MAXIMIZING VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AND ENGAGEMENT
March/April 2021 • VOL. 27 • ISSUE 2
THE END OF AN ERA
Shelby Peeples, Jr. 1935-2021
Larry Crumlish, 1939-2021
TEAMWORK KEEPS WORKERS WORKING WHY LED BANNERS MAKE SENSE FOCUS ON ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI DAILY UPDATES AT EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
12
MAXIMIZING VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AND ENGAGEMENT
March/April 2021 • VOL. 27 • ISSUE 2
“The Booth Mom®” Candy Adams shares how to maximize virtual attendance and engagement
Shelby Peeples, Jr. 1935-2021
28
Larry Crumlish, 1939-2021
TEAMWORK KEEPS WORKERS WORKING
How Technology Will Pave the Way for Special Events in a Post-COVID World
WHY LED BANNERS MAKE SENSE FOCUS ON ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI DAILY UPDATES AT EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM
QLess CEO Kevin Grauman on how technology can help after COVID
On our cover: Industry titans Shelby Peeples and Larry Crumlish 001_Cover_noSpine_withBox_0321.indd 1
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Feature Story
31
Shop to Showfloor Section
22-25
I&D and Event Labor
An End of an Era
32-33
Bidding a sad farewell to two never-to-beforgotten giants who helped create and build an industry
Teamwork Keeps Workers Working
Teamwork Labor Services General Manager Heather Grant on branching out beyond tradeshows to keep working
Columns 10
34
Convention Center Snapshot
Does Your OSHA-10/30 Need Updating?
America’s Center Convention Complex
12
As the Saws Turn Technology Is Not Life
14
The International Man Trail Magic: A Lifetime Journey
16
Ask an Expert
IAEE Celebrates Successful Virtual Expo! Expo!
18
International Focus: AIPC Be Inspired
19
The Don & Mike Show
Don & Mike Show Welcomes Feedback
20
Airport Snapshot St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Departments 8 38 46 51 53 61
Editor’s Corner Eat, Sleep & Play The D.E.A.L. Regional Show Calendar Industry Service Guide Advertiser Index
36
The federally-issued certificate doesn’t expire, but in Nevada it must be less than five years since it was issued
36
Why LED Banners Make Sense InSync Production Services Technical Director Adam Ogden on why LED banners outshine fabric banners
38
The Rigging World
Rigging International Group’s Andrew Fulton completes his educational saga on eyebolts, part three ...
40
Convention Center Spotlight
America’s Center Convention Complex
42
Las Vegas Tradeshow & Events Industry Food Drive a Success Tradeshow & Event Industry Helping Their Own
44
People on the Move
45
In Memoriam Tom Fisher, office manager/staff acct., Fern Expo, Kansas City. MO & Tom Miller, warehouse mgr., McCormick/Osgood Display & Metro Exhibits, Chicago, IL
LED photo by Adam Ogden, Any Venue Video
THE END OF AN ERA
26
What Can You Expect to Get When You Sign Up For a Virtual Exhibit?
6 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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EDITOR'S CORNER
Greetings to our readers!
CSAL
CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION
AS VEGAS
8 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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work Labor Services General Manager Heather Grant (p. 32) explains how Teamwork pivoted to keep their employees working rather than furloughed for the last year; QLess CEO Kevin Grauman (p. 28) discusses how technology can help pave the way out of these lockdowns and InSync Production Services Technical Director Adam Ogden (p. 36) explains why LED banners outshine fabric banners. Writer Leslie Mujica (p. 42) attended the industry food drive in Las Vegas on Feb. 13 as volunteers distributed donated food for 200 tradeshow industry families. Our regular columnists are also dealing with these challenging times as Jim Obermeyer (p. 12) writes about how important F2F interaction is while Larry Kulchawik (p. 14) has decided to retire and says “thanks for the memories” in his final column. Calanit Atia (p. 16) chats with two IAEE attendees about last year’s virtual meeting and AIPC’s CEO Sven Bossu (p. 18) discusses how convention centers need to pivot as well. Rigging columnist Andrew Fulton (p. 38) finishes his threepart saga on the welded eyebolts that led to costly labor delays and Mike Morrison (p. 19) shares feedback he's received for The Don & Mike Show. We also have memorial tributes (p. 45) for 22-year Kansas City Fern veteran Tom Fisher and 32-year Chicago tradeshow veteran (McCormick/ Osgood Display to Metro Exhibits) Tom Miller. We remain in the Midwest for our focus city as we explore the Gateway Arch city of St. Louis. Spring is just around the corner; here’s hoping that we will be able to spring back to work in the next few months. Keep on jazzin’!
Editor-in-chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeanne Brei (702) 309-8023 ext. 103 JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com MANAGING EDITOR/GAL FRIDAY Lisa Abrams (702) 309-8023 LisaA@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com FEATURES WRITER/EDITOR F. Andrew Taylor (702) 309-8023 FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com COLUMNISTS / WRITERS Calanit Atia Andrew Fulton Larry Kulchawik Bob McGlincy Jim Obermeyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Candy Adams, “The Booth Mom®” Vince Battaglia Sven Bossu Heather Grant Kevin Grauman Brian Hall Mike Morrison Leslie Mujica Adam Ogden Chiara Peretti PROOFREADERS Milt Collins & Candy Adams NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Christy DiGiambattista (702) 309-8023 ext. 111 ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Manny Chico Mike Morrison Vol. 27, issue 2, copyright 2021 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.
2/28/21 8:39 PM
Photo by Allison Earnest
I
t truly is the end of an era. This issue is dedicated not only to the life and legacies of industry trailblazers Shelby Peeples and Larry Crumlish but also to all the tradeshow/event companies and workers who have had to go nearly an entire year without being able to work in the industry they love. Companies are merging with others to remain solvent and viable and our July/August issue will be Survivor-themed as we feature the companies who pivoted and survived. Many companies have joined together in new coalitions and are learning how to lobby in Washington, D.C., through Go Live Together, Meetings Mean Business and the newly-formed Exhibition and Conference Alliance. Be sure and visit ECN’s website daily for the latest news. We hope you enjoy this issue and reading about the extraordinary lives and impact of Shelby and Larry (p. 22-25). When their memorial tributes are posted online (all of our magazine stories appear in the “Features” section of our website), they will be much longer than we're able to fit in print. If you would like to share a memory to be included in our online stories, you are welcome to send them to newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com and we will add them to the memorial tributes when they’re posted online. This issue has some extremely informative and very topical stories, including how to maximize virtual attendance and engagement at virtual tradeshows from “The Booth Mom” Candy Adams (p. 26) and on the OSHA-10/30 certifications (which technically don’t expire but need to be renewed every five years in Nevada) from Andy Taylor (p. 34). We also have some contributed stories that are very timely as well, as Team-
PUBLISHER Donald V. Svehla Jr. (702) 309-8023 ext. 102 DonS@exhibitcitynews.com
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Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
CONVENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT
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America’s Center Convention Complex Location: 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO Year built: Opened in 1977 Square Footage: The ACCC is 1.7 million sq.ft. with 502,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space in the Cervantes Convention Center, with a 28,000 sq.ft. ballroom, 80 meeting rooms, the 1,400-seat Ferrara Theatre, the 67,000seat Dome at America’s Center and the St. Louis Executive Conference Center which provides for up to 100 people. Parking: The ACCC’s Seventh Street garage has 900 spaces—more parking is available in garages and surface lots. Wi-Fi: Internet and telecommunication services are highly adaptable, allowing multiple events to access them at different security levels depending on each event.
PLUS!
Where to eat, sleep and play near ACCC on p. 40
Hotels: There are more than 300 hotels in the city, with 17,000+ rooms. Airport Info: It’s a 14-mile drive from the St. Louis Airport (STL) to The Dome at ACCC.
Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
Fun Fact #1: The Dome at America’s Center was formerly the home of the NFL’s St. Louis Rams (now the L.A. Rams) and the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. Fun Fact #2: On Jan. 27, 1999, more than 104,000 people filled the ACCC to participate in the Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II. It was the largest indoor gathering ever held in the U.S. Website: explorestlouis.com/ meetings-conventions/americas-center ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 11
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COLUMN As the Saws Turn
Socializing at the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, after ExhibitorLive; L-R: Jim Fox, Jim Obermeyer, Glen Ruggiero, Jim Welch and Max Maxwell
Technology Is Not Life
I
came across this piece onand how Amazon delivers line the other day. Hit me everything! His answer left at just the right moment: me speechless: I spent an hour at the bank He said: “Since I entered with my dad, as he had to this bank today, I have met transfer some money. While four of my friends, I have in the lobby waiting, I asked: chatted a while with the “Dad, why don’t we activate staff who know me well by your internet banking?” now. You know I am “Why would I do alone; this is the comthat?” he asked. pany that I need. “Well, then you I like to get ready won’t have to spend and come to the an hour here for bank. I have enough things like fund By Jim Obermeyer time; it is the face to transfers. You can face that I crave.” even do your shopping online. “Two years back I got sick, Everything will be so easy!” I the store owner from whom was so excited about initiating I buy fruits came to see me him into the world of online and sat by my bedside. When banking and shopping. your mom fell on her mornHe asked: “If I do that, I ing walk, our local grocer won’t have to step out of saw her and immediately got the house?” his car to rush her home as he “Yes, yes!” I said. I told him knows where we live.” how even groceries can be “Would I have that human delivered to your door now touch if everything were
online? Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer? I like to know the person that I’m dealing with and not just the ‘seller.’ It creates bonds, relationships, friendships. Does Amazon deliver all of this as well?” We have all been cooped up for the last year and have all become accustomed to (like it or not) online banking, online shopping, online meetings and online happy hours. And now that we are in the dead of winter (for most of us) I have become even more aware of the lack of opportunities for face-to-face time with real people. My wife spent last weekend out of town at one of her good friend’s homes. I had four days to myself. By day two, I needed a break from the silence. I went to our favorite pub, where we frequent, and know the bartenders and some of the patrons as well.
In between chatting with the guys behind the bar and comparing bourbons with the gentleman on the stool next to me, I just sat and watched the room. Couples and small groups engaged in conversation; some seriously involved, some joking and laughing. All enjoying the camaraderie. The music, the lighting, the overall ambiance of the place was perfect. Man, did I miss this place! The online world is here to stay, even once we get past the restrictions of the pandemic. But the face-to-face world must return. In-person meetings and in-person gatherings must happen. Not just at our local pub (although I’ll argue that part is important), but at our businesses and meeting venues and convention centers. People need to meet in person…to create those bonds, relationships and friendships. Last week I joined the EDPA Midwest ZOOM meeting. While it was great to see familiar faces on screen—and “chat” with a few friends—it was not a replacement for the live meetings we used to attend. I will admit, the use of technology during this last year has certainly made it easier for co-workers and friends to stay in touch (imagine not having any of this for the last year?), however, it is not a replacement for being in person. Either in a bank lobby or a pub or a convention center. Technology is not life. See you on the show floor. Jim Obermeyer has been in the exhibits and events industry 39 years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and exhibit house owner. He can be reached at jobermeyer903@gmail.com.
12 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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@ExhibitCityNews
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ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 13
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COLUMN The International Man
By Larry Kulchawik
Trail Magic: A Lifetime Journey
A
fter 50 years in the tradeshow industry I’m hanging up my T square and stepping off the expo train. What a journey it has been! Unlike some in our industry who had family members introduce them to the thrills and joys of the traveling circus called tradeshow marketing, we each have fumbled into this secret occupation only to discover the addiction of its magic.
In 1971, with a degree in design and a minor in architecture, I found myself looking for work. A friend introduced me to Mertés Design, an exhibit design company in Chicago. The new McCormick Place was just rebuilt after the fire and happy days were here again for tradeshows in the U.S. For the next 10 years Chicago hosted the largest tradeshows in America. This was surely the place to be for exhibit design, fabrica-
tion and show site services. At that time other cities had excellent convention centers that were also popular (N.Y., Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, New Orleans and Atlantic City) but were limited in their space availability. Later, Orlando and Las Vegas offered space and cost alternatives to Chicago. As a designer and detailer, exhibits were designed by hand with magic markers and detailed with T squares and a
Exhibit City News magazine will miss the musings of 50year industry veteran Larry Kulchawik. We wish him the best in his retirement and in his search for new passions. triangular scale rule. Most exhibits were made out of wood and painted in a spray booth. Graphics were silk screened directly to panels with minimal transparency photos. Hanging signs were rare and were made out of steel or wood. Most exhibit companies were in the heart of the city with shop fabrication on two or three floors in a tall warehouse. Crates were made to protect the exhibit
14 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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and loaded on a truck with a “Johnny Bar.” Drayage weight was not an issue just yet, so there were some pretty heavy crates. Designers were expected to help load the truck then go back to holding a steady hand to finish a design drawing. Exhibit companies sent a carpenter to McCormick to assist installation with labor from a union pool of carpenters. I&D companies evolved a bit later, as well as furniture, floral, AV, and carpet companies. Lighting was mainly achieved with ball lights and stem lights with @ExhibitCityNews
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union electricians required to install and plug them in. Each show organizer hired a show contractor to manage freight and lay out the show floor with each space defined with pipe and drape. Each space was identified with a 44” cardboard sign with company name and a booth number. Note that there were many different show contractors for show organizers to choose from in the ‘70s and ‘80s, that is until GES and Freeman bought them out and took over. Only in America! After a financial crisis in the early ’90s, many design and management methods within the industry changed to create new ways of thinking. Doing more with less was the motto. Silk screening diminished and was replaced with vinyl-cutting machines and inkjet printers for in-house graphic production. Most painting spray booths were eliminated and replaced with plastic laminates for color. Since drayage costs were based solely on weight, lightweight solutions were created to reduce this cost. Aluminum systems, portable exhibits, fabric exhibits, lighting and rental alternatives poured into the market to lighten the weight and decrease the cost of installation. The industry saved money on drayage and handling but then introduced truss ceiling canopies to support AV screens and theatrical lighting to create environments that enhanced the exhibitor experience. Technology and computers stepped in strongly to complement the exhibit architecture as well as the fabrication methods. Beginning in 2000, tradeshow marketing became more than designing creative exhibits. Exhibitors began expecting
To the many friends & associates I have met on my journey... thanks for the memories.” more than a cool looking exhibit. Exhibit suppliers offered design solutions that created a selling/telling environment and delivered an experience, using AV technology and theatrical lighting. The experience was not limited to the tradeshow floor. Pre-show, during the show, and post-show tactics were also a part of the overall design offering. These offering included off-site events and ways to measure a Return on Investment, Return on Objective and Return on Emotion. Tradeshow and event participation was now expensive. You better to be ready to help your clients to justify the marketing expense to their CFOs within their company. Add to this, the American discovery of the global marketplace to connect with global supply chains and expand their business. International tradeshow marketing unfolded with all U.S. exhibit suppliers becoming experts quickly to deliver this new need to assist their clients internationally. Boy, we sure had a good 40-year run! 2019 brought our industry to a screeching halt worldwide. For many, it was a sorrowful end to a good run. But for some, it’s a new beginning to build in a new future. Faceto-face marketing continues to be embraced as a powerful tool to grow sales, but tactics may be modified. Our methods
may change but the power of emotion will not be extinguished. This is the real magic of tradeshows and events. With the unfolding of the post-COVID chapter to our industry, and losing my pulse on tradeshow marketing today, I hang up my T square to ride off into the Colorado sunset to discover a new passion. Any new passion will be tough to replace. To the many friends and associates I have met on my journey, as Bob Hope once said, “thanks for the memories.” I am so proud to have worked for three industry leading exhibit companies (Exhibitgroup, Derse and 3D Exhibits), and served on the boards of industry associations (OSPI, EDPA and IFES). I spent a lot of Sundays setting up an exhibit at McCormick, so the expo associations allowed me the opportunity to give back to my church (St. Expos) for future parishioners to enjoy the merits of the magical mystery tour we call the tradeshow industry. It is important that we continue to give back through sharing knowledge and providing the educational tools to enhance the value of tradeshow marketing. Also, much thanks must be given to our industry pipe organ, Exhibit City News and its publisher Don Svehla, for giving me a platform to share my thoughts. Keep the train moving forward! 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 ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 15
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COLUMN Ask an Expert
IAEE Celebrates Successful Virtual Expo! Expo!
