Exhibit City News - January/February 2019

Call For Entries for ECN’s First Annual I&D ACE Awards!

January/February 2019 • VOL. 25 • ISSUE 1

CHICAGO AT WORK CHOOSING A FREIGHT MOVER TRADESHOW VENDORS: THE INDUSTRY’S LIFEBLOOD SPOTLIGHT ON INDIANAPOLIS

EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

001_Cover_noSpine_0119.indd 1

12/22/18 3:08 PM

The original frame with big holes, and the world’s only true 360° exhibit building system.

beMatrix® Wall? Ceiling? Floor?

One frame, three applications.

Now a single system lets you present something different and surprising at each event. beMatrix® 360° is a unique and infinitely reusable frame system. Each individual frame can be used for three applications, making the system flexible and cost effective. beMatrix® has reinvented the art of exhibit building.

Exhibitor: Jack Henry & Associates Inc. | Design: Hamilton Exhibits, Ken McGinnis | Build: Hamilton Exhibits | Photo: © beMatrix – Hamilton Exhibits

follow us:

/beMatrixUSA

www.bematrix.us +770 225 0552

BeMatrix ECN Jan Feb1 2019 be different be the same.indd 1 002_AdBank_0119.indd

12/18/2018 1:57:33 PM 12/21/18 10:52 AM

Experience the P wer of PARTNERSHIP

MANAGEMENT NATIONWIDE LABOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES Momentum’s approach to partnership hinges on the idea that we place our exhibit house clients in the center of every project.

Please contact us today to partner with Momentum and allow us to become an extension of your business.

Experience the Power of Partnership. Gain Momentum.

WWW.MOMENTUMMGT.COM

002_AdBank_0119.indd 2

770-777-4100

12/21/18 10:52 AM

004_AdBank_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 10:54 AM

004_AdBank_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 10:54 AM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

64

Call For Entries for ECN’s First Annual I&D ACE Awards!

January/February 2019 • VOL. 25 • ISSUE 1

30-33

Tackling the Search for Tradeshow Shipping

Choosing a Tradeshow Freight Mover

CHICAGO AT WORK

34-36 Tradeshow Vendors:

CHOOSING A FREIGHT MOVER

The Lifeblood of the Industry

TRADESHOW VENDORS: THE INDUSTRY’S LIFEBLOOD

38-39

SPOTLIGHT ON INDIANAPOLIS

Tradeshow Marketing Strategies Digging Deeper: Three Steps to a Better Understanding of Exhibit Booth Audiences

EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

12/22/18 3:08 PM

On our cover, the Chicago labor force at McCormick Place for the RSNA show

41

Feature Story

Shop to Showfloor Section

28-29

I&D and Event Labor

A Primer on Who Does What

Your Next Seminar Space, Reimagined

42-43

McCormick Place Labor Force

Columns

Break Out of the Boring with TechEnabled Furniture & Custom Seating

12

44-46

As The Saw Turns

Tradeshow Lighting

Life’s Clutter

14

Lighting the Way

Rethinking the Three Rs

Q&A Spotlight with John Gorey

48

The Green Piece

16

Five Questions for an I.A.T.S.E. International Rep, Tradeshow Dept.

Andy’s Apps

Apps That Help with Taxes

18

The Digital Experience 2019 Trends Driven by Tech

20

The International Man Recalculate Your Thinking

22

Social Media Strategies Social Media Focus: Facebook

24

Ask An Expert

Puerto Rico Comes Back Strong

Departments 8 10 24 52 54 60 66 72 76 80 95 102 105

Publisher’s Words The Convention Center Snapshot The Airport Snapshot International Focus AIPC The Convention Center Spotlight People on the Move Events & Venues The D.E.A.L. Regional Show Calendar Service Guide Classified Ads Advertiser Index

74

56-57

Corporate Profile

Bringing a Personal Touch to Storage West

58-59

The Don & Mike Show

The Don & Mike Show Goes Live at EDPA’s Access & IAEE’s Expo! Expo! plus Winners of the Lucky Listener/ Supporter Contest Drawn & Awarded

62

Association News

EDPA Las Vegas Wins Award & Delivers Holiday Cheer

64

Conferences / Seminars

EDPA Access in Naples, Florida & IAEE Expo! Expo! in New Orleans

70

In Memoriam: Jill DeWitt

(Abex, San Fernando, CA) &

Michael Altobelli (CEP, Chicago, IL)

Cover and top photo (EDPA Access) by PADGETT & CO.

001_Cover_noSpine_0119.indd 1

6 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

006_TOC_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:35 AM

INSPIRATION EXECUTION. YOUR

D E S E R V E S G R E AT

The moment you find inspiration, the soul of your show starts to become real. Your

next challenge is to identify and source the right elements and the right supplier.

Visit us at cortevents.com

Choose one with a huge range of designs, deep quantities and the ability to handle all those little bumps that happen on the way to “show ready.” Choose CORT.

Style & Service Delivered.®

© 2019 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.

006_TOC_0119.indd 2 CEF18007_ECN_CowPrint_FPAd_fnlMech.indd 1

12/21/18 11:11 AM 12/10/18 2:27 PM

PUBLISHER’S WORDS

Greetings to readers everywhere!

F

irst off, welcome to 2019! As I write this column in the waning days of 2018 I can report a red hot industry roaring into the new year. Feel free to join me in counting our blessings.

Our industry provides a great number of well-paying jobs that come with opportunities for advancement and are seldom boring compared to other industries!

Speaking of red hot, ECN has been traveling at a red hot pace covering a multitude of industry happenings— from the EDPA Access event in Naples, Fla., to IAEE in New Orleans (where ESCA had their year-end big event). The NAB ShowCares initiative and the Supreme Court rulings on sales tax discussed at Access both have the power to transform our industry and ECN will keep you informed every step of the way.

On top of all the domestic coverage I have just returned from Tokyo where I had the privilege of attending Sakura Internationals Biennial Meeting—a two day event attended by nearly 350 people!

Look to ExhibitCityNews.com as well as our next print edition for full coverage.

In this issue, check out our articles on shipping, vendors, technology advances, marketing strategies and so much more!

We mourn the loss of two wonderful superstars in our industry, CEP’s Michael Altobelli (the former Oakland A’s relief

PUBLISHER Donald V. Svehla Jr. (702) 309-8023 ext. 102 DonS@exhibitcitynews.com

pitcher) and Abex Industries customer service rep for nearly a quarter century, Jill Dewitt. And what a treat it was to head back to McCormick Place to shoot this month’s cover honoring the labor force of the radiology show with a few hundred of my closest friends! Chicago and McCormick Place will always be close to my heart…

We hope you’ll nominate your favorite I&D, contractor or laborer for our upcoming I&D ACE awards—deadline has been extended to the end of January. We also hope you’ll tune into the The Don & Mike Show twice a week starting in 2019 as we add a Tuesday show to go with our Friday show…we surpassed 10,000 downloads before the end of the year!

I take this opportunity to thank you, our readers, for allowing us to continue to report the news and write the history of our industry over the last 24 years running. We look forward to presenting a special 25th anniversary keepsake edition later this year. Hard to believe a quarter century of our history packed into one book!

Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019!

Don Svehla | Publisher

RETRACTION NOTICE and APOLOGY: Jim Wurm, EACA’s executive director and writer, and Exhibit City News apologize to Exhibit Experience for any damage caused to its reputation resulting from the not fully substantiated article (“November/December 2018 edition) written by Jim Wurm entitled “Glass Slipper v.

Golden Fleece Awards.” The accusations of criminal behavior made in the article against Exhibit Experience were made without any internal investigation into the matter or communication with Exhibit Experience’s principal prior to publication. We agree that a retraction and apology are absolutely warranted.

CSAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeanne Brei (702) 309-8023 ext. 103 JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com STAFF WRITER/EDITOR F. Andrew Taylor (702) 309-8023 ext. 105 FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com COLUMNISTS Calanit Atia Amadeus Finlay Haley Freeman Larry Kulchawik Lesley Martin Jim Obermeyer Cynthya Porter F. Andrew Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vince Battaglia Kevin Dana Mira Duriman Schae Kane Mike Morrison Maurist van der Sluis NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Christy DiGiambattista (702) 309-8023 ext. 111 ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Manny Chico Mike Morrison

Vol. 25, issue 1, copyright 2019 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS, published six times a year by Mr. Tradeshow Communications, LLC, 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169. Editorial views presented within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and no liability is inherent. To subscribe, go to ExhibitCityNews.com or call (702) 309-8023. Reproduction/reuse of this material may only be permitted with expressed permission of Exhibit City News. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to location listed above.

CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION

AS VEGAS

8 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

008_Publishers_Word+Masthead_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:24 AM

Meet the Staff

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

DonS@ExhibitCityNews.com

JeanneB@ExhibitCityNews.com

Don Svehla

Jeanne Brei

Don Svehla has been in the tradeshow industry his entire life, beginning as the son of a tradeshow trucker. He began by working at Giltspur, and coming from the show floors of Chicago, he realized the need for an industry news source back in 1993. With the support of industry friends, he began putting his 20-plus years of tradeshow experience down on paper. The result was the first Exhibit City News, which launched in June 1994 and was a small eight-page newsletter for Chicago’s tradeshow workers and community. By 1996, the newspaper had grown into a 32-page national newspaper bearing the tagline “Uniting the Nation’s Tradeshow Community.” Over the past 24 years, ECN has evolved into an indispensable resource for industry news and information–both online and in glossy magazine print.

Jeanne is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and has worked and written for Photo District News, The Independent, The Sunday and others. She is also a singer, tap dancer, entertainer and producer with a 7-piece swing band, The Speakeasy Swingers, and a monthly show, The Swanky Supper Club Soiree, now in its eighth year. She’s spent many years working in the tradeshow industry, writing proposals and producing events and entertainment for PGI/Safaris DMCs, doing transportation for PTI, and as a tradeshow rep who would build a 10x10 booth, work the booth and tear it down for several VNU magazines. She’s a published author on Amazon and has written/narrated and co-produced five TV documentaries that have aired on PBS Las Vegas as well as hosting/producing one season of The Vintage Vegas Variety Show which aired on VegasTV in 2012.

Business Development/Sales

Staff Writer

Art Director

ChristyD@ExhibitCityNews.com

FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com

Tom@speak-design.com

Christy DiGiambattista Christy brings more than 15 years of experience in tradeshows and events, from creating events to sales and staffing. She began her career in Atlantic City creating unique artisan wine and fine dining events hosted by celebrity chefs and The Food Network. In 2008 she worked with the Philadelphia Eagles to create a wine labeled “Happy Tails” to benefit the ASPCA. She’s also a youth group counselor at her church and works closely with organizations that help homeless teens in Las Vegas.

F. Andrew Taylor Andy is an award-winning journalist, artist, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator.

He also works in film production, does local historical research and has been an amateur stunt driver and rodeo participant.

Thomas Speak Tom is a UNLV graduate, has worked at FREEMAN Las Vegas as an exhibit designer, and later at Vegas Seven magazine. He now heads Speak Design, an award-winning print and web design studio in downtown Las Vegas.

Have news or story ideas for ECN? Email newsdesk@ExhibitCityNews.com!

008_Publishers_Word+Masthead_0119.indd 2 Meet_The_Staff_FP_092018.indd 1

12/21/18 11:12 AM 8/22/18 8:34 AM

CONVENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT

010_Snapshot_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 11:14 AM

Indiana Convention Center Location: 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Year built: Opened in 1972.

Size: The ICC has 566,600 sq.ft. in 11 halls on the exhibit hall floor, 113,302 sq.ft. in 71 rooms of breakout/meeting space and a 62,173 sq.ft. ballroom with three rooms.

A tunnel connects to Lucas Oil Stadium which has an additional 183,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms.

Parking: Approximately 12,000 parking spaces in surface lots and parking garages immediately surround the facility.

An additional 40,000 parking spaces are within a ten-block area.

PLUS!

Where to eat, sleep and play near ICC on p. 60

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available in the food courts for tasks that are not bandwidth intensive.

Hotels: Within a 1.5 mile radius of the ICC there are 27 hotels with 7,172 rooms. A skywalk connects 4,716 of those rooms to the ICC allowing visitors to get around without facing the weather. There are 32,000 hotel rooms in Indianapolis.

Airport Info: The ICC is 14.4 miles from the Indianapolis Int’l Airport.

Fun Fact #1: When the Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008, the old inflatable RCA dome was airlifted away and deflated.

Fun Fact #2: The Indiana Comic Con, Indy Pop Con (a popular culture convention) and Gen Con, the largest tabletop-game convention in North America, all take place annually at the CC, making it a nerd mecca.

Website: icclos.com ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 11

010_Snapshot_0119.indd 2

12/27/18 8:36 AM

COLUMN As the Saw Turns

Life’s Clutter

M

y mom and dad bought their and hauling to our home? I know that first–and only–home in 1955. was my wife’s greatest fear.

A Fifties-era, three-bedroom, Going room to room, drawer to drawer, brick ranch home. A home where my closet to closet, my brother and I spent brother and I were born and raised. A the day reliving our youth. We found old home where many memories were made. board games in our old bedroom, Dad’s And a home where much of the stuff old fishing gear and model-building of those memories still remains. tools in the basement workshop, Recently my brother and I had Mom’s favorite china in the dinto go through all of those memoing room. The basement family ries. My dad passed away in 1997, room was full of old records, and my mother lived in that home old magazines, Dad’s maps and until she was recently moved into

By Jim Obermeyer travel brochures and all the a nursing home at the age of 90. glassware at his bar.

The home has actually sat vacant for I collected a few things for each of my more than a year, as we moved Mom kids–things they had talked about rememfrom rehab to assisted living to the nursbering from staying at Grandma’s. And I ing home where she will remain for the did collect a few things for myself, but very rest of her days. In order to prepare the little when compared with what I thought home for sale, my brother and I had to I might haul off. literally go through every counter, cabiI’m not sure how many people my age net, drawer and box in preparation for an have to go through their parents’ home auction of the contents of the home. they lived in their entire lives. We are This was no easy task. A full home, a such a mobile society now. People typifull basement and a full attic. More than cally don’t stay in their first homes their 60 years of collecting stuff. Hoarders entire lives, slowly collecting things over they were not, just the trinkets and keeptime. My impression is that people now sakes of a long life full of family, friends don’t collect as much stuff, although I’m and travel, and the things you collect not sure I could say that about myself. along the way.

My wife certainly wouldn’t.

One of my fears going into this exerI came away from the experience cise was what I would come away with, thinking a lot about what is important both emotionally–reliving all of those in life. It certainly doesn’t appear to be memories as we went through them— stuff. My parents had lots of it. And most and physically–what would I refuse to of it will now end up in a landfill or being discard, and end up putting in my trunk sold to someone else to collect.

There were other side effects to this exercise. I sat in my office at work the next week staring at piles of files and drawers full of material I’ve collected over the course of my career in this industry. How much of this do I really need? How much of this do I use? How much of this will anyone ever use?

I feel sorry for the team that empties our trash cans in the evening. They hauled away a lot of paper during that week. And I’m the guy that usually saves stuff rather than trashing it.

So, what’s really important in life? I don’t think it’s stuff. We certainly cannot take it with us. We can surround ourselves with it for the majority of our lives, but in the end, it all goes away. Instead of collecting stuff, how about collecting experiences? How about collecting memories? How about collecting time with your family and friends? Instead of giving the gift of stuff, how about giving the gift of presence? As in being present in the lives of those who are important to you.

Take the time to spend the time with the people in your life. Those experiences and memories you will have with you no matter where you actually live.

See you on the show floor.

Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 37 years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and exhibit house owner. He is currently a VP at Hamilton Exhibits and can be reached at jobermeyer@hamilton-exhibits.com.

12 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

012_Col_ATST_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:36 AM

IS HERE! Brumark has combined years of know-how with superior materials and the latest innovations in processing to create the best quality, most economical carpet on the market. Advantage XL features: Three weights, available in a variety of colors Best value in the industry • Simplified two-step ordering

Contact your CEM, call 800.291.9606, or visit brumark.com to request samples!

Come see us in booth #1213.

PREMIUM CARPET • UNBEATABLE PRICE • ORDERING AS EASY AS 1 - 2

012_Col_ATST_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 11:27 AM

COLUMN The Green Piece

Rethinking the Three Rs in the Aftermath of China’s Recycle Defection

R

educe, Reuse and Recycle. This The study was designed to estimate sois the mantra that convention ciety’s optimal recycling rate. He stated, centers across the nation have “Results surprised us—society’s best repeated while striving to reduce recycling rate is only 10 percent. their environmental impact by And only specific recyclable implementing sustainability materials should be included in initiatives that include robust that 10 percent.” He went on recycling measures. For examto explain that while recycling ple, the nation’s third largest up to 10 percent appears to

By Haley Wilson-Freeman convention center, the Las reduce social costs, recycling Vegas Convention Center, diverts more over 10 percent costs the environment than 3,500 tons of material from landfills and the economy more than it helps. annually, including 338 tons of plastic Prophetically, he also concluded that the and 670 tons of cardboard and paper. environment and economy suffer as we However, it may be time for us to rethink transport recycled materials to faraway our approach to recycling. destinations like China.

China changed the game in 2018, when Kinnaman’s study revealed that the it pulled back on the import of recyclasubstantial environmental benefits of bles from Western nations. Until 2018, using recycled materials in producChina imported about one third of U.S. tion vary across materials. Aluminum, recyclables, including paper, plastic, other metals and paper are all costly glass and other materials. According to to acquire and manufacture from raw the National Conference of State Legislaresources. In contrast, glass and plastic tures (NCSL), China imported 7.3 million take a smaller environmental toll when tons of waste plastics, accounting for 56 manufactured from raw materials. As percent of world imports in 2016. a result, the optimal 10 percent recySince China’s pullback, these items are cle rate should focus on the collection piling up at processing centers around of roughly 100 percent of aluminum, the country with no place to go. Many certain metals and paper, especially communities that ramped up recycling cardboard and other fiber sources. programs and sold waste to China for As is so often the case when talking a profit are now either paying to have about green initiatives, this is a prime opthe material hauled away or selling it portunity for good-old-fashioned Amerto countries like India and Thailand at ican innovation. Why are we depending drastically reduced prices. Where are the upon China and other nations to solve our thousands of tons of materials so dutifultrash problems in the first place? In fact, ly collected by the LVCC and others now we could reason that China has unwittingto be sold and processed? ly done us a favor, opening the way for deOne expert offered this bombshell velopment of new products manufactured solution: recycle less. In 2014, Thomfrom recycled materials. Would you buy as Kinnaman, professor of economics a bag or wallet made from pre-consumed at Bucknell University, co-authored a automobile side airbags? How about a research study for the Journal of Envibike made from recycled aluminum, or a ronmental Economics and Management. reclaimed wood bottle opener made from

He went on to explain that while recycling up to 10 percent appears to reduce social costs, recycling over 10 percent costs the environment and the economy more than it helps. a Major League game bat?

In June 2018, the NCSL reported, “State legislatures have already proposed legislation in response to China’s ban on waste imports. As the scope of the ban widens at the end of this year and next, more states will be looking for ways to encourage the recycling, reuse and reduction of plastics and other materials, and may discover a market with untapped potential for job creation.”

Perhaps the real story here is this: we all need to focus more on the first two Rs—Reduce and Reuse. Maybe we have relied too much upon the idea that someone will be there to allay the effects of our unbridled consumerism if we just have the discipline to throw our unwanted items into the right bin.

Haley Freeman is a writer and a passionate advocate for the environment and sustainable business practices. Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/ in/haley-wilson-freeman-378b8413/

14 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

014_Col_GreenPiece_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:37 AM

MORE THAN JUST A SYSTEM

Creating exhibits that are environmentally friendly is not just what we do…it’s who we are.

Reusable!

Recyclable!

Remarkable!

014_Col_GreenPiece_0119.indd 2

OCTANORM ® North America, Inc. 701 Interstate West Parkway Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Tel: (800)995-2995 Fax: (770)732-1620 info@octanormna.com www.octanormna.com

12/21/18 11:22 AM

COLUMN Andy’s Apps

Apps to Help with Your Taxes

B

en Franklin famously and then you can organize wrote, “In this world by customizable categories. nothing can be said You still have to enter the to be certain, except death total manually and there are and taxes.” The closest places to make notes in thing I’ve found to an case the photo of the app that helps with receipt isn’t self-exdeath is WeCroak, a planatory. The app 99 cent app that redoes have an Optical minds you five times Character RecogniBy F. Andrew Taylor a day that you’re tion function, but it going to die. I’ve got aches charges for everything beyond and pains that remind me of the first two. that far more frequently for The app can also track free, so in this column, I’m things like mileage. You focusing on taxes. enter your company’s reimSmart Receipts is an easy bursement rate, the miles way to keep track of travel and traveled and where you went other expenses. You create a and the app takes care of report, either for a set perithe math. When the report od of time or a specific trip is done, it can be output in and add your expenses and several formats. receipts to it. It can break out iDonatedit is an app that the taxes for you. The receipts lets you track your donation are added by taking a picture of goods to thrift stores and

the value you can claim on your taxes based on the item and its condition. You can track what was donated and save photos of the items for proof. Unfortunately, it’s only available on Apple products and I couldn’t find an app that was equivalent for Android. There were several that looked close, but on deeper investigation they were no longer available or they only offered a small sliver of the features of iDonatedit.

IRS2go is the Internal Revenue Service’s official mobile app. While there are a number of tax filing apps that try to keep up with the changes to regulations, deductions and the other complications of filing your taxes, there’s a certain logic to going right to the source for that info and

avoiding any interpretation issues from third parties. The app allows you to check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance from an IRS volunteer income tax assistant local to you, sign up for helpful tax tips, and much more. For example, you can request tax return information and account transcripts. While the app probably won’t offer you any clever tips to reduce your taxes, any information it does offer is straight from the horse’s app.

F. Andrew Taylor is an award-winning journalist, artist, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator. He also works in film production, does historical research and has been an amateur stunt driver and rodeo participant. Contact him at fandrewt@ exhibitcitynews.com.

16 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

016_Col_Andysapps_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:37 AM

Meet Our Columnists As The Saw Turns

International Focus

Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 35 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house owner.

He is currently a vice president at Hamilton Exhibits and can be reached at jobermeyer@ hamilton-exhibits.com.

Cynthya Porter is a 70-time awardwinning journalist recognized by national and international associations for her expertise in tradeshow topics, travel writing, photography and news. She has covered the exhibition industry for eight years.

Andy’s Apps

The International Man

F. Andrew Taylor is an award-winning journalist, artist, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator. He also works in film production, does local historical research and has been an amateur stunt driver and rodeo participant. Contact him at fandrewt@exhibitcitynews.com.

Larry Kulchawik is the head of Larry Kulchwawik Consulting and author of “Trade Shows from One Country to the Next.” For more info, visit www.larrykulchawik.com

The Digital Experience Lesley Martin is a writer and digital producer working in San Francisco, Calif.

Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/ lesleymartin.

The Green Piece Haley Freeman is a writer and a passionate advocate for the environment and sustainable business practices. Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/ haley-wilson-freeman-378b8413/.

Ask An Expert Calanit Atia is an Air Force veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events, an award winning event planner, Las Vegas ambassador, social media maven, columnist and speaker. Contact her at Info@ AtoZevents.com.

Social Media Strategies Amadeus Finlay is a writer, strategic growth marketer and communications/ public relations consultant who resides in Rhode Island. He’s a graduate of the University of Edinburgh and has lived in the U.S. since 2014. Contact him at AmadeusF@ ExhibitCityNews.com.

Have news or story ideas for ECN? Email newsdesk@ExhibitCityNews.com!

016_Col_Andysapps_0119.indd 2 Meet_The_Columnists_FP_112018.indd 1

12/27/18 8:38 AM 12/27/18 8:22 AM

COLUMN The Digital Experience

2019 Trends Driven by Technological Advances

H

ow will technology nfluence the tradeshow experience trends in 2019? Rather than monumental shifts in new technology, we are witnessing advancements that continue to enhance the show floor experience.

assistants. That has made information readily accessible through chatbots, virtual assistants and apps. The venue map, Wi-Fi password, event line-ups and more are readily accessible at their fingertips.

That creates a smoother experience, less waste, interaction and opportunities for data gathering, which should lead to seeing these technologies become more prevalent and expected at tradeshows.

Deeper Views into Data In the past, information was primarily provided to attendees through printed materials.

Not only did that create a lot of waste, it was also limiting in the Tracking & Enhancing way data could be presented. the Attendee’s Journey Today, technology has made Capturing performance data data much more accessible and for tradeshows was notoriously creative. Organizers and exhibdifficult to accurately and reliitors are harnessing technology ably measure. Now, organizers for efficient and innovative and exhibitors can add numways to organize, present bers to “tradeshow buzz” and deliver data with RFID, beacons, at tradeshows. drones and other techExhibitors can nologies. From overnow present their head readers to floor brands, products and

By Lesley Martin mats, RFID technology places as experiences allows organizers to unusing augmented and virtual obtrusively track traffic and the realities. That technology can attendee journey. Drones have be especially important to aerial cameras that can monicompanies who want to show tor the space and traffic flows. something not easily shown That gives organizers real-time on the tradeshow floor. For data to track activities and patexample, AR can be used to terns for in-depth analytics like show the inner workings of never before. They are using a mechanical product, or a the data to understand attendsuite of products not present ee behavior, such as heatmaps on the show floor. Or, VR can of tradeshow floor traffic, dwell take the attendees to a distant times and session attendance. place, such as a factory, office or travel destination.

Enhanced This past year saw incredible Security & Privacy advancements in conversationWith shootings and terroral robots that act like personal ist attacks on the rise, security

in public places is top of mind for many conference attendees. Drones and facial recognition technology enhance security at events like tradeshows. For example, aerial drones can operate as mobile security cameras by sending footage back to monitors watched by event staff who can keep an eye out for suspicious or dangerous activity.

When a problem is detected, the drone can “target” and follow it, and can even release a warning signal.

For secure check-in, facial recognition is being used to identify and verify a person from a picture. It can also be linked to other biometrics such as a fingerprint. While this technology is improving, data privacy is being debated. If the used device or system is hacked, facial data can potentially be accessed by third parties and security would be compromised.

That’s what makes blockchain so different. Blockchain technology verifies identity and tracks transactions while simultaneously protecting privacy of the user. For a

tradeshow, a single blockchain could trace an attendee from issuing of ticket, to verification at the event, to attendance of multiple events.

The use of a single blockchain would enhance security and speed check-in process from event to event. At the same time, attendees can choose what information they want released. Blockchain could significantly disrupt the tradeshow industry, but because of its decentralization, it would need broad support by the industry and agreed-upon guidelines to succeed. That makes it one to watch.

AR, VR, drones, facial recognition and other technologies are not new. However, their function is improving and the cost of hardware and production is decreasing. Therefore, we will most likely see them increase scale, prevalence and adoption in the tradeshow and corporate event industry.

Lesley Martin is a writer and digital producer working in San Francisco.

Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/lesleymartin.

18 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

018_Col_DigitalExp_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:31 AM

ConventionSuite can remove the tangles.

Move to the cloud to enable your company to disentangle your current complex, disjointed cluster of conventional, on–premise software. ConventionSuite is a complete, uniďŹ ed business management suite for the convention, exposition, and tradeshow industry. ConventionSuite is built on top of NetSuite, the #1 Cloud ERP system in the market, running more than 40,000 organizations.

Before

After

Contact NewGen Business Solutions, Inc. today and let us show you how ConventionSuite can help your business.

