Trade Show TalesBlog

Posts Tagged ‘rental furniture’

Your Exhibit Design Search Updates

October 11th, 2016 COMMENTS

EDSUpdateBlog

Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress where new features are added without fanfare. They just appear. So what’s new in the past three months?

EDS Home Page

captureAbout three weeks ago, we flipped the switch on a new visual feature on all Exhibit Design Search sites. It’s subtle but significant. The gallery images on the EDS home page now rotate. Visualize a slot machine. Each time you click the refresh button on your browser or simply return to the home page, the images change/rotate.

This makes each EDS site more distinctive. To see this at work, simply go to your EDS site or click here for the unbranded EDS website and refresh your browser. If you are easily amused, like me, do it repeatedly.

Photo Galleries

capture1Recently, distributors asked us how they could tap into our Custom, Rental, and Retail photo galleries without redirecting their clients to the Classic website. About 16 months ago, we added those galleries to the main Classic website to highlight the non-system projects flowing through our facility. On any given month, about 40 percent of our business falls into those categories. And it’s growing.

We listened. Now all branded EDS sites have a Photo Libraries button with a drop-down menu. The menu includes not only Past Five Days, but also galleries showing Custom, Rental, and Retail projects. Expect them to evolve as we add (and remove) projects.

Gravitee Modular Wall System

gravitee-cycleYou’ll be hearing LOTS and LOTS about Gravitee in the coming months. However, unlike other Classic systems, we’ve chosen not to create a defined product gallery in EDS. Why? Gravitee is a chameleon. It’s ideal as an island or an inline. It’s perfect for purchase or rental. Use it for an event, a corporate environment, a trade show, or retail space. It’s versatile, practical, and affordable. In short, it works in almost any 3D environment.

For now, the Gravitee kits will be in the Island, Visionary Designs, and SEGUE galleries. You can find them by searching “Gravitee.” Or, by going to the Exhibits menu on the main Classic website and clicking on Gravitee One-Step Modular System.

Interested in adding Gravitee to your rental inventory? Click to download the Starter Kit Special, available only to Classic Exhibits Distributors.

LED Lightboxes

vk-1966-view-3Lightboxes are the boy bands of the exhibit, event, and retail world. Even if you want to hate them… you can’t. They are just too damn cute and adorable. We decided to take a two-prong approach to lightboxes. Our proprietary SuperNova lightboxes can be purchased in any size, nearly any shape, and come in one or two-sided frames. The frames, unlike most on the market, are designed to withstand abuse. We dare you to compare them to the “little sisters of the poor” varieties, not only in their durability but also their light sealing features. They are better and brawnier.

Secondly, lightboxes need to be functional for trade show exhibitors. That means that attaching counters, headers, literature holders, iPad stands, shelves, monitors, etc. should be easy. We’ve designed kits that do more than look pretty. They are also practical. See VK-1966, VK-1963, VK-1961, and VK-1118 for examples.

Rental Furniture Galleries

rental-furnitureThis is important. Last summer, we added Rental Furniture Galleries #1 and #2 in EDS. These galleries are a partnership with CORT, the leader in trade show rental furniture. Rental furniture is no longer the exception in inline and island booths. It’s the rule.

Historically, it’s been challenging to assist your customers with rental furniture. Not anymore. These two retail galleries make it easy to show your clients rental furniture at retail prices. Once your client has selected the furniture, simply call CORT, tell them you’re a Classic Exhibits distributor, and they will provide you with a wholesale quote. They can even direct you to other rental furniture options in their online catalog, all with a special Classic Exhibits wholesale prices. My personal advice… don’t be a duffus! Show rental furniture. Sell rental furniture. With or without your assistance, your clients are going to have rental furniture in their booth.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions about Exhibit Design Search or about anything Classic Exhibits related.

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

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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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What’s New This Summer at Classic Exhibits

June 15th, 2016 COMMENTS

NewBlog1

A Better Way to Rent Trade Show Furniture

May 25th, 2016 COMMENTS

Trade Show Rental FurnitureTwo New Rental Furniture Galleries

While attending a trade show earlier this month, I conducted an informal poll with Exhibit Appointed Contractors (EAC). EAC’s are the folks who provide the labor for most trade show installs and dismantles. I asked, “What percentage of exhibitors rent furniture? Tables, chairs, casual lounge furniture?” Their answer surprised me, ranging from 75-95%. And that furniture rental has increased in recent years.

If you have ever rented furniture from the show book, you know it’s not always user-friendly. And too often, it’s a task that’s completed right before the show, adding stress and expense to your trade show experience.

We have a better solution. Exhibit Design Search, the one-stop shop for exhibits, has two new furniture rental galleries. These galleries include chairs, soft furniture, tables, bar stools, even stanchions for crowd control. You’ll see photos, dimensions, and prices that include delivery and drayage.

So easy. Simply contact your Classic Exhibits Distributor to order what you need. They’ll make all the arrangements and your furniture will arrive on time… and get picked up at the end of the show. No hassle. And should there be any problems, you’ll have access to a 24-hour support line.

