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Posts Tagged ‘Trade Shows’

7 Reasons to Attend Shared Knowledge University

May 12th, 2017 COMMENTS

Shared Knowledge University (SKU)

“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.

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

SKU_photoTime 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.

Trade Show Material Handling Calculator and Infographic

May 9th, 2017 2 COMMENTS

Drayage or Material Handling

Drayage or Material Handling CalculatorIf you are familiar with trade shows, you are all too familiar with material handling or drayage. These two terms, which mean the same thing, often elicit a very strong emotional response from exhibitors.

So what is drayage? Drayage refers to the movement of your trade show booth items from your carrier’s delivery vehicle to your booth space. This service includes:

  • Unloading the trade show freight once it has arrived at the receiving dock,
  • Transporting the goods to the trade show booth space,
  • Removing empty shipping items (such as crates and pallets) from the trade show booth space,
  • Ttemporarily storing empty shipping items during the show,
  • Returning empty shipping items once the show is over,
  • Transferring the freight back to the loading dock, and
  • Loading the items into your carrier’s delivery vehicle.

Is it expensive? Yes. Is there a logical reason? No. So, rather than age six months each time you receive your material handling bill, it might make more sense to manage your freight to minimize your bill. Use this drayage calculator to estimate your charges. Note how overtime and special handling will significantly increase what you pay.

If you are not already suicidal about drayage, this blog post from three years ago might be the tipping point. It discusses the rising cost of material handling:  You Can’t Fix Stupid — Material Handling.

Helpful Advice:  Although shipping to the Advanced Warehouse is more expensive, it’s a better financial decision since you are less likely to pay for waiting time from your carrier, and you have greater control over scheduling the delivery of your exhibit to your booth space during regular straight-time hours.

For an overview of material handling, see this informative infographic by TS Crew, an exhibit-appointed contractor for installation and dismantle.

Drayage Infographic

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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.

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Gravitee One-Step Modular System (Video)

May 2nd, 2017 COMMENTS

Below is a Gravitee One-Step video where we disassembled a large conference room in less than five minutes. When we took the video, that was the only goal. Then we sent it to Glenna, our Graphic Designer, who saw what we clearly failed to see — namely a whole lotta plumber’s butt.

The display was on the way to a show, so re-shooting wasn’t an option. So, we made lemonade out of lemons. We want to thank our guys for their sense of humor, and if you haven’t seen it, we encourage you to watch this clever (and funny) video.

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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.

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10 BIG Trade Shows in North America | February 2017

January 16th, 2017 COMMENTS

Blog10Big

January was a slamming month for trade shows. February holds strong and makes us wanna say, “I Heart Trade Shows!” Here are 10 of the Biggest Shows in North America this month.

Safari Club International’s 2017 Annual Hunters’ Convention, Feb. 1-4, 2017, Las Vegas, NV

https://www.showsci.org

This hunters’ heaven has everything the mind can dream of and occupies over 650,000 square feet of exhibit space. Six continents are under one roof where members come to book hunts, rendezvous with old friends and shop for the latest guns and hunting equipment. That only scratches the surface of products available at SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention. Notable authorities of the outdoor sports and shooting industries attend the premier hunting show annually. You’ll find it to be the most powerful buying and selling environment in the outdoor industry.

NY Now, Feb. 4 – 8, 2017, Javits Center, New York City

http://www.nyigf.com

Innovative products make NY NOW the leading trade show for the Home, Lifestyle, and Gift market, with 400+ product categories from 2,400+ suppliers across our comprehensive collections. A wholesale trade show, trade-only attendees will have access to new, design-focused resources from around the world. Exhibitors will expose their brand to thousands of exclusive buyers. Nearly 40% of buyers ONLY attend NY NOW.

MD&M West, Feb. 7 – 9, 2017, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA

http://mdmwest.mddionline.com

For 32 years, MD&M West has helped take medical devices from concept to market by uniting cutting-edge technology with the industry’s foremost minds. Source from the world’s largest collection of suppliers on one show floor. Connect with over 20,000 engineers and executives who are ready to forge business partnerships. Attendees will get answers from hundreds of leading medtech suppliers, be the first to witness demos of technology yet to hit the market, and engage with over 20,000 industry professionals from leading companies.

RSA Conference 2017, Feb. 13 – 17, 2017, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA

https://www.rsaconference.com/events/us17

In the digital world in which we now live, information is a very highly valued commodity. Safeguarding that information, therefore, has become a top priority. Collectively the RSA Conferences draw over 45,000 attendees per year, making them the world’s largest provider of security events. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about new approaches to info security, discover the latest technology and interact with top security leaders and pioneers. Hands-on sessions, keynotes and informal gatherings allow you to tap into a smart, forward-thinking global community that will inspire and empower you.