By Calanit Atia
E
xpo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2020 held virtually in December 2020, welcomed 1,265 attendees. The expo featured 102 exhibiting companies and more than 100 education sessions with 120+ presenters. Exhibit City News spoke with two attendees about their experience in attending the virtual event. Mark Vaughan is the executive vice president and chief sales officer for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. What was your impression overall? Vaughan: Virtual has been a good alternative during a difficult time and allows you to continue to do business, and allows the educational portion to continue on both products and knowledge, although I prefer it live. That being said, there is nothing that beats face-to-face
Mark Vaughan
interaction and the ability to conduct business. What did you like best about the digital expo? Vaughan: I did like the accessibility, doing it on your time at your home—lots of tools at your fingertips and the ability to track the customers’ resources were beneficial and validated if we were on the right track. Did the expo help with reaching customers? Vaughan: We had an excellent opportunity to engage with new and existing customers, and although we did not secure any opportunities, we were able to move a couple along. Do you think the virtual component should be a part of future expos? Vaughan: Virtual allows those who could not attend to stay engaged with their industry and network of suppliers, so I see it as a good solution for the organizers to broaden their reach. Deborah Cohen, CMP, is the director of meeting & convention marketing for Discover Puerto Rico. What was your impression overall? Cohen: Virtual and hybrid events have certainly filled a void for our industry during 2020—allowing us the ability to connect safely in many ways. I’ve found that avoiding or limiting other technology during virtual events is essential (and
Deborah Cohen
hard to do), but this helps you focus more and absorb more information. However, I genuinely miss that face-toface interaction at live events. They inspire a multitude of ideas for collaboration with my team, clients, and other industry colleagues. While this is certainly our new normal at present, and these types of platforms provide an iteration of that interaction, it’s just not the same as sitting down with a coconut latte in our Discover Puerto Rico Hacienda booth. What are the benefits of online meetings? Cohen: If you can quiet your space around you and focus, virtual is an excellent avenue for learning with fewer distractions. The keys is to schedule these events into your calendar just like you were traveling and not add other meetings, if possible. For those on-demand sessions, it is great to be able to learn on your own time. Furthermore, I thought the platform selected did the job well. I liked that you could schedule individual appointments to have those one-onone virtual conversations. What do you predict for the future of virtual expos and meetings? Cohen: It has been evident throughout this pandemic that every individual has varying comfort levels when interacting and traveling. For these
reasons, all event planners will have to consider virtual or hybrid options for the near future. Did the expo help with reaching customers? Cohen: Our sales team is still following up with the clients they met with, so we are still assessing the ROI. We are pleased that we were able to get our messaging positioned during one of the general sessions through our sponsorship. This is the only event we attend each year that puts us directly in front of exhibition organizers, which will be a critical audience for us to help our convention center in their recovery post-pandemic. We greatly appreciate our partners at IAEE and the leadership they have provided to our industry this past year. There is no doubt that live (in-person) events will remain at the forefront of the events and tradeshow industry, however, the digital option should remain available in the future. Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2021 will be held December 7-9 in Philadelphia. For more info, visit myexpoexpo.com. Calanit Atia is an award-winning event planner and entrepreneur. Air Force Veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events, Las Vegas DMC and Entertainment Agency, 2021 MPI Advisory Board Member and speaker. She can be contacted at 702-2122500 or Info@AtoZevents.com.
16 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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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
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ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 17
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COLUMN International Focus: AIPC
Be Inspired by Sven Bossu, CEO AIPC
G
lenn D. Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, described his institute as “a laboratory of learning, a place where the most challenging and difficult art of our time can be measured against the achievements of the immediate past.” This must sound very familiar to any manager running a convention center, with the art of bringing people together being both difficult and challenging at this time and whereby measuring achievements needs to be re-invented to be meaningful. The challenge event venues have is to build upon their past without being delimited or constrained by it. This is by no means a simple task. To re-in-
vent yourself is difficult and goes beyond getting out of your comfort zone. Venues have already done some amazing things over the last 12 months. They have supported health care systems close to falling apart, setting up hospitals from Washington to Singapore. They have offered their key asset— physical space—to the ones in need of it, from the Parliament in Dublin to the Court of Justice in Copenhagen. Melbourne became a center of the local movie industry, being both a film studio and a drive-in cinema. And I could go on listing examples, demonstrating how much venues have indeed become a laboratory of learning. Now, it is time for the next step to become inspired by a
rapidly changing ecosystem. For instance, we need to have a careful look at the Sustainable Goals set forward by the World Health Organization and make organized events the most efficient way of making those happen. Who is better placed than venues and their partners to achieve SG11: “Sustainable Cities & Communities”? Where will SG 13 (Climate Action) be discussed in more depth than at the COP26 in Glasgow? And how will SG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) will be agreed upon, other than via organized events gathering the key stakeholders? At the same time, we must reach out to our immediate community and connect the dots. SG3 (Good Health and Well Being) could be partially achieved by using venue spaces in a different way, supported by local governments doing the impact assessment when it comes to health economy and funding the effort done by the event venues. Similar to the Sustainable Goals—which are interconnected—venues have touchpoints in, and impact on many areas within their ecosystem. Each of those touchpoints offers an opportunity for inspiration—an inspiration which will become our next normal. Making it to that next normal will ask for venues to do things never done before. Teams are facing quite a few challenges: new skills are needed to meet new requirements, flexibility has moved to the next level and uncertainty is a certainty. But we are fortunate: venue teams—and event teams by extension—love challenges, and they are extremely good at turning them into oppor-
Sven Bossu
tunities. That is why AIPC is now launching a Future Ready Leaders initiative, bringing together venue management talent from across the globe to shape the future of venue management. As put by Gandhi: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” The previous normal does no longer exist and it will not come back. And we all knew this would happen—it simply came a bit faster than expected. The same happened to the MoMA in New York, which went through many transformations in its 90 years existence. During these, the MoMA clinched to its ambition: to be a site of narration, where stories can be developed and realized—and does so very successfully. Event venues worldwide will do the very same. Sven Bossu was appointed as AIPC’s first CEO last May. Prior, he was the managing director for innovation at ESTRO, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology. He also has eight years of experience in the meetings industry from his time at SWIFT and its world-renowned SIBOS conference. Contact him at sven. bossu@aipc.org. AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centers, represents a global network of more than 190 leading centers in 64 countries with the active involvement of 1,000+ management-level professionals worldwide. It is committed to encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention center management, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs AIPC also celebrates and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry. For more info, visit aipc.org.
18 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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INDUSTRY PODCAST
The Don & Mike Show Welcomes Feedback
I
t’s always great to receive feedback from listeners who appreciate your efforts, especially during this past year when everything has been in a crazy, chaotic state. We started a new segment recently on the show where we give a shout out to our repeat and consistent listeners ... like Melinda Stewart at OnSite Exhibitor Service and Marcel Lucero at Convention Services of the Southwest. This is the email we just received from Marcel: Don and Mike, Wow! I just listened.
@ExhibitCityNews
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Thank you very much for the shout out! I wasn’t expecting that. But I really appreciate the plug. Also, thank you for what you all do for the return of the live events industry (specifically tradeshows). I get so much information from your show. I know that I can always depend on your wisdom to present our struggle to the rest of the world. We will survive with the efforts of you (Don and Mike). It’s tough in Albuquerque but we will get through this. Thank you, again and thank you for entertaining me at
THE LATEST SHOWS by Mike Morrison
whatever hour I get to listen to you. Best to you all! – Marcel Lucero We strive to stay on top of the Tradeshow, Event and Experiential Marketing industries in today’s world ... Let us know how we are doing! Email us at TheDonAndMikeShow@gmail. com with your feedback! The Don & Mike Show can be heard on Fridays at TheDonAndMikeShow. net; ExhibitCityNews.com; Facebook (www.facebook.com/DandMshow); LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/
2/19/21: Chris Griffin with ECA/Advocacy updates; Sean Clarke on Rapid Fire 2/12/21: Rob Wilson from Employco on Employer Mandated Vaccines 2/5/21 Brandt Krueger talks Digital Events: Vaccinated Only Attendee Shows in the Future?
groups/12096643/); Twitter (twitter. com/DonAndMikeShow1) and most all podcast platforms including iTunes, Google, Spotify and many others. Mike Morrison is the national sales director for WS Displays as well as co-hosting and producing “The Don & Mike Show” podcast, now closing in on 200,000 listens. Contact him at thedonandmikeshow@gmail.com or mike@wsdisplay.com. For more info, visit TheDonAndMikeShow.net
ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 19
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AIRPORT SNAPSHOT
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St. Louis Lambert International IATA airport code: STL Location: 10701 Lambert International Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri Year Opened: The airport began as a balloon launching base in the 1890s called Kinloch Field. In June 1920, the Aero Club of St. Louis leased 170 acres of cornfield and Kinloch Field, cleared, graded and drained the site and built a hangar. In honor of Albert Bond Lambert, one of the Aero Club’s founders, the field was named Lambert St. Louis Flying Field. In 1925, Lambert bought the field and added hangars and a passenger terminal. In 1928, Lambert leased it to the City of St. Louis for $1; then sold it to the ity, making it one of the first municipally-owned airports in the United States. In 1930, the airport was officially christened Lambert–St. Louis Municipal Airport. In 1971 it became Lambert–St. Louis Int’l. Airport, and in 2016 was renamed to St. Louis Lambert Int’l. Airport. A new terminal was built from 1953-56 and expanded in 1965; a second terminal opened in 1998 Size: Airport covers 2,800 acres with four runways. It has 81 gates in two terminals. Transportation: Metrolink Light Rail services the airport. 24-hour shuttles run between the two terminals. Taxis, rideshares and limousines are available. Fun Facts: Lambert, an Olympic golfer, was the son of the founder of Lambert Pharmaceutical Co. which made Listerine. Orville Wright was Lambert’s flight instructor and Lambert had the first pilot’s license in St. Louis. In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt visited the airport and flew with pilot Arch Hoxsey, becoming the first U.S. President to fly. In 1912 Capt. Albert Berry made the first successful parachute jump from a plane. Website: www.flystl.com ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 21
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IN MEMORIAM
Shelby C. Peeples, Jr. JUNE 19, 1935 - FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Flooring industry entrepreneur Shelby C. Peeples, Jr., 85, who founded Emerald Carpet in 1976, passed away peacefully at his residence in Dalton, Georgia. Growing up in the rural community of Dawnville, Shelby learned the value of hard work, resilience and taking care of your neighbor. He met the love of his life, Willena Davis, in the first grade, where they became quick friends. They would become high school sweethearts, and soon marry after high school graduation. He was one of 18 graduates of the Dawnville High School class of 1953 and later would marvel at how he “picked the perfect partner” at such a young age. Shelby first hinted at his future success in sales and
business when he sold his first cow at age 11. Shelby learned how to make a profit dabbling in trade at a young age. Upon graduation from high school, he went to work for L.A. Lee Printing Company, running their printing press. To help support his growing family, he used his ingenuity to make extra money on the side. He would buy a used car, clean it and resell it for extra cash. On Fridays after work, he would go to the farmers' market in Atlanta to buy fruits and vegetables and bring them back to sell on Saturday. Once he purchased a pickup truck full of hand tools—wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers—and each day, he would come home from work at lunch, fill a brown paper bag with tools, and return to work,
selling them by the handful to co-workers. As is the case with many successful people, Shelby worked long hours while Willena focused on their children and family. At age 29, Shelby had an unsuccessful run for tax commissioner. Determined to expand his horizons, he began selling life insurance with Franklin Life during the evenings, while continuing to hold his day job at L. A. Lee. He soon found success selling insurance, and later rose quickly to become the top U.S. salesman with Franklin Life. He eventually left to go into the carpet finishing business, and soon began investing and buying real estate. Over time, his business portfolio would expand to include carpet backing, yarn extrusion, LVT manufacturing, hospitality carpet, synthetic turf, banking and real estate. He arose early each day and kept a full work and meeting schedule well into the evening hours. Also active in politics, he hosted many political fundraisers and supported numerous candidates for local, state and national office. Shelby's employees were like family to him. While he was hard-nosed and pushed employees toward success, he had a huge heart for his employees and their families. He believed in doing business face to face across the lunch table with friends and competitors alike. He read voraciously and was a conscientious note taker, always learning and expanding his knowledge. Even at home, you would find him with his newspapers and steno pad, known as the “Shelby pad,” keeping busy
with personal and business phone calls. Nothing pleased Shelby more than entertaining family and friends. He and Willena enjoyed welcoming friends to their home and he never missed an opportunity to take someone to dinner. At restaurants, he often paid for others dining around him. Shelby always remembered to phone friends on their birthday, and upon learning of a person or cause in need, he was an eager and supportive friend. Julie Kagy, ESCA director of operations, wrote, “Shelby was a kind, generous and loving person, who instantly made you feel at home. My family and I always looked forward to seeing him and Willena. They immediately adopted all those around them and made everyone feel like family. He made the world a brighter place and left a mark on all those lives that touched his. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the Peebles and Emerald family during this difficult time.” Aaron Peterson, president, McNabb Flooring, wrote, “I feel absolutely honored to have had more than one occasion to spend a little bit of time with Shelby and his family. One of the very first things I noticed about Shelby was, when he is talking to you, he gives you all of him. What I mean by that is, he is totally focused on you without distraction. It’s one of the best feelings ever, and I have never encountered it again from anyone. He always made time to break bread with you, even though you knew he was extremely busy. Shelby always had a few of his special peppers in his pocket if you wanted to turn
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Pictured L-R: Tom and Vickie Peeples, Patrick and Karen Putzer, Shelby and Willena Peeples, Tom Boykin, Kelley and Jeff Condra, Meagan and Jacob Smith
up the heat. His hospitality and his love for his family is really something to remember and to strive for in your own life.” Sharon Barton wrote, “I have worked for this incredible man for 22 years. He became like a father figure to me. I always listened to him intently because he was such a wealth of knowledge. I have learned so much from him. The things that I most remember are: 1. Always do the right thing! Especially when no one is watching. 2. Your employees are your most important asset and treat them like family. 3. Live like you are a two-year-old colt in a 40acre field. I am so very blessed to have known him and had him in my life. I will be forever grateful that he was my friend.” Fern Expo’s Bludworth family wrote, “We love the Peeples family and our prayers are with you all as Shelby is mourned. What a legacy he leaves. We are grateful for the time we were able to spend with him and his influence on us. May God watch over you all in the coming days as you mourn the passing of an exceptional man and friend.” ESCA notified their members that “ESCA lost a long-time member of its tradeshow family @ExhibitCityNews
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this week, Shelby Peeples. Shelby was a legend in our industry, a leader, and a role model to so many. Through Emerald Carpet, his partnership with ESCA and our membership was instrumental in our Summer Educational Conferences and Winter Awards Celebrations’ success. At ESCA, we always felt a sense of family, friendship, and kindness with every interaction with Shelby, the Peeples family and Emerald Carpet. We are all saddened by the loss of this wonderful man.” Ever the fierce competitor in business, Shelby Peeples’ pride and joy were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Papaw,” as he was known to his grandchildren, was known for his kind and generous heart, and listening ear. He always prioritized celebrating family occasions. Nothing pleased him more than spending time with family, and he enjoyed lake weekends, birthdays and beach trips. Shelby and Willena’s inherent desire to help others led to an even greater vision for their family legacy. Supporters of Dalton State College since the '90s, Shelby and Willena made a gift to help build a 58,000-sq. ft. science building on campus.