NewGen Business Solutions, Inc. www.conventionsuite.com 877-932-2478 sales@newgennow.com

@ExhibitCityNews

018_Col_DigitalExp_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 19

12/21/18 11:32 AM

COLUMN The International Man

Eight Tips when Exhibiting Internationally…

T

he biggest mistake that U.S. companies make when taking their homegrown experiences abroad is assuming that their formula for success in the U.S. will work the same internationally. Marketing tactics and exhibit designs that are effective in one country don’t always work in another. Exhibiting abroad requires a recalculation of thinking and exhibit strategy for both exhibit design and engagement styles. Here are some tips for American exhibitors when taking their brand and message abroad.

1. Don’t go it alone. Find an experienced partner from the region, or one who is familiar with the venue, culture and the event. Work with them to create an exhibit layout that meets the regulations and expectations for the event. Communicate inches/centimeters with your partner—it will save time and confusion. Your partner can help you understand how the international venue approaches freight and material handling, labor and other show services. Show service contractors, as we know them in the U.S., are not the same abroad.

2. Design your exhibit to accommodate cultural expectations.

Should you include a raised floor, or use a carpet? A raised floor in Europe is not only used to hide electric cords and create a level floor. It is often viewed by the exhibitor as a stage that invites guests to their “kingdom.” Other design questions that should be asked: Are hanging ID signs used and permitted? Is the lighting above or within the booth? What are the electrical requirements? Include a bar area with kitchen? Catering or not? Private seating areas or open? Live presentation or one-on-one discussions?

3. Tailor your product offering to the needs of the world region in which you’re exhibiting. Does

your product or service have the same demand or attraction for this region of the world as it does in the U.S.? What unique value proposition does it offer?

Promoting American designer shoes in Italy may be a hard sell.

Find an experienced partner from the region, or one who is familiar with the venue, culture and the event.

4. Be sensitive to cultural differences. As an exhibitor working the stand, learn about local topics to discuss (sports, art, attractions, history), as well as topics to avoid (religion and politics).

Learn how to greet guests—shake hands, bow, or nod? Your product, services and exhibit design may be great, but how you engage with an international audience can make or break your chances to attract new buyers. Just as fish don’t know they’re in water, people often find it difficult to see and recognize their own culture until they start comparing it with others.

Take the time to understand the culture.

5. Consider hiring a receptionist in the booth from the country in which you are exhibiting. Although English may be the language of business, most European and Asian trade shows will have visitors from neighboring countries, so a receptionist who speaks several languages is extremely

By Larry Kulchawik

useful. They are also skilled at the art of engaging with your visitors to make a good first impression, from the visitors’ point of view. A pre-show briefing of your company’s value offering is usually all that is required of a reception temp since your team will be nearby to provide the technical knowledge.

6. Translations are a sign of respect. Take the time to print your business cards in two languages. Although many attendees will speak English, a dual-language card demonstrates your sensitivity and your seriousness about marketing in their country. Along the same lines, you may want to translate the graphics on your exhibit stand as well.

This does not apply to your logo or tag line, but may help explain your product or service benefits. Translations should be proofread by a bilingual expert who is familiar with your industry.

7. Not all international shows require a badge for entry, especially at auto, boat or consumer shows open to the public. Without badges, it’s more difficult to identify potential buyers. A quick evaluation will be necessary. If show badges are not provided for visitors and exhibitors, make your own for your booth staff to wear. At least attendees will know who you are.

8. Be aware of how to dress for the show. The casual golf shirts with logos worn by exhibitors at many shows in the U.S. might not be appropriate for a show in Europe or Asia, where a more formal attire is expected. Ask the show organizer or your exhibit partner for advice here. Your first impression can be a lasting impression.

Larry Kulchawik is the head of Larry Kulchwawik Consulting and author of Trade Shows from One Country to the Next. For more info, visit www. larrykulchawik.com.

20 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

020_Col_LarryK_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:33 AM

Engagement Technology Specialists 1.8mm LED Technology

Creative Content Development

General Session Production

Interactive Engagement Solutions

Breakout Management System

Themed Environment Lighting

Bringing Your ideas and visions to life sales@4productions.com | 774-568-5400

020_Col_LarryK_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 11:35 AM

COLUMN Social Media Strategies

Social Media Focus: Facebook

B

y this point, the only living organas Hootsuite to manage content. The isms that don’t know about Faceplatform also has a robustly promoted book live somewhere in a galaxy media tool, known as “boosting,” that far, far away… and even they aren’t safe allows users to specify–and reach–their from the Zuckerberg juggernaut target audiences and geography looming down on their doorstep. with remarkable precision.

That is because Facebook is the But there’s more. With Facemost powerful, influential and book Live, event marketers can complex form of communication stream an exclusive live broadever to hit the universe (as we cast from the floor, giving the

by Amadeus Finlay know it, at least), and it seems real world feel for those who that nothing can move it. A difficult couldn’t make it. Or maybe you created 18 months in 2016-2017 saw a raft of a higher production video during the political scandals and personnel crises show and want the world to see after the threaten to shake the platform to its core; fact? Not only can Facebook host video but Facebook took the hit, dusted itself off files up to one gigabyte in size, but the and casually moved on. In fact, in the first platform’s built-in auto-captioning funcquarter of 2018 alone, Facebook recorded tion inserts subtitles so those with their $13.2 billion in revenue, a figure which sound turned off (the majority) can still represented a 42 percent increase, year benefit from the message. Upload the over year. How’s that for a recovery story? right bit of video content and your brand A very good one, that’s for sure, but can be seen by thousands of people also somewhat expected. Just like rats worldwide. Just like that. and pigeons, Facebook is everywhere, All this oomph and innovation is made and the platform’s almighty clout influpossible by the sheer size of the platform. ences each of the planet’s markets with At time of print, Facebook has approxiequal, irresistible force. The tradeshow mately 2.27 billion monthly active users, industry is no exception. In a 2015 survey a number that accounts for a little more conducted by FreemanXP and the Event than a third of the entire planet. 2.14 milMarketing Institute, 77 percent of relion of those users live in the U.S., with spondents named Facebook as the most 83 percent being female and 79 percent effective social media tool for pre-event of all users holding a college degree. This promotion, with 55 percent identifying makes Facebook a prime platform for the platform as most effective for event tradeshow and event-related content; the reviews and post-show conversations. industry skews towards educated feFacebook also ranked consistently #1 in males, and since the platform is so closethe survey’s other studies. ly tailored for the individual user, some And that’s because there is so much strategic advertising (through the “boost” variation and flexibility to the platform. feature) is likely to hit the mark.

Not only can users post everything from Of course, there are downsides. For links to images, polls and video, but with one, Facebook has the rights to all imaga built-in scheduling tool (including a full es stored on its platform. Which means ad management dashboard), you don’t that the embarrassing photograph of you need to rely on third party providers such and Uncle Ron at last year’s Thanksgiv-

ing afterparty is up for grabs; so, keep an eye out on those highway billboards, you might just see something you posted online. On occasion, accounts do get shut down, but this is uncommon and usually with good reason. If anything, the most troubling impact of Facebook is the threat of addiction and the obsessive behaviors that come with it. Known as Facebook depression, the phenomenon is real and has been around for a while. In 2009, a comprehensive study compiled by the University of Guelph and York University found that increased Facebook use significantly predicts Facebook-related jealousy, a digital form of neuroticism.

Everyone can be seen, everyone can see you, and that is a dangerous mixture when coupled with obsession.

Indeed, perhaps the limitation of Facebook is that there are no limitations, and while it doesn’t plan to go to Mars (yet), incredible features such as Facebook Watch (its very own rival to Netflix), and the power to see the New Oxford American Dictionary include “unfriend” within its hallowed sheets cannot be ignored.

And like a dictionary, this article could go into the nitty gritty details, covering the tactical aspects of event pages and forums, nerding over nifty little tools such as back-scheduling, and extolling the impactful virtues of replacing a cover image with a video.

But I think you get the message. Can I get a like?

Amadeus Finlay is a writer, strategic growth marketer and communications/public relations consultant who lives in R.I. A Univ. of Edinburgh graduate, he’s lived in the U.S. since 2014. He was featured in Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Pulse Magazine’s 16 to Watch in 2016.

Contact him at AmadeusF@ExhibitCityNews.com.

22 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

022_Col_SMS_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:38 AM

022_Col_SMS_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 11:37 AM

COLUMN Ask An Expert

Puerto Rico Is Back, Strong and Growing

W

hen Hurricane along with 13 state-of-the-art Maria hit Puergolf courses and 16 casinos. to Rico on Sept.

The Broadway musical 20, 2017, it was considered Hamilton is coming to Puerto the worst natural disaster on Rico Jan. 8-27, 2019, and Lin record to affect Dominica and Manuel Miranda will reprise Puerto Rico. The Categohis role as Alexander ry 4 storm devastated Hamilton. Discover the island; it was Puerto Rico’s Dean hard to believe that believes it will bring it would ever recovmuch attention and er. The horrific and tourism to the island.

By Calanit Atia heartbreaking pictures “Lin Manuel Miranand stories affected the da is simply extraordientire world. nary,” Dean explains. “No one I am so happy to report that can personify the heart, pasPuerto Rico has recovered and sion and resilience of Puerto is growing! According to Brad Rico like he does. We will see Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto a boost during the month of Rico, “Today we have 132 January due to the Hamilton hotels open, which equates production, but Lin Manuel’s to more than 11,000 rooms. impact will be far greater than That number is not inclusive the Hamilton production. of about 8,000 independent He is putting Puerto Rico on rental units that are available the global map and helping through platforms like Airbnb showcase what’s most special and VRBO. We expect by mid- about Puerto Rico: the people 2019 to be back to an invenand their culture.” tory of 15,000 hotel rooms, which is pre-Maria levels.”

Today Puerto Rico offers an average of 110 daily flights on 28 airlines. Overall, there are 189-plus tourist attractions opened including Old San Juan walking tours, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, Bacardi Tour, Cueva Ventana, Hacienda Campo Rico, Toro Verde and some areas of El Yunque.

There are more than 4,000 restaurants open island-wide, including in Culebra & Vieques and about 1,885 are located in the San Juan metro area,

Dean adds, “In the past, Puerto Rico has been mostly promoted as a beach destination, and while our beaches are beautiful, that does not set us apart from other islands in the Caribbean.

Today, when we speak about more than 500 years of history, cultural diversity, arts, music, dance and gastronomy, Puerto Rico immediately stands out as the gem of the Caribbean. We are going to firmly plant our brand flag in Puerto Rico’s rich, vibrant culture in hopes this will truly differentiate our brand and invite travelers to enjoy world class experiences available to everyone” Puerto Rico is excited to announce a new development that will be opening late 2019, called District San Juan—it’s currently under construction and Dean believes it will be a game changer for Puerto Rico. It is like a slice of Las Vegas with a Latin feel and a Caribbean flavor. This extraordinary attraction will be an all-in-one dining and entertainment complex that

will showcase the rich Puerto Rican culture and the best characteristics of its people through live performances, music, world-class dining experiences and much more.

The five-acre entertainment complex will include amenities such as a 6,000-seat concert pavilion, an eight-screen cineplex, an Aloft Hotel and a state-of-the-art central plaza with ongoing entertainment.

District San Juan is not far from Old San Juan, so you can still enjoy the colonial city with convenient access to a modern entertainment complex just a few miles away.

It’s an exciting time for Puerto Rico. They have weathered the storm and are coming back bigger and better than ever. For more info, visit www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

Calanit Atia is an Air Force veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events, an award-winning event planner, Las Vegas ambassador, social media maven, columnist and speaker. Contact her at Info@ AtoZevents.com.

Old San Juan

24 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

024_AskExpert_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:39 AM

REDUCE YOUR LABOR EXPENSES EXPAND YOUR NATIONAL REACH From City to City, Employco has you covered.

Whether you set up one booth or an entire show, anywhere in the country, we can reduce your labor expenses.

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY Payroll and Tax Management Union Fringe Calculations Access to Union Agreements Discounted Workers’ Comp Rates Human Resource Outsourcing Employees

024_AskExpert_0119.indd 2

We help manage your administrative functions so you can focus on expanding your reach.

Contact Rob Wilson, President 630.286.7345 robwilson@employco.com www.employco.com

12/21/18 11:43 AM

AIRPORT SNAPSHOT

026_Airport_Snapshot_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 11:45 AM

Indianapolis Municipal Airport IATA Airport Code: IND Location: 7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Dr., Indianapolis, IN Year Opened: 1931. In 1944, it was renamed Weir Cook Municipal Airport, after U.S.A.F. Col. Harvey Weir Cook. In 1976 it returned to its original name.

Size: The airport covers 7,700 acres with two runways and 40 gates. In 2017 a record-breaking 8.8 million people came through, making it the 46th busiest in the U.S. The five-floor parking garage covers 11 acres on each level and features a light-filled center atrium with suspended artwork and moving sidewalks.

Transportation: In addition to buses, hotel shuttles, taxis, charter services and ride shares, the airport offers BlueIndy, an electric car-sharing service that takes customers to stops around Indy. Eight rental car operations and the Ground Transportation Center are located on the first floor of the attached parking garage.

All pick-ups and drop-offs of rental vehicles also occur here, eliminating the need for shuttles to remote facilities.

Fun Facts: IND was named the “Best in the U.S” according to Condé Nast Traveler’s list of Best Airports in America.

Col. Harvey Weir Cook fought in WWI in Captain Eddie Rickenbacker’s famous “Hat in the Ring” 94th Aero Squadron.

He was twice cited for attacking formations of multiple German fighters by himself but that same gung-ho attitude found him being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster.

May 2018 marked Indy’s first transatlantic flight, with nonstop service on Delta to Paris’s CDG. ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 27

026_Airport_Snapshot_0119.indd 2

12/27/18 8:40 AM

ON OUR COVER

The McCormick Place Labor Force A PRIMER ON WHO DOES WHAT

BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR

Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the controversial visionary who spearheaded the drive to build a worldclass convention center in the city of Chicago, never saw the building that bears his name.

He was editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune and saw the need for an exhibition hall in 1948. Through his leadership, he convinced the state legislature to levy a tax in 1951 to fund the construction of a permanent exhibition hall to host conventions and tradeshows. McCormick died in 1955 and even though construction didn’t begin until 1958, it was dedicated in his name when it was completed in 1960 for $35 million.

After the tragic fire in January 1967 that destroyed the entire building during the National Housewares Manufacturers Association (NHMA) Show, the facility was rebuilt by 1971 and has continued to expand. Today it’s a campus of four buildings with an impressive amount of space and amenities including 2.6 million sq.ft. of exhibit halls with 1.3 million sq.ft. all on one level. There is 600,000 sq.ft. of meeting room space spread out among 170 meeting rooms.

It has six ballrooms, including the two largest in the city, and four theaters, including the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater.

Since McCormick Place opened, labor has been the force that makes the commerce of exhibitions and conventions run like a well-oiled machine.

If you’re new to the exhibitions industry or you’re trying to explain the ropes to a newbie, finding out who takes care of what can be confusing. Here’s a look at who does what at Chicago’s premier convention and exhibition space. Not all convention centers call upon the same professionals for the exact same services--for example, in Las Vegas, the Teamsters handle a great many more tasks.

Tom Cassell, a consultant for McCormick Place, pointed out that exhibitors and their employees are allowed to handle much of the work themselves, within guidelines presented in The Exhibitor Bill of Rights.

“An exhibitor employee may perform work in a booth of any size,” the document states.

“They can work within the booth using their own ladders or hand tools, cordless tools, power tools and other tools designated by McCormick Place/SMG.” The primary things exhibitors are prohibited from doing is operating machinery, such as forklifts and scissor lifts. For most companies working frequently and with larger scale setups, the chances are that all of these issues will be dealt

with by a hired contractor who knows all of the ins and outs of who to go to for each task.

Even if you’re going through a contractor, there’s value in knowing who’s doing the work.

McCormick Place Technology Services Department, (312) 791-6113 Currently, McCormick Place itself only employs one union; the McCormick Place Technology Services Department. The in-house division handles the internet and telecommunications needs of event planners and their exhibitors. They are responsible for the installation, repair and dismantle of all voice and data service including fiber optics and internet installations, as well as performing all in-booth voice and data wiring of exhibitor-owned telecommunications equipment.

Almost all of the unions that work at McCormick Place are employed by event service contractors.

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, (312) 787-3076 The carpenters union has a strong presence in Chicago, with its Built to Last television show informing the public about what they do and how they do it. At McCormick place, they are responsible for uncrating exhibits and display materials. They also handle installing and dismantling exhibits including cabinets, fixtures, shelving units and furniture.

They also take care of the laying of floor tile and carpets, hanging structural signs, installing and dismantling scaffolding, bleachers and ganging of chairs. When the event is over, it’s the carpenters that recrate exhibits and machinery.

United Steel Workers (USW) Local 17U Decorators Union, (773) 523-0071 Decorators are responsible for hanging all signs and in-

28 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

028_Mccormick_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:42 AM

ing, including the installing and removing tanks, anchoring and welding, dealing with compressed air, water, drain, natural gas and bottled pressurized gases. They fill and drain tanks and do installation and removal of all venting to the atmosphere.

stalling all drape, cloth and/ or tacked fabric panels. They also handle Velcro signs used in a booth that require tools or more than one person for installation.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, (312) 454-1340 Electricians, of course, assemble, install and dismantle any equipment that uses electricity that is powered from the building’s electrical system. They also handle electrical wiring, hookups and interconnections, electrical signs, video and audio taping and cable television hookups.

Chicago Journeymen Plumbers’ and Technical Engineers Local Union 130 UA, (312) 421-1010 While a great deal of booths use electricity, those that need plumbing are a more specialized group. Plumbers are responsible for all plumb@ExhibitCityNews

028_Mccormick_0119.indd 2

Projectionists Local 110, Motion Picture Projectionists, Audio Visual Engineers & Computer Technicians Union, part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) Local 476, (312) 454-1110 Due to the delicate and specific needs of the equipment, projectionists are the exclusive professionals for load-in, set-up, and staging of any and all equipment used for the projection of an image on a screen or surface. This includes but isn’t limited to motion picture, video, holography, laser, slide and film projection equipment.

Machinery Movers, Riggers & Machinery Erectors Local 136, (708) 615-9300 It’s the riggers who are responsible for uncrating, un-skidding, positioning and re-skidding all machinery.

Exhibitors may hand-carry in computers and appliances but removing large items, which require the use of tools to release/ remove restraining straps, would require rigging labor.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 727, (847) 696-7500 All other material handling in and out of the exhibit hall is

the responsibility of the Teamsters. Exhibitors may carry in small packages, including pop-up booths, provided they can be hand-carried.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, (877) 233-8880 Each tradeshow itself has to hire cleaners with very specific guidelines of what needs to be cleaned and when. McCormick Place does not have an exclusive housekeeping contractor. If an exhibitor leaves excessive debris behind at the end of the show, McCormick Place deals with it and bills the exhibitor for the service.

That includes lumber, skids and pallets, carpet, products or waste from a product or demonstration and literature.

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 2, (312) 705-2020 (Stagehands) If you’re doing a public performances of a theatrical event that requires temporary installation of lighting and audio equipment, you’ll need to hire stagehands. Their work includes the installation, operation and removal of that equipment.

“Basically it’s all the production work,” explains Don Garrity, a Local 2 steward who handles McCormick Place with fellow steward John Gray. “It’s usually the general sessions or other production events where they’ve got lighting systems, audio systems, and maybe video and graphics.”

In most cases, the clients begin working with the local

labor force long before they ever get into town. “Usually when we are working with a company they get in touch with us at least a month out.”

Gray says. “They will submit a drawing and we’ll look at it to make sure it works in the space they’re going into in McCormick Place. We make sure it can be hung the way they drew it. We doublecheck the weights, because obviously there’s a lot of weight above people’s heads.”

The workers usually start with an empty ballroom and multiple labor organizations work in concert to transform it into a meeting and performing space. “We work hand in hand with the Teamsters, who load the gear into the ballrooms from the trucks,” Garrity says.

“We go in with a rigging team and start hanging the audio and lighting systems and in some cases, video. We run all the cable to make sure everything works in continuity.

From time to time, we work with carpenters, decorators and electricians, depending on the needs of the event.

For the most part, who does what task is easily defined and easy to figure out, but there are some complex areas. For example, signs are hung by decorators, unless it’s electrical, in which case the electricians handle it, or if it’s constructed from wood, in which case it’s probably taken care of by the carpenters. “Depending on the type of sign, it’s best determined by the official contractor—they can provide clarity,” Cassell says. “You can always contact McCormick Place staff if you need to sort something out.”

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 29

12/27/18 8:42 AM

TRANSPORTATION

Superior Logistics

Tackling the Search for Tradeshow Shipping

BY CYNTHYA PORTER

A tradeshow program is only as good as the shipper that gets the exhibit materials to the hall, as transportation is the first, and sometimes most freakish place where things can go wrong. After all, troubles at the show are at least contained within a building’s square walls where they can be dealt with head on. But snafus with shipping are contained only within the confines of the universe, with freight that can end up God knows where with everything from Mother Nature to

moving violations standing between a shipment and its space on the show floor.

So it stands to reason that choosing a transportation provider could fairly be called one of the most important decisions a tradeshow manager can make, and one of the most painful decisions if done poorly. Making matters more difficult, there are a mind-numbing number of transportation companies offering to move freight for tradeshows, and sifting through them in search of a suitable partner can be an exhausting and baffling

exercise in frustration.

But shipping experts have some rules of thumb to offer that, when followed, may provide a greater sense of confidence in the shipper that is eventually chosen. And while nothing can guarantee a perfect freight transportation experience 100 percent of the time, the security of knowing the decision was sound is sometimes, at least in this industry, the best you can do.

It is often said that success working in the exhibition industry can be tied directly back to relationships, and nowhere

is that more true, says RJ Faherty, than in the transportation sector. With 40 years in the business, Faherty, who is an advisor for the freight coordinator Veterans Logistics, says exhibit managers looking for a shipper or logistics provider should look to the longevity and experience of the individuals running a company. It is relatively easy, he explains, for companies that provide less than quality services to fold, only to have owners or officials reconstitute themselves under a new company name. As such, he believes, it is important to understand who is behind the curtain and what their reputation in the industry is like.

In addition, says Joe Martillaro, managing director at Superior Logistics, a potential shipper should be willing to disclose who else they are moving freight for. “The

30 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

030_TradeshowShipping_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 1:32 PM

easiest way to ensure you are engaged with a transportation partner that understands the complexities of exhibit transportation is to find out who else they are working with,” he explains. “It should be very clear from their roster of clients and their industries served to determine if they truly understand show and event logistics.”

While it might seem like shipping is shipping, experts say there are important reasons to work with a company that truly specializes in the exhibition and event industry.

“Shipping for tradeshows is very complex,” explains Jason Olinger, a director in exhibit sales and operations for YRC Freight Inc. “It’s probably the most complicated kind of shipping there is, so it’s important to hire someone that understands the rules of @ExhibitCityNews

030_TradeshowShipping_0119.indd 2

engagement for tradeshows and specializes in them.”

There is a vast difference between a shipping company that has delivered freight to a tradeshow on occasion and one that makes a considerable part of its livelihood doing so.

“An easy method to determine if your potential carrier partner is a legitimate solution is to ensure that they use appropriate industry jargon,” Martillaro says. “Your carrier should easily know terms like target time, marshalling yard, general service contractor, material handling agreement, etc. The carriers that really work in this industry and can be trusted with exhibit freight live and breathe these terms.”

In addition to knowing the terminology, a freight company’s ability to successfully navigate the complexities of targeted move-in dates,

marshaling yards, loading docks and advance receiving warehouses is what sets it apart from shippers serving any other business sector, says Olinger.

“If someone chooses a carrier that doesn’t understand the rules, they might get there at the wrong time and then have to wait all day,” he explains.

“Drivers may be very unhappy if they show up and don’t understand that they have to sit in line for seven or eight hours.”

Looking into the owners of a company, their client list and their grasp of industry terminology is a good start to vetting transportation providers, but it’s not enough to base a decision on, the men say. Asking for references or contacting companies on their client list on your own is a deeper dive that can net information about a company’s past performance.

There is a difference between

current clients and former clients, so distinguishing which is which and asking why former clients left can be illuminating as well.

A well-established freight firm will also have the ability to provide other useful services, Faherty says, such as warehousing materials for a client rather than shipping them back and forth to the same city over and over. Given the number of things that can interfere with a seamless freight experience, a good freight partner will suggest and facilitate that storage rather than shipping even if it means they are making less revenue from the customer, he explains, because it is better for the client. “It’s way more secure to go across town than across the country,” he says.

Also important when evalContinued on p. 32

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 31

12/27/18 8:43 AM

TRANSPORTATION Continued from p. 31 uating potential partners is to understand how a company is structured, Martillaro says. “Ask them what type of equipment they have access to and if they are a broker or an asset-based firm,” he suggests.

“Firms that only operate with third-party equipment often struggle from a control and performance perspective with show freight,” he explains. “Additionally, carriers without their own equipment will often be more expensive as opposed to asset-based carrier partners.”

The key is the depth of the partnerships a firm has in the industry, Faherty says. Having access to a fleet of 1,000 trucks via its partnership with American Road Lines is a distinct advantage for Veterans Logistics over similar logistics or trucking companies, he explains, because it means equipment-related problems are not a factor to the extent they could be for a

smaller freight mover with a limited fleet.

While experts all agree that this is not a good industry to bargain shop for providers in and one where size may matter, they say it is important to look at comprehensive quotes from several companies to really compare costs and services that might not be readily apparent. For example, Olinger says, YRC Freight has such a large tradeshow division that it can sometimes be priced highly competitively depending on which shows a potential client will attend. “Someone who doesn’t do many shows might take two shipments to a show, and I might have 200 to the same show,” he says.

Also, says Martillaro, it’s hard to speculate on the potential costs when using a provider without significant tradeshow experience, because there are a number of mistakes they can make that

The cost of an error on either side of the ledger in delayed labor, damages or even missing a show is simply too high to compare... will cost you money. “There is nothing worse than engaging with a less expensive carrier on paper who really does not understand how the process of checking in and retrieving or delivering freight to a convention center or hotel works,” he says. “The cost of The Veterans Logistics team, L-R: RJ Faherty, Paul (Tomo) Meeks, owner/pres. & Jim Anderson, VP of sales

an error on either side of the ledger in delayed labor, damages or even missing a show is simply too high to compare.”

Providing comprehensive information to a potential shipping partner will help them deliver a more accurate quote, so the search for a shipping company should actually start with a clear appraisal of the weight and size to be shipped and the destinations the materials are headed for.

That inward look should include a review of internal processes that may interfere with timely shipments–one of the most controllable calamities affecting tradeshow shipping–as well as an assessment of freight packaging that may push costs higher than they need to be, Martillaro says. “Delays in fabrication or design approval often drive shipping transits too tight,” he explains, noting that the associated costs for expediting shipping and the panic that usually accompanies it can lead to an unpleasant experience. “Another factor that we are often discussing with our clients is the dimensions of the crates and skids. It is important to keep in mind that keeping skid and crate widths at 49-50 inches allows for two items to go side by side, thereby allowing for the maximum amount of truck space to be utilized.

This can allow exhibitors to save money,” he explains.

