Exhibit City News - Jan/Feb/Mar 2022

TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION: COPING WITH SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES

Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 • VOL. 28 • ISSUE 1

DETROIT’S HUNTINGTON PLACE NAME DEBUTS

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW HIGHMARK’S PANDEMIC PIVOT FOCUS CITY: DETROIT

DAILY UPDATES AT EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION: COPING WITH SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES

Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 • VOL. 28 • ISSUE 1

DETROIT’S HUNTINGTON PLACE NAME DEBUTS

On our cover: The dedicated, motivated and united teams of Visit Detroit and Huntington Place. L-R, front row: Claude Molinari, Greg Brannan, Karen Totaro, Sheila Neal, Greg DeSandy, Yolanda Cason and David Austin; back row: Jennifer Berkemeier, Susan Richardson, Andrea Cadotto, Jennifer Neal-Miller and Constance Wilson. For titles and bios, visit pages 28-29.

16

34

Tradeshow Transportation:

Forging New Links in the Supply Chain

38

2021 Year in Review

40

Take Your Tradeshow Giveaways from Trash to Treasure Foot Rescue: Latest must-have swag item

42

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW HIGHMARK’S PANDEMIC PIVOT FOCUS CITY: DETROIT

Tradeshows Work—Very Well!

DAILY UPDATES AT EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

Feature Story

44-55 Shop to Showfloor Section

26-33

I&D and Event Labor

Spotlight on Huntington Place: Detroit’s CC Debuts New Name

46 HighMark Tech’s YOURspace

Columns

A Perfect Pandemic Pivot

50

10

Hamilton Creates a Wow at ExhibitorLIVE

Convention Center Snapshot Huntington Place, Detroit

52

12 As the Saws Turn

BlueHive Exhibits Raises the Bar on Booth Design

14

Q&A with IUPAT’s Dean Wanty

What Happened to Civility?

The Tradeshow Times Business Events Are Big Business

58

16

New Year, New Digs

Ask an Expert

Resorts World Las Vegas: Three Brands Within One Property

18 The Global View

#NewNormal Struggles: Re-Networking & Muscle Memory

20 International Focus: AIPC Messages of Drive & Optimism

22

The Don & Mike Show Here’s to 2022 and the Industry’s Comeback

24 Airport Snapshot

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Co. Airport

Departments 8 56 56 72 74 78 85 93

Publisher’s Corner Eat, Sleep & Play CC Spotlight People on the Move The D.E.A.L. Regional Show Calendar Industry Service Guide Advertiser Index

6 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

26

ECN’s office is transformed

62

National TradeShow Alliance

Looking Back at 2021 & Forward to 2022

64 EDPA ACCESS’ Future Forward EXHIB-IT!’s DJ Hecke Gives a Recap

66 Tony Andrews’ Shortest Retirement in History

67 David Woods Retires After 45 Years in the Industry

68

In Memoriam Chris Wehking, PCMA’s 2014 Chairman of the Board of Directors, St. Charles, IL Judy Pulizzano, Owner of Positive Show Solutions Techologies, Las Vegas, NV Carol Tinney, LVCVA, Las Vegas, NV Gary Dennis Mauger, Sr., Teamsters Local #14, Las Vegas, NV Stan Einzig, Einzig Photographers, Boynton Beach, FL Thomas Joseph Jaggers, Teamsters Las Vegas, NV

Cover photo and bottom photo courtesy of Huntington Place; Balcony photo courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas

54

THIS IS MORE THAN A WELLDESIGNED BOOTH. © 2022 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.

It’s a space that inspires connection and learning.

All those budding relationships, potential sales and reunion moments that were put on pause - well, it’s time to get back on the

Visit us at cortevents.com/trade-shows Style & Service Delivered.

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

PUBLISHER Donald V. Svehla Jr. (702) 272-0182 ext. 102 DonS@exhibitcitynews.com

Greetings to our readers!

I

MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Abrams (702) 272-0182 LisaA@exhibitcitynews.com SENIOR EDITOR Jeanne Brei JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com

Exhibit City

News

ECN

DIGITAL EDITOR Emily Olson EmilyO@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com COLUMNISTS / WRITERS Calanit Atia Sven Bossu Paco Collazo Bob McGlincy Mike Morrison Jim Obermeyer

ECN

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vince Battaglia Amadeus Finlay DJ Heckes Mary Klida Renee Monforton Laura Palker Tristin Vaccaro H.K. Wilson

ECN

PROOFREADER Emily Olson NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Christy Giambattista ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Manny Chico Mike Morrison

ECN – Don Svehla

CSAL

CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION

AS VEGAS

8 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Vol. 28, issue 1, copyright 2021 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS, published four 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) 272-0182. 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.

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CONVENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT

Huntington Place Location: One Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226 Date Opened: August 15, 1960 Square Footage: With 723,000 sq.ft. of exhibit space, Huntington Place boasts one es in North America and is the 16th largest U.S. convention center. The 40,000 sq.ft.

Grand Riverview Ballroom has a stage lift and 100+ meeting and banquet rooms comprising 225,000 sq.ft. meeting space.

Parking: There are 2,596 parking spaces attached: 1,250 at the Roof Deck, 406 in the TCF Center Congress St. garage, 640 in Washington Blvd. garage and 350 at the Atwater Street garage.

Hotels: 6,000 hotel rooms in downtown Detroit—the 1,328-room Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is the largest, with The Foundation Hotel, the Siren, the Shinola, the Element at the Metropolitan and the 367-room Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront nearby.

PLUS!

Where to eat, sleep & play near Huntington Place

Airport Info: The Metro Airport is located approximately 22 p. 54 miles from the venue. In addition to Uber, Lyft, taxis and shuttle buses, FAST Powered by SMART is a high-frequency bus service that connects the city and suburbs. FAST Michigan runs from the airport to downtown daily.

Wi-Fi: The venue was recognized as the Wi-Fi coverage.

Transportation: A Detroit People Mover station is located inside Huntinggress Street. And the Detroit Q-Line Rail, which connects the downtown area with Midtown, is close by.