Noted for its superior lab facilities, the building was dedicated in their name in 2014. In 2015, Shelby turned his attention to healthcare. He and Willena, having survived cancer, embraced a vision for state-ofthe-art cancer care for patients and their families. Partnering with the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, they provided a legacy gift to develop what would become Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center. The facility opened to the public in January 2020, with a commitment to offering each patient exceptional care in a compassionate, supportive environment. Shelby’s belief in young people and the power of their education led to a recent investment in the J.A. Discovery Center of Greater Dalton. As one of the founders of the First Bank of Dalton and in recognition of their achievements in business, industry and philanthropy, Shelby and Willena were inducted as laureates into the Junior Achievement of Northwest Georgia Business Hall of Fame in 2015 and were named recipients of the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation’s Humanitarian Award in 2018. Driven by grit, vision and determination, Shelby will be
remembered for his business acumen and humanitarian efforts in northwest Georgia, but his true joy was helping the common man. He lived to help others, readily giving a hand up, without fanfare or praise. Ultimately, he considered his true net worth his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Willena; son Alan (Roger Cheek), of Dalton, daughter Jane Peeples Stanfield (Terry), of Dalton, son Tom (Vickie), of Ringgold, GA, and son Bryan (Amy), also of Ringgold; nine grandchildren,nine great-grandchildren; and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelby Sr. and Lilly Mae, sister Marjorie, nephew Stanley Wynn and beloved dog, Rudy. The family will hold a private service with plans for a celebration of life this summer. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to special caregivers, Jonah Berry, Justin Dempsey and Jose Martir. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shelby's charities of choice: Dalton State College Foundation, Dalton-state.edu/ giving; Humane Society of NW GA, P.O. Box 3946, Dalton, GA 30719; Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 1168, Dalton, GA 30722-1168 In Memory of Shelby Peeples, designated for Peeples Cancer Institute; online gifts may be made at HamiltonHealth .com/donate. To share a memory or condolences, visit https://obituaries.daltoncitizen.com/obituary/shelby-peeples-1081612167/guestbook. ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 23
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IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam: Larry Crumlish JUNE 7, 1939- JANUARY 20, 2021
The exhibit industry lost a giant with the passing of Larry Crumlish on January 20. It’s no exaggeration to say that he was one of the true pioneers of the portable tradeshow market. He was also known and loved by countless veterans of the industry— as anyone who ever attempted to stroll the floor of EXHIBITORLIVE with him can attest. Larry couldn’t make it more than 10 feet without seeing an old friend. The two of them would light up at the sight of each other, sharing some happy memory and a promise to see each other again soon. Simply completing a single aisle with Larry could be an all-day affair, which is a testament to the legendary impact he had on the industry in his 40-plus-year career. After learning the ropes at what he called “the exhibit school of Freeman,” Larry founded Display Products Inc. in 1977. There he, along with his long-time collaborator Michelle Stacy, pioneered the use of fabric in tradeshow exhibits. Many of the commonplace fabric items—table skirting, throw covers, banners, and backdrops—we take for granted on the show floor were ushered in by Larry after responding to the needs of tradeshow exhibitors. In fact, serving the customer was paramount to Larry. Finding
their need and satisfying it was always top of mind with him. And that key characteristic led Larry to his next venture in 1985 when he launched what would become his landmark contribution to the tradeshow industry. He, along with partner Rik Kent, opened The Exhibit Store in Dallas. This “store” included products from a wide range of portable exhibit manufacturers. It was an unprecedented shift during a time when exhibit dealers were closely aligned with a single manufacturer. It’s fair to say Larry was the innovator of the industry’s “one-stop shopping” showroom that we all know today and was a testament to the goodwill he had built up with the manufacturers of the day. The Exhibit Store concept was a smash hit and eventually had offices in Houston, Austin and New Orleans. Larry, the consummate salesman, was a mentor to his employees and interested in their personal development whether it was in sales or production. And he wasn’t afraid to give outsiders a chance. He hired clothing salespeople, ex-police officers and people from all walks of life. Then he taught them how to sell. And he treated them all (along with everyone he had dealings with) as an extension of his own family, some of whom literally were—his wife Billye
and son Tim were among the employees of The Exhibit Store. In 2001, Larry moved into consulting, working with many key tradeshow companies throughout the years until he retired from the industry in 2019 at the age of 80. For all his contributions to the exhibit industry, Larry’s humanity and friendship will no doubt be missed most of all. Larry loved people, and they loved him right back. The gifts of personality and integrity served as the foundation of his entire life, both on and off the show floor. Being a great lover of wines, Larry would regularly invite people to his home for happy hours to share anecdotes and talk tradeshows. And his great sense of humor meant he never missed a chance to drop a pun into just about every conversation. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and genuine sincerity will be greatly missed, and anyone who knew
him is a better person for it. Just a few of the hundreds of remembrances and tributes from social media and his online guest book include: Kevin Carty, EVP at Classic Exhibits, “Our industry lost a gem today! Thank you, Larry, for being a guiding light to so many over the years. You are going to be sorely missed. God Bless! Heaven became even brighter today.” Mike McDaniel, business development at Electric Sky Fabrication (formerly Gist Specialties), wrote, “Larry was a good friend for the last 30 years. I met him when starting my exhibit career in the early ’80s when he ran Display Products and later The Exhibit Store in Dallas. Truly a leader in development of portable display products for the industry and a mentor for many including myself. Whether we connected later in California, Florida or here in Las Vegas, his huge smile and contagious
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laugh were always the highlight of my day. He will brighten even the days in Heaven. RIP and laughter, Larry.” David Walens, CEO/president at Exploring, Inc., wrote, “This breaks my heart. He was a pioneer on so many levels in the tradeshow industry. He was also a long-time friend and one of the kindest and nicest people I know in this industry. He will be missed.” Robert Laarhoven, brand ambassador at beMatrix USA, wrote, “Sorry to hear this. So many memories going all the way back to TS2 in San Antonio in 1984. Over the years Larry was a friend, customer and even co-worker for a time towards the end of his career. He was one of the pioneers in the portable/modular exhibit industry. I remember playing golf with him on a cold wet day during an EDPA conference in the ’90s. The club slipped out of his hand and got stuck in a tree. We took turns throwing @ExhibitCityNews
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clubs into the tree trying to knock his down. Thank you, Larry, for everyone you have mentored over the years and being a great example." Chris Griffin shared, “The man was an institution. Larry made looking like Santa Claus cool—before it was cool to look like Santa Claus. Always a kind word for any new professional in our industry, Larry was an integral part of my own ‘learning’ about the history and evolution of the portable exhibit industry. First real showroom guy, with The Exhibit Store in Dallas. Calm seas and fair winds on your journey, Larry (don’t worry—I’ll turn off the show room lights when we’re finished for the day.)” Danny Kent, founder of 5DShowServices, shared, “We lost a great soul last month. Larry was such a big part of my entire life both personally and professionally. He and Billye babysat me the week I was born while my parents took my older brother to the hospital to have his tonsils removed. 50+ years later they have been just as important to me and my family and Larry will be in
our hearts forever. He was a true pioneer in the tradeshow exhibit industry and his quick punny wit, infectious laugh and genuine sincerity will be greatly missed. Anyone who knew him is a better person because of it. ” Mark Bendickson, principle of Mark Bendickson Design, wrote, “Farewell to an amazing friend, mentor and pioneer. If you have anything to do with custom modular or portable exhibits, this man has a great deal to do with you making a living. I like to think right now he and my father are sharing a cocktail, and talking about the old days. Rest in Peace Larry Crumlish. A pioneer and friend. To say he will be missed will be such an understatement. I have talked to so many people in the last two weeks that I haven’t for years, I imagine that would really make Larry smile to know that so many people are catching up and sharing old stories and memories.” Marc Goldberg wrote that “… Larry’s mantle [was] of being a true leader in the industry in a most difficult time. He set a great example for a generation (or several generations) of
industry professionals.” Ray C. Rogowicz, owner/ CEO and president of EXHIBITTRADER.COM, Inc., wrote, “All the King’s horses and all the King’s men, Larry was amongst...an amazing mind, a never-ending spirit and a heart of gold. You will be forever missed my old friend.” Candance Swaim, CTSM, “OMGoodness, we lost a good one. He was so kind and sharing. He truly was one of those that laid the foundation of best practice and willing to guide us rookies, especially here in Texas. Perhaps, Larry can work some heavenly magic for us. He will be missed, and that smile of his will live forever. RIP Larry; blessings to you and your loved ones.” Classic Exhibits Inc.'s Mel White wrote, "An amazing man on so many levels who deserves to be in the pantheon of greats in the exhibition industry. We are all better people having known him." Jim Shelman. GM, Classic Rental Solutions, wrote, "Larry was an incredibly nice man. He welcomed me into the industry at a TS2 Show in San Francisco over 30 years ago. I was a young rookie, yet he took the time to chat with me as though he knew me, had encouraging words for me, and sincerely showed interest in my new career. That left such a positive impression with me towards him and the exhibit industry ever since. He made me feel like I was in the right place. Perhaps a great lesson and example for all of us. We should take the time to sincerely encourage others, because you never know the impact it may have on them. Thanks Larry!" Continued on p. 45 ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 25
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VIRTUAL TRADESHOW STRATEGIES
Q. What can you expect to get when you sign up for a virtual exhibit? A. IT DEPENDS. BY CANDY ADAMS, “THE BOOTH MOM®” DES | VEMM | CTSM | CME | CEM | CMP | CMM
I thought being in a California lockdown was isolating until I recently spent two long days being the equivalent of a Walmart greeter in my most recent virtual exhibit. This exercise-in-futility was acting as the chat moderator for a virtual exhibit at CES 2021. There were 26 virtual show floor hours over the span of the two-day show. Being in the Pacific time zone, that meant getting up at 4 a.m. (which was 7 a.m. EST) and staring at my laptop screen, waiting for some of the anticipated 50,000 virtual attendees to drop by. Take a guess at how many visitors I chatted with. Give up? A whopping six! These included:
» My client, who dropped by the first morning using her attendee badge to see what the visitor experience looked and felt like » One visitor who stopped by once each day fishing for competitive info we can’t provide
» Three visitors suitcasing – trying to sell us marketing and software services. Although my client did implement a robust PR and social media campaign, I learned from other CES exhibitors that the underwhelming virtual traffic to our exhibit wasn’t uncommon. Knowing that made me feel somewhat better about our pathetic numbers. But just like you can’t rely on foot traffic at a live event to generate sufficient qualified leads, you can’t rely on show management to drive attendees to create the perfect virtual exhibit climate. What you can do is understand exactly what the platform that the show offers provides that will help you engage with visitors. Then by process of elimination you can look at other options for your own promotion—before, during and after the virtual event—before committing to their virtual
program. And you can always approach show management to integrate your own sponsorship ideas, making them an offer they can’t refuse. This lets you maximize their promotional offerings and supplement them with other marketing activities to boost your engagement, and hopefully, exceed your marketing goals! Virtual Exhibit Expectations Virtual shows are like snowflakes: No two are exactly alike. In order to understand how visitors will find and engage with your virtual exhibit, you need to ask show management these questions before signing the exhibit contract on the dotted line:
Reaching Your Target Audience
» What is the show’s anticipated total virtual attendance, what is this number based on, and how many of those are in your target market? What will the access—and cost—be for attendees who only want to visit the exhibits?
Show Floor Hours
» What days/hours will the virtual exhibits be open? Are there any unopposed hours—like those at a live tradeshow—when there aren’t any scheduled conference sessions or keynotes and only the virtual show floor will be open? Is there any time scheduled before, during and after educational sessions and keynote presentations for attendees to visit the show floor? Are exhibitors allowed to schedule after-hours networking sessions (a.k.a. happy hours or birds-of-a-feather roundtables) to connect with prospects?
Time’s of the Essence
» In what time zone(s) will your staff need to work to cover your virtual exhibit’s activities? How many complimentary exhibit staff virtual badges will you get? Will there be times when you anticipate needing more—or less—staffing in your exhibit?
How long is the “show”?
» Are the exhibits on the virtual exhibit floor open for an extended period of time after the virtual event closes (such as 30 days to six months more)?