There are certain things that exhibit managers should expect to pay money for and gladly, because it will generally result in a better outcome for a tradeshow shipment specifically. For example, it might cost more to use temperature-controlled trailers or rigs with air shocks,

32 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

030_TradeshowShipping_0119.indd 3

12/21/18 11:52 AM

be communicating check-in numbers and driver status in real time,” he says. “In 2019, if your carrier cannot transmit load times, check-in numbers and piece counts in real time, you are selling yourself short.”

But even with all the rules of thumb employed in choosing a shipping partner, sometimes disaster strikes even the most highly regarded shippers. “It happens to the best of them,” Faherty admits. How a company is poised to deal with disaster, however, is what can set them apart from the rest. “The most important thing, if there is a problem, is that you don’t wait for the customer to call you,” he says. “Conversation is essential for addressing any issues that might arise if you

don’t want your customers to be angry.”

Communication, along with creative problem solving and a commitment to service, are the keys to being a good partner, Martillaro believes.

And also, a company needs a deep well of resources for addressing unexpected situations.

“The best carriers understand that failure is not an option,” he says.

“There are bad companies out there, no question about it,” Faherty says, but he believes that many of the freight moving companies in the exhibition industry are good, as well as very similar. It is an industry where the devil is in the details. “We’re more or less the

CUBE EXTRUSION W/BACKLIT FABRIC

says Faherty, but those vehicles are designed to transport fragile freight while common-carrier vehicles are not. Also, adds Martillaro, companies that specialize in show freight will have straps and bars on the vehicles that are designed to secure delicate items.

Computer systems for shipping companies are very costly, says Faherty, sometimes costing a half million dollars or more for a good one, but the value they return to the client is incalculable. When considering shipping partners, he says it’s important to ask about their ability to track a shipment down to a pinpoint every hour of the day around the clock.

Martillaro agrees. “A tradeshow carrier needs to

Joe Martillaro

same as every other company and we can all say the same things, so what you have to do is deliver,” he says. “The reality is that you can move 100 shipments perfectly and screw up on one, and that’s what people are going to remember. To build relationships, you have to continually prove yourself because, as we say in this business, you’re only as good as your last shipment.”

Graphics

Build

Install

Logistics

Dye-sub Silicone Edge Graphics Custom built SEG frames Hanging Tension Structures LED Lighting

Order Today!

OrderSEG.com

702-534-6995

Las Vegas • Utah • Los Angeles

@ExhibitCityNews

030_TradeshowShipping_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 33

12/21/18 11:53 AM

TRADESHOW VENDORS

Tradeshow Vendors: The Lifeblood of the Industry

BY AMADEUS FINLAY

The sense of wonder that strikes a visitor at a tradeshow is nothing short of profound. But behind the sensory indulgences of the show floor lie myriad processes, people and products. Here are just a few stories about vendors—exploring the nitty gritty behind the end product, and championing each and every individual in the tradeshow food chain that keeps the dream alive and kicking.

TLS Productions Inc. is a stage lighting designer and equipment supplier in Ann Arbor, Mich., with a branch in Las

Vegas. Last year, the company serviced clients at CES, NAIAS, LAAS and InfoCOMM among others, but the ingredients of the TLS visual kaleidoscope go beyond entrancing technical wizardry. TLS Productions, Inc., chewed through 520 spools of gaffer tape, 468 lamps and a staggering 186,000 ft of black-tie lines (most of which get cut at 30”) in 2018. More statistics? The company also found a use for 52 spools of neon pink gaffer tape.

However, the technological awesomeness offered by TLS Productions and sim-

ilar companies can only create an impact when supported by ideas that bring their abilities to life. That is where exhibit houses, like Elevation3D, truly shine, as well as live and die. Elevation3D is part of the landscape in New England, and recently supported their East Coast headquarters by opening a new location in Las Vegas.

Part of the firm’s success is understanding the critical importance of being able to draw on a deep pool of vendors. Adam Karns, executive vice president, explains, “the conceptual element challenges when

34 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

034_Vendors_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:43 AM

designing a memorable exhibit for a client can lead you to seek out vendors you’ve never considered.”

Vicky Fontaine, vice president, client services, agrees, and says, “Executing the exhibit on show site requires the help and orchestration of many partners, from electrical and rigging to floral and carpet vendors. Audiences may not consider the hours spent finding the right carpet they’re standing on, or the tall plant by the reception desk, but the team behind it can. That is the value of finding an exhibit producer with a great account management team that can organize all of these turn-key services.”

Inside Track from Atlanta is a supplier of event flooring and booth furniture. The company’s founder and CEO, Dave Sterne, explains what matters in his world is percentages. “Typically 50 percent of the show floor is booth space and 50 percent is aisle space. The bigger shows, such as 4/3/2017 11:34:00 AM CES, tendSW_STM_8x475_Ad_04-2017.pdf to have much larger1 exhibitors

80% of what an attendee remembers most about a booth is the interaction with the staff...yet CEIR found only 26% of exhibitors conduct staff training... so it probably is closer to 60 to 65 percent booth carpet and 35 to 40 percent aisle carpet.” And, when working with shows that are held in the Las Vegas Convention Center, with an exhibit floor footprint of 180,290.5 square miles, that is a lot of

carpet to consider (and get right).

But for companies like TLS Productions, elevation3D and Inside Track, their ideas and products are nothing without transportation to get them to show site. Good thing that there are more than 500,000 trucking companies in the U.S. with a colossal 15 million trucks on the road, of which more than two million are tractor trailers. An estimated 8.9 million people are employed in jobs in the trucking industry, with nearly 3.5 million of these being truck drivers.

Without them, the show floor would be a very lonely place indeed.

Moving away from the statistics and bringing the focus back inside the convention center; how about the talent that staff the exhibits? Not everyone in the booth is a company employee; some are hired professionals that are specially trained to promote brands and products.

JVA Inc., is a full service, national event Continued on p. 36

"Our business experience with your facility has been fantastic and has saved us thousands of dollars.

Our ability to ship literature and supplies to your office has truly made STORAGEWEST an extension of our corporate offices In NH. We would not be able to manage our trade show business nearly as effectively if we did not have STORAGE WEST as a business partner in Las Vegas.”

LAS VEGAS | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | GREATER PHOENIX | HOUSTON

www.StorageWest.com

@ExhibitCityNews

034_Vendors_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 35

12/27/18 8:44 AM

TRADESHOW VENDORS Continued from p. 35 staffing agency that provides tradeshows, conventions and events with experienced promotional models.

JVA’s president, Donna Ludwig, remembers a client who wanted to staff their booth with mermaids: “A few years back at the CES show in Las Vegas we received a request from an exhibitor that was having a very large fish tank built inside their booth.

The company sold underwater drones and wanted to show them in action by booking two mermaids in full fish tail costumes to swim with the drones and have their pictures taken in the fish tank. We were happy to help them and provide for their needs.

This is one of many requests that we get for conventions across the nation!”

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) certainly supports Ludwig’s convictions regarding the importance of engaged booth staff. In a 2017 survey, the organization found not only that 85 percent of an exhibitor’s success hinges on the performance of its booth staff, but also that 80 percent of what an attendee remembers most about a booth is the interaction with the exhibit staff. Surprisingly, despite these irrefutable statistics, CEIR also found that only 26 percent of exhibitors conduct staff training for events.

While technical data is well and good, human desires cannot forever be kept at bay by curved LED walls and engaging

chat with booth staff. When hunger pangs start to hit, nothing looks quite as good as a nicely branded booth serving hot nibbles. Into that niche step companies like Crêpes à Latte, a provider of high-end food and beverage solutions from Vernon Hills, Ill. Focused on signature sensory experiences, the company’s alternative dining solutions are popular within the industry. As a result, the team from Crêpes à Latte gets around. Last year, the company bought 1,124 airline tickets to support 3,338 shifts at 57 venues across the country dishing up a total of 550,474

servings. How does the company keep awake with all that jet-setting? 5,594 lbs. of espresso beans and 299,876 servings of coffee, that’s how.

But all these stories are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other vendors out there that help to bring a tradeshow to fruition who didn’t get a mention, but are equally as important. And if any one of the processes goes wrong, the whole show is affected. It really is a miracle that it all comes together so well; and it is all thanks to vendors, the lifeblood of the tradeshow industry.

36 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

034_Vendors_0119.indd 3

12/27/18 8:44 AM

@ExhibitCityNews

034_Vendors_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 37

12/21/18 11:58 AM

TRADESHOW MARKETING STRATEGIES

Digging Deeper: Three Steps to Gaining a Better Understanding of Exhibit Booth Audiences

BY SCHAE KANE

38 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

038_FREEMAN_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:45 AM

With dozens of options for attendees to choose from, getting them to notice your exhibit booth is a science.

In fact, it’s become a fairly complicated science, thanks to the demand for deeper, more “emotionally accurate” audience segmentation. An entirely new cottage industry of data gathering has sprung up within the marketing industry, with data scientists as its new rock stars and audience insights its precious currency.

Currently, there are six widely accepted types of audience segmentation:

»» Demographical »» Generational »» Cultural »» Geographic »» Psychographic »» Interest-based Demographics and geographical segmentation are most common, and typically center around age, gender and location.

However, these parameters tend to cast a wide net, and tell you very little about the actual emotional and psychological needs of your audience. Generational sorting provides a bit more detail, but is still based on similarly broad demographic data.

Cultural data and psychographical segmentation, on the other hand, dig deeper and provide insights that position you to best engage with your audience— and could take your booth experience to the next level. This data helps identify your audiences’ views, beliefs , hopes, pains, concerns and values—all of which help you garner a more insightful view of who they truly are. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to reach and connect with these groups on a deeper, more intimate level.

Now that we’ve touched on the different forms of audience segmentation, let’s dive into how to best utilize this tactic to connect with your targets and drive more traffic to your booth. (It should be noted that in order for exhibitors to accomplish the steps outlined in this article, it is necessary to have access to the Show Organizer database.) @ExhibitCityNews

038_FREEMAN_0119.indd 2

Get to know your audience The first step is collecting the right data.

The benefits of data-mining are two-fold: this approach helps define your audience and helps you develop targeted messaging (later in the process). A great way to collect this data is through surveys. This valuable tool goes right to the source for critical information. Once gathered, it’s time to put that data to use and start sorting your attendees into buckets by asking questions like:

»» Which respondents attend your events and exhibits?

»» How influential is this group? »» And how essential are they to the success of your exhibit?

Unlock the key insights The second step is to dive deeper into the data you’ve collected to truly hone in on what makes your audience tick.

»» What are their interests? »» How old are they? »» What is their definition of a successful exhibit (and how do they view yours)?

»» What are their media consumption patterns and preferences?

»» Are they likely to share your exhibit socially?

These insights will not only drive the design of your exhibit, they will also help your brand evolve and adapt to changing moods and sentiments.

Apply what you’ve learned Once you’ve analyzed the data, you’ll be ready to take the third step and put that critical information to work. And before you know it, your exhibits and the interactions with your targets will reap the benefits.

With data in hand, you are now positioned to craft the correct message to best resonate with each audience segment.

Targeted messaging helps deepen connections and helps you provide personalized experiences—because when it comes to connecting with your audience, personalization is key.

It’s also important to get personal about

Cultural data and psychographical segmentation, on the other hand, dig deeper and provide insights that position you to best engage with your audience... your exhibit and the experience you’re providing. Reflect on post-exhibit survey data to better understand what drew an attendee to your booth (what specifically piqued their interest), as well as what potential hurdles prevented visitors from fully experiencing your offerings. This information is crucial to the success of future exhibitions. Gathering and understanding attendee reactions will help you craft more engaging experiences and will position you to better resonate with your core audience and prospects moving forward.

Attracting audiences to your booth is crucial (it’s the reason exhibits and events exist), so why not go into the planning process will all your ducks aligned for success?

Audience segmentation can prove to be an essential tool for exhibit planning, but you need to zero in on the right data to fully unleash its benefits. When applied effectively, this information can attract attendees to your booth and show just how much your brand understands them—after all, you’re now crafting the exhibit experience with precise audience interests and insights in mind.

For more audience insights and to learn how exhibitors can best reach their audiences, check out the latest Freeman white paper.

Schae Kane is director of strategy at FreemanXP. ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 39

12/27/18 8:45 AM

Willwork, Inc. Exhibit & Event Services Professional Skilled Labor

Audio Visual Technology

Nationwide & International

Dedicated Project Managers

Event Contracting

Data Management

University Training Program

www.willworkinc.com | 508-230-3170 info@willworkinc.com 041_STS_Opener_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 12:02 PM

SHOP TO SHOWFLOOR An In-Depth Look into Today’s World of I&D and Event Labor

VDA Designer David Breen used AVFX’s LED wall technology to build vertical columns of individual LED panels and run video messaging on the columns to represent the specific product areas in this exhibit at DELL/EMC World last year.

Your Next Seminar Space, Reimagined

Tradeshow Lighting:

Q&A Spotlight with John Gorey

Pp. 42-43

Pp. 44-46

P. 48

Break Out of the Boring with Custom Seating

Lighting the Way

Five Questions for an I.A.T.S.E. International Rep, Tradeshow Dept.

This section is dedicated to all exhibit house professionals, as well as all exhibit managers and tradeshow coordinators worldwide.

For advertising information and rates, please call our offices at 702-309-8023 and ask for sales. @ExhibitCityNews

041_STS_Opener_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 41

12/27/18 8:46 AM

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

Connected and Casual

YOUR NEXT SEMINAR SPACE, REIMAGINED Break Out of the Boring with Tech-Enabled Furniture and Custom Seating

by Kevin Dana

E

ffective event design is engaging.

As you plan your seminar space, ask yourself what would wow you as an attendee. Digitally minded meeting attendees expect more than a PowerPoint presentation and some stadium seating.

Meetings and conferences provide attendees the opportunity to learn, connect, network and share with their colleagues.

Providing spaces that facilitate engagement helps create environments that are productive and inspirational.

At CORT Events, we challenged our team to get further out-of-the-box this year when we worked with the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) on

the inspiration and execution of their annual summit. CEMA professionals have not only been to many conferences and networking events, but are often tasked with running them. They are also a set of professionals who are versatile, flexible and never desk-bound. These professionals are always on the go, and on their phones, which meant creating a connected space that encouraged a tech-enabled work style was essential.

Our team focused on creating separate spaces that served each kind of professional. By breaking down traditional thinking and prioritizing collaboration, we delivered a connected space where

attendees could collaborate and communicate, on and offline, in an environment that matched their work style.

For CEMA Summit 2018, the conference hall was separated into three zones: Connected and Casual, Styled and Structured and Collaborative Contemporary.

Connected and Casual, situated at the very front of the seminar space, offered powered soft seating, including the Tech Tablet Chair, as well as sofas and loveseats for relaxed connection and listening space. These are your multitaskers who have their phone, laptop and smart watch keeping them on task and on time. They want to be comfortable and they need to charge their devices. We catered to this audience with branded swivel tablets, charging stations and an up-close view for the photo they will take for Instagram.

Styled and Structured, situated in the middle of the room, offered a more standard meeting space for those who like to work the old-fashioned way. These are your classic notetakers who have their schedule on their phones and stay connected through email all day, but still appreciate an old-fashioned notebook

42 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

042_STS_Cort_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:55 AM

Styled and Structured Collaborative Contemporary

and pen to jot down notes of inspiration.

We provided beautiful wood accent tables for their belongings and comfortable, classic chairs for their comfort.

Collaborative Contemporary, mimicking the feel of a coffee bar, offered a space where attendees could claim a seat, but share a large, tech-enabled table and collaborate for breakout sessions.

You can find these attendees working at home, in a coffeeshop, in a shared space or on the road. They’re flexible and appreciate the freedom to work at their

@ExhibitCityNews

042_STS_Cort_0119.indd 2

own pace and multitask. We set them up for success by creating a studio feel in the back where the shared tables allowed for effortless collaboration.

At Cort Events, we have seen the growing trend of flexible spaces become more important to event planners over the last few years and we know this will continue to become more important over time. We are seeing a huge increase in demand for breakout space conducive for networking and for a wider variety of furniture,

including sofas, armchairs, communal tables and lightweight furniture for easy mobility, such as ottomans. When you want your space to feel custom and connected, think about the attendee experience at every stage of event planning.

Kevin Dana is exec. dir. of marketing and product development at CORT Tradeshow & Event Furnishings. For more info on CORT’s exhibit and event rental collections or its Social Tables integration, visit www.cortevents.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 43

12/21/18 12:06 PM

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor Display by 3D Marketing Associates, Atlanta, GA; Light Craft Manufacturing was the lighting supplier for Royal Building Products 40x50 booth at the International Builders’ Show

LIGHTING THE WAY

by Cynthya Porter

I

n the name of pinching pennies for a tradeshow program, it might be tempting to consider things like exhibit lighting an unnecessary luxury best left to the big booths with a million dollar budget. But the reality, lighting experts say, is that no one on the show floor needs good lighting more than a small booth that is otherwise all too easy for attendees to ignore as they pass by. However, the only thing worse than an unlit booth is a badly lit one, they are quick to add, and achieving the right illumination may not be quite as simple as it sounds.

“A complete absence of lighting can be very detrimental to your branding,” says Bradford Lowery, senior production designer at AVFX. “House light varies greatly from hall to hall, and while some halls, like the Oregon Convention Center,

have very even, bright hall light with a clean color temperature, most have uneven lighting, often in unflattering colors.

While your clean logos and banners may be printed with your brand’s Pantone colors, the house lighting can make them look much more yellow than your branding team would like.” Moreover, Lowery says, the direction overhead lighting in a hall comes from can be hard to predict, and it can cast shadows and leave dark spots when blocked by hanging displays from neighboring exhibits.

There is no exhibit too small for added lighting—even a tabletop display—says Rob Cohen, vice president of Display Supply & Lighting Inc. But if it’s not done well, he adds, an exhibitor may as well not bother. “If you take a well-lit booth, a poorly lit booth, and an unlit booth and

put them next to each other, I guarantee you that traffic is going to be better at the one with well-planned-out lighting,” he says. “Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that properly lit areas drive more revenue than poorly lit areas.”

So what goes into proper lighting?

Well, a lot of thought, actually. Chief among that noodling is what kind of vibe you want a booth to exude. “Properly designed lighting can set a variety of moods to create a more immersive display experience,” explains Josh Wright, a salesman at Light Craft Manufacturing, Inc. “It can create a mood that generates emotions from tradeshow attendees, and emotion makes exhibits memorable. Also, lighting is an eye-catcher,” he adds. “It’s an attention grabber that makes whatever you are displaying appear more important.” But there is such a thing as too much, Wright says. “Don’t overdo it. A few well-placed, well-designed light fixtures can do more than a bunch that aren’t right for the application they are being used in. Proper

44 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

044_STS_Lighting_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 12:13 PM

placement of the right light fixture can achieve more in almost every instance than simply trying to blast everything with as much light as possible.”

Generally speaking, says Lowery, good lighting uses contrast rather than the blinding brightness of flood lamps. “Your booth may be the brightest in the hall, but that lighting may not be serving your needs. If you want your product to pop and sparkle, you need some contrast between it and everything around it,” he says. “Seeing a brightly lit product in a bright environment has less impact than a brightly lit product popping out of a darker or colorful environment.” Aside from adding some drama to the display, he says, having areas of the exhibit that are not brightly lit gives attendees’ eyes a place to “rest,” something that will leave them with a better feeling about their experience in your booth overall.

But don’t run out and buy a handful of stem lights just yet, because there is a lot more to know first.

@ExhibitCityNews

044_STS_Lighting_0119.indd 2

One of the most important considerations when imbuing light into a space is what the color temperature of the glow is, Cohen explains. Called a Kelvin scale, the color of light goes from orangish-yellow (1,000 K) on one end to icy blue (10,000 K) on the other, and the impact a color along that scale can have on a display’s ambiance should not be under appreciated. The colors in your exhibit design and the mood you want to convey can be greatly impacted for the better and for the worse based on what hue of bulbs you put in the space, Cohen says.

That is just one of the reasons Cohen strongly recommends that exhibitors not try to navigate choosing exhibit lighting on their own no matter how small they think their needs are. “The number one rule of thumb is to work with a lighting professional,” he says. “Don’t think that you can go on the internet and look up some lights and that you know what you need to know.”

To wit, some lighting products are more difficult to use and some are made

specifically for the exhibition market, Cohen says, but the nuances of different products are lost on the layperson. There are fixtures for sale that might seem inexpensive but cost far more in labor dollars to use than imagined. “It’s not just about the product cost,” Cohen says. “It’s about the whole cost, because a product can be more expensive up front but more economical to use in the long run due to installation time or cost to operate.”

Wright agrees that cheaper isn’t necessarily better. “Like most things in life, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is,” he says. “Going cheap may result in poor lighting being applied to the display. Maybe it’s just not bright, maybe it’s not the right color output, or maybe it just doesn’t do the job well, not to mention quality and failure problems. Investing in durably made, quality lighting solutions is a better idea in my opinion.”

Cohen advocates for exhibitors to look for a partner, not a vendor, because a Continued on p. 46

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 45

12/27/18 8:46 AM

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor Continued from p. 45 good partner will loan lights to try out, will help an exhibitor make cost-effective decisions and will work to understand an exhibitor’s needs so they can suggest the appropriate fixtures. A vendor, on the other hand, will just sell an exhibitor products. But to have a good partner, one needs to be a good partner, and Cohen stressed how very important it is for exhibit managers to be forthright about their budget. “You’re not going to get good advice if you aren’t,” he says.

It doesn’t necessarily take much to create an impact on a display’s appearance, Lowery suggests. For a 10 x 10 display, having a few cool white or neutral white LED standoff lights illuminating banners and stands can be very helpful. Also, color-selectable LED bulbs in floor lamps or recessed lighting sockets can quickly correct poor house light or infuse some

brand colors into the space. He recommends HUE bulbs, which he says are reasonably priced, come in a great range of colors and can be controlled through your phone. LED strip lights are another favorite choice of Lowery’s for pops of color, he says, because they are inexpensive, flexible and easy to use.

In general, experts agree that LED is the way to go, especially with the full range of Kelvin colors now available.

It can cost more on the front end to purchase LED fixtures, Wright says, but their durability, energy efficiency and cool operating temperature far outweigh the lower purchase price of traditional bulbs.

And for those who want to avoid the electrical charges levied for running power to an exhibit, batteries have come a very long way, Cohen says, and can pow-

er a range of devices. They are not cheap to purchase initially, but they will usually pay themselves back over the course of four to five shows, he says.

The bottom line is that, while there is a cost to lighting a display, it is necessary for an exhibitor that wants to be noticed, Cohen believes. “You have less than 30 seconds to attract someone’s attention coming down the aisle—you can do it with the ‘wow factor’ of lighting,” he says.

“Good lighting that is properly planned truly makes a space stand out, it attracts attendees, and it provides the return on investment that exhibitors need.”

Wright could not agree more. “Using lighting well is a great way to stand out in a crowd,” he says. “A dark, drab display will not grab as much attention or get as many visitors as one that is well lit. It’s really as simple as that.”

Philips booth designed

by Czarnowski’s Atlanta office; AV infrastructure provided by AVFX’s Lighting Designer Brad Lowery for the annual RSNA (Radiology Society of North America) show in Chicago.

46 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

044_STS_Lighting_0119.indd 3

12/27/18 8:46 AM

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Where Careers Are Built and Dreams Are Realized

At a time when the headlines scream about young people being burdened by thousands of dollars in student loan debt, the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters is providing enterprising, hardworking individuals from all walks of life with another option for education and advancement: no-cost apprentice training and earning while learning.

We build the communities where people live, work and play. And we strive to help build careers!

Our carpenters bring knowledge, productivity and safety to the workplace.

Visit www.CarpentersUnion.org and our training site www.Chicap.org to learn more!

@ExhibitCityNews

044_STS_Lighting_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 47

12/21/18 12:58 PM

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

Q&A SPOTLIGHT WITH JOHN GOREY Five Questions for an I.A.T.S.E. International Representative, Tradeshow Dept.

by Jeanne Brei

J

ohn Gorey grew up in New York City and became the fourth generation of his family to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union. He began working as a stagehand at The Metropolitan Opera House in 1989 and his thoughts of the tradeshow industry at that time were, “that stuff is just banjo drapes and a clip-on light.” It wasn’t until he moved to Las Vegas in 2002 that he was sent to work a tradeshow. He vividly remembers working his first tradeshow—CES in Las Vegas—because he was part of the rigging team that built not only the Sony booth but also a stage within the booth that was more elaborate than many of the live shows he had worked on. One of his favorite memories as a stagehand was working the NFL Super Bowl and several NCAA Final Fours—especially when he got to see Prince perform “Purple Rain” in the rain during Super Bowl XLI in 2007 in Miami.

He spent six years in the Business Representatives office for I.A.T.S.E. Local 720 in Las Vegas 2011-2017 and was then hired as an international representative in the tradeshow department of the I.A.T.S.E.; from ‘89 to today, it’s 28 years with them so far. He’s the proud father of a 14-yearold daughter and an 18-year-old son, happily married to his wife for nearly 20 years.

ECN: What do you like best about your job?

JG: The people. As an international rep for the tradeshow department of I.A.T.S.E. , I get to assist Locals around the country, build relationships, attend tradeshows, bring education classes, like our AV Essentials Program and our Cus-

tomer Service class, to Locals in need. It is great to meet the people who are actually doing the work, a time to listen first hand on what the latest trends and emerging technologies that are happening out on the show floor at the moment.

ECN: Did you have a mentor? If so, could you tell us a little about him/her and how they assisted you? Are you a mentor yourself now?

JG: I have had so many mentors it’s hard to pick just one—from family members, to my Local One and Local 720 Brothers and Sisters, to Anthony DePaulo, who’s a retired International Vice President, I.A.T.S.E., to Bill Gearns, who’s also a retired International Vice President, I.A.T.S.E., and former director of the tradeshow department. I had the pleasure to work with Bill over the years and always admired the way he handled himself both professionally and personally, he’s one of those guys that you say “they don’t make them like that anymore.” He was the one who brought me into the tradeshow department before his retirement, hopefully I’ll get to catch up with him for a round of golf someday—and that’s just naming a few of my mentors.

ECN: Do you have something you wish you could tell exhibit managers to make your job easier?

JG: Communication is key.

ECN: Do you have a favorite tradeshow?

Or a favorite tradeshow city? Or a favorite tradeshow memory to share?

L-R: Anthony DePaulo, retired, international VP, I.A.T.S.E., with John T. Gorey at the I.A.T.S.E Quadrennial convention.

JG: I’d have to say my very first tradeshow in Las Vegas—CES—one of the larger tradeshows in Las Vegas. I worked the Sony booth and they put more thought and money into doing a tradeshow than I’ve seen on some TV productions. I was amazed at the elaborate sets, lights—we built a theater inside of the booth with these large automated entry doors along with some large rigging structures surrounded with a video wall. It wasn’t what I thought would be getting set up at a tradeshow that’s for sure—it reminded me of setting up some stages for the MTV Video Awards shows at Radio City Music Hall earlier in my career… Needless to say, I was impressed.

ECN: Do you have any advice for someone just entering the industry?

JG: Run fast and go back to school! Seriously, just show up on time, do your job, bring your tools and be professional. It’s a crazy business—I didn’t see a Christmas, Thanksgiving and most other holidays as a stagehand (I was always working crazy hours and days) until I moved to Vegas.

Fortunately, nobody plans a tradeshow on the holidays!

48 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

048_STS_5questions_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:48 AM

Celebrating 25 Years!