Website: huntingtonplacedetroit.com ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 11

COLUMN As the Saws Turn

What Happened to Civility?

W

By Jim Obermeyer

Jim Obermeyer has been in the exhibits and events industry 40 years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and exhibit house owner. He can be reached at jobermeyer903@gmail.com 12 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

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ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 13

COLUMN The Tradeshow Times

Business Events Are Big Business

T

he conventions and business events industry is an economic engine that drives corporations, fuels jobs and propels both local and national economies.

But like the air around us, its importance and impact often go unnoticed.

5

By Bob McGlincy

stunning statistics

The imapct of global business events

» 251,236,000 attendees traveled

»

»

to conventions in 2017, making it the equivalent of the fifth largest population in the world.

The global business events economy is larger than the individual economies of Australia, Spain, Mexico, Indonesia or Saudi Arabia.

In 2019, in the U.S., 81.3 million people attended 11,400 business events, which created more than 6.6 million jobs.

26 million jobs created worldwide in a single year

1.5 billion participants in 180 countries

$2.5 billion in total business sales

$1.5 trillion contribution to the Gross Domestic Product

Thirteenth largest economy, based on total GDP impact

Pause for a second, reread those stats again, and think about the size of the numbers. The power of tradeshows and business events is staggering.

2019 Attendance and Direct Revenue Comparison

14 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

100

81.3

80

69.8

60 40

20.5

15.3

20

15.6

10.7

0

NFL

MLB Attendance, Millions

contribution to the GDP is substantially larger.

Conventions are big business. They create jobs and generate sales. They impact the economy on both a micro and a macro level, and they do so to a much larger extent than most people realize. It

Conventions

Direct Revenue, Billions

is time for this industry to be invisible no longer.

Sources for data: Events Industry Council, Oxford Economics, CEIR, MPI, NFL, MLB, Forbes, Statista and the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Note: The term “conventions” used here includes

both B2B and B2C meetings in a contracted venue.

Bob McGlincy is director, business management at Willwork Global Event Services. Willwork creates engaging, energized, and exceptional event experiences. He can be contacted at Bob.McGlincy@willwork.com.

5 Stunning Statistics graphic by Stephanie Latzanakis

Another way to demonstrate the size of business events is to compare it with other industries. Over the course of a normal year, conventions draw larger crowds than does either Major League Baseball or the National Football League. Even more dramatic, the contribution of conventions to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product is approximately four times greater than the NFL’s contribution. Not only does the industry create more jobs than the NFL and MLB combined, it also creates more jobs than all three phases of the auto industry (manufacturing, retail and dealerships).

However, it is important to note that the auto industry’s

COLUMN Ask an Expert

banquet space that has the tunnel connecting to the Las Vegas Convention Center; a 23,000-sq.ft. Strip-facing ballroom and terrace with 90-ft. dynamic LED wall as well as digital pillars in the meeting space. The best part, feet from the hotel tower elevators to the meeting space.

Entertainment:

Blossom Lobby at Resorts World Las Vegas

Resorts World Las Vegas – Three Brands Within One Property

16 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

and suites, ranging from 550 and curated art inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler.

Curated art pieces are commissioned especially for RWLV to adorn the walls of the Conrad premium guestrooms and displayed throughout the Conrad hotel public areas.

Crockfords Las Vegas, LXR

suites featuring lavish accommodations, upscale amenities and highly personalized service ranging from 550 to

a wide range of cuisine from authentic street food to Michelin-star dining, including concepts entirely new to the Las Vegas Strip.

Pools:

views of the Las Vegas Strip.

For more info, visit www. rwlasvegas.com.

and grand lobby for a private salons conveniently are located -

Meetings & Events: The property features 250,000

and Luke Bryan are slated for future performances.

Dining: The property

ences including an 1,800-sq.ft.

LXR locations in the U.S. to

ed concierge assistance from

include Zouk Nightclub and AYU Dayclub, and a 5,000seat concert and entertainment venue, the Resorts World Theatre. Singer Carrie Underwood has already performed at the theatre and Celine Dion,

Calanit Atia is an award-winning event planner, entrepreneur, Air Force Veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events (a Las Vegas DMC and entertainment agency), a 2021 MPI Advisory board member and speaker. She can be contacted at Info@AtoZevents.com.

Photo courtesy of Resorts World Las Vegas

R

esorts World Las Ve6,000 sq.ft. of captivating gas opened on June LED content.

24 last year, marking the first completely new guest rooms and suites; an resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip in a decade and the first time that Hilton world-class food and has brought together beverage options and Hilton Hotels & Rea 5,000-seat theatre. sorts, Conrad Hotels The property is de& Resorts and LXR signed so that guests Hotels & Resorts. can go right to their Despite the challenges By Calanit Atia room without having to in 2020, Hilton opened walk through the casino more than 400 hotels, totaling should they decide to do so. nearly 42,000 rooms. Hilton The three hotels have three now has more than 30 hotels separate entrances with three and 11,000+ rooms across 12 brands in the Las Vegas market.

The Las Vegas Hilton at RWLV is located at the north side of the Las Vegas guestrooms and suites, ranging Strip and cannot be missed from 400 to 3,300 sq.ft. There with its LED tower, which can be viewed for miles, including a 100,000-sq.ft. West setting. Residential-style furTower LED screen (one of the largest LED building displays in the world), a 19,000-sq.ft. ous sleeping environment add East Tower LED screen and a to its glamour.

50-ft. diameter video globe, Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts which displays more than

in one 100,000-sq.ft. enter-

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@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 17

COLUMN Paco’s Global View

our industry. This presents a a good thing that we need to re-connect, get those business cards and try to get and give business to new people. tinue to invest in and attend industry events like Exhibitor-

out who is where, make new friends and refresh that clients and suppliers spreadsheet.