The Virtual Venue
» What technology platform has show management chosen? Are the virtual exhibits running on a separate app? What options do you have to engage visitors through this app? Will the visitors be familiar with this app or have to muddle their way through finding out how to engage with you? Are there multiple tiers of features available for exhibitors?
Getting There
» How many steps does it take from an attendee logging into the virtual event, visiting their sessions, and then to relocate to your exhibit? How do they know what their options are to interact with it and your staff? One show had a neat feature that
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when each new visitor approached the booth, a brief welcome video would auto-magically start to roll to engage them.
Where’s Waldo?
» Will visitors choose your company’s name from an alphabetical list of all exhibitors, search for your product/service category by keywords, or pick from logos based on the fee paid for your virtual exhibit? To create the serendipity that’s lacking in virtual shows, some shows let attendees have the chance to spin a virtual wheel to randomly pick exhibitors to visit.
Making Personal Connections
» How will your virtual exhibit staff
be represented and introduced to visitors? In your exhibitor profile, will there be staff photos and bios explaining their background, experience and expertise to connect with the most appropriate staffer? Will your staff interact with visitors as avatars or just by name through audio/video/written chats or in oneon-one private meetings? Does the platform offer meeting scheduling or a speed-dating feature?
You still need visual with virtual.
» What will your company’s virtual exhibit look like when visitors stop by? (And will the platform even let @ExhibitCityNews
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you see your virtual exhibit in its finished form? Don’t laugh… some of them don’t!) What’s the visitors’ critical first impression of your virtual exhibit when they arrive? What, exactly, will they see, hear and experience on their screen? Will the platform only let exhibitors choose from a few generic pre-designed 2-D virtual exhibit backwalls that can be uploaded with or without graphics, and with your company’s or social media logos and links? Or will you be able to upload or link to a more complex 3D exhibit design that’s a better visual representation of your brand or product? Will you be allowed to livestream or upload pre-recorded videos or product demonstrations? If so, what are the limitations on their file size or run time? How many digital .pdfs of spec sheets or white papers can you display in your virtual literature rack?
Promo Plans
» What are show management’s plans to promote exhibitors’ participation and drive session attendees to the show floor? Is any type of pre-show promo planned via e-brochures/catalogs of exhibitors, social media, email blasts, product showcases or virtual swag bags to attendees based on the level of virtual exhibit sponsorship package purchased? Will attendees be able to participate in show floor scavenger hunts or other competitive games like trivia challenges or passport contests with points-based leaderboards and raffles or prize wheels? Some shows have even upgraded virtual exhibits that are participating in prize giveaways into a separate “raffle hall.” » Will the pre-registration list be available to rent for any type of pre-show marketing? Beware of emails offering the “official” show
list. They’re scams, as shows don’t sell their attendee lists and generally only rent them to exhibitors for one-time use.
Sponsorship Tiers
» What premium sponsorship levels are there to drive additional traffic to your exhibit and upgrade your engagement with all attendees? These could include sponsoring quarterly email blasts, keynotes, infomercial sessions or moderating a panel discussion, and even mentions of your virtual exhibit to boost thought leadership and brand awareness; bottom-third advertising on the screen of sponsored sessions or slides; unstructured networking events or roundtables to attract birdsof-a-feather into conversation or private networking rooms for more intimate conversations.
Sales and Incentives
» Are exhibitors allowed to set up marketplaces to sell products from their online exhibit? » Are show specials, discounts or coupons for savings on products/ services allowed to incentivize attendees to check out exhibitors?
Exhibit Staff Size and Makeup
» How many complimentary virtual exhibit staff logins will you receive for your staff to monitor and interact with your virtual visitors? What training will the platform provide on the virtual exhibit app to prepare the chat room moderator and exhibit staff to maximize engagement with visitors?
Who’s Who?
» What virtual badge information will your staff have access to when a visitor arrives in your virtual exhibit? Will your staff be able to record any customized info about their conversation for follow-up?
Data’s King
» What PII (personally-identifiable information) and aggregated show data will be provided to you about all show attendees, your virtual exhibit’s visitors, and how long they engaged with each of the various digital assets of your virtual exhibit? Will you get their contact and demographic information from registration, the sessions they’re attending, personal responses to polling and Q & A? And, of critical importance is knowing how long until you will receive the promised PII after the show. Many of these virtual exhibits' options are controlled— and limited—by the platform’s programming, the length of time available between the decision to pivot from live to virtual, the bandwidth required, and the price exhibitors and attendees are willing to pay. Candy Adams, known throughout the exhibit industry as “The Booth Mom®”, is a hands-on exhibit project manager who’s just earned her seventh industry certification, and, as of CES 2021, hit a milestone of 500 shows under her belt! As an accomplished veteran exhibit marketing consultant and exhibit staff “boothmanship” and exhibit management trainer, she specializes in sharing her knowledge and expertise to guide exhibitors through both the live and virtual tradeshow mazes, assuring they maximize their return on investment while cutting exhibiting costs. A prolific award-winning writer and trainer on exhibiting best practices, she’s published more than 400 articles and blogs and trained tens of thousands of exhibit managers on all aspects of tradeshow exhibit management in her 29year career. For more info, visit www. BoothMom.com ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 27
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VIRTUAL TRADESHOW STRATEGIES
How Technology Will Pave the Way for Special Events in a Post-COVID World BY KEVIN GRAUMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, QLESS
The positive energy generated by a crowd of people who share an affinity is one of the greatest natural highs we can experience. Concerts, packed sports stadiums, conferences and conventions are just a few of the types of large-crowd gatherings that provided memorable experiences in the world that used to be. We all look forward to a
time when we can once again enjoy many aspects of life that we once took for granted. Notwithstanding the promise of vaccines that will soon be available, the pandemic is once again resurgent, and it will likely be at least another year before any vaccine can be administered to the mass public. Even then, vaccination will not be a silver bullet. As
a critical part of bringing (and keeping) the pandemic under control, social distancing of some sort is here to stay. In particular, the special events industry has been devastated by COVID-19. San Diego, for example, has lost 47 conventions since March, according
to Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. In a recent interview, Coker told radio station KPBS that she and her tourism industry colleagues originally expected special events to return in early 2021, but there has been slippage due to continued public health uncertainKevin ty. It’s anybody’s Grauman guess as to when people will feel safe returning to ballparks, arenas, convention centers and other venues. The rebound will be gradual. And a society that has become much more conscious of the threat posed by infectious diseases will demand experiences that can accommodate a new sensibility.
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product demos, lining up press interviews, ordering food and setting a pick-up time. With software assuming this heavy lifting, foot traffic can be controlled and efficiently distributed throughout the event venue. Event bots Say goodbye to the days of attendees bobbing and weaving their way through dense crowds at the information desk. Instead, people will be able to text message questions to the event team and receive personalized answers within seconds. And based on the data collected through wearable tech platforms, the bot can suggest specific booths, panels and speakers that an attendee would find worthwhile.
For event planners this means thinking now about technology that can help deliver memorable experiences in a germaphobic world. The name of the game is to eliminate bottlenecks of foot traffic, long-lines, clustering and germ-spreading through touch. What does this mean in practical terms? Wearable technology We’re seeing an emergence of IT platforms that can identify attendees, vendors, media and staffers through facial recognition technology and badges with embedded chips. This is a game changer. Not only will event managers, who embrace wearable technology, be able to offer a virtually “touchfree” experience, but they can collect data on foot traffic and @ExhibitCityNews
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attendance patterns at panels, speeches and workshops. These platforms will allow programming staff to set up floor plans, stagger meals and happy hours, reduce clustering outside of session areas and schedule deliveries with maximum efficiency in space usage, enabling social distancing without compromising the event’s energy. Queue management Event planners should— without delay—revisit the check-in experience. The long line at the registration booth is a non-starter in postCOVID America. Platforms can allow an attendee to use their smartphone for booking appointments, scheduling executive meet-and-greets, picking up swag bags, giving
Lead retrieval apps The business card exchange ritual at tradeshows has long been a virus outbreak waiting to happen. Yes, people will continue to touch their faces. At least, however, they won’t be doing so in between giving and receiving dozens of business cards. Through contact management apps, we can scan one another’s badge and contact information will instantly be uploaded into a user’s Rolodex in the cloud. Contact tracing Event planners who positively contribute to contact tracing efforts once an attendee tests positive at a later date will find it easier to engender public confidence for future events and among local officials. The good news is that traffic data collection and queue management platforms provide all the tools needed to
help contact tracers map the potential spread of the virus. They can then proactively contact individuals who may have had high levels of exposure to a specific COVID-19 patient. We do not know the extent to which vaccines alone can provide permanent immunity. Early indications seem to suggest that herd immunity could be elusive. The good news is that we know what does work. States that have been more vigilant in requiring social distancing have had significantly more success controlling the spread of the virus than less proactive states. After taking a huge hit, New York and New Jersey were able to achieve control of the virus, as indicated by less than one new transmission per infected individual. They have demonstrated that basic precautions, like reducing crowd density, can make a massive difference. Once the virus is under control everywhere, we cannot become complacent. Instead, industries like special events should continue to follow guidelines set forth by the medical community. This is the time to implement innovative new technology solutions that keep us safe and productive as we wait for medical interventions to take their place alongside society’s vigilance. Kevin Grauman is the president and CEO of QLess, a line management system used by retail, education and government industries. He is no stranger to the world of startups, with a proven track record as a successful U.S.-based executive leader and entrepreneur. He has been recognized as one of the “100 Superstars of HR Outsourcing in the USA” by HRO Today magazine. For more info, visit https://www.qless.com. ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 29
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Willwork Global Event Services is proud to support COVID-19 recovery efforts with our resources and solutions
www.willwork.com | 508.230.3170
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SHOP TO SHOWFLOOR An In-Depth Look into Today’s World of I&D and Event Labor
Teamwork Keeps Workers Working Pg. 32-33
Does Your OSHA10/30 Need Updating? Pg. 34
Why LED Banners Make Sense Pg. 36
Photo by Adam Ogden, JR Technical Services
After Assa Abloy switched to LED signs, they were able to use high-impact cityscapes that referenced whatever city they were exhibiting in, as well as running “commercials” throughout the day on them.
The Rigging World: Eyebolts Educational Saga Concludes Pg. 38
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
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Pictured L-R: Teamwork took on remodeling jobs; working with retail stores installing Plexiglas; promoting an invitational test drive of an electric car for a private event at a racetrack; and working with bars, casinos and liquor stores.
Teamwork Keeps Workers Working by Heather Grant
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he coronavirus pandemic devastated multiple industries. Travel, hospitality, meetings, entertainment, events and retail are among the hardest hit. Some companies that work within these industries have no work and limited prospects. The question for many companies became, how to retain their best people when business suddenly disappears. Here is one company’s solution. Teamwork Labor Services breathes life into retail environments. For more than 18 years they have provided multiple solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, spanning a vast array of retail sectors including supermarkets, sporting goods stores, drug stores, museums and corporate interiors. Product lines involve new store installations, rollouts, remodels, graphics,
fixturing and millwork. A partial client list includes adidas, TJX, Under Armour, CVS Health and Hannafords. Teamwork has maintained their clients, and attracted new ones, by listening to their customers, by focusing on quality work and customer service and by investing in the training of their people. In December 2019, prior to the start of a rollout of a new
year, the company traveled 20 key installers from around the country to the corporate office in Massachusetts for the “2019 Teamwork University.” It was a combination “spring training” and refresher course in both hard and soft skills: carpentry, rigging, vinyl installation and customer service. It was also designed as a team-building and team-bonding experi-
ence. One of the highlights of the event, not counting the food and the party, was a contest: break into assigned teams and, with the same limited supplies and limited time, design and build … something. The individual teams were given two and a half hours, plus (2) eight-foot 2x3s, (2) 30”x30” pieces of plywood, and (1) wood pallet. While supplies were limited, the ideas were not: one goal of this activity was to allow individuals who did not know each other to come together as a team. The contest was live-streamed to Teamwork offices across the country. That was December. Once the pandemic hit—and continued—the question became: How to keep this talented group and hundreds of other employees busy. Was it possible to take demonstrated
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Teamwork has been effective in finding ways to keep employees employed, because they made a choice to do so & focused on finding multiple solutions... skills and transfer them to other areas? It was not just about keeping the doors of the company open. It was about providing jobs for people so that they could support themselves and their families. Due to the pandemic a lot of retail opportunities were postponed, or in some cases cancelled altogether, as some stores closed their doors. Fortunately, construction is considered an essential activity, and that kept many crews working as a result of previously contracted retail work. There were also new opportunities with existing clients. One market was grocery stores—another essential industry. Teamwork partners with myriad stores and many brands. Most wanted safety graphics and Plexi enclosures. Some @ExhibitCityNews
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wanted a new design and installation of self-checkout units. Other companies wanted Plexiglas enclosures and vinyl graphics installed in their offices, as well as signage on desks, floors, walls and doors. This was all new work, and the direct result of the pandemic. Despite these opportunities, there was still a need to increase business, if the company wanted to keep people working. The search began: what were opportunities with other businesses? Working with an electric car company, Teamwork produced a private event at a racetrack and promoted an invitational test drive. For this job, outdoor tents had to be erected, and safety protocols implemented: temperature checks; and installations of custom logo
hand sanitizers and safety graphics. In addition, custom T-shirts and postcards were produced, along with a custom backwall for the CEO’s virtual meetings. During the pandemic, alcohol consumption increased dramatically. So, did liquor stores have money to spend? The answer was a resounding yes. Teamwork created and installed several high-end designer shops, requiring extensive custom millwork. Another example of thinking outside the box and finding new clients was working with casinos. Teamwork installed graphics and Plexiglas enclosures, first in Las Vegas, and then in other casinos around the country. Chicken factories and the poultry industry was another opportunity for business. The company had never worked with this industry. Teamwork rebranded chicken factories with vinyl signage. Who knew there was such a need? One of the more obvious skills to transfer is remodeling. It may be obvious, but it is not easy to do it well and with quality; it is even more difficult to do it economically and within budget. Pictured above is one example of the
houses Teamwork has remodeled. The existing house was old and run down. The interior had lots of dark paneling and worn linoleum floors. This particular project was not a cosmetic remodel; it needed almost everything new. New roof. New heating system. New sheet-rocked walls. New windows and doors. New painting, both the exterior and the interior. A new fireplace. A totally remodeled and redesigned kitchen, plus two new baths. New wood flooring downstairs. New wall-to-wall carpeting upstairs. New lighting. The list could go on and on. All demolition, construction and installations were performed by a collection of talented in-house employees. People are the key to success in any business. Individual relationships drive sales and are essential for customer service and customer retention. Teamwork has been effective in finding ways to keep employees employed because they made a choice to do so and focused on finding multiple solutions. Heather Grant is general manager, Teamwork Labor Services, and can be contacted at Heather.Grant@ teamwork-inc.com.
