customized counter. The 3D graphic elements and contrasting colors are streamlined, but amazing.
Pacifica:
These graphics are so simple and elegant, yet they work fantastically. The illustrated pattern and logo placement in combination with the lifestyle photos are perfect. Nice how the front curved piece extends into the space making the merchandise part of the display.

Stay tuned for next month when we highlight examples from April.

Glenna Martin
Graphic Design Manager

http://www.linkedin.com/in/glennamartin
glenna@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 — September 26th thru October 1st

October 3rd, 2010 COMMENTS
Why we participate in the TS2 Show

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Survey Results and Responses — Part 2 of 2

Once again, thank you for participating in our recent survey. This week, I’d like to share some of the numbers from the survey in addition to answering many of your comments and questions.

Quantitative Data

“How would you rate the response time from Classic Exhibits (compared to competitors)?”

Much Faster 16.0%
Somewhat Faster 33.3%
Comparable 35.6%

“How would you rate the overall customer service from Classic Exhibits (compared to competitors)?”

Much Faster 13.7%
Somewhat Faster 43.6%
Comparable 34.4%

If we weren’t Classic, we would view these numbers as positive since you rated us 85% and 91% Faster or Comparable to our competitors. But given our history of consistently responding faster than our competitors, the 35% Comparable numbers are troubling. I’ll respond specifically to this a little later in the blog since we received a comment on this topic.

“How often do you visit the Classic Exhibits website?”

Several times a week 56.3%
Once a month 28.7%
Once a year 1.1%

These numbers are encouraging and gratifying since we’ve devoted considerable time, effort, and money to our website over the past five years. When you visit our website, you told us you use the following features most often:

  1. Exhibit Design Search
  2. Product Pages
  3. Rental Displays
  4. Trade Show Tales Blog
  5. Past 5 Days
  6. Exhibit Specials

On a follow up question, we asked, “Which features of Exhibit Design Search do you use? Check all that apply.” Again, in order, you said:

  1. Photos
  2. Filter and Sort
  3. Design Details
  4. Additional Images
  5. Email Designs
  6. My Gallery
  7. Product Videos (when available)

Finally, in the response to the question, “How would you rate Classic Exhibits on the following?”, you rated us Excellent or Above Average on these (with the corresponding percentage):

  • Ease of Purchase — 77%
  • Manufacturing Flexibility — 76%
  • Setup Instructions — 82%
  • Cases and Packaging — 85%
  • Product Quality — 86%
  • Exhibit Designs — 84%
  • Distributor Communication — 76%
  • Marketing — 82%

Comments and Responses from the Survey

Classic has long been the fastest at getting quotes, orders, and designs turned around as it relates to the industry as a whole. In the past few months this has slipped a little. Why?

Answer — Let me start off by saying that this is not something that we like to hear. However, it is also a reality, and it is by no means the fault of any one PM or Designer. Rather, it is quite simply due to market conditions. We (Classic) do not have as many people working in those departments as we did two years ago. And that is not an excuse, but from a transparency standpoint, we want to be honest with you.

Our PM’s and Designers are doing as many quotes and designs as always, but the orders are smaller than they were 24 months ago. Therefore, you have fewer people trying to do more. Having said that, we need to set more reasonable expectations on turnaround times. Over promising and under delivering is never a good thing. We realize that. And as a management team, we are addressing it.

Can your Design Team and Project Management Team communicate better at the “hand-off” stage? Meaning when a design is sent to Project Management for quoting?

Answer — While this was not an overriding theme in your survey responses, it was mentioned and deserves a response. Communication has been a consistent theme at Classic over the past four years, both internally and externally. Hearing that we are failing with some of our distributors is troublesome. Some of it may be a direct reflection of asking fewer people to do more. I know that occasionally causes people to cut corners to meet existing time expectations. However, when proper communication does not happen, it causes us to go back and forth more often which lengthens the turnaround time. I promise you that we are working on this, and we will get better.

Can you include Distributor News and Updates in Design Monday along with new designs?

Answer — Yes. And to some extent we already do. Several years ago, we discontinued our monthly newsletter because we felt we were inundating you with email broadcasts. Instead, we shifted those routine updates on products, services, and specials to periodic emails, Design Monday (via “Word on the Street”) and postings in the Trade Show Tales Blog. Please let us know if you would like us to resume the monthly newsletter. In the newsletter, we would be very happy to discuss Classic updates as well as information in your world — whether it is new hires, current projects that you wish to share, or other pertinent news as it relates to the industry within your local markets.

Classic needs to do a better job of Customer Appreciation and Acknowledgment.

Answer — Ouch! That really hurts. While I feel like we do a good job of this “on the fly,” for the most part, I do agree that we need to do this more publicly. And more often. Our management team will make this a focus moving forward. You are our lifeblood. No one can deny that, and I am sorry if we have not done a good job of acknowledging that daily, monthly and quarterly.

ClassicMODUL is great. The variety of extrusions and accessories are unmatched. Why do you not promote the variety more in your Classic Exhibits designs and broadcasts?