Besides the issues we have

#NewNormal Struggles: Re-Networking & Muscle Memory

By Paco Collazo

Y

es, we as an industry are starting to get back to almost normal. Everyone is super busy with tons of quotes, renders and projects for the last leg of 2021 and the

we are back to full-steam,

an avalanche of work, every-

everyone missed and wanted the long days, stress and getting back in the saddle— cashing checks and sending invoices. But, for me, it took a little while to get used to the pace again, more with having a

supply chain issues and, on struggles that no one is talking about: muscle memory and the fact that our network and contact lists need some updating.

Muscle Memory pened to everyone, but the time we did not have projects and tons of work, days were shorter with less stress and rushing. We learned to be more at home with the kids, the dog and chilling. Now that 18 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

adjusting back to 10-12 hour home without lunch or time for anything else.

with every afternoon, go on walks, have a proper hour-long lunch at home, cook dinner and help around the house. everyone in my house, but now, on the right track and with the normal (not-so-normal) hours of our live events life.

Another muscle memory pain is getting back in the same laser focus mode with the travel. Before the pandemmy carry-on and backpack was done and ready to rock-andhaving a tough time packing as light as before, exercising while away, eating good—the getting back there. Packing is getting easier each week.

Networking send me your new contact info ASAP! LOL. A lot of people are changing jobs, new positions, consolidating teams, etc. Have you found that your usual contact is not there anymore? This is part of the new pains of the reset of

think the best thing about this new re-start is we now know what balance really is in our life. We are getting used to working around the supply chain issues, the logistics probreally think we are all choosing better—with more on our mind than just dollars. Our organia smart plan, slow and organically, so be happy, we made it, the struggles will continue, but we are in it together. So, if you need anything from a supplier contact, want to talk about a new-normal issue or just to chat, please don’t hesitate to contact me. See you at a tradeshow soon!

Paco Collazo is the owner & CEO of Atlanta-based Happy Projects, where their passion is “to collaborate with the planet’s top standbuilders, event production companies, agencies and brands to solve all your face-to-face marketing needs from concept to seamless execution.” He worked 13 years in the family business, ending as a sales and project director at SISTEXPO (Sistemas de Exposicion), a full-exhibit/ event house based in Mexico. Contact him at paco@happyprojects.us.

Representing buyers and sellers in the trade show and event markets Contact Dan Greene at (708) 650-3343 | dgreene@nolanadvisory.com

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 19

COLUMN International Focus: AIPC global associations and global industry players created an industry pledge to become carbon zero by 2050, which was

Messages of Drive & Optimism

by Sven Bossu, CEO AIPC

I

had the pleasure of attending a lecture by Monica Lee-Müller, managing director of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, in early December.

It was a lecture for the participants of the AIPC talent program, Future Shapers, on leadership. Next to the deeply human perspective Lee-Müller gave to the notion of being a leader, I was particularly struck by another message: “Now is the moment to experiment and go bold to be fully prepared when business is coming back.

Because the question is when, not if.” So, let’s have a look at the positive notes across the globe to close another remarkable year.

Let’s start in Australia. The Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Center recently announced that large-scale, organized events will be allowed again. A contributing factor to this is the vaccination rate, which is now above 90 percent. And 280,900 of the vaccine doses needed to achieve that goal were hosted by the MCEC. Along the way, MCEC also encouraged those attending the venue for their vaccinations to “pay it forward” by buying fees having been donated now, averaging 50 a day. Throughout the world, convention centers have played a critical role in supporting the national health systems in dealing with the pandemic. They were transformed into hospitals, testing areas or vaccination centers, each time demonstrating their commitment in supporting the communities they are embedded in.

20 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Moving to Canada, I had a discussion with Barry Smith, president of the Convention Centers of Canada. During the annual conference of the association, hosted by the Shaw Center in Ottawa, the 2022 business outlook was discussed, and it showed a remarkable similarity with the data collected by AIPC on a global level earlier this year: There is a clear and shared expectation that, as from Q2 2022, business will be back Sven munities are more eager than Bossu ever to come together again in a face-to-face environment and share those unique moments These live events will be complemented with digital experiences, which brings me to the topic of collaboration. During the pandemic, industry associations have collaborated more intensively than ever. A very recent example is the research paper on hybrid events, co-created by IAPCO and AIPC, which was released on December 4.

The input from members of both communities, combined with the perspectives of thought leaders from other stakeholders, resulted in a document that provides unique insights on how the thinking on hybrid has evolved in the industry, the challenges tackled and the ones to address.

But most importantly, the document helps several groups share knowledge and grow together as an event community.

The same was demonstrated on a global level when it comes to sustainability.

Brought around the table by Kathleen Warden of the Scottish Event Campus,

tions across the globe. All this was done in close collaboration with the UNFCCC, which is in full support of inclusive industry wide initiatives like this one. While a lot of work remains to be done—look on the JMIC website for the latest updates— this represents a major milestone to make the events industry truly sustainable.

And to conclude, I would like to bring you to Barcelona. Prior to IBTM, AIPC organized a one-day summit on evolving business models. Moderated by Oscar 25 convention center leaders spent a full day re-thinking business models, starting with the new market landscape and ending with a list of “calls for action” to be taken back home. The level of energy in the room was simply amazing and to echo the message of Lee-Müller: there was no question of “if”—only a matter of being fully prepared for the “when.”

I am extremely proud to be part of the event community, and moments like the the workshop with 25 convention leaders make me believe that we are undergoing what Thomas Kuhn called a paradigm shift: Rather than solely progressing in a linear and continuous way, these paradigm shifts open up new approaches to understanding what we would never have considered valid before. Together, we can make this work and bring our industry to Sven Bossu, AIPC’s first CEO, was previously the managing director for innovation at ESTRO, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, and spent eight years at SWIFT, organizing the world-renowned SIBOS conference. Contact him at sven.bossu@aipc.org.

AIPC represents a global network of more than 190 leading centers in 64 countries with the active involvement of more than 1,000 management-level professionals worldwide. It maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs. For more info, visit aipc.org.