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Does Your OSHA10/30 Need Updating? By F. Andrew Taylor
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hanges in Section 618 of the Nevada Administrative Code went into effect in January, and on the surface they seem like small ones. But as the word filtered from legalese to the rank-andfile, some confusion grew, which in turn led to some ruffled feathers and even a bit of panic. Rest assured, the federally-issued OSHA cards do not expire, but if you’re working in Nevada, they have a five-year expiration based on the end date of when you took the course. So, those who come to Nevada to work must have taken their OSHA-10 course within the past five years. A January 26 press release on business. nv.gov read: “The Division of Industrial Relations today announced updates to Section 618 of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) related to occupational safety and health training requirements for workers in the convention services industry. The updated regulations provide guidance and details on the statutory requirements found in Nevada Revised Statute Sections 618.9920 – 618.9931.” There’s more to it once you read the entirety of the code changes, but in plain speak, just about everyone working in a convention space needs to have OSHA-10 or in the case of management, OSHA-30 certification. Fortunately, most people who work in the industry already have one, and those who don’t can acquire one pretty easily. This applies to anyone involved in constructing, installing, maintaining, operating or removing tradeshow or exhibition
displays as well as loading or unloading equipment and materials, erecting or dismantling booths and structures, rigging display areas, and installing temporary electrical power for use in display areas. OSHA-10 is the 10-hour safety course that covers general safety and health hazards for entry-level workers. “The OSHA10 course is not a difficult course,” says Crystal Slaughter, apprenticeship coordinator/director for Teamsters 631. “It is informational for general safety hazards encountered by most employees. It is an introduction to workplace safety.” Some of the confusion comes from the unprinted expiration date on OSHA10/30 cards issued in Nevada. OSHA10/30 cards are issued by the federal agency and have no expiration date, but those same cards issued in Nevada to workers in the convention services industry have a five-year expiration based on the end date of the course that provided it. It’s up to the individual card holders and those who hire them to know when that invisible expiration date is. “Let’s be clear,” Slaughter clarifies. “The OSHA-10 general industry cards do not expire. They are a certification from the federal Department of Labor, not the state of Nevada. The state can make rules more strict than the national standards which they have here. It says you must have taken it within the last five years. Not an expiration date.” This rule change might not be common knowledge, especially to workers coming from out of state to work a convention.
But the word is spreading in Nevada. Many of the people this directly affects know something is up, but they’re fuzzy on what the new rules are. James Harmer, business agent for Teamsters 631 tried to clear up some of the confusion. “Nevada state law effective January 2021 requires anyone working in conventions performing convention-specific work to have OSHA-10 training and proof of such,” Harmer says. “Supervisors must have an OSHA-30. The ambiguity that exists, which I hope this puts to bed, is that the law includes a provision that requires an OSHA-10 refresher if the original certification is older than five years old. [NRS 618.9929-3]. Any completion card used to satisfy the requirements of this section expires five years after the date it is issued.” He adds that the cards can be renewed in several ways: (a) Completing an OSHA-10 course or OSHA-30 course, as applicable, within the previous five years; or (b) Providing proof satisfactory to the Division that the worker has completed continuing education within the previous five years consisting of job-specific training that meets the guidelines established by the Division pursuant to NRS 618.9927 in an amount of: (1) Not less than five hours for a completion card issued for an OSHA-10 course, ; or (2) Not less than 15 hours for a completion card issued for an OSHA-30 course. “I am hearing a lot of bad information on this,” Harmer says. “Since I was
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provided the opportunity of working hand-in-hand with our lobbyist and the honor of testifying in front of lawmakers, I recommend you choose who you listen to carefully. To be safe, contact the training center with any questions. We recommend taking a new course if your OSHA-10 wasn’t issued within the last five years.” Problematically, the guidelines for the five-hour refresher haven’t been established yet. “I don’t think they’ve certified that training yet,” says Julie Kagy, director of operations for the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association. “I don’t see how they can enact it until they do. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. Safety training should be done on a regular basis to keep it fresh anyway.” “As of right now there is no guidance from the state regarding the five-hour refresher,” says Slaughter. “When we get it, we will work on it.” This also creates an extra level of workload for OSHA-10/30 trainers who find
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themselves in the position of retraining every union member who received their initial training more than five years ago. Slaughter notes that the union has been offering the classes for two years in preparation for this deadline. Those classes have been moving forward at a rapid pace. The classes require at least 12 students. Since the lockdowns and the change to virtual training, the union has completed 14 sessions. “It hasn’t really changed any of the curriculum except we cannot do any of the hands-on-activities,” says Slaughter. “We still have to follow the OSHA requirements on subjects, time and content. The only real change is our interaction with the students. The requirements for the class are the same as they have always been; the only difference is in the delivery method. We trainers have to work harder to keep the students engaged. That’s not a bad thing.”
The OSHA-10 courses offered by the union take place over a pair of five-hour sessions usually on subsequent days. For people required to get OSHA-10 certification who aren’t union members, there are several private organizations that offer classes online. OSHA-10 classes generally cost less than $100 and OSHA-30 classes are usually less than $200. OSHA-30 classes are generally more intense and in depth. Most of the classes are reinforcement of common sense, but a necessary reminder to weed out the few folks who think it’s a good idea to stick a fork in an electric outlet. Teamsters 631 offers the classes free for its members. “It’s not very difficult at all but it’s a good idea to keep on top of the training,” says Tommy Blitsch, secretary treasurer of Teamsters 631. “Currently the classes are being done online over Zoom, because of COVID-19. Since 2000, OSHA-10 has been part of the union’s standard training.”
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This American Eagle store uses the entire façade of their building for marketing their products with bold HD colors, and high-impact visuals; while next door, T-Mobile uses a large LED wall as well.
Why LED Banners Make Sense By Adam Ogden
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veryone is familiar with overhead signage at a tradeshow, the typical hoop-and-skirt fabric sign that hangs over the booth, drawing people in with its familiar logo and color scheme. These large fabric signs have been used for decades, and while they get the job done, they certainly have their limitations. You can solve these limitations— and get added benefits—using LED signage instead. Digital signage—especially LED walls—have become a technology staple in marketing and advertising in a host of different applications, from retail marketing to highway advertising, and many opportunities in between. You can use these same strategies on the tradeshow floor to help
draw potential customers to your booth. First, some of the benefits of LED over fabric banners: LED walls are an actual light-emitting source, which means they are bright. Not shine-a-light-ona-banner bright—I mean really bright. You can (literally) outshine your competition on the floor. Secondly, you can vary your content. Unlike a printed banner whose message remains the same from the time it leaves the printer until it is retired into the dumpster, LED content can change as often as you want—you can change or animate your logo or add a simple motion background.
And you can make the content much more dynamic. For example, if your product is construction machinery, consider the impact of having a full-motion video of a new excavator doing its job (infeasible to do in a real-life booth). Or perhaps you sell Adam musical instruOgden ments—you could have a high-definition video of an orchestra playing. Imagine the visual impact of seeing 20 violin bows moving in unison, hanging 20 feet in the air, from across the show floor? The possibilities are endless. Assa Abloy Door Security Solutions utilized a black, three-sided fabric banner
before switching to LED. After they switched to LED signs, they were able to use high-impact cityscapes that referenced whatever city they were exhibiting in, as well as “commercials” that played throughout the day. “Weaving digital elements into our experiential marketing efforts is a priority for our team ... It’s actually not as expensive as you would think as long as you work with trusted partners/vendors!” says Heidi Pascale, Assa Abloy’s director of experiential marketing. In addition to these primary benefits of using LED, there are a few secondary benefits as well. These added benefits wouldn’t be possible at all with fabric banners—they lean more towards the marketing aspect of tradeshows and not just merely signage. Imagine you’ve created a raffle for your booth and
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have hyped it up all over social media. The gimmick is, “When you see the racecar speed across the screen sometime during the 2 o’clock hour, the raffle winner will be called” (or any visual cue you can imagine: fireworks, digital confetti, flashing lights, etc.) First, this drives traffic to your booth, as any good raffle does—especially if they are required to be present for the drawing. Secondly, it gives people a reason to continue looking at your screen, no matter where they are on the show floor. Lastly, because your booth stands out so much, people start using your booth as a landmark: “Meet me at (insert your company name) booth before lunch.” These are all marketing
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opportunities for your booth that cost you nothing additional but can potentially yield extremely high returns. Or perhaps a celebrity endorses your product, and they will be at your booth at 3 p.m. signing autographs. Think about all of the event-specific, high-impact branding opportunities you could utilize on the LED wall leading up to and during the signing to draw people toward your booth. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. So, why aren’t more companies utilizing this technology? First, it’s an education issue—people don’t know what they don’t know. End clients and booth builders alike need help recognizing the benefits of LED, so that
they can reap the rewards. Second, it’s a collaboration issue. Booth builders need to make money on their booths, and the more third-party equipment they use, the less profit potential there is— primarily if a client works directly with an LED provider. But LED providers are always willing to work with the booth builders/designers to integrate the LED technology into the booth design. Another issue that can hinder LED is rigging capability. LED walls are certainly heavier than fabric banners, so the venue’s rigging structure might dictate that LED isn’t feasible. Lastly, the biggest adversary to using LED walls is the perceived cost difference. Like fabric banners, LED walls
are built in various sizes and shapes, and each one of those variables affects the overall pricing. However, you quickly find that the value exceeds the cost when you factor in the variety of messaging opportunities that LED walls offer. The global lockdowns have slowed down the tradeshow industry—but the wheels are starting to turn again slowly. When things come back, technological advances will continue to lead the way in booth design, information distribution and marketing opportunities. LED signage will be ready to point the way. Adam Ogden is a technical director for InSync Production Services and Any Venue Video, based out of Las Vegas, NV.
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THE RIGGING WORLD
I suspected that the fabricator made the substitution because he either didn’t understand how crucial this issue was, or his shop didn’t have the specified eight-inch eyebolts, so he used eyebolts they had on hand (“two-inchers should be good enough”). I also suspected that since they weren’t able to install a washer and nut on the underside of the eyebolt (which was inside the tube), it was also The chain hoist attached concluded that “welding will to the welded eyebolt wasn’t used to suspend work—that’ll be good enough.” the bumper My final suspicion was this: The company that built the LED wall bumper didn’t actually think their fabrication would be scrutinized to ensure that what they built was truly worthy to suspend 15,000-pounds above the public attending this tradeshow. Inspection of all rigging By Andrew Fulton eyebolts, they were parts and pieces is part of no longer rated. I needed my job; there are standards for them to verify that the hardthis type of fabrication which ware had been compromised. must be adhered to—specifiChicago Hardware quickly cally ASME B-30 Standards for sent this critical information Customized Below-the-Hook and stated that these half-inch Lifting Equipment. Since the shouldered eyebolts that were standards were being ignored, rated at 2,200-pounds, were work on this project came to not to be used. a standstill. This put other Also, we still hadn’t seen projects behind and needlessly any structural engineer drawincreased labor costs while ings with necessary details on management tried to figure out how the LED wall’s bumper how to solve the problem. was supposed to be built. We Ideas were tossed around. insisted on having this materi- One, from the fabricator, al in hand immediately. made the situation even The drawings showed up, worse. They decided to drill 11 and lo and behold, there was three-inch-diameter holes in our validation. The engineer the face of the HSS tube steel had eight-inch eyebolts going in front of each eyebolt, so that through the top and bottom a nut could be installed on the of the HSS tube steel, with a bottom of the eyebolts. Not only washer on the topside unwas the fabricator still bypassderneath the shoulder of the ing their structural engineer’s eyebolt, and best yet, a washer instructions for installation of and locknut on the bottom. eight-inch eyebolts, they were
Eyebolts: Finally, the Educational Saga Concludes
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o recap, the crew at the LVCC was ready to start rigging a 100-foot-long, 15,000-pound LED wall but, unfortunately, they were staring at something decidedly “textbook wrong.” Ready or not, we just couldn’t make a move until the wrong was righted. The “wrong”? Welded eyebolts. Their integrity had been compromised; we simply could not attach the necessary one-ton electric chain hoists to them—there was no way they’d be able to lift and support that 15,000-pound LED wall. When I raised the issue about these welded eyebolts, the fabricator wasn’t pleased at my refusal to rig this LED wall bumper to them. I knew it was best to defer to the eyebolt manufacturer, so we called Chicago Hardware. We asked them to send us their documentation stating that by welding the
also ignoring Chicago Hardware’s documentation (“since our eyebolts have been welded, they are no longer rated for rigging, let alone suspending a 15,000-pound LED wall”). There was more to this sub-standard onsite fix. Besides all the rigging points being worthless, all 11 eyebolts had been welded in the wrong place! It was turning into a nightmare—an entire day blown and expensive labor just standing around. By now, the fabricator (knowing this fiasco had to be resolved), finally asked for direction. From our road boxes I grabbed 11 Gac-Flex slings rated at 5,300-pounds and 11 shackles rated at 6,500-pounds. These are the same rigging components we use to hang tradeshow lighting rigs, so this hardware was a proper choice for this project. We went to work rigging the bumper. It was floating in 15 minutes and the LED crew was ecstatic—they were finally able to start their part of the project. But even better than their happiness was our 100 percent confidence that every suspended element in that booth was rigged properly and to the highest standard, including that 15,000-pound LED wall! This eyebolt-LED-wall-saga’s most important lesson (besides eyebolt restrictions) is this: Always follow your structural engineer’s instructions. He’s a highly-educated, exceptionally-trained team member whose job is to help us rig safe, rig right and rig for success. Andrew Fulton is dir. of rigging/part owner of Rigging International Group (RIG), a LV-based Rope Access Company. He’s available for consultation and training at andrew@rigintlgrp.com.
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CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT
EAT In the past few years, St. Louis has evolved into one of the country’s most exciting restaurant destinations. Food & Wine’s Best Chef Nick Bognar offers styles of mainland Southeast Asia at his restaurant, indo. While James Beard Award nominee Michael and Tara Gallina’s Vicia celebrates vegetable-forward cuisine, those looking to try signature culinary staples should head to Sugarfire Smoke House, just steps from America’s Center, for the award-winning artisan St. Louis-style barbecue.
