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What are Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG)?

June 10th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

You may have noticed something new at trade shows and events. Traditional fabric graphics are frequently being replaced by Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). So what is SEG and what are the benefits?

What is SEG (Silicone Edge Graphics)?

Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)

Silicone Edge Graphic (SEG)

SEG is a high-resolution dye-sublimated fabric graphic finished with a thin silicone strip (or welt/gasket). The silicone strip is sewn directly to the edge of the graphic, and the strip is then inserted into a frame with a recessed groove. The size of the graphic must be precise so the fabric is taut when installed in the frame. The result is a large format graphic that mimics the old fashioned hard panel graphics commonly found on custom displays and interior spaces.

What is Different or Special about SEG?

  • Lightweight Fabric. Fabric is lighter and more durable than tradition direct print graphics.
  • Versatile. SEG can be used on many SEG aluminum extrusion profiles (including ClassicMODUL TSP profiles).
  • Dye-Sublimation. Dye-sublimation graphics are durable, vibrant, and lightweight.
  • Less Frame. SEG graphics are the perfect choice when more graphic and less frame is desired.
  • No Sew Line. Unlike bead or pole pocket fabric graphics, the sew line is hidden within the extrusion providing a
    more finished look to your exhibit or retail wall display.

    SEG Two-Sided Lightbox

    SEG Two-Sided Lightbox

What are the Benefits of SEG?

  • Storage and Shipping. Fabric is lighter than many other graphics. When folded neatly, fabric graphics take up much less space than traditional direct print graphics.
  • Care. Fabric graphics can be washed and steamed and are more durable and long lasting than traditional graphics.
  • Lightweight. Larger graphics weigh less, perfect for draping or creating space definition.
  • Cost. More image bang for the buck!
  • Green. There are the obvious transportation and storage benefits. Even more exciting is the growing list of fabric options created from recycled materials.
  • No Glare. Fabric is the perfect choice for media walls or any backdrop that is being photographed or filmed.
  • Versatility. SEG fabric can be applied to most displays or event structures.
  • Less Visible Frame. The silicone edge means you see more graphic and less frame.

Here’s a great video from Optima Graphics about how to take a correct measurement for a Silicone Edge Graphic:

Some examples of trade show exhibits and event displays using SEG:

For more information about SEG including detailed images and photos, download the comprehensive FAQ Fact Sheet and Common SEG Extrusion Profiles. Have questions? Please call us.

–Mel White

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

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Posted in Graphics, Mel White, Trade Show Exhibit Tips | No Comments »

Common Marketing Mistakes Can Doom Successful Companies

March 25th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS
Common Marketing Mistakes

Common Marketing Mistakes

Occasionally, we all need a not-so-gentle kick in the pants about Marketing. Kevin Renner, in an article appearing in the Portland Business Journal, reminds us that marketing is more than brochures, trade shows, and data sheets. Marketing with a capital “M” must be infused in the totality of the organization. Even something as simple as where customers park in company parking lot can make or break a deal. He goes on to explain:

“The biggest sin:  CEO’s don’t understand what marketing is, or what they should demand from their chief marketing officers . . . . Countless executives view marketing as the part of the organization that does the brochures or the trade shows.”

I’d enjoy hearing your comments on this column. See the link below for the article.

http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/02/22/newscolumn1.html

–Mel White

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

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Word on the Street — February 1st thru February 5th

February 6th, 2010 Mel White 3 COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

Word on the Street by Kevin Carty

The Best “Pre-Show Marketing” I Have Ever Seen

After 15 years in the trade show industry, I don’t consider myself an expert, but I am a pretty good judge of certain things — like pre-show marketing.

In late December and early January, I witnessed one of the very best ever. It was created and implemented by Griffin Technology, an aftermarket accessory provider for iPods, iPhones, Blackberrys, and the upcoming iPad. And it was implemented specifically to generate buzz and traffic for their booth at CES 2010.

The Griffin Team clearly put a lot of thought and effort into making this happen, including tapping into two of the most prevalent mediums in our society today: Social Media and Reality Television.

Griffin Pre-show Marketing

Griffin Pre-show Marketing

The Griffin team created the website www.cesbound.com. It was a Griffin Technology meets The Real World experiment. Griffin employees would travel from their home office in Nashville, Tennessee to Las Vegas for CES. All the while, they would document their road trip via social media sites like Twitter.

To start, they acquired a beat-up old VW Bus and started “tweeting” and posting YouTube videos as they restored the van to look like a Griffin marketing piece on wheels. Then, they totally outfitted the van with Griffin products so they could “stay connected” on their journey. Product placement in action!