• Provide Consistently Great Customer Experiences

• Demonstrate Adaptability

• Be Solution-Oriented

• Encourage Employee Pride & Recognition

YOUR PARTNER ON THE SHOW FLOOR SINCE 1993 www. w sho-link.com w.

@ExhibitCityNews

048_STS_5questions_0119.indd 2

Join our Winning I&D T Team: hr@sho-link.com ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 49

12/21/18 1:04 PM

TRADESHOW/EVENT SOLUTIONS

ALUVISIONlive! DISCOVERING THE WORLD OF WONDER

Great day, with great people, thanks for visiting us!

On November 8th, Aluvision opened its doors again for the fall edition of their ALUVISIONlive! training. This educational seminar brings trade show, AV and event professionals from all over the US and abroad together for a journey through the Aluvision ‘World of Wonder’.

The Georgia based company is the leading developer and supplier of modular, aluminum systems for the international exhibit and event industry. The ALUVISIONlive! training gives both existing and prospective clients the opportunity to dive deep into Aluvision’s solutions and capabilities. Guests were taken behind the scenes of the top-notch production facility where the ‘making-of’ was explained and demonstrated. Seeing that, attendees appreciated the great precision and quality of Aluvision’s products. During the showroom tours, people were immersed in the true magic of the World of Wonder: a 5,000ft² room simulating a trade show environment, showcasing the large variety and versatility of the aluminum frame system. The main attraction of this edition was Aluvision’s Hi-LED 55: the thinnest LED tile on the market that seamlessly connects with the original Omni-55 wall frames. The 2.8 or 2.5 pixel-pitch

Visitor statue handout

and the premium flatness level guarantee razor-sharp images that bring any creative concept to life. This tool-free and easy-to-install LED tile adds that ‘WOW’ factor to every trade show booth or experiential environment. Besides product-oriented sessions, the training also offered several networking opportunities‚ that allowed industry peers to share knowledge and experiences. To top it all off, guests were treated to some true Belgian delicacies: from finger-licking pastries to a authentic Belgian beer tasting, ending with a traditional Belgian, home-cooked meal. Needless to say, all participants left with a satisfied mind and stomach!

Visitor statue handout

Discover our Hi-LED 55

The next ALUVISIONlive! training will take place June 19-20.

For more information about Aluvision, visit www. aluvision.com. Contact us at 470-252-3500 or info@aluvision.com

Hands-on training

A Worldwide consistency in precision and quality: the Aluvision asset From the very beginning, Aluvision frames have been produced following very high quality standards. In order to guarantee a high and consistent level of precision, the manufacturing process was optimized resulting in a patented glue & press process, unique in its kind. Especially when integrating LED tiles into your Aluvision frame wall, this precision is extremely important as this will ensure that the LED tiles fit perfectly in between two frames and will be perfectly flush both on front & back, allowing for a completely seamless integration of the LED tiles into the overall design. The original Aluvision product can always be recognized by the blue quality label that is stamped on every frame.

Hi-LED 55

Omni-55

50 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

050_Aluvision_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 12:24 PM

050_Aluvision_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 12:24 PM

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Thailand

MICE Certifications Growing in Thailand

by Cynthya Porter

A

s the global competition to land events in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions industry intensifies, Thailand is working to set itself apart by certifying venues throughout the country to demonstrate their commitment to excellence. Called the Thailand MICE Venue Standards (TMVS) certification, the program has been in place since 2015, but officials have recently intensified their efforts to increase the number of certified facilities, vaulting from 315 venues that had achieved certification in mid-2018 to nearly 500 by year end.

The stringent process for certification involves several steps, beginning with the venue presenting an in-depth report regarding operating in-

formation, qualifications and data. Leaders from a facility must also attend workshops focusing on management with an eye towards community, environmental considerations and sustainability. Before certification is granted, the TMVS board conducts an assessment to ensure a venue has the appropriate structure and code of conduct in place to comply with the requirements of certification.

The purpose of the certification is to provide confidence to planners that choosing Thailand as an event destination comes with high confidence that venues have the expertise to operate in the international marketplace.

The drive to accelerate certification of meeting and event facilities has been spearheaded

by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and 17 partners that include travel industry associations, state agencies and educational institutions. Each supplies members to the board of directors for TMSV and participates in the final assessment of a venue before certification is granted.

Once they are certified, businesses are included in the marketing done by TCEB to promote Thailand’s MICE industry to planners in Thailand and worldwide. But a key aspect of assuring ongoing excellence, officials say, is that venues must recertify periodically in order to remain part of the marketing program.

Over the years, an estimated 74 percent of previously certified facilities seek recertification, which leaders say points to the commercial value of the TMVS endorsement. “Each year we have seen growth in new and existing organizations that seek the mandatory reassessment,” says Sumate Sudasna, president of the Thailand Incentive

and Convention Association and TMVS board chairman.

“This is a promising opportunity for us to assist Thailand’s MICE venues to boost their potential. As a user, before making a decision to book a MICE venue, facilities with certification are given priority in order to assure our customers of venue quality.”

Certifications are provided in a variety of categories including convention rooms, exhibition venues and special event facilities. Each has a specific set of standards it must demonstrate, but Sudasna said that collectively, those standards are helping Thailand achieve unrivaled reliability in the MICE marketplace.

Cynthya Porter is a 70-time award-winning journalist recognized by national and international associations for her journalistic expertise in tradeshow topics, travel writing, photography and news. She has covered the exhibition industry for seven years and travels the world in search of interesting stories and photographs.

52 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

052_IntFocus_Thailand_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:48 AM

International Pavilions General Contractors Large Format Printing Custom Display Audio & Video Systems

www.omegaexp.com.mx

@ExhibitCityNews

052_IntFocus_Thailand_0119.indd 2

LOCALS IN: Mexico · Panama · Brasil · Argetina

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 53

12/22/18 2:02 PM

AIPC

How the RAI Amsterdam Ensures a Warm Welcome for Medical Conferences

BY MAURIST VAN DER SLUIS, COO AT RAI AMSTERDAM

A big issue for medical congress organizers today is the need to comply with local rules in every country.

In Europe these rules tend to apply on an EU-wide level. In particular, regulations for the advertising of medications can affect the organization of a conference. In Amsterdam, we have set up a partnership to provide advance independent tailor-made advice to organizers about the possibilities.

This will help them begin their conference safe in the knowledge that they are in compliance with all regulations.

Although they are embedded in national legislation, the regulations regarding medications for human use are the same throughout Europe.

In addition, the European umbrella organization for self-regulation, EFPIA, has drawn up an international code of conduct. In the Netherlands, these components are combined in the Dutch Code of Conduct for Pharmaceutical Advertising (Gedragscode Geneesmiddelenreclame or CGR). For organizers of medical conferences, one section of the CGR is particularly relevant: prescription medications may only be advertised to professionals, that is, peo-

Maurist van der Sluis

ple who prescribe or deliver drugs, such as physicians and pharmacists. Fortunately, it is actually quite easy to keep track of this, with a bit of help.

Independent Advice In Amsterdam, the municipality, NBCT Holland Marketing (the entity responsible for branding and marketing the Netherlands), RAI Amsterdam, the Ministry of Health and the Keuringsraad work closely together to ensure that the

organization of each medical conference proceeds smoothly.

The Keuringsraad plays a key role in this regard, as it oversees compliance with the CGR and advises conference organizers about this topic. We bring organizers of medical conferences in touch with the right person at the Keuringsraad at the start of the preparations. The organizers can then explain their plans and are given advice on what is and is not permitted, and what the possible alternatives are.

In many cases, it is necessary to register the profession of the visitors and ensure that it is clearly visible on their badges. This opens up several alternatives in terms of layout.

A part of the show floor could only be accessible to professionals, for instance. Another option is that exhibitors only be allowed to recommend drugs in one-on-one contact with professionals. With major events that are focused primarily on professionals from abroad (and not patients), the solution can even be that organizers need take no extra action as the majority of visitors fall within the category of professionals (badges are always handy, of course).

The Keuringsraad can give a definite answer on this.

Short Lines of Communication Other components to keep in mind are the content of the presentations, the hospitality offered and gifts. The general guideline is that pharmaceutical companies cannot be allowed to improperly influence professionals. The Keuringsraad can provide information on this subject as well. The organizers will receive advice from the Keuringsraad in a clear letter.

54 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

054_AIPC_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:49 AM

We can also invite the Keuringsraad to send representatives if the organizers visit RAI Amsterdam in advance with the most important delegates, allowing them to ask questions. Finally, the Keuringsraad can be consulted via telephone during specific times.

The Practice Is Simple While the rules may seem complex, the practice is simple. You do not need to have studied law: simply explain the concept of your conference and you will receive a personal opinion based on that. In the case of largescale international conferences for medical profession-

@ExhibitCityNews

054_AIPC_0119.indd 2

regulations for the advertising of medications can affect the organization of a conference... als, you may not even have to take any measures at all; in other cases, careful organization of the conference can ensure that you comply with all the rules. RAI Amsterdam will be pleased to put you in touch with the right people. This lets you start your conference with confidence and frees up your time to enjoy all the other fine things Amsterdam has to offer.

RAI Amsterdam is a long-standing member of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC).

AIPC represents a global network of more than 185 leading centers in 60 countries with the active involvement of more than 900 management-level professionals worldwide. It is committed to encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention center management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its interna-

tional representation, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs to achieve this goal. AIPC also celebrates and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry in supporting economic, academic and professional development and enhancing global relations amongst highly diverse business and cultural interests. For more info, contact marianne.de.raay@aipc.org or visit www.aipc.org

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 55

12/27/18 8:49 AM

CORPORATE PROFILE

Bringing a Personal Touch to Storage West

BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR

Kevin and Laura Fairchild were already successful in their careers in the medical industry when they started working for Storage West. Transitions in the industry and their companies led them to look more seriously at the repeated offers they’d gotten to join the 40-year-old company. “We used to store our holiday decorations at Storage West,” Kevin explains.

“Now we’re brand ambassadors for the company.”

The long-time couple began working the Las Vegas stores 14 years ago while waiting for the new Eastern Avenue store to open. They ran that store for more than a decade, but when they started doing expos for the company it was obvious they’d found their true calling.

“We did one expo and right away it got into our blood,” Kevin says. “We started doing more and more of them. It got so we were working 80 hours a week, between expos and running our store.”

In an age where companies seem to be willing to do anything to cut the budget and keep staff costs down, the higher ups at Storage West decided that it was worth it for the company’s bottom line to transition the Fairchilds into full time promotion as their first brand ambassadors.

Storage West has grown to 56 locations in four states.

They have 13 locations in the Las Vegas Valley, but a few of those locations are so close to the Strip and the convention centers that they’ve become deeply associated with the convention industry.

Clients who rent a unit with Storage West can receive packages and deliveries for free. That can result in some serious savings on shipping there as opposed to onsite at a convention center. Some clients have found that storing booth equipment that is used in annual conventions in Las Vegas is less expensive than shipping that equipment every year. They also sell moving supplies and have a free moving truck. These are among the reasons Storage West is the only storage company recommended by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the only one listed on their website.

The Fairchilds have been so successful as brand ambassadors that the company is sending them out to each of the states where they have locations so they can pass along their knowledge. “We’re working on little teams for each area,” Laura says. “It will be three people, so it’s not the same person for everything and they can all try it out and see if they like networking.”

Networking is what the Fairchilds do best. They are ambassadors for six different

chambers of commerce in the Las Vegas Valley, including The Henderson Chamber of Commerce, The Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada, the Latin Chamber of Commerce of Nevada, the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Urban Chamber of Commerce, Nevada. They are also on the board of the Water Street District Business Association. They attend breakfasts and networking events, working with charities and for the community.

“We do everything from ringing the bell for the Salvation Army to working for the Blind Center and Operation Christmas Child,” Kevin says.

“We have our own mixer on the fourth Tuesday of every month that we call ‘Just Connecting.’ We want to empower professionals and get people to really know one another, because people are more likely to recommend someone for a job if they feel they really know them and like and trust them.”

They feel that younger people in particular need to work on their face-to-face communications skills because they spend so much time conversing via text. Conversely, older people may simply be shy. At their events they have everyone introduce themselves first and talk about themselves, giving a little biographical information, like relationship

status and hobbies. They have speed-networking with the intention of helping people get to know each other on a deeper level.

“I can meet a half-dozen financial advisors, but not really know them,” Laura explains. “With networking, that can change quickly. I want to make sure that when I recommend people to each other that they’ll connect and work well together.”

The number of business people, community leaders and politicians who know and respect the Fairchilds is impressive. They count C level executives, mayors, council members and even the governor among their friends and contacts.

“Two years ago our company sent our boss [Don Willis, director of sales and marketing] out here to get testimonials about the company,” Laura says. “When he asked people, ‘When you think of Storage West, what do you think about?’ most of them said ‘Kevin and Laura.’

People know us everywhere we go here.”

The company is banking that the Fairchilds can bring that kind of recognition to teams from other areas and along with it, the close personal relationships that can build business.

For more info, visit storagewest.com.

56 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

056_StorageWest_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:50 AM

Let

showNets your next event

With fast, secure and reliable internet solutions showNets designs, deploys and supports custom Internet solutions for events and venues across the world. Cisco-certified professionals manage your network requirements every step of the way. showNets engineers the fastest, most secure, and most reliable networks and backs them up with responsive, professional, and client based services.

The showNets stress free conference and trade show internet solution includes: Redundant, fault-tolerant designs High-density, reliable wireless service Network Operations Center monitor 24/7/365 Dedicated teams of certified professionals • Flexible service offering includes: • Web casting • Automated access portal • Secure VPN • RFID

• • • •

showNets is the premier provider of high-density wireless and Internet. Our technical experts design and implement a state of the art network for your trade show. Let us show you why clients trust us with their Internet needs.

“showNets Keeps the Unseen Heart of E3 Beating" -Trade Show Executive Magazine, October 2015 Issue

Call today 1-800-310-4454 or check us out online www.shownets.net

056_StorageWest_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 1:15 PM

TRADESHOW/EVENTS PODCAST

The Don & Mike Show went on the road at EDPA Access in Naples, Florida (pictured left during an interview with James Zacharias from Brumark). And from the showfloor at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in New Orleans, they awarded the Lucky Listener/Supporter contest winners (pictured clockwise from the top, Mark Zimmerman above; Jeff Provost below with Don Svehla; and Dalton Jenkins bottom left with Don. The show recently hit a milestone with more than 10,000 downloads and they recorded more than 10 interviews a day while on the road at the shows.

58 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

058_DonandMike_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:50 AM

The Don & Mike Show Gains a Sponsor & Begins Podcasting Twice a Week in 2019

B

eginning Jan. 8, The Don & Mike Show will begin podcasting twice a week–keeping their original Friday podcasts and adding a Tuesday Don & Mike Show–Extra. Plans are for the new Tuesday show to highlight organizational news and interviews from EDPA, ESCA, IAEE, EACA and many more organizations related to tradeshows, events and experiential marketing. In addition, it will be “brought to you by SMT Expo,” their first sponsor. A division of Glenmore Industries, an OEM manufacturer of a wide variety of home, industrial and automotive products, SMT Expo is headquartered in Edison, N.J., and has manufacturing facilities and offices in China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the U.K. SMT stands for Smart Modular Technology and is the exclusive

THE INTERACTIVE LUCKY LISTENER/PARTICIPANT CONTEST WINNERS

Zimmerman Consulting LLC - $1,000

CHECK OUT THE LATEST INTERVIEWS FROM THE DON & MIKE SHOW Oct. 26: EDPA Executive Director Dasher Lowe and ENVU’s Dalton Jenkins this week with Don & Mike @ExhibitCityNews

058_DonandMike_0119.indd 2

Upcoming interviews include these industry people: »» Dasher Lowe - EDPA »» David Dubois - IAEE »» James Zacharias - Brumark »» John Washko - Mohegan Sun »» Michael Center - Scaled Agile »» Mitt Arnaudet and Julie Kagy - ESCA »» David Hofflick - President of Oscar & Associates »» Ray Baum - Core Apps »» Rich Johnson - The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Tournament »» Sandra Braun - Nth Degree and SE Chapter of EDPA »» Steve Golden - CORT Events »» Steven Hacker - Consultant, SMT EXPO »» Tom Clark - Game Buzz »» Vince Battaglia - TheTradeShowCalender.com and many more!

MIKE MORRISON WINS ESCA’S VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Don & Mike Show gave away $2,000 cash at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in New Orleans.

The show promoted its one-year anniversary giveaway to people who liked the show on social media, participated in the show, shared the show and downloaded the shows, and the winners were (cue the drum roll):

»» Dalton Jenkins - EnVU - $500 »» Jeff Provost - Pro Management - $500 »» Mark Zimmerman -

provider of the industry’s leading, full floorplan, fabric booth system and the sole manufacturer of this revolutionary tool-free system.

According to show co-host Mike Morrison, “2018 was an astounding year for The Don & Mike Show and with the growth of the interviews conducted at both EDPA Access and IAEE Expo!

Expo!, the show is moving to two shows a week starting January 8.” He adds, “We are developing great content and super guests each show and after a year and a half, we are continuing to grow.

We are looking for 2019 to be a breakout year for The Don & Mike Show and are looking for news and interviews to make the show a great listen for the industries of tradeshow, event and experiential marketing.”

WS Display National Sales Director and Co-Host of The Don & Mike Show Mike Morrison was awarded ESCA’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award at the ESCA award ceremony in New Orleans on Dec. 10 prior to the start of IAEE’s Expo Expo! “I’m completely blown away by this recognition and very humble with the award and recognition,” Morrison says. “Don and I look forward to promoting the works and news from ESCA with the show and will help wherever we can ... 2018 was a great year!”

The presenters cited how grateful ESCA was to Morrison for his voiceover work on their WIS Badge Showcase Video as well as his L-R: Rich Curran, president of ESCA, Mike Morrison and many interviews and promotion of ESCA. Larry Arnaudet, executive director of ESCA

Nov. 2: ESCA News, VOTE & Fall Back on Sunday with Don & Mike Nov. 9: Booth Traffic and Experiential DiscussedBrendan and Chelsea from ATN Staffing with Don & Mike Nov. 16: David DuBois, President/CEO of IAEE joins

Don & Mike, Dalton Jenkins is back as well!

Nov. 23: Amanda Helgemoe joins Don & Mike Nov. 30: Jimmy Abraham from EnVU joins Don & Mike at EDPA Access 2018 Dec. 7: Dave Flory and Larry

Kulchawik join Don & Mike IAEE Live: Special episode from Expo! Expo! 2018 in New Orleans - $2,000 Giveaway Dec. 14: Dana Esposito and Jenn Houston join Don & Mike

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 59

12/27/18 8:51 AM

CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT

The Indiana Convention Center

by F. Andrew Taylor

I

ndiana calls itself the “Crossroads of America,” which was originally the nickname for the capitol, Indianapolis, which is the hub for several major interstate highways that crisscross the state.

The Indiana Convention Center is right in the heart of Indianapolis, which would have probably pleased the no-nonsense founders of the city.

The city was surveyed and designed as a 10-by-10 grid of city blocks in 1821.

The convention center property occupies most of what was the southwest 12 blocks. The ICC is just a couple blocks from Monument Circle, the large circular commons at the center of town.

The convention center is owned by the Indiana Stadium & Convention Building Authority Marion County Convention and Recreational Facilities Authority and it opened in 1972 as the Indiana Convention-Exposition Center. It has 71 meeting rooms, 11 exhibit halls, and three multipurpose ballrooms. An underground tunnel connects Lucas Oil Stadium which has an additional 183,000 square feet of exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms.

The first major expansion was finished in 1984 at the same time as the Hoosier Dome, which was later renamed the RCA Dome. The combined

Two related restaurants near the convention center offer similar menus with different ambiances. St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S. Illinois St., has been a downtown landmark since 1902. A multi-million dollar makeover in 1996 provided a more comfortable environment without undercutting the charm of its turn-of-the-century roots.

Harry & Izzy’s, 153 S. Illinois St., opened in 2007 and was named in honor of the two friends who ran St. Elmo’s from 1947-1996. It features prohibition-era décor incorporating dark woods, lush fabrics and a deep color palette. It has four private rooms available for luncheons, dinners or receptions for 10-150 guests.

SLEEP cost was approximately $94.7 million.

Another expansion from 2008 to 2011 added the Lucas Oil Stadium a block south of the RCA Dome. A two-story convention center building replaced the dome and a tunnel now connects the stadium to the ICC. The Indiana Convention Center currently has 49 loading docks, seven drive-in ramps and three food courts.

A system of skywalks connects the convention center to a dozen hotels with more than 4,700 rooms and many restaurants. Even when the temperature outside drops below 20 degrees, convention goers can get everywhere they need to go in climate-controlled comfort.

The ICC is host to several unique annual conventions, including the Fire Department Instructors Conference International, The National Future Farmers of America Convention and The Big Ten Football Championship Game which has taken place there since 2011 to determine the conference’s season champion. The ICC is also the home of Gen Con, the largest tabletop-game convention in North America. The event has been steadily growing for 51 years, with 61,424 attendees in 2018. The event has been held since 2003 at the ICC.

For travelers interested in a fine hotel with some history, there is The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis - Downtown Union Station, 123 W. Louisiana St. Built within one of the country’s first train stations, it offers a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby and dry cleaning/laundry services . It also has conference space and meeting rooms, two restaurants, spacious rooms, an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.

PLAY Indianapolis has a number of pleasant offerings for fun, including the Canal Walk, which serves as a waterside promenade. The canal itself can be traversed by gondola or rented pedal boats. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument/Monument Circle in the center of town has an observation platform 330 steps up and houses the Col. Eli Lilly Civil War Museum in the lower level.

White River State Park’s Indiana State Museum includes an IMAX theater. The Fountain Square Cultural District has vintage and antique shops, restaurants, working artists and a vibrant arts scene, including live music and shows.

There’s also a racetrack in town.They hold a little event there on Memorial Day weekend called The Indy 500.

Maybe you’ve heard of it?

60 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

060_CC_Spotlight_Indy_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:51 AM

Installing and Dismantling Exhibits Throughout California

Signs

Tradeshows

DisplayWorks

Retail

Event Outfitters USA

Museums

Events

MC 2

Hwalin Design

www.onsiteexhibitorservice.com | 707 258 8980

MEET IN A PLACE WHERE YOU MATTER. COBO CENTER | CENTERED AROUND YOU Welcome to a place where you can be part of something. Where a city and center are humming with energy. A place where you can actually feel good about a meeting. Where people go out of their way for you because that’s what we do. Because here, you matter.

What matters to you? Value? Service? Sustainability? A positive voice guiding you, every step of the way? We get it. We have reinvented this city and center for you.

COBOCENTER.COM 313.877.8214 DOWNTOWN DETROIT

@ExhibitCityNews

060_CC_Spotlight_Indy_0119.indd 2

LISA HENNESSY

COBO CENTER EVENT MANAGER

What a pleasure it was to work with Lisa on our convention. She went above and beyond to make sure everything went smooth and all our needs were meant.

Nothing was impossible.

SHERRY DULEY | SEIU DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 61

12/21/18 1:12 PM

ASSOCIATION NEWS

by Jeanne Brei

CONCERTS CONVENTIONS DINING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SHOPPING SPORTING EVENTS

ROSEMONT’S IMPACT FIELD

T

he EDPA Las Vegas chapter won Chapter of the Year at EDPA Access in Naples, Fla., last month.

They also wowed the crowd by donating a $10,000 check to the EDPA Foundation.

EDPA’s Las Vegas chapter has also been giving back to their local community during their third annual Whitney Elementary charity drive.

They made a commitment to provide 100 turkeys and 200 food baskets for both Thanksgiving and Christmas to Whitney Elementary School, which services some of the neediest students in the Clark County School District, with 100 percent of their students receiv-

The mission of the EDPA is to advance the interests of members engaged in the design, production and service of exhibits, events and experiential environments. The success and integrity of the industry is enhanced through advocacy, communication, education and good works. For more info, visit www.edpa.com.

Whitney school charity drive photo by Exposures LTD.; Chapter of the year photo by PADGETT & CO.

EDPA Las Vegas Wins Award & Delivers Holiday Cheer

ing free and reduced lunch and the majority of their students living in shelters and daily/weekly housing.

With the help of generous sponsors, such as PRG, TS Crew, The Freight Dude, Brumark, CORT, Coastal International, AFR, EDPA Midwest Chapter, Classic Exhibits, Exposures, Color Reflections, EEI Global, Stevens E3, MC2, Exhibit People and Optima Graphics, the chapter was officially less than $1,000 away from meeting their huge goal of doubling their support to Whitney Elementary from last year by Dec. 5. The baskets were delivered on Dec. 17 in time for Christmas.

62 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

062_EPDA_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:52 AM

Together we have made a real difference, and with your help, we will continue to do so.

The EDPA Foundation is getting close to reaching our initial goal of raising $1,000,000 to manage in its endowment and be able to meet its objectives for many years to come. To achieve this goal the EDPA Foundation needs YOUR help.

Supporting the Foundation demonstrates that we all collectively give back to care for people in our industry.

We have the results...and it’s over $150,000 raised between the Silent Auction and contributions in one night at ACCESS 2018.

Wow. Since it’s inception in 2001 the EDPA Foundation has been supported by 51 Founding Grantors and Grantor companies, individuals, and charitable events.

Our policy that 95% of money raised going to recipients and causes allows you to be sure that your donation will enable us to continue to make a difference together.

We can’t stop now.

Join u s o n t h e ‘R oa d to O n e M i l l i o n ’ To make a company or individual donation, please contact either Amanda Helgemoe at ahelgemoe@nuvistaonline.com or Rob Cohen at rcohen@dslgroup.com

Together, We Are Making a Difference.

www.edpa.com/edpafoundation

Together we have provided nearly 100 scholarships.

Together we have helped support the future.

Together we have helped more than 150 industry families in need.

The EDPA Foundation Scholarship Fund was created in 2004 to award scholarships for higher education to industry members and their families. To date, 80+ scholarships have been given nationwide, totaling more than $250,000.

We support the exhibit design programs at two partner schools; The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Bemidji State University.

The Foundation has provided financial and emotional support during times of hardship to 150+ industry families through support of the RSMGC and other ancillary events.

Be Part of the Story.

Visit www.edpa.com/edpafoundation to see how.

EDPAF ECN Jan Feb 062_EPDA_0119.indd 2 2019 1 Page.indd 1

12/18/2018 2:57:23 12/21/18 1:21 PM PM

CONFERENCES / SEMINARS

by Jeanne Brei

T

he EDPA Access sessions were all standing room only at the Naples Grand Beach Resort in Naples, Florida from Nov. 28 to 30. Attendees from all over the world came to hear fabulous speakers, participate in great roundtable discussions and network with fellow dynamos in the industry. Highlights of the week included the amazing keynote speakers: Jackson Young’s view of the future in “The Magic of Technology,” Allen Gannett’s “Flashes of Genius—Learning the Art & Science of Creativity,” Tami Evans’ “Half Full of It—Activating Optimism” and Amy Sondrup’s “Women in Exhibitions” session.

But generating the biggest buzz of the week was a tie between the CFO Roundtable, moderated by Derse CFO Dan Serebin (discussing the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn several laws regarding sales tax that states are now using to levy additional taxes on tradeshows and their suppliers) and the State of the Industry “Ted-talk” style presentation by Dan Greene, Nolan Advisory Services; Sue Huff, Medtronic; Anne Trompeter, Live Marketing; and Amanda Helgemoe, NuVista Event Services, as they rolled out the research they had done on behalf of NAB and introduced the NAB Show Cares program.