By F. Andrew Taylor
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t. Louis, Missouri, bills itself as the Gateway to the West and the iconic Gateway Arch is walking distance from America’s Convention Center Complex. The ACCC was built in 1977 as the Cervantes Convention Center (named for former Mayor Alfonso Cervantes), and the 502,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space still goes by that name. The center has expanded greatly over the years and now includes The Dome at America’s Center, a 67,000seat arena that also has two special events spaces that can handle parties and receptions. The North End Club can accommodate 600 and the South End Club, 345 people. Built in 1977 for $34 million, plans for expansion began in 1985 and the Dome was approved in 1989. Construction on the southern expansion was completed in 1993, eastward expansion (the Dome) was completed in 1995. Initially called the Trans World Dome for TWA airline, the St. Louis Rams played there for 20 years before returning to L.A. in 2005. Funds have been approved for the AC Next Gen Project, which is set to transform the layout of the current exhibition hall and add 92,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space, including a 60,000 sq.ft. ballroom and meeting area with 20,000 sq.ft. in pre-function event
space, 26 new loading docks and renovation of the existing 12 docks. The timeline for this project is still in flux. The ACCC is owned by the St. Louis Regional Sports Authority Operator and operated by the St. Louis CVB. The ACCC has hosted a diverse selection of conventions and events since its first convention, an NAACP convention, was held in 1977. In 1993, the St. Louis Boat and Sport Show was the first event to use the newly completed southern expansion exhibit space and, combined with the existing halls, the total exhibition area was 340,000 sq.ft. In 1995, the Primerica Financial Services convention with 40,000 delegates was the first group to utilize the entire complex. Other notable conventions and events include the DHL Major League Baseball All-Star Fan Fest, The National Rifle Association annual meetings, and the All-Canada Show, an event highlighting the fishing, hunting and outdoor adventures opportunities in Canada. The center has also been home to the Working Women’s Survival Show, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students and The Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly called Arch Madness.
Located in the heart of St. Louis, less than five blocks from America’s Center, Hotel Saint Louis is the city’s first Marriott Autograph Collection. This 1893 historic landmark is one of only 30 Louis Sullivan-designed buildings left in the world, the embodiment of the modern soul and spirit of the St Louis, with a unique sense of style and revitalized historic design. For those looking for sweeping views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River, Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis features 200 guest rooms, spa, golf, and the 2018 James Beard Award-winning Chef Gerard Craft’s Cinder House.
PLAY The big “must-see” is the Gateway Arch, whose renovated grounds were unveiled in 2018 after a five-year, $380-million project. An unmissable feature in downtown St. Louis, historic landmark St. Louis Union Station serves both as upscale hotel from Curio Collection by Hilton, and an entertainment complex, with the recently opened St. Louis Aquarium and the city’s first 200-foottall observation wheel, in addition to several other components. Not far from America’s Center, City Museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, fun house, surrealistic pavilion and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. – Brian Hall, CMO, Explore St. Louis
Rendering courtesy of Explore St. Louis
ACCC is the “Gateway to the West”
SLEEP
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A new story is being written about Detroit and the meeting industry we all care deeply about. As we dedicate ourselves to the new realities of meetings, our customers’ safety has become The Center of it All. Now, we look to what is important beyond our 723,000 square feet of exhibit space and being the 17th largest convention center in the country. The new story being written is one about the character of our community and the places we gather. We look forward to meeting again.
tcfcenterdetroit.com | 313.877.8214
CONCERTS CONVENTIONS DINING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SHOPPING SPORTING EVENTS
ROSEMONT’S IMPACT FIELD
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Las Vegas Tradeshow and Events Industry Food Drive a Success by Leslie Mujica
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he government lockdowns have brought the tradeshow and event marketing industry to a near stand-still. While the entire industry has been hit hard, those in Las Vegas have been among the hardest hit. Las Vegas metro area has the highest unemployment rate for large metro areas in the U.S. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many tradeshow and event marketing professionals have been out of work since March 17 when Las Vegas was shut down by Gov. Sisolak. During this time of need, several companies, volunteers, associations and organizations stepped up to help the tradeshow industry workforce, most of which have been out of work since last March due to the lockdowns. Freeman graciously opened up their facilities both days for a Pop-Up Food Drive, on Feb. 12 for packaging and on Feb. 13 for the drive-through pick-up event. Everything went smoothly both days with a focus on following proper safety protocols as the
industry came together to aid their own. Anthony Bartolomeo, VP of client solutions at Freeman, says he knows how much people are hurting in this industry and wanted to be a part of the outreach efforts. He adds that “it was important for all of us to come together and give back to the community, and obviously we see that happening here today.” As to be expected, the food drive was well organized. Recipients pulled up to each of the four drive-through stations and the items placed in their trunks were: 1) a box of dry goods provided by Three Square, which contained provisions like pasta, rice, oatmeal and canned goods, 2) eggs and bread, 3) milk and 4) a dinner for four bag that included apples, oranges, carrots, a pound of butter, four flan desserts, a dozen large flour tortillas and two pounds of meat. “This event came together with a lot of great people from the events and tradeshow in-
dustry, and it’s pretty amazing to see everybody from all over our industry working together to help others in need,” says Stephanie Selesnick, president of International Trade Information, Inc., in Las Vegas. Steve Walker, executive director at MGM Resorts International, agreed and says that the group started meeting several months ago as everything started shutting down here in Las Vegas. They traded ideas and raised money to help families in need and this [food drive] is the culmination of it all. “We’ve been working with people from every corner of the event sector and know that the suffering from lack of work is significant,” says Martha Donato, founder and president of MAD Event Management LLC. A food drive was suggested and they collected more than $5,000 in cash that was used to purchase additional food to add to the contributions of canned
goods and non-perishable food items. “During our regular industry update calls, we took up a collection and that was the start of this effort,” says Donato. “There’s so much more that needs to be done, but it only takes a spark to get a fire going. We’re hoping to bring awareness and action to the thousands who are unemployed in the event industry.” The food drive was for tradeshow and event marketing industry people by tradeshow and event marketing industry people. Robert Tracy, member of IBEW Local 357, says he came to the aid of his brothers and sisters going through difficult times right now, trying to give them some sustenance to feed their families during this COVID situation, and to support each other and grow as a family. Laura Sims, Teamsters Local 631 Business Agent for the Convention Industry, says this was extremely important to her because there are so many people in need. “My people haven’t worked for 11 months and we’ve done several of these food distributions just to try to help people sustain until we can all get back to work. We really miss each other,” she explains. She adds this was also an opportunity to check in and give each other hope. A bit of fun was also part of the scheduled activities. Mark Kamp, a.k.a. Marvelless Mark®, not only volunteered as an entertainer, he also helped out with logistics. He says he cares so much for the Las Vegas community and tradeshow industry that he wanted to give back, make a difference and be present. He
Photo by Leslie Mujica
INDUSTRY NEWS
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truly lives his motto to always be “Energetic. Engaging. Charismatic. Interactive” as many there said how energizing and lots of fun he was. Jesus Hernandez, IBEW Local 357 member, learned of the event when he went to his union website and signed up. He said this was a good thing that will help his family; also that it was nice to be out, and he was very grateful to everyone for caring this much and putting the event together. Charles Geoffrion, an IATSE member, shared the same sentiments. He hasn’t worked in months and says this is a huge helping hand for his family of five. Natalie Relf, Teamsters Local 631 member, said she’s trying to navigate her way
through these difficult times, and it has been tough, but she’s really glad to see that her brothers and sisters are doing the best they can. Dawn Hayes, whose husband is a Teamster, praised all the volunteers and said, “You are all a blessing and a godsend for helping us and we really appreciate it.” Allison Aiona, a former Freeman employee, is originally from Hawaii and is now living in Las Vegas with two children and an elderly parent. She emphasized how grateful she is and said that this was awesome and definitely helps. Aiona added that she honestly didn’t know how this was going to go or what to expect but it was a nice expe-
rience that ran seamlessly. Jen LaBruzza, national sales manager at Classic Exhibits and EDPA Las Vegas chapter president, was the food drive lead organizer and logistics expert. She said, “Through generous donations from both individuals and companies we provided food assistance to over 200 families in the Las Vegas tradeshow and events industry.” When planning the drive, LaBruzza said, “Our chapter is well versed in the importance of food security with our annual food drive and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with other generous people in the live events industry to help our industry family here in Las Vegas. It’s about being able to
show some love for those in our industry and say, ‘We haven’t forgotten about you.’ ” The food drive is grateful to sponsors/supporters: EDPA Las Vegas, Exhibitor, Freeman, Get Fresh Market, MAD Event Management, Messe Dusseldorf North America and Metro Multimedia. Leslie Mujica is the executive director of Las Vegas Power Professionals, a non-profit that strives to create and inspire a collaborative and impartial environment in which labor and management identify challenges and resolve conflicts in a fair manner. LVPP also endeavors to elevate and promote its members and the electrical industry in the interest of higher standards of citizenship. For more info, visit https://lvpowerpro.org/
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
People on the Move
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he Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, a new advocacy group for the common interests of U.S. exhibitions and conferences, named government relations/advocacy leader Tommy Goodwin (pictured right) VP of government affairs. He will be an integral member of ECA’s team along with co-presidents David DuBois (IAEE) and David Audrain (SISO) and inaugural board members Cathy Breden (CEIR), Melissa Cherry (Destinations International), Jim Wurm (EACA), Chris Griffin (EDPA), Bob PriestHeck (ESCA), Megan Tanel (IAEE), Rip Rippitoe (IAVM), Douglas Emslie (Tarsus Group), Hervé Sedky (EmeraldX), Nancy Walsh (Informa Markets) and Yancy Weinrich (Reed Exhibitions). Ross Weitzberg, CEO of Exhibit Potential, was named EDPA SoCal president, succeeding Laguna Displays’ Steve Riches. And Paco Collazo (pictured right), owner and CEO of Happy Projects LLC, and B.J. Enright, president and CEO of Tradeshow Logic, have joined the national EDPA Board of Directors. At the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association, April Hurley of The Expo Group was re-elected for a new term with the Board and Bruce Green, Coastal International; Chris Casconi, Willwork; and Matthew Little, Nuvista were elected to the three EAC director vacancies. Four new EAC director positions added Les Bunge, Laser; Durl Jensen, CDI USA; Jason Eisenhut, Employco USA; and Noelle Webster, Willwork. The International Congress & Convention Association CEO Mark Cooper was appointed 2021 Chair of the Board of the Events Industry Council, the global voice of the business events
by Exhibit City News
industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events Executive VP & COO Cathy Breden was named the 2021 Chair Elect and will serve as treasurer, moving forward as EIC Chair in 2022. The Corporate Event Marketing Association announced its 2021 new Board of Directors: Chairwoman Stacey Kashubeck, senior director strategic events, Salesforce; Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect Paul Coulter, director of group sales, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin; Immediate Past Chairwoman Karen Cooper, senior manager, event strategy, Poly; Secretary Jim Kelley, VP, marketing & industry relation, Fern; and Treasurer Gordon Stake, managing partner, Event Marketing Partners. ConferenceDirect CEO Brian Stevens has agreed to serve on the first Tourism Diversity Matters Board of Directors. Stevens joins Elliott Ferguson, TDM’s chairman of the Board and president and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s founder and president/ CEO of SearchWide Global as part of a 22-member board. Jason Weddle was named CEO at Hamilton Exhibits. Industry veteran and former Zenith Labornet owner John Zimmerman (pictured right) has joined Eagle Management Group to aid in new business development. MSM Inc. founder/CEO Donna Shultz is proud to announce the promotion of Laurie Kamal to president/CFO. Impact XM has named Jerry Grady, senior account director, and Michael Stotsky senior director, new business
development. AEM Subsidiary Hargrove & Associates Inc. welcomes Todd Snell as VP & COO. Ron Denny has left Reed Exhibitions to join Emerald as a marketing manager. Exhibit Concepts, Inc. has expanded their museum and education expertise team with education specialist Colleen Incandela (pictured left) & landscape architecture and outdoor environments expert Aaron Scarlata. Swapcard, a leading event and community platform for virtual, hybrid and in-person exhibitions & conferences, has hired Julius Solaris as head of engagement. Solaris was the founder/editor-in-chief of EventMB, a respected resource on event technology. Founded last Oct., Carver Road Hospitality, a best-in-class hospitality company, has tapped former MGM Resorts International sales and marketing executive Tony Yousfi as chief growth officer. In CVB news, Visit San Antonio named COO Dave Krupinski as its interim director as its former president and CEO, Casandra Matej, headed to Visit Orlando, beginning as their president/CEO on Feb. 1. Visit Plano has tapped Steve Yearwood as its new association and SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) sales manager, and appointed Olivia Woodward to event services coordinator. The Albany Capital Center announces the promotion of inaugural staff member Ana Purritano to sales manager. The Atlanta CVB’s board of directors has named Kris Reinhard, a partner in Fifth Group Restaurants, its chair for 2021. Cleo Battle has been named to head the Louisville CVB as Karen Williams retires. And at the MCCNO, building maintenance facility attendant Willard Trosclair retired after 36 years. Lastly, Nicole Rogers was named EVP with San Francisco Travel.