Equipped with a loyal following on Twitter and YouTube, they set out to drive from Tennessee to Vegas for CES minus all the gratuitous interpersonal crap you expect from reality television shows. Much to the contrary. It was a small group of employees on an adventure that would end up creating an unbelievable buzz at CES 2010.

I will not spoil the whole story, because you really need to go back and follow it for yourself. Whether it was the highlights from national monuments like the Alamo or the Grand Canyon, or simple stuff like stopping for some chow at Popeye’s along the way, or the Mexican Wresting Mask that made several appearances, CES attendees followed them religiously, always checking to see the latest video, photo, or blog posts.

Griffin Technology CES 2010

Griffin Technology CES 2010

All of this concluded with them driving the VW Bus onto the show floor  and placing it in their booth along side their two-story exhibit. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Classic Exhibits Rentals provided them with their exhibit. The project came to us from Carol Larimore and the team from Tradeshow Stop in Nashville. The final exhibit was spectacular! Evidence of the thought and care put into the project by Carol and her team. See the photos in P5D by clicking on the photo.

In the end, when CES 2010 opened the first day, Griffin was swamped with people who had been following them along the way. These were people who had been entertained not only by the personalities of the employees that embarked on the trip, but also by the product used during the trip.

The show was an enormous success for Griffin. And in the end, those of us who have ever taken a road trip of any length know that the overall expense must have been a fraction of what it would have been through traditional advertising and pre-show marketing.

It was a true example of thinking way outside the box.

Let me know what you think. What are some truly “unique” pre-show marketing plans you have seen implemented. Both good and bad.

Please share your comments via the blog comment section and have a safe and restful weekend!

–Kevin Carty

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

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Posted in Kevin Carty, Word on the Street | 3 Comments »

Aero Overhead Hanging Signs — Setup Animation Video

January 11th, 2010 Mel White COMMENTS

This one minute animation of the Aero Pinwheel shows how Aero Overhead Hanging Signs assemble. Every Aero Overhead Hanging Sign assembles with push-button connectors, and then the lightweight Aero aluminum frames are wrapped in tension fabric graphics.

Aero Overhead Hanging Signs are designed to be beautiful, adaptable, and recognizable, whether it’s for a trade show or special event. Choose from 21 stock structures—rounds, squares, pinwheels, rectangles, and triangles—or design a custom shape that communicates your unique message. Aero Overhead Hanging Signs are economical to own, simple to assemble, and easy to maintain.

To see the full line of Aero Overhead designs, visit www.classicexhibits.com and click on the Exhibit Design Search menu.

To see the video on YouTube, click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1Q2MO0ga4Y&fmt=18.

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Posted in Classic Exhibit Systems, Display Videos, Uncategorized | No Comments »

When 50% “Show” and 50% “Trade” is 100% “In Doubt”

September 29th, 2009 Mel White 1 COMMENT
trade-show_portland

The Future of Trade Shows

After ten plus years in the exhibit industry, I tend to make assumptions about trade shows. To me, they are convention halls, pipe and drape, carpeting, hanging banners, and trade show displays. They are drayage, union labor, and confusing electrical forms. You expect the typical exhibit hall to be 50 percent “show” and 50 percent “trade” once the doors open.  

Admittedly, my perception is a bit skewed. I work for a portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit manufacturer, and tend to see every show as a healthy dose of our designs with a smattering of custom exhibits and a sprinkling of banner stands. Those are trade shows, all set within a large exposition hall. That said . . .  I’m not naïve. I know a typical arts and crafts fair, Chamber of Commerce show, or local health fair doesn’t have all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional trade show. However, even those shows have professional table top displays, pop ups, and banner stands. I have always believed (and preached) that if you want your show to be successful, you should follow the advice of industry experts.

No Carpeting, No Pipe and Drape, No Drayage

Two weeks ago, I discovered otherwise. I learned, through personal experience, that you can hold a successful show without carpeting, without hanging banners, and largely without professional displays. People will come if the event speaks to their hobby or their lifestyle. And, in many situations, a more casual approach may give the event more credibility – especially in the beginning.

vegfes1About three months ago, I volunteered to assist with a local vegan/vegetarian festival, called the Portland VegFest 2009. This isn’t a new event. In fact, this year marks the 5th year, but this was the first year the VegFest was to be held in the Oregon Convention Center. The previous events were held in a local high school cafeteria. As the newbie on the planning committee, I quickly learned that the committee was well-organized, professional, and knowledgeable, but that the event had little money for the normal bells and whistles of a trade show. There would be no carpeting or hanging banners. Signage would be minimal, and even the printing of the black and white program was held to 1500 copies.

(more…)

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Posted in Mel White, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

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