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INDUSTRY PODCAST

Here’s to 2022 & the Industry’s Comeback

by Mike Morrison

H

ere we are at the end of the year and 2021 has been one of interesting perspectives. It certainly wasn’t 2020’s dismal results, yet it wasn’t a 2019 record-setting pace and experiences either. If there is one thing that is for sure—that we have heard recently—it is that this comeback will be a marathon and not a sprint. Challenges from every aspect will be seen and experienced by all in our industry, and to get back to where we want to be will take some time. Many of us (myself included) are guilty of not wanting to wait out the return and want the proverbial magic wand to wave and be back to the pre-pandemic levels of business for our industries of tradeshow, events and experiential marketing—however, that is pretty unrealistic with all the challeng-

es we are facing with labor shortages, supply and logistics challenges, cultural demands centering on work and home life balance and many other indicators that will see the return to previous record-setting years a long-range goal at best—but we can all strive and hope for the best sooner than later.

That being said, December saw a very successful EDPA Access 2021 Future Forward Conference in Hollywood, Florida, take place and an IAEE Expo!Expo! face-to-face conference and exhibition happen at the Philadelphia Convention Center along with ESCA’s Winter Awards Ceremony in Philly as well. The common thread? Face-to-face events with people hugging, smiling and thankful that there is seemingly a light at the end of the grim tunnel known as the “2020 Pandemic” that set our indus-

... thankful that there is seemingly a light at the end of the grim tunnel known as the ‘2020 Pandemic’ that set our industry back to an almost zero level... tries back to an almost zero level. We all seemingly the last to return.

Let’s hope that 2022 will be a banner year in comparison to 2020 and 2021, and The Don and Mike Show looks forward to getting back on the road and having meaningful conversations with industry colleagues about the matters at hand, educational content and memorable experiences! Here is to a happy new year, and we will see you in 2022!

Mike Morrison is the national sales director for WS Displays as well as co-host and producer of “The Don & Mike Show” podcast, Contact him at thedonandmikeshow@gmail.com or mike@wsdisplay. com. For more info, visit TheDonAndMikeShow.net

The Don & Mike Show at the ESCA Winter Awards ceremony interviewing winner of ESCA’s Volunteer of the Year award, Brett Mitchell, general manager of The Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas

22 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

The Don & Mike Show can be heard on Fridays at TheDonAndMikeShow.net; ExhibitCityNews.com; Facebook (www.facebook.com/ DandMshow); LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/ groups/12096643/); Twitter (twitter.com/ DonAndMikeShow1) and most all podcast platforms including iTunes, Google, Spotify and more.

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 23

AIRPORT SNAPSHOT

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport IATA airport code: DTW Location: 11050 Rogell Drive #602, Detroit, MI 48242 Date Opened: First plane landed on Feb. 22, 1930; dedication was Sept. 4, 1930 Size: The airport covers 4,850 acres with four main runways and two crosswind runways. It has 129 gates split between two terminals: McNamara with three concourses and North Terminal with one.

Transportation: For $2 travelers can take the 261, aka FAST Michigan, a limited-stop service that connects both the McNamara and North Terminals to the Rosa Parks Transit Center in downtown Detroit and points in between. The route is operated by The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, or SMART, and travels twice per hour. Rideshares and limo services are available.

Fun Facts: The airport serves 140+ destinations and was named the best large U.S. airport in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power & Associates in 2010 and 2019.

At nearly a mile long, Concourse A in McNamara Terminal is the longest in the U.S. and the world’s second-longest. The ExpressTram, a people mover that transports passengers between each end of Concourse A in about three minutes, is located there.

The Light Tunnel, an elaborate multicolored light show behind sculpted glass panels, extends the length of the walkway connecting the B & C concourses to the main terminal. The light patterns are synchronized to an original musical score, and go nearly 30 minutes before repeating.

Website: www.metroairport.com ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 25

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking products and services.

Just a week after the merger, Huntington unveiled a $40 billion Strategic Community Plan ties for the customers, businesses and communities it serves,

DETROIT’S CONVENTION CENTER DEBUTS NEW NAME

by Mary Klida, Huntington Place senior marketing & communications manager

T

he Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) is pleased to announce Huntington Place as the new name of Detroit’s worldclass convention center. As the 16th largest convention center in America, the new name sigthe transformation of Detroit’s gathering place for conventions, meetings and special events.

The convention center opened in 1960 and was originally named in honor of former Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo. In 2019, Detroit-based Chemical Bank, which merged with TCF Financial Corp. in 2020, bought the naming rights in a 22-year deal for $1.5 million annually.

The naming rights agreement, which was a priority for the DRCFA, began with TCF Bank and continues with Huntington Bank in strengthening the Cen-

26 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

9, the name has become Huntington Place after Huntington merged with TCF Financial Corp. in June 2021, creating a top 10 regional bank.

According to Huntington Place GM Karen Totaro, “Huntington Bank is a remarkable partner and both of our organizations have a deep commitment to the communities we serve. We are dedicated not only to being a contributor to our region’s economic vitality, but also to creating jobs and enhancing the attraction of our destination to visitors,” adding that “Detroit’s convention center drives economic growth and development in the region, and we are so pleased to see it renamed Huntington Place.”

Projections for 2022 book of business at Huntington Place are strong and they include new initiatives in the national and international markets.

Prior to 2020, the world-class center attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors annually. ASM Global has been managing the day-to-day operations for the venue since 2010, establishing it as a top convention center both nationally and internationally, including a $279 million transformation in 2015.

During the pandemic, the convention center became a civic center for the Detroit region serving as:

» a field hospital » a day center for homeless services » a food distribution center for Food Rescue U.S.

» Detroit’s largest vaccination site with a drive-through facility

The venue has reopened with a strong event schedule, discovering that show managers want to partner with an organization that values the community they serve.

housing, small business and increased capital to historically disadvantaged and low-to-moderate income communities.

Since its creation in 2009, the DRCFA has worked diligently to meet its obligation to the responsibility to taxpayers in making the current convention ing facility by 2024. Through are ahead of schedule and have saved the state’s taxpayers an estimated $74.7 million since 2009. The City of Detroit and individual municipalities across

millions of dollars.

Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari said in 2019, “The taxpayers of Michigan will receive signif-

of operating this amazing convention center and a great partner in a trusted Michigan-based banking institution. It speaks so very well of the rebirth of this facility, this city, and this region that the most valuable naming rights deal for a convention center ever was executed in Detroit, Michigan.”

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

VISIT DETROIT FORMS PARTNERSHIP FOR GLOBAL BUSINESS

T

he mission of Visit Detroit is to market and sell the Detroit metropolitan region to business and leisure visitors in order to maximize economic impact. Its purpose is to champion the continuous improvement of the region as a dynamic and memorable tourism destination.

Claude Molinari became president and CEO of Visit Detroit in January 2021, and has focused on bringing meetings and conventions, leisure and business visitors to metropolitan Detroit to accelerate economic growth.

One main focus is on group tour and meetings business from abroad, including the U.K., Germany and Canada.

In June 2021, he announced a partnership with New York-based MAD Event Management LLC and Messe Düsseldorf North America for the purpose of launching and incubating global events in Detroit. According to MAD Event Management Founder & President Martha Donato, “The credit for the concept lies in a multi-year development plan between MAD and Claude Molinari, whose vision of Detroit as a city well positioned to capitalize on the future of live events in North America is unwavering. Detroit is keen to focus its resources to launch business-to-business and business-to-consumer events.

MDNA is an organizer with a global view of the events industry and was the perfect @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

partner with whom to execute the ambitious plan.”

“Martha and Claude’s vision and passion was a primary reason we were interested in partnering, using our extensive operating resources to support their entrepreneurial goals,” says Tom Mitchell, president, MDNA. “We all believe that sustainable commerce in tradeshows, conferences and consumer events in Detroit will contribute to the city’s long-running renaissance story, and we are excited to be part of it. Once we get a better handle on protocols in a post-COVID world, we will announce our dates and initial conference and show schedule.” scale event to be held in Detroit since January 2020 will be the 2022 North America Herbalife Nutrition Extravaganza, July 15-17. “Our community will roll out the red carpet to welcome the best-in-class company that will contribute approximately $11 million in direct spending to our region,” says Molinari. “We are pleased they are bringing their vast network of independent distributors to experience Detroit.” The event will take place at Ford Field, and more than 25,000 Herbalife Nutrition independent distributors

are expected to attend, occupying an estimated 13,600 hotel rooms.

In addition to the Herbalife Extravaganza, Visit Detroit has signed the Injection Molding and Design Expo for a three-year commitment; the Silicone Expo for a threeyear commitment and a new conference series, Side Hustles & Opportunities Conference (SHO-Con), launched

by Sherwood Enterprises, as a result of the partnership with MAD Events and MDNA. Other groups are expected to announce in the coming weeks.

Connect is preparing to welcome back a pre-pandemic number of event professionals—about 4,000 decision-making planners and suppliers—to its signature Summertime Marketplace event, Aug. 8-10 at Huntington Place.

Connect, formerly known as Collinson Media & Events, is a leader in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industry. Specializing in destination marketing, they introduced the popular marketplace format to the meetings industry.

Home to Fortune 500 companies, many state and national associations and recognized as one of the country’s premier sports towns, Detroit is uniquely Claude Molinari

the annual August conference, Connect will draw attendees from four main tracks: corporate, association, specialty and sports. Connect’s sister company, BizBash, will also co-locate in Detroit.

“We’re very excited to be coming to Detroit next year,” says Connect President Chris Collinson. “Not only is Detroit known as the Motor City, but it’s also a place where business gets done. We can’t wait to help connect the right planners with suppliers. And by partnering with Visit Detroit, we know this will be a show that nobody forgets.”

The event will feature Connect’s largest traditional tradeshow to date along with celebrity keynotes. Look for many creative activations on site activities spotlighting all “We couldn’t be more thrilled that Connect is heading to Detroit,” says Molinari.

“Connect will put thousands of decision makers in our city, which is a huge opportunity for us to ensure Detroit is on their radar for future meetings and sports events,” adding that “Detroit is a revitalized, vibrant and friendly destination, and seasoned when it comes to hosting successful meetings and events. Our hospitality industry is committed to using all of our resources to create an unforgettable experience for Connect attendees.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

INTRODUCING THE HUNTINGTON PLACE WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP & VISIT DETROIT TEAMS MOTOR CITY HUMMING!

T

he Visit Detroit and Huntington Place teams have spent the last two years feeling like they were “in the pit” but they are ready to get the motor in Motor City humming and back on the track! Introducing the people behind the scenes working to bring conventions, meetings, conferences and live events back to Detroit:

Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

Having received a BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Totaro is tive through the International Association of Venue Managers as well as a graduate from their Academy of Venue Safety and Security.

David Austin

Senior Sales Manager David Austin has been with the sales team since 2003, and is responsible for lead

tington Place. She actively solicits new business to promote the venue while facilitating proper execution of the events, and she collaborates with industry organizations producing proposals, contracts, event orders and billing related correspondence.

She has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and has 15 years experience in the event industry.

ings and events. He prepares event contracts and proposals

Greg DeSandy Karen Totaro

General Manager Karen Totaro is the general manager of Huntington Place and is responsible for the overall management, promotion and operation of the facilities, leading the team of dedicated professionals in the venue, building on the key industry partnerships in the community, and supporting the overall mission of the Huntington Place and the DRCFA. Totaro comes to Huntington Place from the San Diego Convention Center where she served as chief operating officer. Prior to San Diego, she served as general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center, assistant general manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati and the assistant executive director at the 28 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Dir. of Sales & Event Services Greg DeSandy is the director of sales and event services for Huntington Place and responsible for maximizing the rental and promoting the use of Huntington Place meetings and events. He directs the sales team, sales strategy, business development and sales analysis while overseeing all aspects of event service delivery.

DeSandy comes to Huntington Place from the Marriott at the convention center in Augusta, Georgia, where he served as director of sales and marketing from 2004-2014.