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IN MEMORIAM Continued from p. 25 Mark Brauer, nat'l. sales dir. at Stylmark, Inc., wrote, "One of the good guys, an industry innovator who taught me so much. Always quick with a solution and quicker with a smile! Larry was a true mentor and innovator. Taught me so much about this great industry. Will truly miss that mischievous grin.” Marc Goldberg wrote, “We lost a brother, a mentor, a friend. When Mim and I started Marketech360 in 1985, it was recommended that I drive to Dallas and visit with Larry. I had no clients. I had a concept, a value prop, a passion for going it alone. He gave me a contract to sell portables in Okla.- Radius Exhibits kept food on the table, and the mortgage paid while I found my first staff training client...We will miss Larry and his affable way and great laugh.” Paul Bigham wrote, “Not a time passing I-35 and Manana that I don’t think of Larry and The Exhibit Store. I am blessed to have known Larry, and Billye as well."” Larry is survived by his wife Billye, daughter Amy Baker, son Tim Campbell, his siblings, and a host of extended friends who consider him family, including: Danny Kent, founder, 5D Show Services Doug Wickwire, president, Shabang Exhibits Inc. Jack Rawlings, sr. account executive, 2020 Exhibits Inc. Peter Muller, VP, McRae Imaging Tim Lightfoot, president, Radius Display Products To share a memory or send condolences, please visit www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/ Lawrence-Crumlish/ @ExhibitCityNews
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Thomas Arther Fisher Sept. 2, 1940 – Feb. 1, 2021
Thomas L. Miller
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om Fisher, 80, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 1. He was the office manager/staff accountant for more than 22 years at Fern Exposition Services in Kansas City (until the lockdown layoffs last July) and prior to that he spent 10 years with Hubbell-Tyner, a full-service convention contractor. “Tom was a gentle and dedicated team member who never sought praise or attention,” says Sheila Pannell, vice president national accounts, Fern. “He was just content in doing his job and going the extra mile all the while offering a hand and willing to please. The presence of his tremendous sense of humor and storytelling will ever be near. It was a joy and privilege to share in the last 25 years with Tom and we greatly miss him.” Tom grew up in Kansas City and graduated from North Kansas City High School. He attended Baker University and received his degree in accounting from LaSalle University in Chicago. He is survived by his lifetime partner and soulmate of 31 years, Jim Erickson of Kansas City; daughter Karen Campbell (Jack) from Lake Elsinore, Calif.; son Daren Fisher (Sharon) from Lucas, Texas;
June 4, 1954 – Feb. 16, 2021
grandsons Patrick and Derek Fisher from Lucas, Texas, and now both attending the University of Arkansas; nieces; nephews; great nieces; great nephew; and a huge number of friends for which many he considered part of his extended family. Except for work obligations, Tom and Jim were always together in everything they did. Where you saw one, you saw both. Together they found true friendship, companionship, and most of all happiness in their love for each other with a bond many do not ever have a chance to realize and experience. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Frances Fisher, and his brother, Leon. His spirit for the well-being of others, huge heart for life, and contagious laugh will be missed by so many near and far, but not ever be forgotten. To share a memory or send condolences, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/gladstone-mo/thomas-fisher-10042550
T
om Miller, 66, who had retired to Florida in 2015, passed away on Feb. 16. His 32 years in tradeshow industry included working as a warehouse manager in Chicago for McCormick Display, Osgood Display and Metro Exhibits. He is survived by Patti, his wife of 22 years, his father, Lawrence, his brother Paul (Karen), his sister Laura, and 30+ nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews. His mother Mildred and brother Ron pre-deceased him. His wife writes, " Tom excelled in the tradeshow industry and he loved so many people he worked and played alongside. Having decades-long relationships in such a stressful industry really kept him coming back every day. As dedicated of an employee as he was, as strong and true as a friend, he was even that much more as a husband, son, brother and uncle to his family. He will be sorely missed." To share a memory or send condolences, please email expo.diter@yahoo.com
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THE D.E.A.L.
Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging
Roper's Ribs
DINING
St. Louis Signature Dishes: “Show Me” the BBQ, Slingers & Gooey Butter Cake by Jeanne Brei, Chiara Peretti & Explore St. Louis Missouri may be known as the “Show-Me State” but in the last few years, they’ve become a state known for showing visitors a fabulous time—especially when it comes to great food, music, parks and sports. A group of innovative and decorated chefs, including James Beard Award Semi-Finalist/Rising Star Chef of the Year/Best Chef 2020 on Food & Wine Nick Bognar (his indo restaurant combines styles of Southeast Asian fare) and Vicia’s chef Michael Gallina, finalist for the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-
west Award, who also owns Winslow’s Table, a glorified grocery store which serves produce, drinks and prepared dishes from a window, are transforming the St. Louis foodie scene. Of course, there will always be some signature culinary staples, starting with St. Louis-style barbecue—racks of sauced sweet-heat ribs cut in the city’s eponymous style; thick pork steaks; and local takes on traditional styles such as smoky, charred-edge brisket and piles of pulled pork on a bun. There’s been a surge of new barbecue joints open, joining ranks with the longstanding titans in town including Roper’s Ribs, Bogart’s Smokehouse, Pappy’s Smokehouse, Sugarfire Smoke House, Adam’s Smokehouse, Hendricks BBQ, Bootleggin’ BBQ and Smoki O’s. One of the most innovative is Salt + Smoke, a full-service barbecue restaurant that has a shared emphasis on barbecue, bourbon and beer and
claims to “treat meat right.” Owner Tom Schmidt says, “The biggest calling card for us is the brisket. We only source prime meat, we smoke it over post oak for 16 to 18 hours and it falls apart when you look at it. We use the whole brisket: So, we have burnt ends, the point—or the fatty side—in addition to the flat, or lean side.” The city is also home to Imo’s Pizza for iconic St. Louis-style pizza (famous for its thin crust and Provel cheese), and Park Avenue Coffee famous for the local St. Louis delicacy—gooey butter cake—which was originally made by accident. This signature St. Louis dessert is a mouth-watering coffeecake made with cream cheese, yellow cake mix and plenty of the namesake “gooey butter” smear. Other St. Louis staples that originated in the Gateway City include toasted ravioli, a breaded, deep-fried dish that is the favorite appetizer at any Italian restaurant this side of
the Arch and a Slinger from a 24-hour diner. A Slinger is a hometown masterpiece which combines eggs, hash browns and a hamburger patty topped with chili, cheese and onions. Finishing off, ice cream and frozen custard are very important to St. Louis; after all, the ice-cream cone originated at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, according to local legend. The most iconic place for a frozen treat in St. Louis is Ted Drewes, a Route 66 famous stop founded by Ted Drewes Sr. in 1930. The frozen custard—thicker than ice cream and made with egg yolk— is served out of two oldschool stands with walk-up windows. The custard itself is so thick that they serve your cup upside-down. But if you’d like to try a “microcreamery,” Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery opened a vintage-inspired ice-cream parlor in Lafayette Square in 2015 and now has three locations in town. Owner and “flavor temptress” Tamara Keefe says being a microcreamery requires a small-batch and by-hand preparation, being all-natural, containing more than 16 percent butterfat and being very dense—specifically, less than 30 percent overrun, which describes the amount of air whipped into the ice cream. The resulting treat is a decadent indulgence—and for those who want a bit of a kick with their treat, Clementine’s can infuse ice cream with wine, spirits or beer. Some flavors are made with alcohol, up to 18 percent ABV, including maple-bourbon-pecan, Manhattan and chocolate-Cabernet. Mmmm! Mmmm! Good!
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ENTERTAINMENT
St. Louis Revels in its "Blues Triangle" and Delmar Loop by Jeanne Brei, Chiara Peretti & Explore St. Louis Music lovers who visit St. Louis should head to the Delmar Loop, a buzzing entertainment and dining hub with an eclectic mix of noodle bars, BBQ restaurants, Korean and Mexican eateries, cocktail lounges, pubs and music venues lining Delmar Boulevard. Patrons can have a drink at the famous Blueberry Hill Restaurant & Music Club, the diner where the “Father of Rock & Roll,” Chuck Berry, performed 209 consecutive monthly concerts in the 340-capacity Duck Room. It still includes a great deal of his memorabilia, as well as that of other blues legends. Blueberry Hill, a St. Louis landmark filled with pop culture memorabilia, is famous for burgers, trout almondine,
@ExhibitCityNews
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Trumpeter Brian Casserly leads the band at BB Kings, St. Louis
vegetarian specials, housemade soups, salads and music. Its jukebox of 30,000 songs has been spinning since 1972 and was named the #1 Jukebox in the U.S. by Billboard and Esquire and the #1 in the World by the BBC. Owners Joe and Linda Edwards opened the Elvis Room in 1985, the intimate Duck Room in 1997, the world-renowned Pageant concert venue in 2000 and the Delmar Hall concert club, an 800-capacity music hall, in 2016. The Loop’s reputation as the live music center of St. Louis was solidified. The Edwards also opened Pin-Up Bowl, the original bowling and martini lounge with pin-up memorabilia displays
and house-made pizzas, the Peacock Diner and built the four-diamond Moonrise Hotel. The interactive and immersive National Blues Museum celebrates the genre as the foundation of all modern American music, and guests can even create their own blues riff. In 2015, Grammy Award-winning musician Jack White donated a six-figure contribution to the museum, to fund the “MIX IT UP” creative blues experience within the state-of-the-art museum. Check out Vintage Vinyl, considered one of the 10 best record stores in the U.S., and make a visit to the Blues Triangle where BB’s Jazz Blues & Soups, Beale On Broadway
and Broadway Oyster Bar form a melodious triangular area of blues music and Cajun/Creole dining spots. Live music at BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups includes jazz, blues, big band and swing shows with cabaret-style seating and a Southern menu. Broadway Oyster Bar is a down-home hangout featuring Cajun classics plus nightly live music and a hopping outdoor patio. “There is, quite simply, nothing in St. Louis quite like the Oyster Bar,” say St. Louis denizens with its New Orleans-style atmosphere, award-winning restaurant for best Cajun-Creole and fresh seafood and best restaurant with live music seven nights a week. It has a delicious menu that features a large selection of sandwiches, oysters, pasta dishes, soups, and salads and they will even cater to the convention center. Well-known locals with stars on the St. Louis Walk of Fame include Maya Angelou, Betty Grable and "Father of Rock and Roll" Chuck Berry, whose statue is nearby.
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THE D.E.A.L.
ATTRACTIONS
St. Louis is a Slice of History & Midwest Americana By Jeanne Brei, Chiara Peretti & Explore St. Louis St. Louis is a slice of Midwest Americana combined with a vibrant downtown, award-winning new restaurants, microbreweries and a rich array of cultural venues—many of which are budget-friendly or free. The big “must-see” is the Gateway Arch, whose renovated grounds were unveiled in 2018 after a five-year, $380-million project. Located in the Gateway Arch National Park (which is one of the very few urban National Parks in the country), on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the 630-foot stainless steel monument provides those who ride the tram to the top a beautiful aerial view 30 miles in each direction. In addition to the 45-60 minute ride, you can watch Monument to the Dream, a documentary
film that covers the origins and significance of the famed monument, showing only in the Tucker Theatre in The Gateway Arch Visitor Center. Then stop by the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to get a glimpse of where Lewis and Clark set out on their historic expedition or hop aboard a 19th century paddle-wheel boat replica for a narrated cruise down the mighty Mississippi. Another unmissable feature in downtown St. Louis is the St. Louis Union Station, which is not just architecturally stunning but is also still a functioning train station. Now also serving as a hotel, the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Union Station originally opened as the largest terminal in the U.S. in 1894 and boasts a lobby with a 65foot, barrel-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows known as the Grand Hall. The yearold St. Louis Aquarium, which officially opened in Dec. 2019, is an exciting addition to the 19th century Union Station. In the past two years the terminal has added the St. Louis Wheel,
a 200-foot-tall observation wheel offering views of the St. Louis skyline, a carousel, mini golf, a rope course with more than 90,000-cubic feet of climbing space and 45+ obstacles, including a 100-foot long SkyRail® and a mirror maze where guests are able to experience a remake of this iconic 1904 World’s Fair attraction. Let your inner child out to play at the City Museum, a unique all-ages playground filled with caves, slides and climbing apparatus made from recycled and found objects. The playhouse museum is housed in the former International Shoe building in the Washington Avenue Loft District of St. Louis. Once inside, you get to climb, slide, explore and play—and there are more than 30 different slides, including four on the rooftop! Sports enthusiasts will want to check out the new sports-anchored entertainment district in the heart of downtown—Ballpark Village St. Louis—or head to Busch
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Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
St. Louis Aquarium
Stadium to catch a Cardinals baseball game. Breweries are a staple of the Midwest—take a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, visit the Budweiser Clydesdales and sample a variety of premium brands. History and architectural buffs will want to take in the beauty of one of the largest mosaic collections in the U.S. inside the spectacular Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis or see the historic Old Cathedral and St. Ferdinand Shrine, both constructed in the early 19th century, visit the home of ragtime legend Scott Joplin or the century-old St. Louis Public Library, a magnificent building designed by world-famous architect Cass Gilbert in 1912 and restored for its 100th anniversary. And history and shows come alive at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and the newly-renovated Peabody Opera House. The Missouri Botanical Garden is considered one of the best botanical gardens in the country. Forest Park, the original site of the 1904 World’s Fair, is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. At 1,371 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. It’s home to the Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, History Museum, The Muny amphitheater, 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, skating rink and lakes. And, with more than 70 outdoor sculptures, Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country. Judy Garland was right: "Meet me in St. Louis" for some great music, food and fun!
Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging
LODGING
St. Louis Hotels are “Hipstoric” By Jeanne Brei, Chiara Peretti & Explore St. Louis
St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
includes more than $8 billion in development projects. Each room has a record player— guests can listen to a selection of records directly in their room or choose from a larger collection located in the Hotel. Making the old new again is no small feat and the Last Hotel, which opened in July 2019, takes its name from the foot-form tool used by cobblers and cordwainers. Located in what was formerly the International Shoe Company, this ten-story 1905 building is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Celebrating the fusion of history, fashion and culture, area residents and travelers can come together to share genuine, local experiences, whether it be on The Rooftop bar or at one of Last Hotel’s two restaurant concepts, The Last Kitchen & Bar
and The Pantry. The Hotel is steps away from City Museum. But the granddaddy of them all is the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, a "hipstoric" AAA Four Diamond, award-winning hotel where you can stay in style. A National Historic Landmark, located steps from Scottrade Center, Busch Stadium, Citygarden and other famed attractions, has two restaurants, outdoor swimming pool and 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel was originally opened as the largest terminal in the U.S. in 1894 and boasts a lobby with a 65-foot, barrel-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows known as the Grand Hall. The Grand Hall has a daily 3D light show—watch as flowers sway, fireworks burst and other images dance around the ceiling
of the Grand Hall lobby in a state-of-the-art show designed specifically for this St. Louis hotel by the same people who design lighting for Cirque du Soleil. The Grand Hall lobby is also this Union Station hotel’s lounge, offering signature cocktails, local brews and light bites as well as plenty of seating for guests to watch the show. Some newer hotels include Live! by Loews, which opened last spring and is just steps from Busch Stadium; the Angad Arts Hotel, which opened in Nov. 2018 and is in The Grand Center Arts District; and the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, which has sweeping views of the Gateway Arch, Mississippi River and downtown skyline. Other upcoming hotels are Le Meridien (in downtown), opening in early 2021, and a 21c Museum Hotel in late 2021.
Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
Photo courtesy of Explore St. Louis
Self-proclaimed “neighborhood redevelopers,” Amy and Amrit Gill are dedicated to restoring important landmarks to their previous splendor and impacting communities in a positive way, most recently with their unveiling of the Hotel Saint Louis. The Gills coined the term “hipstoric” in reference to the adaptive reuse properties that they’ve restored within St. Louis and beyond. Their term implies the “hip” factor of renovation and modernization, but also emphasizes the importance of the original historical elements that make this architecture stand out in the community. Housed in the Louis Sullivan-designed St. Louis Union Trust Company Building through a $68 million adaptive reuse renovation project, Hotel Saint Louis is the city’s first Marriott Autograph Collection. This 1893 historic landmark is one of only 30 Louis Sullivan designed buildings left in the world. Hotel Saint Louis creates a unique sense of style and vitality in the epicenter of St. Louis’ urban renaissance which
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50 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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*Disclaimer: All shows are subject to cancellation, check the official event website on the ECN Tradeshow Calendar for the latest information.