Answer — At first I thought this comment may have come from Tom Jones, who manages our ClassicMODUL division. 😉 But it didn’t. I spent a lot of time thinking about this. In looking through past Design Mondays and other e-broadcasts that the Classic Exhibits division has sent over the past several months, it is clear that while we use a variety of extrusions and accessories in our broadcasts, we do not always “highlight” them. Recently, we have been promoting the TSP profiles which hold Silicone Edge Graphics, but we do need to do a better job of describing the extrusions in particular designs so that you gain a deeper and better sense of what is available from Classic and ClassicMODUL. Great suggestion. Thanks!

In conclusion, we have work to do and some issues to resolve. Thank you for your feedback, and we sincerely appreciate your constructive criticism.

And thank you for the many, many kudos we received as well in the survey (which we elected not to share). I am not going to lie, hearing that “Classic Rocks!,” that the “Customer Service Team is Wonderful” and that you appreciate coming to work each day knowing that you get to “Work with friends,” makes me not just happy, but exceptionally proud of our team.

Thanks again!

–Kevin Carty

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

FAQ — Exhibit Design Search

September 15th, 2010 COMMENTS

So you think you know Exhibit Design Search? I’m sure you do, but just in case you need a refresher, here are several Frequently Asked Questions about EDS, the world’s largest database of exhibit designs.

Exhibit Design Search from Classic Exhibits

Exhibit Design Search from Classic Exhibits

1. What is Exhibit Design Search?

Exhibit Design Search (EDS) is a comprehensive display database and search tool. There’s nothing even remotely close anywhere in the world. With EDS, you can select from over 1500 designs, ranging from banner stands to 50’ x 50’ Islands, to find the perfect display for your budget and your marketing objectives.

But EDS is much more than just a database of exhibit designs. You’ll find over 40 articles about trade show marketing, tips on installation, cord management, freight, over 2000 exhibit photos, exhibit specials, and Frequently Asked Questions about products and services.

2. With over 1500 displays in Exhibit Design Search, where do I start?

Here’s what customers tell us:

Products:  Some customers know what they want. They are searching for a specific product, such as a banner stand, pop up, or hanging sign.  In those cases, they search the appropriate product gallery.  Within the product gallery, they refine their search by Booth Size or Price Range.

Prices: Other customers have a budget and a booth size but don’t know what they want. They are looking for ideas. Depending on your budget, there could be hundreds of choices. Once you find several ideas that appeal to you, click on the appropriate Category within the Design Details page. You’ll see similar ideas.

To narrow you search from the start, click on Show Product Galleries on the EDS Home Page. Then deselect those product categories which do not apply. This will refine your search to just those galleries which apply.

Sizes: Searching by size can be overwhelming, particularly for common booth sizes such as 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 20’ exhibits. When searching by size, you will want to quickly refine your search by prices or products.

Text: Alphanumeric searches can be very powerful, especially in combination with sizes, prices, and products. On its most basic level, you can search for “conference rooms” or “lightboxes” for example. Or, you can search for specific kits, such as “VK-1032” (be sure to include the hyphen). We’re often asked about a kit by company name shown on graphic. Unfortunately, the company name is rarely identified in the design details so it is best to search by product features or the kit number.

3. Where can I see photos of the designs?

Exhibit Design Search contains an extensive photo database of over 2000 display photos. For many designs, there are multiple photos, and new photos are added every day. On most designs, you’ll see “See Photo(s)” in the additional images gallery. See Photo(s) links to photos of that kit or product line.

You can also search for photos by clicking on the “Photo” menu button. This will take you to Past Five Days, a daily showcase of images. In Past Five Days, you can search by week or by size. Or if you have a little time to waste, you can click on the “Randomizer” button. This button will randomly show you photos from the past four years. It’s actually very entertaining.

Use the “Email Image” or “Send Me More Information” if you want to share a photo or request additional information.

Sacagawea VK-1231 Hybrid Display

Sacagawea VK-1231 Display

4. What are the benefits of the My Gallery feature?

With My Gallery, you can build a library of your favorite designs (Think of it as a shopping cart but without the e-commerce functionality).

There’s no limit to the number of designs your can add to My Gallery. Need more information about multiple designs? Add them to My Gallery and click on the Send Me More Information or Request a Design tabs, You can even email them to one or multiple addresses. And, whenever you email a design, you will be cc’d so you have a record of the email.

The designs will remain available until you clear the gallery or clear the cookies on your computer.

5. What other features are available in Exhibit Design Search?

  • Top 12: A convenient slide show showing some of the most popular displays.
  • Quick Ship:  Displays available to ship in 8 Days or Less. Don’t see exactly what you want? Give a call and we’ll do everything possible to accommodate your needs. 
  • Exhibit Specials:  Deals on displays. This changes frequently so be sure to check back at least once a month.
  • Trade Show Tips:  Over 40 helpful articles written as a primer for the trade show novice or as a reminder for the trade show warrior.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions:  You know what this is all about my friend. If you don’t see an answer to your question, send us an email or give us a call.

6. I have a question about a display. What is the next step?

Send us an email using “Send Me More Information” located on every Product Detail page. We’ll respond within 24 business hours (or less). Or give us a call.