Trade Show Rental Furniture on Exhibit Design Search

Don’t see what you need? Let us know. There are more options available than in the EDS Galleries.

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

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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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The Best Trade Show Sales Advice You’ll Receive This Year

January 9th, 2015 1 COMMENT

IAEE_1Can It Get Any More Ridiculous

By Tom Werner, OTM Furniture

I recently returned from the NBAA Show in Orlando. NBAA is a business aviation show with about 1800 exhibitors.

I’ve attend this show every year since 2006 to manage the installation of my client’s exhibit. Part of my service includes ordering show services, carpet, and furniture. The furniture has ALWAYS been a challenge, namely finding something that fits their needs at an affordable price that didn’t look worn and abused. And because the furniture prices are listed in the exhibitor kit, I can’t mark it up much, if any.

Over the years, I’ve been able to observe trends and developments with furniture, and more specifically, the amount being used, how it’s being used, and the cost of renting it.

Amount Used

In the beginning, there wasn’t much furniture in the booths, and I had to search for it. This isn’t surprising since one of the golden rules of booth staff training has always been “Don’t sit in the booth space!” Over the years, I started to see more and more of it. In 2014, there was WAY MORE than I could ever photograph, and this year virtually every exhibitor had furniture.

Black_OTX_3_Graphics_largerHow It’s Being Used

In addition to the standard black tables and chairs, two other types of furniture have become popular: bar height table and chair sets and lounge furniture.

Honestly, it makes sense for most companies. One of the objectives of trade shows is to build relationship with clients and prospective customers. Bar height tables and chairs allow for informal meetings in limited floor space, while lounge furniture is a great way for your visitors to relax and spend more time in your booth.

The Cost of Renting

This year, my client asked me what they spent on the conference room tables and chairs. So, I went back and looked at the numbers. I knew the cost had increased, but I had no idea how much. It was significant (numbers below).

Because of this experience and others like it, I developed On The Move Furniture with Classic Exhibits, a line specifically for trade shows and events. It includes the upscale NEO line and the new, affordable Express series. This high-quality portable and brandable furniture is logistically friendly, attractive, and cost-effective. See the OTM Furniture videos.

My client, Raisbeck Engineering / NBAA, rented two 6 ft. conference tables and 12 chairs from Freeman.

6 ft. Table (Luna Conference Table)

  • 2012 = $639 ea. x 2 = $1278
  • 2013 = $718 ea. x 2 = $1436

Chairs (Diplomat)

  • 2012 = $225 ea. x 12 = $2700
  • 2013 = $305 ea. x 12 = $3660

Which Means…

  • 2012 rental cost = $3,978
  • 2013 rental cost = $5,096
  • 21.9% increase

Still not convinced? Mel White from Classic Exhibits recently returned from the AIEE Expo Expo Show in Los Angles. Below are photos he took. Nearly 80% of the booths had rental furniture.

 

I would love to hear your experiences of dealing with furniture at trade shows and events. You can reach me at Tom@OTMfurniture.com.

Tom Werner
On the Move Furniture (OTM)

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Classic Exhibits and OTM Partner on NEO Portable Brandable Furniture

February 10th, 2014 COMMENTS
NEO Portable Brandable Furniture

NEO Portable Brandable Furniture

Classic Exhibits and On The Move (OTM) introduce the NEO line of portable furniture. NEO is a line of portable, brandable furniture specifically designed for the trade show and event industry. Unlike traditional furniture options, the NEO line is modular, lightweight, and designed to pack efficiently for storage and transport. Its intuitive design allows it to be assembled in minutes without tools.

According to Tom Werner, President of OTM, “As an exhibit designer for over 25 years, I’ve always found good furniture rental solutions to be a challenge. For the exhibitor, renting can be expensive, owning and shipping traditional furniture is impractical, and while folding and stacking options are efficient, they lack esthetic appeal.”

Rental furniture is pricy and very often shows wear from transportation and use. Purchasing and shipping traditional home/office furniture components is inefficient. With no way to fold, stack, or nest together, they require large shipping containers to store and are prone to damage in transport.

Download the Brochure

Folding and stacking furniture, while efficient for transport and storage, lacks aesthetic appeal. In addition, most of these options are for a lower chair height. The best seating solutions allow someone seated to stay at the same eye-level as someone standing. Lastly, none of these allow a simple, cost-effective way to personalize, stylize, or brand like most other elements in the exhibit space.

“As a long-time customer of Classic Exhibits,” according to Tom, “I know their commitment to quality and on-time delivery. Classic Exhibits was the clear choice as a partner for the manufacturing of this product. We are excited to be working with them.”

The OTM NEO line is available through the Classic Exhibits Distributor Network or by contacting On The Move, Inc. See the NEO line at EXHIBITOR2014 in the Classic Exhibits booth or review on the New Product Showcase page of the EXHIBITOR website. Please take a moment to Download the brochure.

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

**********************************************

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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