Tradeshow Calendar
Att = Attendance | CC=CC | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
U.S. CENTRAL
All Information Is Subject to Change*
Show Let’s Play Hockey
Start 03/05 Colorado Assoc. of School Executives - CASE Winter Leadership Conf. 03/09 Associated Builders & Contractors - ABC 21st Cent.Workforce Dev.Conf. 03/09 Roseland Oil and Gas - West Texas Oil & Gas Convention 03/24
End 03/06 03/11 03/10 03/25
Venue
City St. Paul Saint Paul RiverCentre The Westin Westminster Westminster Gaylord Texan Resort & CC Grapevine Midland Horseshow Pavilion
St Att MN CO 610 TX 1300 TX
Exh
Nsf
Start 04/26 05/05 05/17 05/19
End 04/29 05/09 05/19 05/20
Venue Kalahari CC
Wisconsin State Fair Park
St Att OH 1400 WI OH 400 OH
Exh Nsf Industry 152 19200 Sporting Goods & Rec. All InformationAutomotive Is Subject &toTrucking Change* 90 9000 Building & Construction Manufacturing
Start 04/11 05/24 05/27 06/06
End 04/14 05/26 05/29 06/08
Venue City Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Washington Nat’l Harbor Gaylord CC New York Javits Center Washington Hilton Hotel Washington
St DC MD NY DC
Att 1500 2000
Exh
Start 04/18 05/09 05/29 06/02
End 04/21 05/12 05/30 06/03
Venue
St AB ON ON AB
Att 16K 800 5000 5700
100
Industry Sporting Goods & Rec. Education Building & Construction Energy
U.S. MIDWEST Show Ohio Parks & Recreation Assoc. - OPRA Conf. & Trade Show Greater Milwaukee International Car & Truck Show Ohio Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling - PHCC/ACCA American Contract Manufacturers Association - AmCon
Embassy Suites Duke Energy CC
City Sandusky Milwaukee Cleveland Cincinnati
U.S. NORTHEAST Show World Health Care Congress ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition - CWCBExpo Federation of American Hospitals - FAH
1500
Nsf
Industry Healthcare
70000 Healthcare
CANADA Show Alberta Gift Show - Winter Global Business Travel Association Canada - GBTA The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference
You Built It!
City Edmonton Edmonton Expo Centre Toronto Metro Toronto CC Metro Toronto CC-N. Hall C Toronto Suncor Comm. Leisure Centre Ft. McMurray
Exh 740 80 150 400
Nsf 190K
Industry Gifts
35000 Business 85000 Energy[Oil & Gas]
Now Flaunt It! SHOW OFF YOUR GREATEST EXHIBITS WITH THE GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHY!
@ExhibitCityNews
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*Disclaimer: All shows are subject to cancellation, check the official event website on the ECN Tradeshow Calendar for the latest information.
Tradeshow Calendar
Att = Attendance | CC=CC | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
U.S. NORTHWEST Show Northwest Food & Beverage World Central Valley Facilities Expo Optical Fiber Communication - OFC American Contract Manufacturers Association - AmCon Clean Pacific Conference & Exhibition SEMICON West
All Information Is Subject to Change*
Start 04/26 05/26 06/06 06/22 06/28 07/13
End 04/27 05/27 06/10 06/23 06/30 07/15
Venue
City Spokane Convention Ctr Spokane Modesto Centre Plaza Modesto San Francisco Moscone Center Greater Tacoma CC Tacoma Hyatt Regency at Lake Wash. Seattle Moscone Center San Francisco
St WA CA CA WA WA CA
Att 3524 1900 15.5K
Exh 350 225 700
Nsf 40000 23500 106K
Industry Food & Beverage Plant Eng. & Operations Telecommunications Manufacturing 1000 75 10000 Pollution Control 29.2K 690 131K Electronics
Start 03/02 03/06 03/09 03/10 03/12 03/30 04/06
End 03/04 03/07 03/11 03/10 03/13 04/02 04/08
Venue
City Charlotte Convention Ctr Charlotte Atlanta Cobb Galleria Centre Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach CC South Florida Fairgrounds Palm Beach Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta New Orleans New Orleans Marriott Orlando Swan & Dolphin Resort
St NC GA SC FL GA LA FL
Att Exh Nsf Industry 1400 250 31500 Religious Jewelry 22K 500 50000 Hotels and Resorts
Start 04/11 04/12 04/12 04/17 05/05 05/10 05/12
End 04/15 04/14 04/15 04/20 05/06 05/12 05/14
Venue
St NV NV NV NV CA NV NV
Att Exh Nsf 50K 450 550K 1300 1182 130
U.S. SOUTHEAST Show Religious Conference Management Association - RCMA Atlanta Jewelry Show - AJS Hotel Motel Restaurant Supply Show of the SE - HMRSSS PM-Expo South Florida Property Management Expo Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting National Business Education Association - NBEA Southern Exposure - Retail & Foodservice Conference & Expo
20.3K 412 74000 Healthcare 1200 60 6000 Education 1400 175 17500 Food & Beverage
U.S. SOUTHWEST Show Winter Las Vegas Market (Furniture) Trauma Critical Care & Acute Care Surgery Conference Receivables Management Association International- RMAI Truckload Carriers Association Annual Convention Del Mar Electronics Show - DEMS The Money Show Las Vegas Tobacco Plus Expo - TPE
World Market Center LV Caesars Palace
Aria Resort & Casino Wynn Las Vegas Resort Del Mar Fairgrounds Bally’s/Paris Resort
Las Vegas CC
City Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas
Industry Home Furn. & Int. Design Healthcare Accounting Automotive & Trucking Electrical & Electronics 4000 400 Financial and Legal 8000 85 4286 274 50000 Stores & Store Fittings
• 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
Meeting & Event Supplies • Lanyards & Credentials • Binders, Tabs and inserts • Tote Bags & Inserts • Tickets & Programs
Promotional Products • Giveaways • Table Drapes & Signage • Branded Apparel • Gifts & Awards
52 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE Where to Find Professional Services, Products and Supplies—a Companion Directory to Our Online Guide: www.ExhibitCityNews.com/Service-Guide
Aadvantaged Displays A Harmony Nail Spa AllSpace Group BWC Visual Technologies CDS (Corporate Display Specialties) CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) Champion Logistics Clementine Creative Services Condit CorpCom
57 57 55 54 58 56 58 54 56 55
CorpEvents Equip, Inc. Exhibitrac Direct Marketing Horizon Print Solutions Jami as Marilyn Monroe Tribute Artist LaborSource Las Vegas Power Professionals Lip Smacking Foodie Tours OnPoint Presenters Prism Lighting
55 59 59 58 55 58 56 57 59 57
Quality EFX Massage Roman Transportation & Logistics SISTEXPO (in Mexico) SmartSource The End Result Logistics Company TWI Group Virtual Trade Show Exhibitor Training YOR Design YOR Swag Your Event Audio
55 59 56 54 57 58 56 54 59 54
For Service Guide information and rates, call sales at (702) 309-8023. Inclusive categories are available for all your company advertising needs. @ExhibitCityNews
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE
SmartSource As one of the largest providers of rental technology and support services in the U.S., SmartSource® has been an industry leader for more than 35 years. We offer a full range of AV, IT, and business technology solutions through our large national footprint, whether for in-person, virtual, or hybrid gatherings. SmartSource has the technology and expertise you need to safely and effectively create flawless events, meetings, trainings, product launches and more. www.TheSmartSource.com
Audio Visual Technology
Audio Visual Technology
Creative Design Services
Creative Design Services
54 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE
CorpEvents Since 1986 we’ve provided installation and dismantle labor throughout New England and Upstate New York and at the Hynes, BCEC and many of Boston’s Hotels. We provide general contractor services to small and medium sized events; Looking for last minute exhibit repairs or graphic design & production? With a Boston warehouse, our team can help fulfill last minute orders with ease. For more info, visit: http://www.corp-eventsid.com/cene/
Upstate NY
Montpelier, VT
Concord, NH
Boston, MA Worcester, MA Springfield, MA
Hartford, CT
Creative Entertainment Services
Providence, RI
(508) 366-8594 info@corp-eventsne.com
Creative Entertainment Services NVMT 4993
Chair Massage Foot Massage Stress Release Massage and More...
Convention Chair Massage Services We use massage techniques & tools that surpass services provided by the competition. Massage services range from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Advanced massage services that engage the highest level of convention services.
www.QualityEFX.com
Event Management
Call or Text (702) 336-9362
Exhibit Design & Builders
Exhibit / Trade Show Displays | Event Planning | Sporting Event Décor
@ExhibitCityNews
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE
Condit Exhibits Every project that comes through our doors is unique and requires custom, collaborative attention. What Condit will provide for you and your brand is a tailored, comprehensive menu of services to get your job done thoroughly, seamlessly, and sustainably from start to finish. With in-house teams dedicated to design, fabrication, shipping, installation/dismantle, storage, and repair/ maintenance, Condit is the single source for your exhibit solution. For more info, visit condit.com
Exhibit Services
Exhibitor Training
Exhibits
Exhibits
6 30.378.4 8 4 8 w w w.cepexhibits.com
56 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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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.
941-758-8444 866-239-8056
Visit us online for more of our products & services
AadvantageDisplays.com Facial / Massage / Wellness Spa
Food Tours
Freight Brokers
Lighting
EYE-CATCHING LIGHTING SOLUTIONS •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
• 30 years experience • Specialized in tradeshows • Show-to-show coordination • Available 24/7 - 365 days a year • Competitive rates without compromising quality • Familiar with the industry’s general contractors
EndResultLogistics.com
@ExhibitCityNews
053_ServiceGuide_0321.indd 5
TheEndResultInc@gmail.com
•Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions •Easy to Install, Plug And Play Lighting Solutions
PRISM – INNOVATION LIVES HERE! 847-304-1113
WWW.PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM | 1.866.620.1380 | SALESUSA@PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM
ExhibitCityNews.com March/April 2021 57
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE
Horizon Print Solutions Horizon Print Solutions brings 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! For more info, visit https://printefficiency.com
r Silve Color Printing • Rack cards • Brochures • Booklets • Everything else
• 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!
Meeting & Event Supplies • Lanyards & Credentials • Binders, Tabs and inserts • Tote Bags & Inserts • Tickets & Programs
Labor
Promotional Products • Giveaways • Table Drapes & Signage • Branded Apparel • Gifts & Awards
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.
Chicago | Atlanta | Boston | Dallas | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | New Jersey
630.914.5281
www.laborsourcegroup.com
800.323.5401 | info@champlog.com | www.champlog.com
Logistics
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 58 March/April 2021 Exhibit City News
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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE
Equip Inc. Equip Inc. has been manufacturing custom covers for retail displays and equipment as well as supplying commercial furniture since 1999. Our furniture and site amenities are commercial grade and built for years of service in high traffic public spaces. Our covers are designed and manufactured in Colorado and ship worldwide. We have supplied covers to thousands of satisfied customers, protecting hundreds of unique products. No minimum orders required, and quantity pricing available. See www.equipinc.com.
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
Product Specialists
Promo Stuff
Tradeshow Lists
Trucking
@ExhibitCityNews
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2021 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* *Content is subject to change
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
MARCH-APRIL
January (print & digital)
March (print & digital):
February (digital only)
April (digital only):
• Feature: Hybrid/Virtual /Co-location Events • Transportation/Warehousing/Material Handling • Year in Review International Focus: Germany • Technology Show/Products • AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Midwest U.S.
MAY-JUNE
• Feature: Labor/Unions • Associations • Road to Recovery: Pivoting to Survive International Focus: Mexico • Exhibit Building & Design • Show Management/Kits • Vendors Regional Focus: Southwest U.S.
JULY-AUGUST
May (print & digital):
July (print & digital):
June (digital only):
August (digital only):
• Feature: Museums/Exhibits • ECN’s 2020 I&D Ace Award Winners • EXHIBITORLive Post Recap International Focus: Hong Kong • Mobile Exhibits • Warehousing/Material Handling • Extrusions Regional Focus: Central U.S.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
• Feature: Survivor-themed issue • Feature: Women in the Industry • Industry Salespeople International Focus: U.K. • Insurance/Legal/Contracts • Floor Coverings/Flooring • Tension Fabric Regional Focus: Northeast U.S.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
September (print & digital):
November (print & digital):
October (digital only):
December (digital only):
• Feature: Giveaways/Incentives • General Contractors • Furnishings International Focus: Canada
• 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.
060_Ad_Index_0321.indd 1
• Feature: EXHIBITORLive Preview • New Product Showcase • Healthcare International Focus: China • Special/Corporate Events • Security / Safety • 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
3/5/21 11:18 AM
Advertiser Index 4 Productions
63
4Productions.com
2
beMatrix.us
43
Brumark.com
3
Nolan Advisory Services (NAS)
13
NolanAdvisory.com
ChampionLogistics
17
ChampLog.com
OA Visuals (Oscar & Associates)
17
OscarAndAssociates.com; HelloOA.com & OAVisuals.media
Clementine Creative Services
49
ClementineCS.com
Octanorm
5
OctanormNA.com
CorpComm
7
Corpcom-Events.com
Rosemont – RES
41
Rosemont.com
CorpEvents
13
Corp-eventsid.com
Sho-Link Inc.
50
Sho-link.com
Crown & Anchor Pub
47
CrownAndAnchorLV.com
SMT Expo
19
SmtExpo.com
EACA
35
EACA.org
Superior Logistics
50
ShipSuperior.com
Employco USA
4
Employco.com
TCF Center (formerly Cobo)
41
TCFCenterDetroit.com
Exposures Ltd. Photography
51
ExposuresLtd.com
Total Show Technology (TST)
9
TotalShowTech.com
37
HillPartners.com
Tradeshow Job Board
Back Cover
TradeshowJobBoard.com
52
PrintEfficiency.com
Labor Inc.
Momentum Management MomentumMgt.com
Brumark
Horizon Print Solution
41
LVMannequins.com & LVStoreSupply.com
beMatrix
Hill & Partners
Las Vegas Mannequins/Las Vegas Store Supply
Willwork
30
Willwork.com
39
LaborInc.ca
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Contact sales: 702-309-8023 ext. 105, sales@exhibitcitynews.com @ExhibitCityNews
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Secure Your Placement In These Future Editions
PM
Museums/Exhibits / Healthcare
(May / June)
The Survivor-Themed Issue / Women in the Industry / Salespeople
(July / August)
Giveaways/Incentives / General Contractors
(September / October)
CALL SALES TODAY! 702-309-8023 or at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com ECN_Cover_FP_0321.indd 1 062_AdBank_0321.indd 1
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