Developed in response to exhibitor complaints about the cost and unpredictability of exhibiting expenses, the NAB Show Cares program was launched just in time for the 2019 booth space sales. A key aspect of NAB Show Cares is

Photos by PADGETT & CO.

EDPA Access Generated Big Buzz in Naples, Florida

64 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

064_EPDA_Seminars_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:53 AM

Photos by PADGETT & CO.

the Unlimited Material Handling initiative. This initiative reduces fees for moving freight from dock to booth and back via a fixed rate of $3.85/sq.ft. that covers any or all items an exhibitor brings into the show regardless of quantity, weight or volume.

Instead of receiving an invoice for material handling after the show, exhibitors simply pay for the service up front when they purchase their booth space. While some exhibitors who previously didn’t use the service will now pay a minimal fee, the initiative has resulted in an overall average savings of nearly 40 percent and up for some of the larger exhibiting companies.

But of course, it wasn’t all work and no play, as Access attendees chose between an Everglades airboat ride, an inshore fishing expedition or the annual EDPA golf open scramble. They also enjoyed the Supplier Showcase, the President’s Gala and Not-SoSilent Auction and the Chapter Challenge of cornhole, jenga and Hammershlagen games (the Midwest chapter took first, the Las Vegas chapter came in second).

IAEE Expo! Expo!

Celebrated Its 90th Anniversary in New Orleans IAEE held their highly successful 90th anniversary Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec. 11-13. The event attracted more than 2,300 attendees representing 26 countries to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

“I cannot think of a better way to celebrate IAEE’s @ExhibitCityNews

064_EPDA_Seminars_0119.indd 2

90th anniversary than with the Expo! Expo! we had last week,” says IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “The diversity in learning experiences offered, combined with one of our largest tradeshow floors ever and outstanding networking events in wonderful locations, provided attendees with information and resources that will serve them well in 2019 and beyond.”

Strategic futurist Nancy Giordano gave audience members a glimpse into the future of technology and business practices during her keynote presentation, followed by members being led to the tradeshow floor in true New Orleans style by a second line jazz band featuring Dancing Man 504. This year’s Expo! Expo! exhibition was the largest in 17 years, featuring a sold-out show floor with 298 exhibitors in 41,400 net sq.ft. of sold exhibit space and more than 15,000 sq.ft. of on-show floor education and networking activations. Attendees closed the evening at the Krewe Party Opening Reception where they enjoyed the spirit of New Orleans at Mardi Gras World dancing to Dixieland bands featuring Tom Hook and Kermit Ruffin.

The General Session on Dec. 12 featured entrepreneur Mandy Rennehan, who energized and inspired audience members with her “respectfully uncensored” message of staying true to one’s creative and professional passions. That evening, attendees, along with founding sponsor GES, helped raise $16,000 at the 10th annual Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause, held at the

Stopping by the ECN booth at Access were (L-R) Debbie Parrott from Highmark, Alejandro and Alex Escalante from The Omega Group/Lago and Bob Dobinski from Corp. Communications, who had all been featured in the May 2018 ECN story on Fathers and their offspring in the business.

House of Blues New Orleans.

Proceeds benefit Kingsley House, an organization that has served New Orleans since 1896 through its commitment to ensuring that individuals

and families have the supports necessary to be successful at all stages of life.

Next year’s event will be held Dec. 3-5 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 65

12/27/18 8:53 AM

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move

E

merald Expositions President and CEO David Loechner, who began as a sales rep for Nielsen Expositions and became company president in 2010, retired Nov. 8.

(Nielsen was renamed Emerald Expositions in 2013.) CFO Phil Evans was named interim CEO and Loechner will assist in the transition until a permanent replacement is named. Loechner served on the board of directors of the Society of Independent Show Organizers and he led Emerald Expositions into becoming a publicly traded company.

IAEE announced its 2019 Board of Directors at its Expo! Expo! show and welcomed Thomas Cindric, Jr. (right), CEM, as their incoming chairperson. As senior VP at Informa Global Exhibitions, Infrastructure Events, Cindric oversees some of Informa’s leading events such as World of Concrete and Waste Expo. “It is an exciting time, not only for IAEE, but the entire exhibitions and events industry,” says Cindric. “I am looking forward to seeing IAEE experience great growth through new initiatives and collaboration with our industry partners as we take full advantage of new opportunities before us supported by a strong foundation set by my predecessors.”

The International Live Events Association proudly recognizes the six event professionals who recently earned their Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation in the October 2018 testing window: Monika Amar, CSEP, City of Boca Raton, Fla., Elizabeth Brennan, CSEP, barleymash & The Smoking Gun, San Diego; Jordan Ellis, CSEP, Quicken Loans, Detroit; Stephanie Jayko, CSEP, Knock Out Productions, Dallas; Marcel Rodarte, CSEP, ELI Strategy Group, Inc., Norwalk, Calif.; and Cameron Rust, CSEP, Hello! Destination Management, Orlando, Fla. Showdown Displays, North America’s

by Exhibit City News

leading supplier of portable lightweight event displays, announces Kevin Walsh (left) as president, effective January 1, 2019. “Kevin has been an integral part of the remarkable growth and development of Showdown Displays since joining the company seven years ago,” says Sign-Zone CEO John Bruellman. Walsh is an industry veteran, with more than 30 years in the promotional, signage and printing industries and was chief marketing and sales officer at Showdown since 2011.

Aluvision, a leading, worldwide developer and manufacturer of a state-of-the-art, modular, aluminum frame system used in a variety of exhibits and displays, welcomes Northeast Sales Manager Patrick Knott, Customer Service Representative Josh Garcia, and new designers/CAD detailers Sean Andreassen and Shelly Abraham (right) to the Aluvision team.

Based out of Boston, Knott is responsible for Aluvision sales in the Northeast region and the link between all business activities in the Northeast region and Aluvision’s U.S. headquarters in Atlanta. Knott, a third-generation exhibit professional, began working at Czarnowski in Atlanta while in high school. Later he spent three years as an account manager at DisplayWorks in Irvine, Calif., and then five more years with MC2 first in L.A. and later in Boston as an account manager/traveling supervisor.

Elevation3D, a full-service design, production, and face-to-face marketing firm, is proud to announce additions to its Greater Boston and Las Vegas teams. Additions to the account executive, client services and media teams support the company’s acquisition of Exhibit Fair Internation-

al, Inc. (EFI). Sheila Bryant, senior account executive, brings more than 25 years of industry experience, specializing in custom and rental tradeshow exhibits, corporate events and branded environments. Kristin Sistrunk, with more than 10 years of experience, joins as the client services manager. Michelle Liston, senior account manager, brings 20 years of industry experience to their client services team. Account Manager Heather Jenkinson’s industry experience spans 20 years, across multiple markets, and account manager Amanda Beaulieu (left) has a strong background in the medical device and software solutions markets. Josh Ayantola spearheads the Elevation3D media department. Elevation3D has added to several other internal departments since the March acquisition, including Michael Volmar Ph.D. (software architect), Ivan Smith (CAD engineer), Stephen Wooldridge (project manager) and Duane Weisling (estimating manager).

Momentum Management has hired Andrew Worrell as an assistant city manager in Orlando, Fla. Worrell is working under City Manager Walt McCreary in tackling the more than 40 venues in the central Florida area that Momentum currently services. Worrell comes to Momentum with more than nine years of experience. His previous titles include strategic account manager and senior production manager at display houses.

For the last four years, Worrell has served as the assistant city manager at Zenith.

Mirror Show Management, a woman-owned customer experience agency specializing in tradeshows, events and environments, has hired seven new employees. Dan Diabo and Morgan Springer have joined the company as mini-booth specialists; Hillary Bennett Continued on p. 68

66 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

066_PoM_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:56 AM

Experience Transport Agency

C

M

Hourly, Daily & Weekly Packages Available

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

- MOBILE OFFICES - AIRPORT TRANSFERS - WIFI - LIVE STREAM If you like the ease of rideshare companies, then download our app Experience Transport Agency for IOS or APPLE

Setting the Industry Standard in Las Vegas for Co nve n t i o n Fu r n i t u re R e n t a l OR NT !

E INV ST ST E WE E H RG LA IN T

! s r a e y 30

O ve r 3 5 0 Pi e c e C a t a l o g

B u i l d To S u i t

Y

Products Featured In Photo:

3129 White Stack Chairs, and 5238 White Parsons Tables.

See more products & examples at www.SomersFurniture.com

P U N C T UA L & P R O F E S S I O N A L  2 4 / 7 S E T- U P & T E A R - D O W N M A D E I N U S A  I N D O O R  O U T D O O R  B O OT H S  C L A S S R O O M S T R A D E R AT E S F O R I N D U S T RY P R O F E S S I O N A L S @ExhibitCityNews

066_PoM_0119.indd 2

www.Somers Furniture.com

702.837.1717

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 67

12/21/18 1:35 PM

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Continued from p. 66 as a regional events & freight coordinator; Adam Vrubel as a project manager; Mark McHale as a custom fabricator; Baladan Cho as an interactive designer and Gabby McGrogan as an associate account executive.

Exhibit Systems has strengthened its growing professional team with the additions of Steve Miller (right) as senior project manager and Tom Douyette as a tradeshow exhibit specialist on the operations team. Miller holds B.A. degrees in business and management from the University of Nebraska and a certification from the Project Management Institute.

Douyette comes to Exhibit Systems from J&N Construction and brings valuable carpentry expertise.

GES is strengthening its event strategy team with the addition of Arjun Chakravarti, as senior VP of analytics & insights solutions, Ben Olson as VP of experiential engagement and Ann Marie Burke as director of experiential engagement. Before joining GES, Chakravarti was an assistant professor of management and marketing at the IIT Stuart School of Business in Chicago. Olson was most recently VP, managing director of Magnify, the creative agency at mg, where he led the marketing strategy, digital, and 2D and 3D design teams. Burke joins from mg’s internal creative agency where she was director of experiential strategy, leading the strategy team in the development of integrated engagement and marketing solutions.

ProGlobalEvents, a fully integrated experiential marketing firm for corporate clients, is proud to announce that Candice Nepomuceno and industry veteran Dino Saravia have joined as events and account strategy managers.

Nepomuceno brings more than 10 years of event experience managing analyst day meetings, all-hands meetings, user conferences and other corporate events.

Saravia brings more than 25 years of

experience in the event industry in a variety of production, operations and sales positions for two of the largest general contractors in the nation as well as regional custom exhibit houses.

Ken Dec of The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, has been accepted into Forbes Communications Council, an invitation-only community for executives in communications, marketing and public relations.

Dec, a 30-year marketing veteran, is executive VP, marketing and client strategies at The Expo Group.

In convention center and bureau news, Visit Indy announces the hiring of Jenny Lynch (right) as national sales manager, covering the Chicago, Wisconsin and Minnesota markets. Lynch, with more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, most recently spent three years with VisitDallas as regional director of sales for the Midwest, and four years before that with VisitNorfolk as national convention sales manager for the Midwest.

The LACC, owned by the city of L.A. and managed by AEG Facilities, is proud to welcome Shaun Davis (left), CVP, as the new VP of operations and Ben Zarhoud, CPA as the new VP of finance. Davis joins the LACC from Salt Lake City with more than 20 years of operations management experience. He most recently served at the Mountain America Expo (managed by SMG). Zarhoud is local to L.A. with more than 13 years of experience in accounting and financial management. He recently served as senior director of finance at AXS, senior manager of finance at AEG and six years at Deloitte.

Maria Joe (right) has been named event manager at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention

Center—the sixth largest convention center in the U.S. She brings more than 11 years of event management experience with the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority where she served as an event manager and managed services for events in Penn., ranging in attendance from five to 200,000 people. As a meeting manager at Fernley & Fernley, Joe’s most recent role before joining the MCCNO, she handled all aspects of event management.

Spectra, the providers of venue management and food services and hospitality to the Owensboro Convention Center and the Owensboro Sportscenter, is pleased to announce they’ve promoted Heather Terry to director of sales, Cody Ball to operations manager and hired Jessica Wilson Beckmann to be the director of the Owensboro Sportscenter. An Owensboro native whose grandfather, KWC Hall of Famer Bullet Wilson, coached at the arena, Beckmann has spent the last 10 years in the St. Louis area managing events at a variety of venues including a casino, convention center, ballpark and arena. She joined Spectra Venue Management at Chaifetz Arena in 2015.

Terry started her career with Spectra as a sales manager in 2015. She also worked as an inside sales manager for Dell, Inc. and as a supervisor at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, both in Nashville, Tenn. Ball joined the Spectra team in 2017 as a housekeeping lead and quickly transitioned over to setups and AV, including the new videoboards at the Owensboro Sportscenter.

And it’s that time of the year when the associations name their 2019 board of directors. For full slates of the new boards for IAEE, AWE, PCMA Education Foundation and the SITE International Board of Directors and SITE Foundation Board of Trustees, visit www.exhibitcitynews.com

68 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

066_PoM_0119.indd 3

12/27/18 9:56 AM

your furniture partners | ask about our new “powered up� collection

chicago 847.671.5494 | las vegas 702.798.6433 | www.anglesondesign.com

Champion Logistics Group has a transportation divison specializing in the coordination of trade shows and special events. Champion provides the most reliable and flexible trade show transportation in the industry.

@ExhibitCityNews

066_PoM_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 69

12/21/18 1:36 PM

IN MEMORIAM

Jill Dewitt

Dec. 19, 1955-Oct. 30, 2018

J

ill Dewitt, customer service manager for San Fernando, Calif.-based Abex, passed away on October 30 following a prolonged battle with cancer.

“Jill was our go-to person,” says Robbie Blumenfeld, president, Abex Exhibit Systems. “Jill knew everything there was to know about Abex products. You could be sure the first person you would see every day at Abex was Jill’s smiling face, always happy and ready to go, each morning.”

Abex was founded in 1964 when Danish architect Poul Cadovius designed and patented a breakthrough modular system for tradeshows and retail environments and named it Abstracta. The home office and factory was in Tonder, Denmark, and in 1990, Robbie Blumenfeld acquired the worldwide rights and manufacturing facilities of Abstracta in Denmark and moved production to a new facility in the L.A. area.

Lisa King, national sales mgr. for Abex, hired Dewitt in 1995 as VP of sales, a position in which she did a spectacular job. She dealt handily with growing pains of the company in its early years, in part because her desire was to treat others as she wished to be treated herself.

“In retrospect, while her job was never easy, she maintained the same high standards of professionalism and integrity over those many years,” says Nick Drance who served as VP of Abex from 1988 to 2000. “Whatever challenges presented

themselves in her personal life never affected the consistency of maintaining high professional standards. Not only that, Jill Dewitt maintained bona fide personal relationships and the loyalty that goes with that. Jill was not only an amazing employee of Abex Exhibit Systems but also a role model for all of us in many ways.”

“Although Jill had been ill for some time she continued to work through her illness,” says Blumenfeld. “Jill was strong, and she was a fighter. Our team is devastated, as I am as well, Jill will be missed beyond words.”

“Over these last 28 years we came to know Jill as a coworker, client and friend,” says King and Drance, now with Image, Design and Communications. “We respected her as an honest, dedicated professional person with the highest standards of integrity and devotion to her daughter. Jill’s spirit will live on forever through the very many people she came in contact with. Our dear friend will be missed.”

Condolences poured in from Abex’s many clients who worked closely with her. “Jill was always more than happy to help us and we loved working with her,” says Gina M. Euell, president and owner of Exhibit Solutions of New Mexico Inc. “I could tell she had a smile on her face no matter what the circumstance. In this crazy industry, she was always calm.

Even when turnaround times were tight and the pressure was on, Jill always had an answer or found a solution. She was our rock star.”

“Jill was the consummate Abex employee,” says James Deady, president of Showstopper Exhibits. “She was knowledgeable, loyal and regarded your deadlines as her own. She will be sorely missed.”

“Jill’s kindness and patience made even the most stressful tradeshow situations bearable,” says Lauren Jayne, president and co-owner of Xibeo. “I can’t count how many times we laughed at some of the ridiculousness of some of the situations we found ourselves in. I relied on her from my very first day in this industry, more than 20 years ago. She was a colleague and a friend.”

Rita Saoud from BG&R adds, “Jill was the best customer service person I had ever seen; she was funny, loving and always made everything right. She will be greatly missed, may she rest in peace.”

“Upper Case Design worked with Jill for as long as she was with Abex,” says Robert Downes, president of Upper Case Design. “She was such an amazing customer service person and so easy to work with.

She made the impossible possible. To say she will be missed is an understatement.”

Jill is survived by her daughter, Dayna DeWitt, and her mother. A well-attended celebration of her life took place at Abex on Nov. 15.

70 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

070_Obits_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:54 AM

Michael Altobelli

April 11, 1957-Nov. 21, 2018

M

ichael “Alto” Altobelli entered the exhibit industry as an account executive in 1983 and was a part of the Chicago Exhibit Productions team as a vice president and partner from 1993 until his death.

CEP is an integrated team of specialists dedicated to delivering total solutions for customers’ exhibit, environments and event needs with offices in Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando.

Altobelli was based in Chicago and oversaw many large clients’ tradeshow programs over the years. His responsibilities included managing more than 30 major accounts within the tradeshow industry, overseeing client account management and training and development.

In his younger days, he played professional baseball with the Oakland Athletics. He was signed in 1979 as an outfielder and made it to the big leagues as a relief pitcher for the Oakland A’s, remaining on the team through 1983.

His many friends, both in the industry and in the sports world, send their condolences.

“Deeply shocked and saddened by this sudden unexpected loss, my deepest sympathies to Kathy and sons, Adam and Dominic, brother, Anthony and his mother,” says Ron Barreca from the Heritage Bay Country Club. “Mike was blessed with wonderful wife and beautiful family and close friends. Bigger than life, I was lucky enough to know him and call him a friend. I played golf with him at Heritage Bay in Naples and got to know his family and some of his close friends. He was blessed with physical attributes that allowed him to play baseball at the highest professional level and hit a golf ball 300 yards. Yet he was down to earth, fun-loving and big hearted, with a hint of mischief in his smile. Altobelli—’Big and Beautiful’ in Italian. That pretty much

sums it up. Love you Mike. I will miss you. Thanks for the memories. They will always be a part of my life.”

“My deepest and heartfelt condolences,” says George Demos from Northbrook, Ill. “Mike was an incomparable colleague in the tradeshow environment in which we worked for many years. I was quite saddened to hear of his sudden loss, he was taken much too young. My thoughts and prayers are with Michael and his beautiful family.”

Christi Debrauwere from Chicago adds, “For as long as I have been in the exhibit world I have known Mike. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be missed by so many.”

“Mike was a teammate, friend and brother,” says Mike Spinozzi from Southlake, Texas. “His sense of humor, generosity, loyalty and ability to encourage, were some of his memorable qualities.

To his family: my deepest sympathy—he loved you all so much and was so proud of you. I am sorry I am not able to travel to be with you but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I loved him and will miss him dearly.”

“Mike seemed to live every day to the fullest,” says Bill Wilson from Chicago.

“We should all try to emulate that spirit.

I’m saddened to hear of his passing. His big heart and personality will be missed by all that spent time with him. RIP Alto.”

“A friend of 40 years is gone but will never be forgotten,” says Frankie Serritella from Palm Beach, Florida. “A wonderful friend, husband, father and so much more. A personality bigger than life and a heart of giving that was even bigger. Walking down memory lane has brought much tears and grief knowing the laughs and fun we shared will be no more. Our phone calls always started and ended the same.... Mike greeting me with, ‘Frankie Serritella,’ and my responding ‘Mikey.’ Our closing was Mike always saying, ‘Okay, Gumba, keep in touch,’ and my response, ‘You too, Mikey.’ Mike was a man’s man, a leader by example, not just words... I love you Mike and will miss you dearly, Mikey.”

“The CEP family has lost a large piece of our puzzle,” says an announcement from CEP to the company’s friends, partners and clients. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the beloved Mike Altobelli (Alto). For those who had the great opportunity of knowing him, you know that Alto was a one-of-a-kind guy and one of the most generous, loving and entertaining people you could possibly meet. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later dear friend.”

Michael was survived by his wife Kathy (née King); sons Adam (Kayli) and Dominic (Maggie); mother Elaine; brother of Anthony; brother-in-law Kevin (Judy) and Tom King; and many nieces and nephews, friends, and golf partners.

His services were held Nov. 25 in Tinley Park, Ill. If you would like to express condolences or share a memory, visit his guestbook at https://www.legacy.com/ guestbooks/chicagotribune/ michael-adam-altobelli-condolences/190803177?cid=full ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 71

070_Obits_0119.indd 2

12/27/18 8:55 AM

VENUES/EVENTS Las Vegas

Sake Rok, Sake Roll

BY MIRA DURIMAN

After a thrilling Las Vegas Golden Knights game, the fun doesn’t have to stop at the T-Mobile Arena. A brief stroll across the plaza transforms the city lights into an extravagant Japanese restaurant experience.

In 2016, Albert Mack, the founder of Sake Rok, combined “Japan’s pop culture and fashion scene with over-the-top theatrics for an experience part culinary, part performances, and completely unique,” says Megan Fazio, president of Neon PR.

“The menu boasts a variety of playful Japanese favorites with unique twists to the flavor profiles. Accompanying the menu is a beverage program that includes sake cocktails, shareable punch bowls and the signature Sake Bomb with private-label sake.

As the sun goes down, the party gets pumped up and sushi is served with a side of spontaneous dance battles, lip-sync serenades and restaurant-wide revelry.”

The multi-purpose restaurant has more than 13,000 square

feet to host memorable events.

Fazio says, “Sake Rok’s third floor terrace provides a unique, fully private area, showcasing customizable state-of-the-art audio and visual components, a 30 ft.-high skylight, full service bar, and a 13 ft.-high sliding glass wall that opens to the outside balcony leaving a view that is unparalleled in the city.”

The terrace, which can hold 10500 guests, regularly accommodates large conferences and teams like the Golden Knights.

The mezzanine on the second floor (10-100 guests) offers a semi-private dining experience that overlooks the main dining floor. This allows guests to partake in the full restaurant energy, live DJ, evening emcee and spectacle experience in a semi-secluded area. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., every 30-40 minutes Sake Rok’s staff performs lip-synched, choreographed dance routines.

The executive team of skilled chefs includes Sung Park, the executive chef and master sushi chef, along with Bill Lee, the executive sous chef. Park’s father introduced him to sushi’s complexities of texture and flavors which led to his successful career in sushi craftmanship. In 2008, Park moved from New Jersey to Las Vegas to become the lead sushi chef at SushiSamba. After

holding managing position for five consecutive years, he was honored to open the award-winning Chef Akira Back’s Kumi at Mandalay Bay in 2013 and moved to Sake Rok in 2016.

Sake Rok is also available for private parties and corporate and charity events. Recently, Gaetano Brand transformed Las Vegas’ ultimate sushi experience and social dining extravaganza into a runway soiree bidding jacket designs off the Vegas Golden Knights’ backs.

Fazio says, “All event proceeds benefitted the Route91Strong Organization, raising funds to support those who live through firearm-related tragedies.” The invitation-only event kicked off with a celeb-filled red carpet, including VGK players Alex Tuch, Deryk Engelland, Erik Haula, Jonathan Marchessault, Oscar Lindberg, Ryan Reaves and William Karlsson. Dressed to impress, party revelers were transported into the Sake Rok fashion spectacle complete with a VIP runway. Live entertainment between fashion sets added to the evening’s pizzazz as attendees raised funds for Route 91 victims.

Sake Rok Las Vegas is located at 3786 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109, (702) 706-3022. For more info, visit www.SakeRokLV.com.

72 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

072_EventsVenues_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 9:59 AM

WE ENSURE YOUR TRADE SHOW SUCCESS! IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

As a unique Las Vegas based carrier, we are dedicated to one thing - trade shows.

With over 30 years of experience we are highly trained, skilled and focused on providing you with flawless service handling your exhibit materials in and out of Las Vegas convention venues.

What makes us so great? › › › › ›

24/7 nationwide service - year round Warehousing & exhibit crate repair Customized account management Show-to-show coordination On site show floor representation

› › › ›

Over 100,000 sq. ft. of booth storage Certified weight tickets/on-site truck scale Pad wrapping & color-coded show labels More than 100 vans, tractors & trailers solely serving the Las Vegas market

Proud member of

4120 W. Windmill Lane Las Vegas, NV 89139

CONTACT US: 072_EventsVenues_0119.indd 2

3741 Civic Center Drive North Las Vegas, NV 89130

sunset-lv.com

info@sunset-lv.com

3200 Gowan Road North Las Vegas, NV 89130

702.914.0185 12/21/18 1:47 PM

VENUES/EVENTS Indianapolis

Crane Bay: A Unique Event Experience in Downtown Indianapolis

BY AMADEUS FINLAY

The country is being swept by a trend where old or unused spaces are renovated into chic, modern expressions of minimalist design.

Full of character, and exuding just the slightest hint of mischief, these grand establishments provoke conversation among their visitors and have the scale and visual variation to cause wonder.

But even among all the striking examples of renovation architecture located across the U.S., some buildings can’t help but stand out. One of those leading lights is the 1,200-capacity Crane Bay Event Center in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Located just a stone’s throw from the home venue of the Indianapolis Colts, the Crane Bay is one of the city’s statement pieces as well as one of its rejuvenation success stories.

Originally built as an industrial facility in the nineteenth century, the 18,000sq.ft. building lay derelict for many years until it was

reawakened and transformed for Rolling Stone magazine’s Super Bowl XLVI party in 2012.

The venue has since been taken over by full-time management, subdivided into three interlocking sections, and hasn’t looked back. Today it has the ability to support everything from conferences and professional occasions to weddings and entertainment events.

Inside, the meaning of the name Crane Bay soon becomes apparent, as the high ceiling remains crisscrossed with the building’s original crane and truss features. The expansive open heart can be divided into any arrangement by way of flowing curtains, while at full capacity it can host 600 seated guests at dinner service. Events see the whitewashed brick walls lavishly uplit in a swash of warming pastels, but they can also be dimmed for effect.

Supporting the scene are lighted LED columns, which can be customized to match almost any color scheme.

White leather sectional couches frame the perimeter, while a large, square bar, resplendent in opaque glass, is offset at a right angle to the wall.

Looking for a place to perform? The venue comes equipped with a fully lit, raised stage that can also be fitted with a catwalk for fashion events. Sound and lighting are managed by an inhouse production company, and can be customized to suit the tone of your event. And speaking of in-house facilities, Crane Bay also offers its own award-winning culinary team, Crystal Catering, which offers customizable menus.

As with all good event venues worth their salt, the Crane Bay also has a private outdoor patio that overlooks the downtown skyline, a stunning vista whatever the weather.

Visitors are even welcome on cooler evenings, for the patio offers a fireplace and elevated heating elements. This space has one last feature that’s a sure selling point; unlike so many other downtown spaces, Crane Bay comes complete with its own 1,200-space parking garage, just to make life that much easier.

The Crane Bay is located at 551 West Merrill St., Indianapolis, IN 46225, (317) 423-2999, www.thecranebay. com. Sales/facility manager Amanda Van Der Moere can be reached at amanda@thecranebay.com.