With extensive experience in the event and hospitality industry directing various Radisson and Marriott properties across the country, he received his BA from Michigan State University.

arrangements.

Austin has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind., and a master’s in sports management from the U.S. Sports Academy in Daphe, Ala. He is a member of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Meeting Professionals International and MPI Michigan Chapter, the International Association for Exhibition and Events, the American Society of Association Executives and the Association for Convention Marketing Executives.

Jennifer Berkemeier

Event Sales Manager Jennifer Berkemeier is an event sales manager for Hun-

Constance Wilson Sales Manager

Constance Wilson has been with the convention center for 12 years and worked for the City of Detroit prior to that. She is responsible for national and local Michigan markets lead generation, qualification and solicitation of business.

She prepares event contracts and proposals with clients to finalize booking arrangements. She has a Bachelor of Arts in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University in Michigan.

To contact the team, email info@huntingtonplacedetroit. com or call (313) 877-8777.

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

Claude Molinari

President & CEO Claude Molinari became president and CEO of Visit Detroit in January 2021. His history at Huntington Place began as assistant general manager from 2011-2016 with oversight of operations, security, events and production services and union labor services. He was named general manager in March 2016

by SMG/ASM Global until he left in 2021 for Visit Detroit.

Molinari also oversees the direction of the Detroit Sports Commission (a Visit Detroit subsidiary), which is responsible for securing amateur sports for the region. His prior experience was at the David Lawrence Convention Center/ SMG in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 2005-2010. He attended State University of and studied public administration at Point Park University.

gan association market. He is a member of MPI, Society of Government Meeting Planners and the Michigan Society of Association Executives. He received his BBA in marketing from Adrian College in 2013, where he also played on the football team.

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

Andrea Cadotto

Sheila Neal

Associate Director, Sales association sales executive), has been with Visit Detroit in Sales since 2000 beginning as their account executive for the multi-cultural market coast to coast and now as their associate director, sales. She is an active member of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, ASAE, PCMA, MPI, NYSAE, Association of Meeting Professionals’ and Women in Lodging. She serves on a variety of boards and committees and always looks for ways to empower, elevate and serve within the hospitality community. She’s a native Detroiter and she and her husband have two children.

Greg Brannan

Sales Manager Greg Brannan has been with Visit Detroit for six years, coordinator and now a sales manager responsible for corporate, government and union market opportunities coast to coast, and the Michi-

for 22 years. Throughout these years, she has served as the receptionist, worked in purchasing, membership, services, sports and sales.

She has been in her current role in sales since 2014 and is currently responsible for supporting the entire sales team in their efforts in bringing meetings, conferences and conventions to metro Detroit.

Yolanda Empson-Cason Sales Coordinator, Visit Detroit Yolanda Empson-Cason has been with Visit Detroit

Susan Richardson

Vice Pres., Group and Conv. Sales Susan Richardson joined Visit Detroit in 2019, bringing more than 25 years of sales experience in both convention center and hotel sales.

Her previous experience was in New York City where she was director of sales and marketing solutions at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, director of sales and marketing for the Park Terrace Hotel, complex director of sales and marketing for The Renwick and Gregory Hotels, director of sales for The Roosevelt Hotel and Paramount Hotel, and associate director of sales for The Waldorf Astoria. She has served on many boards and committees including PCMA Corporate Task Force, PCMA Annual Program Committee and as chapter president for Canada East chapter of PCMA. She’s a native of Toronto, Canada, and graduated from Seneca College.

Associate Director, Sales Andrea Cadotto joined Visit Detroit in 2012 as national sales manager and, in 2018, became the associate director, sales. Previously she was a sales manager/sales account executive at The Henry-Autograph Collection, the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Detroit Dearborn, the Radisson Hotel Lansing and Winegardner & Hammons.

She’s an experienced sales professional with 20+ years in the hospitality industry, including work with CVBs, hotel sales management and marketing. She has a B.S. in business administration/marketing and communications from Central Michigan University.

Jennifer Neal-Miller

Manager, Events Jennifer Neal-Miller, DES (digital event strategist), has worked in the hospitality industry since 1985 and joined the Visit Detroit team in 1999.

As the manager of events, she has worked with various departments over the years on marquee events like the ASAE annual meeting’s closing celebration, Super Bowl XL, Ryder Cup, Final Fours and the Frozen Four. She previously worked as sales and convention services manager at the Pontchartrain Hotel Detroit and the Omni Hotel Detroit.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 29

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

VALUING LABOR UNIONS

as the CVB or the venue itself as it leads to jobs. Totaro says, “I have worked with some exceptional business agents and stewards over my career and they can make all the

by Jeanne Brei & Mary Klida

K

aren Totaro, GM of Huntington Place/ ASM Global, came to the venue in April 2021 with extensive experience in venue operations and labor relations. She gives us her thoughts on how important the labor unions are to the convention center business in any city: “Labor unions are the backbone of our industry and it is important when we sell our venue that we sell the skilled labor within,” says Totaro.

“In venues in particular, a majority of event-based union members have been doing the job for 10 years or more, most have been in that same venue so they’ve learned all the ins and outs, what works and what doesn’t and that can save a client time and money.”

Totaro has learned from her tive and working as the COO for the San Diego CC Corp., GM of the Atlantic City CC, assistant GM of the Duke Energy CC in Cincinnati and the assistant executive director at the Oregon CC. She led the teams in Portland and San Diego in achieving the highest industry honor, the coveted “Venue Excellence Award” awarded by the International Association of Venue Managers. She believes that because union and team 30 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

members have built relationships over the years, they can talk in shorthand with each other, again leading to speed and consistency of work results. In unions end up synchronized.

For instance, electricians may behind them may be carpenters laying carpet. Since they have done this for so long, they know than anyone and they know what saves time and energy, and thus cost savings follow.”

Totaro continues, “Here at Huntington Place we value our long-term relationships with our unions. We have had recent success with creating a quarterly meeting with our senior event-based department heads and the event-based union business agents and stewards.