7. I’m new to trade shows and have lots of questions about exhibit marketing. Where should I start?

Frankly, the biggest danger for most trade show novices is too much information. There’s a lot of information about trade show marketing on the Internet, much of it with conflicting messages. You need to find the path that works for your goals and your budget. Here are three excellent resources.

1. Trade Show Tips:  This article database was designed primarily for the novice. The trade show marketing articles walk you through topics such as exhibit design, exhibit services, lead management, designer selection, and display tips. In addition, the articles will familiarize you with trade show terms like drayage and booth selection. There are over 40 articles, all easily digestible in a short time.

2. Industry Sites:  Trade show industry websites, which include publications, research websites, and associations, contain vast libraries of articles, white papers, and case histories. If you’re a person who likes to dive into the deep end of the pool, this is where you want to go.

3. Your Local Exhibit Consultant: There’s no better source for practical advice about trade show marketing than your local exhibit professional. They’ve handled hundreds of customers and thousands of shows over the years. They know what works and what doesn’t work. By working with a local exhibit consultant, you’ll sidestep the mistakes that many new exhibits make and maximize your Return on Investment for each show. After all, you aren’t participating in a trade show for the free pens and notepads. You’re there to boost sales and make contacts. Rely on a local exhibit consultant to guide you to trade show success from the very start.

Next. Rental Displays and Options

Preview the NEW Peek-a-Booth Video Cameras

March 24th, 2010 2 COMMENTS
Live Web Cam from Classic Exhibits

Live Web Cam from Classic Exhibits

As a dedicated reader of the Trade Show Tales Blog, you deserve something extra. No, not money, at least not this month, but we are announcing a new feature on the Classic Exhibits website called Peek-a-Booth. An e-broadcast announcement will be sent in a few days, but as a “Preferred Reader” you deserve a sneak peek (pun intended).

As you know, we pride ourselves on “transparency” with our employees, our suppliers, and our distributors. We’re not by nature either secretive or paranoid. We believe that the more you know about our business the more likely we’ll work together to find solutions and opportunities. There’s always a danger in being open and honest, but we feel it’s worth the risk. Past Five Days is a good example. Everyday you see a sample of the exhibit and event projects passing through our facility.

We decided to take the P5D concept to the next logical step — a live video feed. We mounted two pan and zoom cameras in our Production Set-up Area. These cameras stream live video 24 hours a day. Once you enter the username and password, you can see your project (or any project) in real-time and can control each camera’s movement. Very cool!

The username will always be the same:  classicexhibits. The password changes everyday. You can obtain the current password by emailing projects@classicexhibits.com or by contacting a Project Manager.

To preview Peek-a-Booth today (Friday, March 26, 2010), the password is: hyS2iWxZ

peek-a-booth_low

Please share your thoughts about this new feature. Is it valuable for you (as a distributor), and do you see it as beneficial to your customers as well?

–Mel White

http://www.linkedin.com/in/melmwhite
mel@classicexhibits.com
Classic Exhibits Network (LinkedIn)

Word on the Street — August 3rd thru August 7th

August 7th, 2009 COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

The Evolution of Design Search

Most of you have had some experience with Classic Exhibits’ Design Search. Design Search has proven to be one of the most powerful tools on the web to explore displays, exhibit photos, and trade show tips.

The idea, originally, was simple. Create a tool where a distributor or end user could search a database of exhibit designs by size, price, and keyword. But like all good ideas, it quickly morphed into much, much more.

We realized that this would be a valuable tool on the Classic site, but very quickly recognized that it could also be a valuable tool on any Distributor’s website. We could brand it so it matched their website graphics and retained their navigation — All for only $300!!

Over the past two and a half years, over 90 Distributors have added Design Search, automatically giving them access to 21 product galleries, a searchable database of both renderings and photos, rental options as well as distributor specific communication tools like Design Request, Send Me More Information, and the ability to email specific designs directly from Design Search to clients.

Again . . . all for $300!

Over the past few months, we have added new features that make Design Search even better!

Design Search Galleries

Design Search Galleries

We added Product Galleries for several Optima Graphics products and Eco-systems Sustainable Exhibits designs. These additions give Design Search even more product depth! We also added a Top 12 Slideshow button to the Home Page which shows the Top 12 most popular designs within Design Search.

Have a client with either a “Quick Ship” or “Tight Budget”? You can easily click to either Quick Ship displays or Quarterly Specials and find just what you need.

As you can probably tell, we are very proud of Design Search. If you do not have Design Search on your website, you may want to consider it. Once it’s in place, we handle all the maintenance by updating it with new designs, adding new features, and constantly tweaking the design details, graphic dims, and setup instructions. We do this all behind the scenes so you don’t have to.

Concerned with SEO and Web Optimization for your website? Design Search is highly optimized with the latest technology and focused on keywords to help your listing on Google. 

Check it out and let us know what you think. If you are interested in adding Design Search to you website, feel free to contact Mel White at mel@classicexhibits.com for more information.

Have a great and restful weekend

Be Well!

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