74 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

074_EventsVenues_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 10:01 AM

CUT OF THE WEEK SHHH. IT’S A SECRET. ASK YOUR SERVER FOR THE MENU. EVERY WEEK OUR CHEF SELECTS A UNIQUE CUT AS A FEATURED ENTRÉE THAT’S PAIRED WITH A SALAD, TWO SIDES, DESSERT, AND A “BOTTOMLESS” WINE PAIRING...ALL FOR $58 PER PERSON. AND WE’LL EVEN VALIDATE YOUR VALET PARKING..

MEAT YOU THERE.

CHARLIE PALMER STEAK | FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 702.632.5120 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL | 3960 LAS VEGAS BLVD SOUTH, LAS VEGAS | WWW.CHARLIEPALMERSTEAK.COM | @CHARLIEPALMERSTEAK 074_EventsVenues_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 1:50 PM

THE D.E.A.L. By Jeanne Brei

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

DINING

Café Patachou Serves Truly “Farm Fresh” Indiana Eggs Featuring a Farm-to-Table Sustainable Menu Martha Hoover’s Café Patachou is more than a neighborhood restaurant and an award-winning café; it’s been a local institution since 1989. Long described as “a student union for adults,” the five locations of Cafe Patachou all serve a world-class breakfast and lunch experience that includes dishes prepared with premium ingredients from scratch and to order and a commitment to sourcing local and often organic products—omelettes prepared with truly farm-fresh Indiana eggs, vegan Cuban breakfasts, salads and sandwiches featuring locally sourced produce and proteins, housemade soups and desserts, and up-market coffee (selected by their in-house coffee director). They are also known for their refreshingly personal yet professional table service, energy-filled interiors and genuine hospitality. They have five types of mimosa and prosecco cocktails, a selfserve coffee bar, yogurt smoothies and juices on the drinks menu and locals will tell you the Patachou chicken salad is a lunch must.

Café Patachou has garnered local, regional and national accolades, including having been recognized early on as one of Bon Appetit’s Ten Best Places for Breakfast in the Country and cited among the Best of the Midwest by Midwest Living.

Patachou Inc., formed by Martha Hoover in December 1989, operates multiple restaurant concepts in the Indianapolis area: Café Patachou, Petite Chou Bistro and Champagne Bar, Napolese Artisanal Pizzerias, Public Greens Urban Kitchen and Crispy Bird. Additionally, Patachou Inc., has created a 501(c)3, the Patachou Foundation, which feeds at-risk and food-insecure children in the local

community and teaches them to make healthier choices through experiential food-literacy lessons about farm-to-fork nutrition and its impact on health.

Independently owned and woman-led, Patachou Inc. is a company with a vision to be radically different in five critical areas: food sourcing, customer experience, leadership opportunities, sustainability and commitment to the community. Café Patachou is a must visit for both the farm-to-table sustainable menu and the impact of food and social change in Indianapolis.

Owner Hoover opened Public Greens as an urban, farm-market inspired cafeteria with a community focus that is now a Level 1 Certified Green Restaurant. Its first location (there’s soon to be three, a downtown Indy site opens in winter of 2019) is situated at the head of the Monon Trail, the city-wide walking and cycling public greenway.

It employs a dedicated farmer for the block-long grounds, fully planted with crops and edible flowers used in the restaurant and in the feeding program of the Patachou Foundation. The

monthly changing menu features locally grown produce, humanely raised proteins and house-made desserts, all served in a modern cafeteria style.

A one-of-a-kind restaurant, Public Greens dedicates 100 percent of its profits to the Patachou Foundation.

With its classic bistro fare, Petite Chou Bistro and Champagne Bar is Patachou’s American reinvention of the iconic French neighborhood restaurant, with customer favorites including made-to-order crêpes, tartines and omelettes. Napolese is about artfully made pizza and stone hearth baking, using the finest ingredients available, carefully sourcing cheeses, meats and local farm produce grown specifically for Napolese.

The seasonal menu and incredible Patachou service make for a world-class pizza experience.

The downtown location for Patachou Café is located directly across from the State Capitol Building at 225 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204, (317) 632.0765, www.cafepatachou.com. There is another location pre-security in the Civic Plaza at the Indianapolis International Airport.

76 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

076_TheDeal_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 10:09 AM

ENTERTAINMENT

From Home-Grown Brews to the HandleBar Pedal Pub Indy Is Party-Ready!

From the bright lights of downtown to the boho-chic of Broad Ripple and Fountain Square, Indy is party-ready any night of the week. You’d think it was a “college-town” and, actually, there are 20+ colleges within about an hour’s drive of downtown Indy—including Purdue, DePauw, Indiana University, Butler, etc.

With home-grown breweries all over town, it’s hard to get a bad beer in Indy. Most pubs and bars stock the local brews and there are also a few dedicated brewpubs where the barman may also be the brewer. One such establishment is the Black Acre Brewing Company, with reclaimed-wood walls, a blackboard scrawled with information about the beers and a rustic atmosphere. Having started as home-brewers, they offer unique seasonal ales along with their regular brews. For real ale lovers, it’s bliss.

But for an experience completely out of the ordinary—there’s the HandleBar, a pedal pub that allows riders to bring their own drinks with them and enables them to get their exercise outdoors, socialize with fellow pedalers and see the city in a very unique way. And new for 2018—all beer bikes are now electric-assist, specifically designed to help out as much or as little as you want. Individuals can book a two-hour single seat for just $25, but they specialize in group, corporate and teambuilding events. Each beer bike holds 16 people and group rates start at just $300.

“It’s like renting a private VIP room that moves past skyscrapers and every iconic attraction downtown,” according to their sales pitch for corporate teambuilding events. “We’re like a giant picnic table riding through the city, so our bike bar tours provide an EASY and @ExhibitCityNews

076_TheDeal_0119.indd 2

‘required’ opportunity for everyone to interact with one another. Plus, you DO have to pedal together to move. A perfect example of our pedal pub tours promoting team communication and engaging all members of the office happens most frequently when the bike bars are stopped at a red light. Pay attention when the light turns green, someone always gets called out for not pedaling quick enough! Some friendly finger pointing is almost always bound to happen if someone isn’t pulling their weight. That said, we do have an electric pedal assist on each bike to help if you’d like it!”

Brothers Stephen and Brian Lindsay started The HandleBar in 2012 with a pretty simple goal: Bring a new outdoor experience to the city that brings people together, pay off their investment and learn a little about running a small business along the way. After three years of working nights and weekends, they both graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering and decided to go full-time with HandleBar. The pedal pub was invented about 20 years ago by two brothers in the Netherlands (the world headquarters of bicycles) who were asked to make a float for the Queen’s Day Parade by a friend who owned a bar. His request was they make a “bicycle bar” that would combine beer and biking. It was such a hit that after the

parade they started renting it and thus began the pedal pub.

The HandleBar bikes are still made in the Netherlands by those inventive brothers, Henk and Zwier Van Laar. And the HandleBar is proud to say that they’ve made design improvement suggestions to the clutch system that have already been implemented to the bikes that are shipping worldwide.

“There is no better way to take in the city than in the open air, on a HandleBar bike bar, with friends and coworkers!” according to the owners of HandleBar, who explain, “The slow pace allows you to look around and see all the new developments happening downtown at your leisure while you play your own music and talk to each other. If you have questions during the tour, we love to talk about the city too, so just ask. Remember, our bike bar tours typically consist of 20 minutes of cruising followed by 20 minutes of resting at a landmark or bar/ restaurant, so there is tons of time to chat about what you saw during the pedaling or after, while we’re stopped.”

To book your HandleBar pedal pub tour, visit https://handlebarindy.com or email joel@handlebarindy.com for more info.

Black Acre Brewing Company is located at 5632 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46219, (317) 2076266. For more info, visit blackacrebrewing.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 77

12/27/18 10:10 AM

THE D.E.A.L. By Jeanne Brei

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ATTRACTIONS

A Leisurely Stroll Down the Indy Canal Walk or a Race to the Finish Line at Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Indy Canal Walk was born in the 1840s when the Indiana state government was trying to bring more commerce to the city. But the state found itself bankrupt and the plans for a 296-mile waterway were shelved. Today, the Indy Canal Walk is a three-mile waterfront pedestrian loop that that runs along the central canal, beginning in the 250-acre White River State Park and running north to 11th street.

You can walk alongside the canal, book a Segway tour, hire a gondolier or rent a pedal boat or kayak. White River State Park boasts expansive green spaces and is home to some of the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, an Imax theater, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, the NCAA Hall of Champions and Victory Field (a baseball field where the Triple-A affiliate team of the Pittsburgh Pirates— the Indianapolis Indians—play), among other popular attractions.

Whatever mode of transport you choose,

you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the Indianapolis skyline, not to mention a 17-foot waterfall, some of the city’s best contemporary architecture, and memorials to the U.S.S. Indianapolis and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Keep your eye out for colorful murals on the canal underpasses, too.

This is the spot for quiet relaxation in Indy.

Entrance to the canal is free, but you’ll have to pay to rent any equipment. Wheel Fun Rentals, which is stationed in White River State Park, offers hourly kayak rentals for $15; renting a double kayak costs $20 per hour while pedal boats can be rented for $30 per hour. They also offer bikes for rent. If you want to up the romance, consider purchasing a gondola ride from Old World Gondoliers, which start at $25 per person for public rides or $150 for private sailings.

Of course, no visit to Indianapolis would be complete without a jaunt out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, seven miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, where the U.S.’s most celebrated car race, the legendary Indianapolis 500, is run every year. It is only used for this race and two others: the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Race and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The circuit, a 2.5-mile oval, was originally designed as an automobile test track, but the first 500-mile race in 1911 was so successful that it became a regular fixture.

In the course of time, the track, which was originally paved with bricks (still used to mark the finishing line), was adapted to

cope with ever-increasing speeds. Accommodation for spectators was also increased, and the speedway can now handle more than 250,000 people in the stands and more than 150,000 on the ground.

Also located on the grounds of the Speedway is the Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum, devoted to the world of automobiles and auto racing. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the museum features an outstanding collection of race vehicles and automobile memorabilia associated with the Indianapolis 500 race, including motorcycles, dragsters and cars that have set world land speed records. Visitors can take informative guided tours of the Speedway, which include stops at the victory platform, garage area, and Gasoline Alley hospitality suite. Narrated track tours, which cover one lap around the oval track in a special bus, are also available.

Of course, if you’re a race car fanatic, you’ll want to do the Indy Racing Experience—which allows you to either drive three laps around the track (at a maximum speed of 180 mph) or do a ridealong with a professional driver. Maybe even Mario Andretti!

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located at 4790 W 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222. For more info, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway. com. The Indy Racing Experience is located at 2A Gasoline Alley, Indianapolis, IN 46222. For more info, visit www.indyracingexperience.com.

78 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

076_TheDeal_0119.indd 3

12/27/18 10:10 AM

LODGING

Indy’s Fabled Canterbury Hotel Is Now Le Méridien Indianapolis Conveniently connected via skybridge to Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center, located in the heart of the downtown business, shopping and dining district, and near the Indianapolis Cultural Trail (an urban bike and pedestrian path) lies Le Méridien Indianapolis. Starwood/ Marriott spent $13 million in 2014 to update the 100 guest rooms and suites, re-design the restaurant and lounge and expand the fitness center and event space of the fabled Canterbury Hotel. The Canterbury’s mahogany-paneled bar was slated for destruction but instead it was moved—lock, stock, and chandeliers—to the Stutz Car Gallery.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Wholesale District historic district. A hotel has

@ExhibitCityNews

076_TheDeal_0119.indd 4

existed on that corner since 1858 when the four-story Oriental Hotel opened. The Oriental was demolished in 1928 and the current 12-story hotel was constructed. It was first known as the Lockerbie, later as the Warren, and then as the Canterbury Hotel from 1983-2013. The Circle Centre Mall was constructed around the hotel.

Over the years it has seen its share of celebrities, including Michael Jackson in 2003 (while giving a deposition in a lawsuit); Carrie Underwood, Adam Sandler and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler in town for Super Bowl XLVI; Mike Tyson

in 1991 and Mick Jagger in 1989 (for a Rolling Stones concert).

Their 100 chic guest rooms and suites feature complimentary wireless highspeed internet access, ergonomic workspaces, 42-inch flat screen TVs, and pillow-top LM beds with 300-threadcount sheets. In-room illy coffee sparks productivity and imagination.

Le Meridian Indianapolis is located at 123 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225, (317) 7371600 or www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ indmd-le-meridien-indianapolis.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 79

12/27/18 10:10 AM

Tradeshow Calendar CENTRAL TRADESHOW ROUNDUP SHOW RECAP

ISSA/Interclean Show North America, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, TX ISSA Show North America 2018 welcomed 14,019 registered professionals from 61 countries, with more than 12 percent from outside the U.S. Notably, 52 percent of registered attendees had not previously attended this flagship annual ISSA event.

Exhibitors and attendees both affirmed a positive experience in surveys conducted after the show, with the vast majority—95 and 80 percent, respectively—indicating likelihood to participate in the next edition of ISSA Show North America. The next ISSA Show North America is scheduled for Nov. 18-21, in Las Vegas.

For more info, visit issa.com.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Western Farm Show, Feb. 22-24, American Royal Complex, Kansas City, MO More than 20,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors are set be at what organizers call “The Best Place to Be for Farmers and Ranchers.” It is the Midwest’s best indoor farm show with hundreds of exhibitors, acres of things to see and do and the latest in farm and ranch technology and more.

Events are set to include livestock demonstrations, a health and safety roundup

and a Future Farmers of America day. For more info, visit westernfarmshow.com.

Key Info: Exhibitor set up time is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb 19-21. Exhibits must be fully installed before Feb. 22.

Sioux Falls Farm Show, Jan. 2325, Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD The Sioux Falls Farm Show is set to feature more than 320 exhibitors and 1,000+ product lines. For the past 21 years, the Sioux Falls Farm Show has showcased the latest agricultural technology and services. Approximately 25,000 agricultural producers from South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota are set to attend to review the latest farm technology focused on improving yields, reducing costs and managing risk. The Sioux Falls Convention Center, Event Center & Arena provides more than 85,000 sq.ft. of exhibits and educational seminars. Exhibits are also featured at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in conjunction with the show. For more info, visit siouxfallsfarmshow.com Key Info: The 2018 Sioux Falls Farm Show was a sold out event. To have a member of the sales team contact you or to be placed on the waiting list for future events, visit farmshowsusa.com/ for-exhibitors or call (507) 437-4577.

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show, Jan, 30-Feb.1, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Outdoor Retailer is the world’s leading business-to-business outdoor sports

by F. Andrew Taylor

show where industry brands, retailers, reps, suppliers and leaders gather. It is the place to see products that influence the whole mountain experience. In addition to officially kicking off the snow sports sales season, attendees will have the opportunity to catch up with brands and buyers at the beginning of the selling season and wrap up any outstanding conversations from the winter outdoor season. It features conferences, training sessions, leadership seminars and educational opportunities. For more info, visit outdoorretailer.com.

Key Info: Show move in for 20 x 20 and larger booths is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 27. For other booths, it is 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 28 and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 29.

Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention - TMEA, Feb 1316, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX More than 29,000 attendees from around the world are set to experience the best professional development, inspiring performances and an exhibit hall with the latest music education products and services at the TMEA Clinic/Convention. More than 466 companies plan to exhibit and almost 100 music performances are scheduled, including choral and instrumental music by elementary through college ensembles, professional music groups, and the TMEA All-State Ensembles. For more info, visit tmea.org/conventions/2019.

Key Info: Show move in for larger booth blocks is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 12. For other booths, it is 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 13 and 7:30 a.m.- 9 a.m. Feb. 14. Exhibits open at 9 a.m. Feb. 14.

80 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 1

12/27/18 8:56 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. CENTRAL Show American Baseball Coaches Association - ABCA Dakota Farm Show Intl. Council of Shopping Centers - ICSC Red River States Conf. & Deal Making Potato Expo Western & English Sales Market - WESA The Western - Western Nursery & Landscape Association NorthEast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show Rocky Mountain Dental Convention - MDDS Sioux Falls Farm Show Texas Association of School Administrators - TASA Midwinter Conference Northwestern Building Products Expo Underground Construction Technology - UCT Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show Texas Computer Education Association - TCEA ProGreen Expo Border Security Expo - BSE Geosynthetics - IFAI Northeast Texas Nursery Growers Association Texas Music Educators Assocation Clinic/Convention - TMEA Heart of America Contact Lens Society - HOACLS Learning Disabilities Association of America - LDA International Erosion Control Association - IECA True Value Market Spring & Rental Reunion Western Farm Show National Art Materials Trade Association - NAMTA Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration - SME CAMEX - National Association of College Stores Houstex Triumph of Ag Expo

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/03 01/03 01/09 01/09 01/11 01/16 01/16 01/17 01/23 01/27 01/28 01/29 01/30 02/04 02/05 02/06 02/10 02/13 02/13 02/15 02/18 02/19 02/21 02/22 02/24 02/24 02/24 02/26 02/27

View Complete Calendar Online

End 01/06 01/05 01/11 01/10 01/14 01/18 01/17 01/19 01/25 01/30 01/29 01/31 02/01 02/08 02/08 02/07 02/13 02/14 02/16 02/17 02/21 02/22 02/24 02/24 02/26 02/27 02/26 02/28 02/28

Venue Gaylord Texan USD Dakotadome Ft. Worth CC Austin CC Denver Mart Complex Crown Center Expo Hall Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex Colorado CC Sioux Falls CC Austin CC Rivers Edge Ft. Worth CC Colorado CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Colorado CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Marriott Marquis Arlington CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Sheraton Crown Center Omni Ft. Worth Hotel Colorado CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC American Royal Complex Henry B. Gonzalez CC Colorado CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC George R. Brown CC CenturyLink Center

City Dallas Vermillion Ft. Worth Austin Denver Kansas City Norfolk Denver Sioux Falls Austin St. Cloud Ft. Worth Denver San Antonio Denver San Antonio Houston Arlington San Antonio Kansas City Ft. Worth Denver Dallas Kansas City San Antonio Denver San Antonio Houston Omaha

St TX SD TX TX CO MO NE CO SD TX MN TX CO TX CO TX TX TX TX MO TX CO TX MO TX CO TX TX NE

Att 3350 25K 4200 1900 4462 3200 3000 8911 25K 4500 2000 3000 32.7K 9109 6500 1000 2100

Exh 325 280 241 160 770 450 125 300 320 400 115 200 877 476 400 100 193 70 30K 550 1200 375 1100 65 1500 130 8056 1.1K 20K 500 1800 195 6000 575 3800 445 4332 356 18.5K 1K

Nsf Industry 43538 Sporting Goods & Rec. 65000 Agriculture & Farming 68000 Agriculture & Farming 109K Apparel 45000 Landscape & Garden Agriculture & Farming 92000 Medical & Healthcare 85000 45000 Education 12800 Building & Construction 125K Building & Construction 389K Apparel 94180 Computers & Apps 65000 Landscape & Garden 10000 Security 12000 Textiles 10000 Landscape & Garden 145K Education Medical & Healthcare 15000 Associations Building & Construction 278K Hardware 175K Agriculture & Farming 41500 Art, Music & Culture 80000 Mining Store Fittings 102KCityStores Exhibit News’&best-read section!

105K Manufacturing 201K Agriculture & Farming

SEE YOUR AD HERE! Sponsor your region in the Trade Show Calendar.

ExhibitCityNews.com/Tradeshow-Calendar Exhibit City News’ best-read section! @ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 81

12/27/18 8:56 AM

Tradeshow Calendar MIDWEST TRADESHOW ROUNDUP UPCOMING SHOWS

North American International Auto Show, Jan. 14-27, Cobo Center In what is likely to be January’s biggest show by the number of attendees, this year’s NAIAS is projected to attract more than 808,775 visitors and 157 exhibitors over the 13-day shindig in downtown Detroit. This marks the 13th year of the luxury automotive kickoff event, The Gallery at MGM Grand Detroit. Guests will experience a $10 million collection of automobiles, including brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Rolls Royce. But 2019 also marks the last year the show will be held in January, with a launch on the week of June 8 already confirmed for next year. For more info, visit www.naias.com.

Key Info: Insurance certificates were due 60 days prior to move-in, with all exhibit and display work in Cobo Center undertaken by union personnel, unless authorized otherwise by Convention & Show Services (CSS), the general contractor. Conti-HTE/ Cobo Electrical is the exclusive labor provider for electricians, while Cobo Center is listed as the exclusive provider for plumbers and stagehand labor.

Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 9-27, McCormick Place This is the big one. The daddy of all car shows, CAS will see everything from luxury sports cars to hybrid compacts grace the floors of Chicago’s largest convention center this February. With a whopping 900,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors expected to attend the 18day event, visitors can look forward to

all forms of high-octane entertainment.

Plus, this year’s show will see some exclusive new reveals, including the 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera and 2019 Bentley Continental GT. For more info, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

Key Info: Labor is managed by McCormick Place, and they work with GES. Insurance certificates were due six weeks prior to show opening. All exhibits must be ready by 6 a.m. on February 6. All exhibitor materials must be removed by 11:59 pm Feb. 28.

Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, Feb. 20-27, Indiana Convention Center Another big event for the Hoosier State, WWETT is expected to see more than 500 exhibitors and 14,000 attendees descend on Indianapolis for the seven-day event. Exhibitors will be in attendance from all over the world, including companies from as far afield as Finland, Germany and Australia. However, education is perhaps the biggest focus of this year’s WWETT, with more than 100 different sessions ranging from “Understanding Pumps and Common Pumping Issues” to “Is the Septic Doing Its Job?” For more info, visit www.wwettshow.com.

Key Info: Event organizer, Informa Exhibitions U.S. Construction & Real Estate, Inc. (IE) has exclusive contracts with official contractors for a range of predetermined services; no vendors other than those listed will be permitted to perform any of these tasks. Non-exclusive services may be performed by exhibitor appointed contractors; contact IE for more information.

Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Feb. 21-23, McCormick Place West

by Amadeus Finlay

This year’s CDS is going to be busy, with an anticipated 29,750 attendees and more than 600 exhibitors set to be squeezed into just two days of backto-back scheduling. More than 200 educational sessions are also being held, meaning the Midwinter Meeting App is likely to be a popular feature for attendees keeping track of all that’s going on. And there are a few bonuses, too. For every three paying registrants that a company signs up, they can register a fourth for free. CDS members also register for free. For more info, visit www.cds.org.

Key Info: Installation must be completed by 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Dismantling of booths may only begin after the show closes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 23.

Aisle carpet removal will begin at 4 p.m., followed by empty crate returns.

Midwest Veterinary Conference, Feb. 21-24, Greater Columbus Convention Center It’s going to be raining cats and dogs, exhibits, educational classes and thought leaders at this year’s MVC in Columbus, Ohio. They’re expecting 6,400 attendees at the three-day meeting, with more than 100 nationally and internationally recognized speakers set to divulge the latest in veterinary medicine during a slew of educational sessions. Classes include “PTSD in Military Working Dogs” and “Herbal Formulation and Dosing,” with the keynote being delivered by John Tortorella, coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. For more info, visit www.mvcinfo.org.

Key Info: Certificates of insurance are due on Feb. 1. Any remaining balance on booths must be paid

by Jan. 31. Booth staff pre-registration is currently open and is advised by the show organizers. Island booths begin set-up on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m., while remaining exhibits can begin from 7 a.m. on Feb. 20.

82 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 3

12/27/18 8:56 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. MIDWEST Show American Historical Association Annual Meeting - AHS Modern Language Association - MLA Northern Illinois Farm Show - IDEAg United Soccer Coaches Chicago Boat, RV & Strictly Sail Show Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Mid-America Restaurant Expo Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Convention North American International Auto Show - NAIAS Fort Wayne Farm Show Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association - Ohio Produce Network Wisconsin State Education Convention Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police - IACP Mid-Winter Conference Illinois Association of Parks Districts - IAPD/IPRA Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association - IFCA Illinois Pork Expo iLandscape - Horticultural Trade Show Ohio Music Education Association - OMEA Mid-West Truck Show Cam Expo Chicago Auto Show Indiana Horticultural Congress and Trade Show NSSGA AGG1 Aggregates Academy & Expo World of Asphalt Progressive International Motocycle Show WWETT - Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show Midwest Veterinary Conference - MVC Chicago Dental Society - CDS Midwinter Meeting Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/03 01/03 01/09 01/09 01/09 01/12 01/13 01/14 01/14 01/15 01/16 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/28 01/29 01/30 01/31 02/01 02/05 02/09 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/15 02/20 02/21 02/21 02/22

End 01/06 01/06 01/10 01/13 01/13 01/13 01/14 01/16 01/27 01/17 01/17 01/25 01/25 01/26 01/30 01/30 02/01 02/02 02/02 02/05 02/18 02/14 02/14 02/14 02/17 02/23 02/24 02/23 02/24

Venue Hilton Chcago Hyatt Regency Chicago NIU Convocation Center MCCormick Place McCormick Place Donald E. Stephens CC Greater Columbus CC Lansing Center Cobo Center Allen County War Mem. Coliseum Embassy Suites Wisconsin Center Crowne Plaza Hotel Hyatt Regency Chicago Peoria Civic Center Bank of Springfield Center Renaissance Schaumburg CC Huntington CC of Cleveland Peoria Civic Center MotorCity Casino Hotel McCormick Place Indianapolis Marriott E. Hotel Indiana CC Indiana CC Donald E. Stephens CC Indiana CC Greater Columbus CC McCormick Place Marriott at the Renaissance Ctr.

City Chicago Chicago DeKalb Chicago Chicago Rosemont Columbus Lansing Detroit Ft. Wayne Dublin Milwaukee Indianapolis Chicago Peoria Springfield Schaumburg Cleveland Peoria Detroit Chicago Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Chicago Indianapolis Columbus Chicago Detroit

St IL IL IL IL IL IL OH MI MI IN OH WI IN IL IL IL IL OH IL MI IL IN IN IN IL IN OH IL MI

Att 5000 7000 8000 10K 54K 13K 5300 900 809K 37K 2109

1200 1400 12K 9000 7000

5249 7623 14K 6400 30K 1300

Exh Nsf Industry 100 13000 Associations Associations 270 38500 Agriculture & Farming Sporting Goods & Rec. 270 297 Boats 20000 Travel Industry 300 45000 Food & Beverage 100 23350 Agriculture & Farming 157 649K Automotive & Trucking 410 105K Agriculture & Farming Agriculture & Farming 287 38000 Education Police 325 95 35000 Agriculture & Farming 130 13000 Agriculture & Farming Landscape & Garden 200 30000 Education 200 130K Automotive & Trucking Building & Construction 200 150 900K Automotive & Trucking 59 7100 182 42795 Building & Construction 295 92665 Building & Construction Automotive & Trucking 501 277K Pollution Control 175 17000 Medical & Healthcare 661 176K Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare

Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff?

Exhibit City News, of Course!

Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly!

GO TO EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL 702.309.8023

@ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 83

12/27/18 8:56 AM

Tradeshow Calendar NORTHEAST TRADESHOW ROUNDUP UPCOMING SHOWS

National Retail Federation 2019, Jan. 13-15, Javits Center NRF is back to take another bite out of the Big Apple, with an estimated 35,000 attendees and more than 575 exhibitors expected to come together for the threeday event in downtown Manhattan.

Beside experiencing the latest in consumer brands, attendees can expect keynote speeches from Chip Bergh, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., and Carissa Ganelli, chief digital officer at Subway, as well as workshops on cybersecurity, food and beverage technology, and supply chain logistics. For more info, visit https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/ Key Info: Labor handled by Freeman. Freight must be sent to Freeman for advanced warehouse storage and delivery to the Center. Exhibitors occupying 300 sq.ft. or more must follow the targeted floorplan. Exhibitor freight that arrives off-target will be assessed an additional 15 percent material handling surcharge. Exhibits must be fully assembled by 5 p.m. on Jan. 12.