We come with a pre-determined agenda that everyone has had the opportunity to add items they want to discuss. It has been a great way for me as the new GM to start building trust and open the lines of communication. We share changes coming to the venue like a capital project or new equipment. Our sales director talks about the business

forecast and what months are looking strong and what type of shows are close to signing.

Our head of events reviews the current calendar and makes sure everyone has the info they need to succeed in working the upcoming events. Operations reminds all about things like closing roll-up doors and not driving carts in the public spaces. We are working toward cy Memorandum’ that outlines the jurisdictions, not to change anything but to help work toinstances where there is vague language. We have a great group of folks involved and I know we can resolve anything working together for the good of our community.”

Labor wants business in the city and the venue, as much

I very much want their expertise and skill set ... I want the team that is trained and certified ...

an irate client. We are all in the customer service business and that does not mean the customer is always right; it simply means the customer is the customer and we certainly want to help them succeed so they will want to return.

Equally as important we want the customer to share their experience with their industry peers who may be looking to host an event.”

Labor can be protective of their jurisdictions but, Totaro believes, “that is a good thing as it goes back to the training and the skill of our labor forces. I know I want to run a safe building, a safe operacontractors and our attendees to leave at the end of the day as healthy as they came in that day so when one union is responsible for major electric installs I very much want their expertise and skill set; same for hanging heavy loads above team that is trained and certiIt takes a village to put on a tradeshow or conference and labor basically builds a city for the most important day of each event’s life and then they dismantle it and build another city, over and over for the next events. As Totaro explains, “It takes skill, patience and a sense of humor to succeed in this business and, in my experience, labor brings that to the table each and every day.”

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

Keeping the bee hives on the green roof at Huntington Place

LEADING IN SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

A

new story is being written in Detroit.

It’s about people and place. It is about the character of community and the places they gather.

The recent event industry slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Huntington Place from continuing to make strides in continually improving environmental safety of the venue and Green Event Services to customers. In 2020, Huntington Place was awarded the 2020 USGBC Leadership Award for Energy and Environmental Design, the only convention center in the world to receive this award in its history. According to LEED representatives, “The 2020 recipients represent leaders who are driving the adoption of LEED across business portfolios, higher education and green helping to advance Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance, resilience planning and innovative waste management solutions.” @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

Huntington Place was awarded the Community Safe Haven award at Michigan Energy Summit at the 2021 Michigan Energy Summit.

It has been a program of the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan since 2014. The center was recognized with this award for providing several essential community services in downtown Detroit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To align itself with the curability, Huntington Place has adapted its program with the in Metro Detroit, the international event industry and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to support day-to-day operations to meet all stakeholder goals. of the Green Committee and its local agency network has of waste was diverted from the waste stream pre-pandemic, including 60 tons of post-

by Mary Klida

event donations that were uptotal also included 112 tons of food and kitchen waste, which were redistributed as compost to local urban gardens by the venue’s composting partner.

Energy consumption was reduced by 24 percent.

Each year, the center’s Green Committee makes great strides in expanding the venue’s program. The expansion of the living green roof now includes organic herb garden that provides fresh produce to local farm-to-table restaurants. Lactation stations have been instituted at the center. They are especially equipped for nursing who are visiting during events.

Water stations are scattered water bottles and reduce single-use plastic waste. In 2020, Huntington Place committed to eliminating the use of foam core and other non-biodegradable materials in the venue and continues to work with events to distribute reusable materials

can upcycle or reuse them.

Huntington Place has a professional and experienced team that partners with the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau and the regional hospitality community to fully support shows and conventions at the facility. As an economic engine for the Metro Detroit region and the state of Michigan, the venue’s team works together in cooperation with regional partners and is committed to providing outstanding experiences for guests and sustainable operations for Metro Detroit citizenry. Everyone is invited to join the green world more sustainable for future generations.

Green Committee goals in 2022 included expansion of

attainment of LEED platinum status and expansion of the venue’s corporate social responsibility program called Huntington Place Impact.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 31

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

“AMERICA’S COMEBACK CITY” IS READY TO RETURN TO BUSINESS

by Renee Monforton, VP, Marketing and Communications, Visit Detroit

T

here’s what you hear about Detroit and there’s what we know to be true.

Detroit is a city of determination, tenacity, energy and vibrancy. It is the epicenter of innovation, often demonstrated by Ford, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors who are propelling their vehicles and technology well into the future.

It is a city of collaborations that move the world—like the recent partnership between Apple and Michigan State University 32 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

U.S.-based Developer Academy in Detroit and educate a new generation of tech leaders.

Detroit has an uncrushable spirit that rebounds even stronger when faced with a crisis, like it is doing right now.

We have a compelling story for you to consider as you plan your upcoming meetings.

Detroit … There’s What We See We see signature, one-of-akind attractions throughout our region, like the Henry Ford Mu-

Village, showcasing important moments in America you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

We see a gorgeous fivemile Riverwalk adjacent to our convention center and just named the “Best Riverwalk in the Country” by USA Today readers.

We also see the second largest museum in the world that showcases and recounts black history, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American history.

From downtown, we see beautiful Canada, just across our riverfront. In fact, in our city, you can kayak between two countries. You can’t say that everywhere.

We see a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures, showcased in the food and attractions of many neighborhoods, such as Greektown, Dearborn’s Arab-American community, Mexicantown and the Polish enclave of Hamtramck.

The opportunities to combine business and fun in Detroit are endless.

We work. We earn.

We give.

Our partners do many things well, including knowing how to pivot when it’s neces-

SPOTLIGHT ON HUNTINGTON PLACE

Detroit has an uncrushable spirit that rebounds even stronger when faced with a crisis, like it is doing right now ... It is the epicenter of innovation ... sary. Delta Airlines, a longtime partner of Visit Detroit, pivoted quickly during the pandemic and has now earned a reputation as an airline leader in safety readiness.

