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Posts Tagged ‘Trade Show Exhibits’

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

August 7th, 2009 Mel White 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

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What You Should Know about Exhibit Budgeting

August 7th, 2009 Mel White COMMENTS
  • How to differentiate between normal marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses
  • The exhibit is the largest initial expense, but your ongoing exhibit marketing will easily surpass that initial cost 
  • Create a budget and maintain an accurate Return on Investment (ROI) on your exhibit marketing
  • Include the Exhibit Costs, Onsite Expenses, and Show Services when developing your budget

An Accurate Exhibit Budget

Companies should define a workable exhibit marketing budget, one that includes all related costs. However, the line between marketing expenses and exhibit marketing expenses can be somewhat fuzzy. You will want to create a well-defined budget that separates them.  

The exhibit is typically the largest initial expense. However, over time, the cost of using the exhibit will easily surpass the initial cost of the exhibit, often significantly. When constructing a budget, evaluate your ability to maintain the expense year after year. Weigh the repercussions of scaling back. In some industries, scaling back can be more damaging than never exhibiting in the first place.  

Creating an Exhibit Budget

Creating a budget allows you to figure an accurate ROI. You should account for pre- and post-show marketing, travel costs, lodging, and entertainment. You’ll need to factor in freight, drayage, show labor, carpeting, and electricity expenses. These can be significant expenses. Most I&D companies will estimate the labor time from a faxed set-up drawing. Most freight companies can estimate the shipping charges based on dimensions and weight provided by the exhibit seller. You should also factor in minor repairs due to freight damage or repeated set-up. Generally, common sense will determine if the exhibit packing is sufficiently for repetitive use, the vibration of the road, and the pounding of the forklift during freight handling.  

Don’t forget to factor in the usable life of your exhibit and assign a cost to each show. On average, an exhibit is effective for three years. Any longer and the exhibit may be dated or worn. Any earlier and the marketing value is not realized. (more…)

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Magellan Miracle Portable Hybrid Display — Setup Animation Video (Very, Very Cool!)

July 6th, 2009 Mel White COMMENTS

This enjoyable and informative video shows the assembly of the 20 ft. Magellan Miracle VK-2093 Portable Hybrid Display with (2) workstations, (2) monitor mounts, (5) 50 watt halogen lights,and tension fabric graphics.  Every Miracle Hybrid Display, including the 10 ft VK-1062 thru the VK-1065 and the 20 ft. VK-2091 thru the VK-2094 assembles with knobs and MODUL locks.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3YfnTYIsT4

(more…)

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Magellan MOR Portable Hybrid Display — Setup Animation Video (Very Cool!)

July 5th, 2009 Mel White COMMENTS

Another excellent animation by Mike Swartout, the Classic Exhibits Design Director, for the Magellan MOR Portable Hybrid Display. The animation video shows the Magellan MOR VK-1076 with curve wings, two 50 watt halogen lights, and a large tension fabric graphic. All the MOR designs, from the 10 ft. VK-1077 and VK-1078 to the 20 ft. VK-2098 and VK-2100, assemble with attached knobs and MODUL hex key locks.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCLeUVLPsvA

(more…)

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Word on the Street — June 15th thru June 19th

June 19th, 2009 Mel White COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

This week started with a call from a Classic Exhibits distributor regarding an existing quote that needed to be re-addressed. The week finished by reviewing client notes from a distributor on a project quoted several days ago.

Both the phone call on Monday and the email from this morning (as well as a conversation on Wednesday) involved the buzz word “Value Engineering.”

How many of you just cringed? : – )

So I went to Google to see the current definition of Value Engineering, and the two highest results were from Wikipedia and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

 Wikipedia says . . .

Value engineering (VE) is a systematic method to improve the “value” of goods or products and services by using an examination of function. Value, as defined, is the ratio of function to cost. Value can therefore be increased by either improving the function or reducing the cost. It is a primary tenet of value engineering that basic functions be preserved and not be reduced as a consequence of pursuing value improvements.

The US Army Corps of Engineers says . . .

Value Engineering is defined as “an analysis of the functions of a program, project, system, product, item of equipment, building, facility, service, or supply of an executive agency, performed by qualified agency or contractor personnel, directed at improving performance, reliability, quality, safety, and life cycle costs.” 

As it relates to the two projects mentioned earlier, it would appear that the clients (endusers) want a blend of the two definitions. From an aesthetic and functional standpoint, they want exactly what the Distributor and Classic Exhibits designed — but for less money.

(more…)

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