New York Boat Show, Jan. 23-27, Javits Center With more than 80,000 attendees scheduled to make an appearance, this year’s NYBS is set to be a big one. Produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the 110-year-old event is considered to be the leading tradeshow in the $39.5-billion-per-year recreational boating industry, with more than 400 exhibitors scheduled for the five-day occasion. Alongside the latest designs and innovations, attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in some hands-on activities, includ-

ing a boat simulator and a docking pool.

For more info, visit www.nmma.org Key Info: Bulk space exhibitors required to preship carpet/flooring by Jan. 17. Rates include material handling (forklifts), back and side drape, pre-show freight warehousing and delivery.

Philadelphia International Auto Show, Feb. 2-10, Pennsylvania Convention Center Everything from Aston Martin to Toyota will be on display at the region’s largest auto show, and with more than 250,126 attendees expected to attend, the City of Brotherly Love will be shaking with piston-powered insights from all over the country. Expect the latest from Lamborghini and McLaren, with an exclusive “Black Tie Tailgate” showcasing the finest in exotic cars from across the world. But there’s also an altruistic element to the show. A donation of $2 from every ticket sold will be donated to the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation to provide winter coats to the city’s underprivileged children. For more info, visit www.phillyautoshow.com Key Info: Hargrove, Inc. is the show’s General Contractor. All independent contractors must coordinate their work schedules with Hargrove and SMG Labor Services. Exhibit loading off the floor will begin at noon on Feb. 11. Target 1 exhibitors will unload freight between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Jan. 28. Target 2 exhibitors will unload freight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Exhibits must be dismantled and clear of the floor by 6 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Toy Fair New York, Feb. 16-Feb. 19, Javits Center Returning to the City that Never Sleeps, TFNY is more than just a play date with Woody and Buzz. Acclaimed as one of the

by Amadeus Finlay

world’s leading toy conferences, TFNY is expected to see more than 30,000 attendees and a colossal 1,237 exhibitors over the three-day soiree. A show that’s all about the numbers, visitors will be able to discover more than 150,000 new products, with 10,000+ buyers from 100 countries across the world making TFNY a truly global event. For more info, visit www.toyfairny.com Key Info: T3 Expo is the general contractor. Certificates of insurance are due by Jan. 11. Move-in begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 14. Dismantling begins at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19. The official haulage firm is T3 Shipping, and can be worked with through the show, but exhibitors are permitted to work with other providers. For international exhibitors, Kuehne & Nagel is the event’s official customs broker and international freight forwarder.

New England Boat Show, Feb. 9-17, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center While Boston is affectionately known for its dirty water, there will be nothing but a clean splash at NEBS as the latest and greatest in the world of boating weigh anchor downtown. Although not quite as big as its New York cousin, NEBS is still set to attract more than 50,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors during the nine-day event. A boat auction and fundraiser will be held on Feb. 18, with proceeds being divided between a scholarship fund supporting Massachusetts residents pursuing education or training in the recreational boating industry and a non-profit youth boating program. For more info, visit www.newenglandboatshow.com Key info: Freeman is the general contractor. Certificates of insurance are due by Jan. 9. Move-in begins Feb. 5 at 6 a.m. and finishes at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8. Carpets must be laid in advance of move-in time. For exhibitors with boats, fuel tanks must contain less than one-eighth of its capacity and be free of vapors. Dismantle beings at 5.30 p.m. on Feb. 17 and ends at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19.

84 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 5

12/27/18 8:56 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. NORTHEAST Show Association of Performing Arts Presenters Annual - APAP Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gormet Show Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show - MANTS Archery Trade Association - ATA National Retail Federation - Retail’s BIG Show - NRF Transportation Research Board - TRB Printsource New York New England International Auto Show Boston Globe Travel Show Texworld USA American Physical Therapy Association (CSM) - APTA New York National Boat Show Baltimore Boat Show New York Times Travel Show New England Water Environment Assiciation - NEWEA The Pool & Spa Show LegalTech New York Yankee Dental Congress SLAS - Society for Laboratory Automation & Screening Philadelphia International Auto Show Surtex - Selling & Licencing Original Art & Design National Stationary Show & The Supply Side NY NOW - New York International Gift Fair New England Boat Show National Farm Machinery Show National Intramural Recreational Sports Association - NIRSA American International Toy Fair - TIA EMS Today Conference & Expo The Precast Show - National Precast Concrete Assn - NPCA

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/04 01/05 01/09 01/10 01/13 01/13 01/15 01/17 01/18 01/21 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/27 01/29 01/29 01/31 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/03 02/03 02/09 02/13 02/16 02/16 02/20 02/28

End 01/08 01/07 01/11 01/12 01/15 01/17 01/16 01/21 01/20 01/23 01/26 01/27 01/27 01/27 01/30 01/31 01/31 02/02 02/06 02/10 02/05 02/06 02/06 02/17 02/16 02/19 02/19 02/22 03/02

Venue New York Hilton Midtown Greater Philadelphia CC Baltimore CC Kentucky Exposition Center Javits Center Walter E. Washington CC Hotel Pennsylvania Boston Conv. & Expo Ctr. Seaport World Trade Center Javits Center Walter E. Washington CC Javits Center Baltimore CC Javits Center Marriott Copley Place Atlantic City CC Hilton New York Midtown Boston Conv. & Expo Ctr. Walter E. Washington CC Pennsylvania CC Javits Center Javits Center Javits Center Boston Conv. & Expo Ctr. Kentucky Expo Center Hynes CC Javits Center Gaylord National Kentucky Intl. CC

City New York Oaks Baltimore Louisville New York Washington New York Boston Boston New York Washington New York Baltimore New York Boston Atlantic City New York Boston Washington Philadelphia New York New York New York Boston Louisville Boston New York Washington Louisville

St NY PA MD KY NY DC NY MA MA NY DC NY MD NY MA NJ NY MA DC PA NY NY NY MA KY MA NY DC KY

Att 3600 3500 10.2K 9261 35K 13K 2500

Exh 400 200 972 659 575 200 150 50 24K 250 3560 264 11.3K 436 80K 400 25K 219 29K 525 2000 200 11K 430 13K 300 27K 463 6293 325 250K 7150 274 6987 623 50.5K 2.7K 50K 500 300K 850 2000 150 30K 1.2K 3198 246 4200 365

Nsf Industry 37000 Art, Music & Culture Food & Beverage 300K Landscape & Garden 221K Sporting Goods & Rec. 220K Stores & Store Fittings Transportation Textiles 430K Automotive & Trucking 60000 Travel Industry 40645 Textiles 66082 Healthcare 263K Boats 161K Boats 80000 Travel Industry Water 100K Building & Construction Financial & Legal 93200 Medical & Healthcare Science Automotive & Trucking 28016 Art, Music & Culture 91173 Paper 523K Gifts Boats 750K Agriculture & Farming 50000 Sporting Goods & Rec. 415K Toys and Hobbies 59336 Healthcare 73200 Building & Construction

PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP! Showcase your regional services with a calendar sponsorship.

Contact Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com For Rates and Details. (Design Services Available) @ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 6

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 85

12/27/18 8:57 AM

Tradeshow Calendar NORTHWEST TRADESHOW ROUNDUP SHOW RECAP

FireShowsWest, Nov. 5-8, Grand Sierra Hotel, Reno, NV FireShowsWest2018 brought first responders from the 10 western states, including Hawaii and Alaska. The combined attendance of exhibitors and attendees was more than 1,200. This year was unique because the conventioneers were able to interact with the California Association of Tactical Officers and cross-share some of their training classes with law enforcement. It was a great opportunity for the two groups to engage in training and dialogue. FireShowsWest2019 is scheduled to return to Grand Sierra Hotel Oct. 28-31.

For more info, visit https://fireshowswest. com/index.html

UPCOMING SHOWS

National Automobile Dealers Association Show, Jan. 24-27, Moscone Center, San Francisco NADA’s signature annual show comprises four days of networking, business, innovation and learning with more than 20,000 of the world’s top auto industry representatives. It’s a chance to network and directly engage with both auto industry peers and top influencers.

There are 650,000 sq.ft. of expo space at the newly renovated Moscone Center, featuring more than 500 of the industry’s top vendors. For more info, visit https://show.nada.org Key Info: NADA offers complimentary shuttle bus service with Event Transportation Systems to and from the Moscone Center and official NADA hotels. Booth space cost is $35 per square foot.

Cost of space does not include rigging or machinery moving, unpacking, erection or repacking of displays and utilities. A 50 percent deposit is required with the application. No space assignments will be made unless payment is received with the application.

American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Jan. 25-29, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle The American Library Association, the oldest and largest library association in the world, expects to draw more than 10,000 leaders and staff, educators, writers, publishers, friends of libraries, trustees and special guests from the library and information industry for some 2,400 meetings, programs, discussion groups, events, in-depth conversations and exhibits.

by F. Andrew Taylor

Approximately 450 exhibitors are set to be at the event. For more info, visit www.ala.org Key Info: A full registration package offers access to the exhibit hall from Feb. 8-13. Exhibits Only passes will cover access to the exhibit floor only (Feb. 10-12). You must be registered for the conference in order to book a hotel room linked to your personalized dashboard found in your registration confirmation email. See 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits Registration Rates at https://2018.alamidwinter.org/registration/rates

Seattle International Boat Show, Jan. 25-Feb. 2, CenturyLink Field and Event Center, Seattle Approximately 77,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors are expected to attend this event in which hundreds of boats are set to be on display. For more info, visit https://seattleboatshow.com Key Info: Buy one or more adult E-tickets for the Seattle Boat Show online and get free parking daily at Mariners Garage or on weekends at 300 Yale Ave. N. Garage near South Lake Union.

Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, Jan. 29-31, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento The largest wine and grape industry show in North America expects 11,300 attendees and is set to host more than 700 booths and 23 large vineyard and winery machine areas. For more info, visit www. unifiedsymposium.org Key Info: Registration and housing opened on Oct. 23. Pre-registration rates are valid through Jan. 22. Register online or call (888) 559-9530.

86 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 7

12/27/18 8:58 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. NORTHWEST Show American Astronomical Society - AAS Safari Club International - SCI Winter Fancy Foods Show - NASFT Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium - American Society of Clinical Oncology Western Fairs Association Convention & Trade Show - WFA Vehicle Finance Conference & Exposition - AFSA National Automobile Dealers Association - NADA American Library Association - Midwinter Meeting - ALA Seattle International Boat Show Unified Wine & Grape Symposium DesignCon SMX West - Search Marketing Expo Seattle Gift Show Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers Annual Meeting & Trade Show Spokane Ag Expo Society for Personality and Social Psychology - SPSP California League of Food Processors Expo - CLFP IBM Think CASMEC - California Association for Music Education - CMEA Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Autism Conference - Association for Behavioral Analysis International - ABAI Computer Measurement Group - CMG IMAPCT Oregon Logging Conference & Equipment Show National Archery Buyers Show - NABA Show California Association of Teachers of English - CATE American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - AAAAI California Academy of Physician Assistants - CAPA North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WINexpo) WTS - The Smart Technology Show

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/06 01/09 01/13 01/17 01/20 01/22 01/24 01/25 01/25 01/29 01/29 01/30 02/02 02/05 02/05 02/07 02/12 02/12 02/14 02/14 02/18 02/19 02/21 02/21 02/22 02/22

End 01/10 01/12 01/15 01/19 01/23 01/24 01/27 01/29 02/02 01/31 01/31 01/31 02/05 02/07 02/07 02/09 02/13 02/15 02/17 02/16 02/20 02/21 02/23 02/23 02/24 02/25 12/06 12/06 12/06 12/11 12/12

View Complete Calendar Online

Venue Washington State CC Reno Sparks CC Moscone Center Moscone Center Grand Sierra Resort Hilton SF Union Square Moscone Center Washington State CC CenturyLink Field Sacramento CC Santa Clara CC San Jose McEnery CC Washington State CC Three Rivers CC Spokane CC Oregon CC Sacramento CC Moscone Center Fresno CC Moscone Center Hyatt Regency SF Hyatt at Olive 8 Lane County CC Grand Sierra Resort Hyatt Regency SFO Moscone Center San Jose CC Sonoma County Fairgrounds Santa Clara CC

City Seattle Reno San Francisco San Francisco Reno San Francisco San Francisco Seattle Seattle Sacramento Santa Clara San Jose Seattle Kennewick Spokane Portland Sacramento San Francisco Fresno San Francisco San Francisco Seattle Eugene Reno San Francisco San Francisco San Jose Santa Rosa Santa Clara

St WA NV CA CA NV CA CA WA WA CA CA CA WA WA WA OR CA CA CA CA CA WA OR NV CA CA CA CA CA

Att 1000 18K 25K

Exh 30 969 1.4K

1200

100 58 22K 504 11K 450 77K 600 11.3K 500 6000 135 2000 60 10K 700 2500 200 6000 250 3600 2500 260 20K 3000 100

800 6000 1000 8000 3014 3300

26 23 248 80 150 406

Nsf 5000 235K 222K

Industry Science Sporting Goods & Rec. Food & Beverage Healthcare 20000 Associations 6000 Financial & Legal 259K Automotive & Trucking 95000 Libraries 306K Boats 160K Food & Beverage Electrical & Electronics Computers & Apps 100K Gifts Agriculture & Farming Agriculture & Farming Medical & Healthcare Food & Beverage Computers & Apps 10000 Education Healthcare 2600 Healthcare 2300 Computers & Apps 390K Agriculture & Farming Sporting Goods & Rec. Education Healthcare 48993 Exhibit CityHealthcare News’ best-read section!

SEE YOUR AD HERE! Sponsor your region in the Trade Show Calendar.

ExhibitCityNews.com/Tradeshow-Calendar Exhibit City News’ best-read section! @ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 8

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 87

12/27/18 8:58 AM

Tradeshow Calendar SOUTHEAST TRADESHOW ROUNDUP UPCOMING SHOWS

International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), Jan. 14-26, Georgia World Congress Center AHR Expo sees professionals in the air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration trade turn up the temperature on a rapidly growing industry over the course of 13 jam-packed days. Three distinct product sections exist within the show floor (the Building Automation and Control Showcase, the Software Center and the Indoor Air Quality Association Pavilion), with each area designed to allow attendees with specific product interests to focus their time in a single location. AHR Expo also has a philanthropic bend, with the show donating $20,500 from its Innovation Awards program to the Atlanta Police Athletic League.

For more info, visit https://ahrexpo.com.

Key Info: Set-up begins at 8 a.m. on Jan. 8 and finishes at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 13. Dismantle ends at noon on Jan. 20, but all carriers must check-in by 9 a.m.

North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturing, Feb. 7-9, Florida Orange County Convention Center Operating under the theme What’s Hot! What’s Cool! What Works!, this year’s NAFEM will focus its endeavors on showcasing the latest developments in food equipment and supplies from across the globe. Innovation lounges will be dotted across the show floor, providing attendees with focused stories on a particular piece of technology or supply implementation

that changed an operator’s business for the better. And for those of a rock-androll disposition, the entertainment at the NAFEM Party on Feb. 8 will be provided by none other than Sheryl Crow. For more info, visit www.thenafemshow.org.

Key Info: Set-up begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 3.

Exhibits not set-up by 6 p.m. on Feb. 6 will be reassigned. Dismantle begins at 4 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Freight must be removed by midday on Feb. 12.

Full-time employees of exhibiting companies may set up their own exhibits without assistance from the local union. A five-pound ABC fire extinguisher with a current tag must be present in booth.

Healthcare Information & Management Systems, Feb. 12-14, Orange County Convention Center The leading show in the global healthcare IT industry, HIMSS returns to Orlando with swagger. More than 44,000 attendees are expected over the course of the three-day event, with a pool of more than 500 guest speakers scheduled to give presentations through the show.

With 1,369 exhibitors set to make an appearance, HIMSS is also the biggest event to hit the southeast this February.

The theme of this year’s show is “champions of health,” with the focus divided over five key modules; disruptors, influencers, trailblazers, strategizers and game changers. For more info, visit www.himssconference.org.

Key Info: Set-up begins on Feb. 9 at 8 a.m., and ends at 4.30 p.m. on Feb. 11. Dismantle begins at 4 p.m. on Feb. 14. No tolerance rule in-force: activity that results in the obstruction of aisles, prevents ready access to nearby exhibitors’ booths or produces sound levels exceeding 75 decibels will result in a loss of 500 exhibitor points after the first warning.

by Amadeus Finlay

National Farm Machinery Show, Feb. 13-16, Kentucky Exposition Center With more than 850 exhibitors covering 1.2 million sq.ft. of floor space, NFM continues to be the largest indoor farm show in the U.S. More than 300,000 attendees are expected to make an appearance during the event’s 53rd meeting, with 15 complimentary seminars on offer during the show. Agriculture celebrities Tyne Morgan and Al Pell will also conduct a live taping of U.S. Farm Report. For more info, visit www.farmmachineryshow.org.

Key Info: Installation of exhibits begins at 8 a.m.

Feb. 9. Exhibits must be ready for display by 9 a.m.

Feb. 13. Dismantlement begins at 6 p.m. Feb. 16.

Exhibits must be removed by 6 p.m. Feb. 18.

International Production & Processing Expo, Feb. 12-14, Georgia World Congress Center IPPE is the world’s largest tradeshow pertaining to the technology, equipment and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry, as well as companies involved in the feed manufacturing industry. And this year sees the biggest IPPE to date, with the show floor expanded to encompass all three halls of the GWCC for the first time in the event’s history. Returning visitors may notice a slight change in their diaries, too; IPPE is usually in the first week of February, but with the Super Bowl coming to Atlanta, show management pushed the occasion back by nine days. For more info, visit www.ippexpo.org Key Info: Certificate of insurance due by Jan. 10.

Request for variances in assigned target times must be submitted by Jan. 15. Set-up begins Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on Feb. 11. Dismantling begins at 3 p.m. on Feb. 14 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 17. Complimentary registration for booth personnel ends on Feb. 11.

88 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 9

12/27/18 8:58 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. SOUTHEAST Show The ASI Show!

Florida Podiatric Medical Assoc. - FPMA Science & Management Symposium Mobile Tech Expo Surf Expo Atlanta Boat Show AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition - TPIE VMX - Veterinary Meeting & Expo National Association of TV Program Executives - NATPE PGA Merchandise Show - Professional Golfers’ Assn.

The Energy Expo (formerly MiaGreen) Fire-Rescue East Religious Conference Management Association - RCMA Hotel Motel Restaurant Supply Show of the SE - HMRSSS Assistive Technology Industry Association - Orlando - ATIA National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - NCBA Underwater Intervention KeHE Summer Show DistribuTECH North American Association of Food Equipment Mfg. - NAFEM Pri-Med South Annual Conference International Roofing Expo - IRE - NRCA Healthcare Information & Management Systems - HIMSS National Apartment Association - NAA CampusConnex IPPE - International Production & Processing Expo SECO International - Southern Council of Optometrists Everything Under the Sun Expo - Pool & Spa Training Conference & Expo National Pavement Exposition

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/03 01/09 01/10 01/10 01/10 01/14 01/16 01/19 01/22 01/22 01/23 01/23 01/29 01/29 01/30 01/30 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/07 02/08 02/11 02/11 02/12 02/12 02/20 02/22 02/25 02/27

End 01/05 01/13 01/12 01/12 01/13 01/16 01/18 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/24 01/26 01/31 01/31 02/02 02/01 02/07 02/06 02/07 02/09 02/10 02/13 02/15 02/13 02/14 02/24 02/23 02/27 03/02

Venue Orange County CC Disney’s Coronado Springs Orange County CC Orange County CC Georgia World Congress Ctr. Georgia World Congress Ctr. Broward County CC Orange County CC Fountainebleau Orange County CC MACC CC Ocean Center Joseph S. Koury CC Myrtle Beach CC Caribe Royale Hotel & CC Morial CC Morial CC Music City Center Morial CC Orange County CC Broward County CC Music City Center Orange County CC Omni Orlando Resort Georgia World Congress Ctr. Morial CC Orange County CC Disney’s Coronado Springs Music City Center

City Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Atlanta Atlanta Ft. Lauderdale Orlando Miami Orlando Miami Daytona Beach Greensboro Myrtle Beach Orlando New Orleans New Orleans Nashville New Orleans Orlando Ft. Lauderdale Nashville Orlando Orlando Atlanta New Orleans Orlando Orlando Nashville

St FL FL FL FL GA GA FL FL FL FL FL FL NC SC FL LA LA TN LA FL FL TN FL FL GA LA FL FL TN

Att 6066 1200 2376 27K 24K 67K 8500 18K 5000 42K 4000 6000 1400 22K 2600 8010 3000 3751 13.5K 18.6K 4900 9337 44K 560 30K 4762 4030 3000 2400

Exh 739 200 120 1K 170 2K 500 650 350 913 200 250 250 500 120 271 100 672 520 561 155 465 1.4K 102 1.3K 255 225 110 145

Nsf 116K 18200 91800 250K 300K 427K 52000 278K 113K 332K 44800 125K 31500 50000 12500 95000 22000 69300 131K 318K 44400 118K 610K 12400 490K 58000 35000 13700 40000

Industry Advertising & Marketing Healthcare Sporting Goods & Rec. Boats Building & Construction Agriculture & Farming Medical & Healthcare Radio, TV & Cable Sporting Goods & Rec. Building & Construction Fire & Fire Protection Religious Hotels & Resorts Associations Agriculture & Farming Heavy Equipment Energy Food Proc. & Distribution Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Healthcare Real Estate Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Building & Construction

Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff?

Exhibit City News, of Course!

Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly!

GO TO EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL 702.309.8023

@ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 10

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 89

12/27/18 8:58 AM

Tradeshow Calendar SOUTHWEST TRADESHOW ROUNDUP SHOW RECAP

Energy Storage North America, Nov. 6-8, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena The largest conference, exhibition and networking event covering all applications of grid storage in North America concluded its sixth annual and most successful event to date. It hosted approximately 2,000 attendees, representing more than 800 organizations and more than 30 countries. Co-located with the CALSTART Annual Symposium and the SGO Microgrid Global Innovation Forum, ESNA facilitated collaboration between developers, utility executives, energy users, fleet managers, auto manufacturers and suppliers, policy makers, technology providers, and stakeholders to advance the energy storage ecosystem across the power and transportation sectors. The event also featured a bustling, sold-out expo floor. “It is clear that the industry is coming of age with proven and diverse technology solutions,” says Tom Mitchell, president of Messe Düsseldorf North America, co-organizer of ESNA. The next Energy Storage North America Conference and Expo is scheduled Nov. 5-7, in San Diego. For more info, visit esnaexpo.com.

UPCOMING SHOWS

AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, Jan 23-26, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas The AAEE, sponsored by AVN magazine, is the largest pornography industry tradeshow in the U.S. Organizers expect 55,000 attendees and 1500 exhibitors.

Key Info: AVN runs concurrently with InterNext (Jan. 22-25) and the AVN Novelty Expo (Jan. 2325). InterNext targets the online industry and the many businesses and individuals that support it.

AVN Novelty Expo is set to feature the latest items, including toys, lingerie, lotions, sex furniture and more from a wide range of companies.

The International Surface Event Surfaces/StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas/TileExpo, Jan 23-25, Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas The preeminent industry marketplace for buying, selling and sourcing floor covering, stone and tile products, equipment and services is expected to have 38,494 attendees and 639 exhibitors.

NAMM International Music Market, Jan. 24-27, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim This platform for the music, sound and event technology communities to unite, featuring more than 7,000 brands,

by F. Andrew Taylor

cutting-edge industry education, as well as exclusive special events, concerts and experiences is expected to draw 115,085 attendees and 1931 exhibitors.

Key Info: All exhibitors bringing in and assembling pianos should work with licensed piano movers. All booths must be set by 5 p.m. Jan. 23.

World AG Expo, Feb. 12-14, International Agri-Center, Tulare, CA This event is the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition in the U.S. and the organizers expect 100,000 attendees and 1,600 exhibitors.

Key Info: Outside exhibitor move-in is 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Jan. 28–Feb. 11. Inside exhibitor move-in is 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 4–11.

The International Builders’ Show (IBS-NAHB), Feb. 19-21, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas The IBS Show is organized by the National Association of Home Builders and is the largest light construction building industry tradeshow in the U.S. It is the only event of its kind, focusing specifically on the needs, concerns and opportunities that face builders. It’s expecting to draw 49,655 attendees and 1,056 exhibitors.

Key Info: All crates must be emptied and labeled for removal by 3 p.m., and exhibits must be completed by 5 p.m., Feb. 18.

90 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 11

12/27/18 8:58 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. SOUTHWEST Show The Special Event Consumer Electronics Show - CES PPAI Expo - Promotional Products Association International Creativation by the Associationfor Creative Industries Imprinted Sportswear Long Beach - ISS Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show SHOT SHOW World of Concrete AVN Adult Entertainment Expo The Intl. Surface Event - Surfaces/StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas/TileExpo NAMM International Music Market International Salon & Spa Expo - PBA ISSE Society of Thoracic Surgeons - STS Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week - HDAW IPC APEX EXPO OFFPRICE Wholesale Apparel Show WWIN - WomensWear In Nevada - February Medical Design & Manufacturing - MD&M West Golf Industry Show Tobacco Plus Expo - TPE Vacuum Dealers Trade Association - VDTA WWIN - WomensWear In Nevada - August World AG Expo Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show The ARA Show Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference - KBIS The International Builders’ Show - IBS - NAHB EXHIBITORLIVE! WPPI - Wedding & Portrait Photographers Int’l

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/08 01/08 01/13 01/17 01/18 01/22 01/22 01/22 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/26 01/27 01/28 01/29 02/03 02/04 02/05 02/06 02/11 02/12 02/12 02/12 02/16 02/17 02/19 02/19 02/24 02/27

End 01/10 01/11 01/17 01/21 01/20 01/24 01/25 01/25 01/26 01/25 01/27 01/28 01/29 01/31 01/31 02/06 02/07 02/07 02/07 02/13 02/14 02/14 02/14 02/17 02/20 02/21 02/21 02/28 03/01

Venue San Diego CC Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay Phoenix CC Long Beach CC Las Vegas CC Sands Expo Las Vegas CC Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Mandalay Bay Anaheim CC Long Beach CC San Diego CC The Mirage San Diego CC Sands Expo Rio Hotel & Casino Anaheim CC San Diego CC Las Vegas CC Las Vegas CC Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino International Agri-Center Los Angeles CC Anaheim CC Las Vegas CC Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay Mandalay Bay

City San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Phoenix Long Beach Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Anaheim Long Beach San Diego Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Anaheim San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Tulare Los Angeles Anaheim Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas

St CA NV NV AZ CA NV NV NV NV NV CA CA CA NV CA NV NV CA CA NV NV NV CA CA CA NV NV NV NV

Att 9000 156K 20K 3972 11K 1841 64K 55K 30K 38K 115K 36K 2600 2000 10K 14K 7700 22K 14K 4286 3500 7700 100K 26K 12K 37K 50K 5000 8274

Exh 360 3.2K 1.2K 401 352 374 1.6K 1.5K 400 639 1.9K 378 130 230 500 525 480 2.2K 530 274 200 480 1.6K 550 742 566 1K 250 248

Nsf 160K 2.2M 311K 119K 105K 73360 634K 725K 100K 311K 616K 119K 47000 100K 150K 132K 180K 380K 177K 50000 53000 180K 2.6M 60000 345K 307K 413K 60000 75800

Industry Exhibition & Meeting Ind. Electrical & Electronics Advertising & Marketing Toys and Hobbies Apparel Advertising & Marketing Sporting Goods & Rec. Building & Construction Gaming & Entertainment Building & Construction Art, Music & Culture Beauty & Healthcare Healthcare Building & Construction Electrical & Electronics Apparel Apparel Medical & Healthcare Sporting Goods & Rec. Stores & Store Fittings Housewares Apparel Agriculture & Farming Travel Industry Building & Construction Building & Construction Building & Construction Exhibition & Meeting Ind. Photography

• Delivery in Las Vegas, FedEx/UPS to all cities • Be a HERO use Horizon Print Solutions and make it EZ • Everything for your show or event from a top quality 25 year supplier!