World AG Expo, Feb. 14 – 16, 2017, International Agri-Center, Tulare, CA

http://www.worldagexpo.com

Celebrating 50 years, the World Ag Expo continues to be a marketplace and a celebration of all things ag. Attracting 106,346 attendees with 1,500+ exhibitors in 2.6 Million square feet of exhibit space, it is the world’s largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition. We are here to encourage the newest conversations, inventions and innovations in the world of ag so that the dealer, the producer and the consumer can all come out on top. When our exhibitors succeed, our attendees and farmers transform their operation, and consumers all over the world are positively impacted by the increased efficiency. Ag is evolving to feed a growing world. And we’re here to help facilitate that.

National Farm Machinery Show, Feb. 15 – 18, 2017, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY

http://www.farmmachineryshow.org

850 exhibitors will cover 1.2 million square feet of floor space as the National Farm Machinery show continues to be the largest indoor farm show in America. The National Farm Machinery Show offers the most complete selection of cutting-edge agricultural products, equipment and services available in the farming industry. Business professionals from around the world gain knowledge and hands-on access to various technological advancements needed for the upcoming farming season during the four-day show.

Graphics of the Americas Expo co-located with The NBM Show, Feb. 16 – 18, 2017, Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

http://goaexpo.com

GOA Expo provides exhibitors visibility to thousands of graphics industry professionals from around the world who are coming to discover new products, technologies, services and trends. Attendees come to interact with the leading manufacturers and suppliers in the industry to learn, compare and buy. 90% of GOA attendees make or influence their company’s buying decisions and come from over 72 countries.

The NBM Show serves the markets covered by National Business Media’s three graphics-oriented magazines – Awards and Engraving, Printwear and Sign & Digital Graphics.

SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 119th National Western Mining Conference, Feb. 19 – 22, 2017, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO

http://www.smeannualconference.com

The SME Annual Conference & Expo and CMA 119th National Western Mining Conference provides a forum for more than 6,500 industry professionals, from across the world, to share innovative ideas, best practices and cutting-edge research in more than 120 sessions along with an expansive marketplace of more than 650 exhibiting companies.

HIMSS 2017, Feb. 19 – 23, 2017, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

http://www.himssconference.org

HIMSS 2017 is where the brightest minds in health and IT meet. It brings together 40,000+ health IT professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors from around the world. Exceptional education, world-class speakers, cutting-edge health IT products and powerful networking are hallmarks of this industry-leading conference.

79th Oregon Logging Conference, Feb. 23 – 25, 2017, Lane County Convention Center and Fairgrounds, Eugene, OR

http://oregonloggingconference.com

Every year manufacturers and dealers from around the world exhibit the latest technology at the larges inside and outside equipment show west of the Mississippi. The 79th Annual Oregon Logging Conference will be jam packed with seminars, workshops, competitions and more! The OLC is packed with unique opportunities for forestry professionals to network and learn more about their trade.

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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.

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2017 EXHIBITOR Portable Modular Awards | Finalists

December 9th, 2016 COMMENTS

Exhibitor Portable Modular Awards

It’s that time of year. The 2017 Portable Modular Award Finalists were released, along with the People’s Choice Voting page. From its inception four years ago, Classic Exhibits has been a huge supporter because we believe that portable and modular exhibits deserve creative recognition. And each year, the competition gets better, with spectacular designs from some of the best suppliers and exhibit houses in our industry.

This year, Classic Exhibits has six finalists, our most ever. You may recall that Classic has won a PMA award the past two years and has had multiple finalists each year.

Exhibitor Portable Modular AwardsThis year we have finalists in the following categories:

  • Best Use of Graphics category for System, Design, and Fabrication
  • Best Island Less than 600 sq. foot category for System, Design and Fabrication
  • Best Island 600-1,000 sq. foot category for System and Fabrication
  • Best Inline category for System, Design, and Fabrication
  • Best Rental category for both System and Fabrication

We STRONGLY encourage you to visit the People’s Choice Voting page and vote for your favorite(s). You can cast one vote per day for the next three months. So, bookmark the page and vote often. We will. 😉

Also, we would enjoy hearing your comments about our banner ad on the People’s Choice page. We’re a reluctant advertiser as you know, but supporting the PMA takes precedence. The ad isn’t your typical exhibit manufacturer message. But, then again, we aren’t a typical exhibit manufacturer.

p.s. A BIG THANKS to Katina Rigall, our Creative Director, for pulling together Classic’s PMA entries.

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

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