Color Printing • Rack cards • Brochures • Booklets • Everything else @ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 12

Meeting & Event Supplies • Lanyards & Credentials • Binders, Tabs and inserts • Tote Bags & Inserts • Tickets & Programs

Promotional Products • Giveaways • Table Drapes & Signage • Branded Apparel • Gifts & Awards

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 91

12/27/18 8:58 AM

Tradeshow Calendar CANADA TRADESHOW ROUNDUP UPCOMING SHOWS

Human Resource Professionals Association of Ontario, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Metro Toronto Convention Centre Themed “Positive Climate Change at Work,” Canada’s largest annual HR conference and tradeshow will see more than 4,500 attendees join with 235 exhibitors for two days of education and professional development. Keynote speakers Tarana Buke and Mel Robbins will cover two main discussion points, why communities should amplify the #MeToo movement and how to achieve breakthrough career performances, while Michael Roberto and Jade Simmons explain how to unlock creativity and combine inspiration with information and entertainment. For more info, visit hrpaconference.ca Key Info: Shipments must arrive before noon on Jan. 29. Move-in commences at midday on Jan. 29 and ends at 6 p.m. on the same day. Dismantle will take place from midday until 6 p.m. on Feb. 1. International equipment and exhibits may be brought into Canada free of duties and taxes provided that a Customs Broker provides a bond to cover all imports to the show. Flooring not included with booth space.

BUILDEX, Feb. 13-14, Vancouver Convention Center West Canada’s leading building, construction and design show, this year’s BX is all about the impressive statistics. The 14,000 attendees are set to be joined by more than 150 speakers attending 90 seminars, with more than 600 exhibitors

and a plethora of the latest in ecofriendly products set to take up every inch of the 57,500-sq.ft. show floor. Attendees will be able to pick the brains of technical experts from across Canada at the PerformEX Stage as speakers address the matters impacting the current and future state of high-performance buildings. This year’s show also sees the launch of the Shaping Our Cities Development Showcase. Profiling innovative and green building projects that have recently been completed in Vancouver and British Columbia, this feature will provide attendees with a narrative on the most recent achievements of the local building industry. For more info, visit www.buildexvancouver.com Key Info: Show guide listing form and certificate of insurance due Jan. 18. Health and safety declaration due Feb. 1. Set-up commences on Feb. 13.

Dismantle ends at midnight on Feb. 14. Flooring, electrical services and drayage not included in booth space.

Canadian International Autoshow, Feb. 15-24, Metro Toronto Convention Centre It’s full throttle at CIA, as gearheads from across North America descend on Canada’s largest city for ten days of high-horsepower entertainment. A show of firsts and exciting reveals, CIA will see the North American debut of the LEGO TECHNIC Bugatti Chiron, while a special partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum (one of the largest and most visited automotive museums in the world) will bring a sample of the institution’s curated collection to the show floor. New for 2019 is the AutoExotica showcase, an evening of live engine fire-ups from exotic cars for vis-

by Amadeus Finlay

itors with more expensive tastes. For more info, visit www.autoshow.ca Key Info: The provision, installation and use of wireless routers and access points (including cellular-based personal hot spots) by exhibitors, exhibition companies and AV suppliers is prohibited. Permission to show is managed by The Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Exhibit personnel are required to wear approved personal protective equipment throughout set-up and dismantle.

Restaurants Canada Show, Feb. 2426, Enercare Center Taste buds from all over Canada will be tickled at RCS, with the nation’s largest foodservice and hospitality event set to see more than 18,635 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors present the latest—and tastiest—in culinary culture. This show’s theme is SustainABILITY, and will focus on the growing demand and need to put sustainability at the forefront of business decisions.

The goal is to empower attendees with the key tools required to develop sustainable practices while improving the bottom line. There will also be all manner of culinary competition as Canada’s leading chefs, bartenders and baristas serve, shake and craft their finest in front of a panel of judges. For more info, visit www.rcshow.com Key Info: Exhibit shipments will not be accepted before 8 a.m. on Feb. 21. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 21 and ends at 6 p.m. on Feb. 23. Dismantle begins at 4 p.m. on Feb. 26 and ends at 4 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Exhibitor rate hotels can be found at Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, Marriott Downtown CF Eaton Centre, SoHo Metropolitan Hotel, Westin Harbour Castle Toronto and Hotel X. Porter Airlines offers a 10 percent discount on base fares for travel to and from the show.

Discounted fares are valid for travel anywhere in Canada or U.S. between Feb. 21- 26.

92 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 13

12/27/18 8:59 AM

See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

CANADA Show Landscape Ontario Congress Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Truck Loggers Association Annual Coastal Forestry Convention & Trade Show - TLA Western Retail Lumber Association Prairie Showcase - WRLA Montreal International Auto Show Canadian Gift Association - Toronto Gift Fair Campus Stores Canada - BiiG CANNEXUS National Career Development Conference Ontario Library Association - OLA Super Conference Human Resource Professionals Association of Ontario - HRPA Canadian Society of Association Executives - CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau TETE A TETE Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists - CSHP Professional Practice Conf. - PPC Pharmacy U Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association - SUMA NACE Northern Area Western Conference Promotional Product Professionals of Canada TOPS+ The FranchiseCanada Show - CFA Routes Americas (Aviaiton) Buildex, Construct & Design Northwest Canadian International AutoShow - CIAS Salon Expo Habitat Canadian Health Food Association - Expo West - CHFA Alberta Gift Show - Winter Ontario Good Roads Assn Public Works Show - OGRA/ROMA RC Show - Restaurants Canada

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/08 01/10 01/12 01/16 01/16 01/18 01/27 01/28 01/28 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/05 02/07 02/09 02/12 02/13 02/15 02/20 02/21 02/24 02/24 02/24

End 01/10 01/13 01/13 01/18 01/18 01/27 01/31 02/01 01/30 02/02 02/01 01/30 02/05 02/02 02/06 02/07 02/07 02/10 02/14 02/14 02/24 02/24 02/24 02/27 02/27 02/26

Venue Toronto Congress Centre Vancouver CC Metro Toronto CC Westin Bayshore Hotel BMO Centre

City Toronto Vancouver Toronto Vancouver Calgary Montreal The International Centre Toronto Scotiabank CC Niagra Falls Shaw Centre Ottawa Metro Toronto CC Toronto Metro Toronto CC Toronto EY Centre Ottawa Hilton Toronto Downtown Toronto The International Centre Toronto TCU Place Saskatoon Calgary Toronto Calgary Quebec City Vancouver CC Vancouver Metro Toronto CC Toronto Quebec City Vancouver CC Vancouver Edmonton Expo Centre Edmonton Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Toronto Enercare Centre Toronto

St ON BC ON BC AB QC ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON SK AB ON AB QC BC ON QC BC AB ON ON

Att 13K 5000 2000 2800 196K 22K

Exh 600 200 150 60 265 1.1K 125

800 4500 4500

180 235

1100

75

1800

165 71 232

1717

800 13.5K 330 320K 300

Nsf

Industry Landscape & Garden

35000 Business 22000 Forest Products 61000 Building & Construction Automotive & Trucking Gifts 11000 Stores & Store Fittings Education 23000 Libraries Business 23477 Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare 35500 Government 8700 Advertising & Marketing Business Aerospace & Aviation 57500 Building & Construction 500K Automotive & Trucking

16K 740 190K 2300 96 18.6K 1K

Food & Beverage Gifts Government Food & Beverage

*DISCLAIMER: Please note that tradeshow information is provided as a resource only. All show information is subject to change. Please check show dates and venues with official show organizers and producers. For updated show and event listings, visit www.exhibitcitynews.com/tradeshow-calendar.

PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP! Showcase your regional services with a calendar sponsorship.

Contact Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com For Rates and Details. (Design Services Available) @ExhibitCityNews

080_Tradeshow_Calendar_0119.indd 14

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 93

12/27/18 8:59 AM

Introducing the 1st Annual ECN I&D ACE Awards!

Call For Entries!

Exhibit City News magazine, celebrating its 25th year in 2019, is proud to honor the men and women on your crew with the first national awards honoring I&D, contractors and laborers who make the tradeshows and events HAPPEN! The ACE Awards honor the “BEST of” Aces for those who bring excellence to the show floors and exhibit houses. I&D ACES will be recognized for their dedication to company, customer, facility and co-workers—for going above and beyond with their hard work, loyalty and dedication.

SUBMISSIONS FOR ACE AWARDS ARE DUE BY JAN. 31, 2019 The 1st annual ECN I&D ACE Awards will be presented in Las Vegas in February

Categories include: · ECN I&D ACE Regional awards · Firefighter of the Year ACE award · Best Traveling Lead ACE award (Best at Putting Out those Fires!) · William F. Nixon, Sr., Lifetime · Best City or Regional Achievement ACE award Manager ACE award (with 30+ years in the business) · Rookie of the Year ACE award · ECN’s Posthumous (less than 2 years in the business) Hall of Fame I&D ACE award · Seasoned Show Floor Veteran of the Year ACE award · For a complete list visit (with 20+ years in the business) ExhibitCityNews.com

For more info, visit www.ExhibitCityNews.com 094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 2:30 PM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE Where to Find Professional Services, Products and Supplies—a Companion Directory to Our www.ExhibitCityNews.com/Service-Guide

Aadvantaged Displays 99 BWC Visual Technologies 96 CDS 100 CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) 97 Champion Logistics 99 Collazo Expo Services 97 Corey Johnson Photography 100 Corporate Communications 96 Corporate Events 96

CoStar Exhibits Equip, Inc. Exhibitrac Direct Marketing Expoquarzo Exhibitions Horizon Print Solutions King Size LED Displays KKOM Larry Kulchwik Consulting Las Vegas Power Professionals

98 101 101 98 101 99 97 96 98

Last Minute Venues LipSmacking Foodie Tours Prism Lighting TSEMA.org TWI Group YOR Design Your Event Audio

101 99 100 97 100 98 96

For Service Guide information and rates, call sales at (702) 309-8023. Inclusive categories are available for all your company advertising needs. @ExhibitCityNews

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 95

12/27/18 9:00 AM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Corporate Events Since 1985, Corporate Communications’ main objective is to provide and manage the services associated with tradeshows and event planning. Their services include exhibit and graphic design along with construction, production, show service management, installation, shipping logistics and storage to enhance the face-toface interactions with the target audience.

For more info, visit www.corpcom-events.com

Upstate NY

Montpelier, VT

Concord, NH

Boston, MA Worcester, MA Springfield, MA

Hartford, CT

Providence, RI

(508) 366-8594 info@corp-eventsne.com

Audio Visual Technology

Audio Visual Technology

Consulting

Event Management

Exhibit / Trade Show Displays | Event Planning | Sporting Event Décor

96 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 3

12/21/18 2:30 PM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Collazo Expo Services Established in 2003, the Collazo Expo Services specializes in business show managing, corporate custom booths, staging and lighting. Standing for “Consistently Exceeding Satisfaction,” C.E.S. has more than 30 years of tradeshow experience which provides a turnkey experience for everyone who wants to become a part of each customized event.

For more info, visit www.collazoexpo.com.

Exhibitor Training

Question: Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff?

Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly!

VISIT US ONLINE:

SUBSCRIBE@EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM OR CALL:

702.309.8023

Exhibits

Exhibits

Enhance your look.

BOOTH DESIGN & RENTALS PORTABLE SIGNAGE & HARDWARE BRANDED PREMIUMS VIDEOS & PRESENTIONS SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS

6 30.378.4 8 4 8 w w w.cepexhibits.com

PRINT & DESIGN SERVICES 262-250-2060 EXT 232 | RKOHL@KKOMINC.COM

@ExhibitCityNews

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 4

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 97

12/21/18 2:30 PM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Expoquardo Exhibitions Since 1976, Expoquardo Exhibitions has generated face-to-face experiences through the design, decoration, production and assembly of commercial exhibition spaces and events. They possess 100 percent Mexican manufacturers who work under quality processes, continuous improvement and high customization in exhibition solutions which guarantee the development of customized products for promotion and interaction.

For more info, visit https://expoquarzo.com.mx or send an email to irenea@expoquarzo.com.mx

Exhibits

Exhibits & Events

Exhibit Services

Question: Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff?

Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly!

VISIT US ONLINE:

SUBSCRIBE@EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM OR CALL:

702.309.8023

98 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 5

12/27/18 9:00 AM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

The Attention You Deserve Displays Starting at $69.95

Aadvantaged Displays Aadvantage offers innovative graphic and display solutions, world-class products and unparalleled customer support.

With convenient lightweight portability and exceptional craftsmanship designs in every product, Aadvantage displays and graphically delivers important messages directly to the target audience. Special events, tradeshows, fundraising, recruiting and retail are just a few of the many applications of the Aadvantage line.

For more info, visit www.aadvantagedisplays.com

Food Tours

941-758-8444 866-239-8056

Visit us online for more of our products & services

AadvantageDisplays.com Lighting

Logistics Champion Logistics Group has a transportation division specializing in the coordination of trade shows and special events. Champion provides the most reliable and flexible trade show transportation in the industry.

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE GUIDE •Added value with your ad in print and on our website.

•Engage a captive audience with 38,000 readers every month!

•Increase revenue and gain marketshare!

Print and Digital Distribution (Ads in print issues will run concurrently online.)

1 Issue: $500 per month 3 Issues: $400 per month 6 Issues: $300 per month 12 Issues: $200 per month Chicago | Atlanta | Boston | Dallas | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | New Jersey

800.323.5401 | info@champlog.com | www.champlog.com

@ExhibitCityNews

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 6

Contact sales for details: 702-309-8023 or sales@exhibitcitynews.com ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 99

12/21/18 2:31 PM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

EYE-CATCHING LIGHTING SOLUTIONS

Prism Lighting Prism Lighting believes every exhibit and retail environment is an investment and that the value of that investment is increased through quality lighting. That’s why they focus on customized lighting solutions that fit their customers’ unique display needs. They invest in R&D to create a full line of innovative LED Lighting products that are beautifully designed and affordable with easy installation.

For more info, visit www.prismlightinggroup.com

•Perfect Lighting for Exhibits, Retail Environments & Special Projects •Full Line of Innovative LED Products; Flexible Strip Lighting, Recessed Lights, Arm Lights, LED DMX and so much more!

•Fast Connect Cable System Saving Time and Labor •Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions •Easy to Install, Plug And Play Lighting Solutions

PRISM – INNOVATION LIVES HERE!

WWW.PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM | 1.866.620.1380 | SALESUSA@PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM

Logistics

Photography

exhibit and event experience photography

10% OFF

www.cjphotog.com

ECN10

Las Vegas, Nevada 218 - 209 - 1466 corey@cjphotog.com

PROMO CODE

Printing

Attention Exhibit and Event Companies Local Service for Trade Shows and Events In: Washington D.C. - Baltimore - Atlantic City Philly - NYC - Hartford - Boston All in same-day driving distance from us.

WHOLESALE Warehousing, Storage, Prep, Delivery Graphics, Supervision, & Rentals 800-367-2531

CDSpartner.com

We Can Provide You A Local Presence

Question: Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff?

Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly!

VISIT US ONLINE:

SUBSCRIBE@EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM OR CALL:

702.309.8023

100 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 7

12/21/18 2:31 PM

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

• Delivery in Las Vegas, FedEx/UPS to all cities • Be a HERO use Horizon Print Solutions and make it EZ • Everything for your show or event from a top quality 25 year supplier!

Horizon Print Solutions Horizon Print Solutions bring decades of experience in all types of printed products with forms, tags, labels, promotional products and corporate attire. They work together with extraordinary manufacturing and decorating partners, mostly from the wholesale-only marketplace, to bring the very best solutions to clients—every project and every transaction!

Color Printing • Rack cards • Brochures • Booklets • Everything else

Meeting & Event Supplies • Lanyards & Credentials • Binders, Tabs and inserts • Tote Bags & Inserts • Tickets & Programs

Promotional Products • Giveaways • Table Drapes & Signage • Branded Apparel • Gifts & Awards

For more info, visit https://printefficiency.com

Tradeshow Furnishings

Tradeshow Lists

FIXTURE & DISPLAY COVERS TRADE SHOW DISPLAY COVERS COMMERCIAL FURNITURE

EQUIP YOUR SPACE inc

BEST QUALITY. BEST RATES. CALL TODAY!

W W W. E Q U I P I N C . C O M

7 1 9. 5 9 9. 0 3 0 0

Venues

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE GUIDE •Added value with your ad in print and on our website.

•Engage a captive audience with 38,000 readers every month!

•Increase revenue and gain marketshare!

Print and Digital Distribution (Ads in print issues will run concurrently online.)

1 Issue: $500 per month 3 Issues: $400 per month 6 Issues: $300 per month 12 Issues: $200 per month Contact sales for details: 702-309-8023 or sales@exhibitcitynews.com @ExhibitCityNews

094_ServiceGuide_0119.indd 8

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 101

12/27/18 9:01 AM

Classifieds

Experienced Exhibit Account Executive Want to Get fired Up? Tired of the same old same? Need a new outlook? Need to exhibit your talents? Think you are too old to start new with a company? Think again! We loved “SEASONED” professionals to bring experience and good old fashioned “know how to our organization. Negotiable compensation packages and great benefits offered. We also

hire AE’s with at least 5 years exhibit sales experience. We are a 50 year old family-owned company and we’re looking for some new family members. Located in Chicago, IL just minutes from McCormick Place.

Send Resumes to : juliem@stevensexhibits.com.

Trade Show Field Supervisor Hamilton Exhibits LLC, located in Indianapolis, is an internationally-recognized trade show marketing company bringing more than 70 years’ experience in everything about exhibit solutions: strategy, design, fabrication, and program services. Hamilton Exhibits has proudly upheld its commitment to designing and producing the highest quality exhibits for trade shows around the world.

POSITION SUMMARY: EXTENSIVE TRADE SHOW EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED! The Field Supervisor is responsible for supervising the trade show exhibit installation and dismantle in convention center venues across the United States and Canada, ensuring that the tasks are executed in an effective and cost-conscious manner in order to meet our client’s budget and expectations.

• Ensure client’s expectations are met throughout the trade show including all levels of detail.

• Report to the Project Manager any changes, requests, or issues incurred, as well as the resolution and communication with the client.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have previous trade show exhibit experience.

• Must have a demonstrated record of excellent leadership and ownership skills in an organized and consistent manner.

• Must be capable of managing through substantial details regarding the installation, dismantle and execution of the trade shows.

• Proactive thinking required to address potential issues that may impact the schedule such as missing materials, information, manpower and equipment.

• Creative problem-solving skills to address issues that arise before, during and after the trade show.

• Must be able to read basic blueprints and floor plans.

• Experience using basic hand and power tools is required.

• Flexible schedule is necessary as this job requires a considerable travel schedule and includes nights, early mornings and weekends.

• Review project deliverables with the Project Manager including floor plans, schedules, inventories, and work orders.

• Assign tasks and motivate staff to ensure all tasks are completed and all deadlines are met.

• Utilize your industry knowledge and skills to troubleshoot situations and communicate accordingly to all the appropriate parties.

• Once the trade show has concluded, supervise the dismantle of the booth, ensuring complete and proper packing of all property and assets for shipping including graphics, hardware, and supplies.

• Prepare and submit timely documentation of all assigned tasks including photos for each show.

• Attend meetings either in-person or via Skype as necessary to confirm all trade show details and requirements are met.

• Practical oversight of budgeted time and expenses including management of all labor resources.

• Manage onsite / union labor to ensure quality, efficiency and on-time installation and dismantling of properties and project deliverables per schedule and budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

Learn more about us at www.hamilton-exhibits.com.

To apply, send resume to careers@hamilton-exhibits. com with “Applying for Trade Show Field Supervisor” in the subject line.

102 January/February 2019 Exhibit City News

102_Classifieds_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 2:34 PM

Classifieds

EXPERIENCED Trade Show Exhibit Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV Industry: Trade show + Events Job type: Full-time employee, salaried position Education level: Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field Career level: Jr, Mid-level, or Sr. Designer with minimum 2 years relevant design experience

REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate will have exceptional design and presentation skills, be able to communicate clearly, be able to maintain client relationships, be passionate and motivated, and willing to foster a respectful, creative, and inspiring teambased work environment.

Only applicants with two or more years of experience are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead design assignments conceptual through project completion • Participate in brainstorm sessions for

projects with Creative Team members or other Elevation3D® employees • Develop hand drawn sketches, black and white line drawings, computer generated color renderings, and presentation packages to communicate concepts to clients • Create style boards and sample boards • Ensure creative solutions presented to client are meeting client’s objectives and budget guidelines • Create and provide estimating drawings to communicate component dimensions, substrates, and amounts needed to the estimating team • Create and provide control drawings to communicate component dimensions and detailed information needed to the CAD team • Attend all appropriate project meetings and keep Creative Director abreast of project status

riential communication tool • Proficient in 3D visualization tools, especially 3DS Max/Form Z/Adobe Creative Suite applications • Detail-oriented, highly organized, able to prioritize tasks, and work under pressure with multiple deadlines • Flexible and able to work necessary hours in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to develop and present creative concepts • Compelling in-person and phone presentation skills, able to effectively communicate and explain design solutions • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills • Operate effectively as part of a team as well as independently • Available for travel

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should submit their resume to desposito@elevation3D.com or online at elevation3d.com/contact

• Possess an understanding of exhibits as a marketing, educational, and expe-

To place a classified ad: Call (702) 309-8023 or e-mail to: Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com

@ExhibitCityNews

102_Classifieds_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 103

12/21/18 2:34 PM

2019 EDITORIAL CALENDAR*

*Content is subject to change

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

MARCH-APRIL

January (print & digital)

March (print & digital):

February (digital only)

April (digital only):

• Feature: EXHIBITORLive Preview • Furnishings • New Product Showcase International Focus: Chile & Argentina

• Feature: Year in Review • Transportation/Warehousing/Material Handling • Vendors International Focus: Thailand

• Exhibit Building & Design • Show Management/Kits • Extrusions Regional Focus: Southwest U.S.

• Technology Show/Products • AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Northeast U.S.

MAY-JUNE

JULY-AUGUST

May (print & digital):

July (print & digital):

June (digital only):

August (digital only):

• Feature: Museums/Exhibits • ECN's 2018 I&D Ace Award Winners • EXHIBITORLive Post Recap International Focus: Australia

• • • •

• Mobile Exhibits • Warehousing/Material Handling • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Central U.S.

Feature: Women in the Industry ECN's 2018 Convention Center Parking Survey Show Security/Safety International Focus: Dubai

• Insurance/Legal/Contracts • Floor Coverings/Flooring • Tension Fabric Regional Focus: Midwest U.S.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

September (print & digital):

November (print & digital):

October (digital only):

December (digital only):

• Feature: Giveaways/Incentives • General Contractors • Industry Salespeople International Focus: London

• Feature: Labor/Unions • Associations Healthcare • Booth Staff/Talent/Brand Ambassadors International Focus: China

• Lead Retrieval v. Data Matching/CRM • Tradeshow Marketing/Traffic • Social Media Regional Focus: Northwest U.S.

Content covered digitally and in print Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. Other months, digital coverage only.

• Special/Corporate Events • Hybrid/Co-location Events • Corporate Social Sustainability Regional Focus: Southeast U.S.

Deadline / Space reservation: 8th day, or closest business day, of month prior to print issue.

We would love to hear from you! Share the coverage you would like to see in future issues at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com 3

105_Ad_Index_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 2:35 PM

ADVERTISERS

Advertiser Index 4 Productions

21

4Productions.com

47/108

Aluvision.com/us

69

AnglesOnDesign.com

2

beMatrix.us

EACA EDPAFoundation

13

Brumark.com

Employco

43

37

CamdenTradeshow.com

Experience Transport Agency

63

47

CarpentersUnion.org & BuiltToLastTV.com

CB Displays

Full Circle Events

25

49

Highmark Tech

67

69

ChampLog.com

Hill & Partners

72

75

CharliePalmer.com

Horizon Print Solution

45

61

CoboCenter.com

Labor Inc.

49

106

ColorReflections.com

Lago Network

91

53

Corpcom-Events.com

Las Vegas Store Supply

65

79 7

Cort.com

107

MomentumManagement

Showdown Displays

23

ShowNets, LLC

57

Somers Furniture Rental

67

Storage West

35

Sakura

51

Sunset Transportation

73

Sunset-LV.com

53

Superior Logistics

19

ShipSuperior.com

33

LVStoreSupply.com

EventsNE.com

49

Sakurain.co.jp

LagoNetwork.com & OmegaExp.com.mx

Corporate Communications

Sho-Link

StorageWest.com

LaborInc.ca

ColorReflections

62

SomersFurniture.com

PrintEfficiency.com

Cobo Center

Rosemont – RES

ShowNets.net

HillPartners.com

CharliePalmer

5

Showdowndisplays.com

HighmarkTech.com

ChampionLogistics

Orbus

Sho-link.com

FCELV.com

CBDisplays.com

61

Rosemont.com/DESConvention

ETALV.com

Carpenters Union

Onsite Exhibitor Service

Orbus.com

Employco.com

Camden Tradeshow Furnishings

15

OnsiteExhibitorService.com

EDPA.com/edpafoundation

Brumark

CTA.tech & CES.tech

33

EACA.com

beMatrix

CTA (CES Thank You)

Design To Print

Octanorm Octanorm.com

DesignToPrint.com.com

Angles On Design

Cort

4

DEMcNabb.com

Aluvision

Corporate Events

D.E. McNabb

3

Trade Shows From One Country to the Next

55

LarryKulchawik.com

MomentumMgt.com

Willwork

NewGen Business Solutions

19

Willworkinc.com

NewGenNow.com

Win Win Video

Nolan Advisory Services (NAS)

37

WinWinVideos.com

40 103

NolanAdvisory.com

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Contact sales: 702-309-8023 ext. 105, sales@exhibitcitynews.com @ExhibitCityNews

105_Ad_Index_0119.indd 2

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2019 105

12/27/18 8:54 AM

106_AdBank_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 2:39 PM

THANK YOU LAS VEGAS With the hard work and tireless support of the people of this extraordinary city, CES 2019 yielded inspiring innovations that are making a worldwide impact.

CES continues as the global stage for innovation, and we couldn’t do it without your support and hard work.

Thank you, Las Vegas, for once again being a monumental asset to the CES team.

SAVE THE DATE

CESÂŽ 2020 | JAN 7-10 106_AdBank_0119.indd 2

12/21/18 2:39 PM

LED tile 55 P2

Omni-55 frame

Pixel pitch: 2.5 or 2.8

108_AdBank_0119.indd 1

12/21/18 2:41 PM