Delta’s new safety and cleanliness standards, implemented

Today that studio is a huge asset as many meetings are now seeking virtual or hybrid elements. And Huntington Place offers complimentary wi-fi throughout its entire facility … an amenity more important than ever in these times when the ability to communicate quickly and globally is vital. These enhancements are a bonus to the center that was completely revitalized and transformed five years ago.

Our 30,000-sq.ft. Suburban Collection Showcase is our other large convention center,

troit had earned the title of “America’s Comeback City.”

It is still true today. Thanks to the uncrushable spirit of Detroiters, progress never stopped in 2020 and 2021.

One great example is Ford’s reinvention of our historic train station into a hub for futuristic auto technology. Work on that project, which will employ Ford innovators in our historic Corktown neighborhood, kept moving forward in 2020 and in 2021. Progress never stopped on a stunning, new mixed-use development on the former site of J.L.

another outstanding option for meetings. It is conveniently located in the metro Detroit suburb of Novi, and is about 30 minutes from downtown.

heart of downtown.

Now, Detroit’s hotels continue to evolve. In addition to our large luxury hotels,

Before We Let You Go Before the pandemic, De-

Hotel is Detroit’s new living room. Located in the heart of the city’s historic Wood-

ward shopping district, this 129-room boutique hotel hospitality experience and was built as a testament to the renowned, Detroit-based Shinola watch brand.

Other stunning boutique hotels downtown include the 100-room Foundation Hotel, which was originally headquarters, the 106-room Siren Hotel in the Wurlitzer Building, and the 110-room Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building. The former Hotel Pontchartrain had a $5 million renovation and is now Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel. Our newest additions include a new Cambria Hotel downtown and a luxury property, the Daxton Hotel, in Birmingham.

We look forward to seeing you in Detroit soon.

the charts. They will inspire Detroit’s busy Metro Airport is a Delta hub and a customer favorite. It is regularly rated one of the top airports for customer service by J.D. Power.

We know transportation connectivity is critical for meeting attendees. Our region is an easily accessible destinaor a half day’s drive from 60 percent of the U.S. population.

We dream. We achieve.

A few years ago, our 723,000-sq.ft. convention center had the foresight to create an in-house video production studio to enhance its offerings to meetings. @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 33

TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION

Mapping the Road Ahead in 2022 FORGING NEW LINKS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

BY H. K. WILSON

According to the American Trucking Association, truck drivers move, on average, 11.84 billion tons (roughly 80 percent) of our nation’s freight annually. During the pandemic, these frontline heroes ensured that food, medical supplies, building materials and other necessities continued to reach every corner of the country.

They kept the wheels of society turning long before we knew just how dangerous COVID would prove to be and well in advance of available vaccines.

Imagine spending long hours alone on the road with only the radio for company, navigating inclement weather and dangerous travel conditions, powering up on truck stop food and expensive diesel fuel, counting the miles to the next destination—only to arrive there and wait for hours a load. This is a day in the life for many long-distance truck drivers in 2022.

34 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Most of us never even thought about the “supply chain” until 2020. Now, it is a part of our daily conversation, shelves empty or our Amazon orders delayed. In an unprecedented event referred to by the media as “Containergeddon,” upward of 170 container at the Long Beach and Los Angeles terminals waiting to unload goods in November 2021, with no space in the recent months, truckers hired have often had to wait for days before being able to access what they came for.

To help explain the backlog, roughly 90 percent of the world's global trade is shipped by sea, and 70 percent of that is in containers. Increasingly, the U.S. relies upon imported goods, particularly from China and other Asian nations. With the onset of the pandemic,

global trade slowed as factories in China and elsewhere closed. Supply and demand fell, so shipping volume also slowed. But as it became clear that COVID was here to stay, and with stimulus money in hand, Americans began buying everything in sight. Now, ports are unloading record amounts of cargo, especially in Long Beach-L.A., where approximately 36 percent of U.S. imports land.

Supply chain woes are further compounded by a years-long driver shortage, a problem exacerbated by the comparatively low wages and unsatisfactory working conditions common to the industry.

Further, the average age for truck drivers in the U.S. is approximately 55 years old, and the pandemic has accelerated the retirement of drivers around the country. Meanwhile, the American Trucking Association reports that the demand for truckers had

already more than doubled before the pandemic. In 2019, it estimated that the U.S. was short by 60,000 drivers. That number is now estimated at 80,000 and is expected to increase to more than 100,000 by 2023.

The View From the Loading Dock As event venues reopen to packed calendars, there is a logjam of incoming and outgoing freight. Truckers who service the events industry— without whom there would be no booths, no products to display and simply no shows— have the added frustrations of dealing with the industry’s complicated logistics and time delays. Add this to a supply chain already on the verge of breaking, and you have an industry crisis in the making.

But do not despair—leading transportation providers are busy forging new links in the supply chain.

Superior Logistics Superior Logistics has long been a go-to in the tradeshow industry. With more than 20 years of logistical exper200-plus trucks, Superior understands the intricate world of tradeshow shipping. Its drivers and team have visited show halls and hotels across the country and have the know-how job done wherever an event is taking place.

According to Superior Logistics Managing Director Joe Martillaro, the largest his company is grappling with

is the driver shortage. He said, “We have a huge void in the number of drivers that we need, versus the number of drivers at our disposal. The position has become less attractive over the years for a variety of reasons, but this has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the supply Joe chain crunch Martillaro our country faces as we struggle to return to normalcy. When we have a

an all-time high, this has a tremendous negative imspecialized drivers for the … tradeshow and event move.”

Superior has not been idle in creating solutions to cope with this challenge. Marillaro continues, “As a hybrid company, with both assets and drivers and a full service logistics segment, we are saddled with dealing with the impacts on both sides of the pond. The absolute key is driver retention and driver recruitment. We are working to maintain extremely new equipment with the very best technology and comforts for our drivers. Additionally, we have increased driver pay three times during the past 10 months, to coincide with the market conditions and massive demand. On the logistics side of the business,

it is a matter of maintaining stable relationships with owner operators and carrier partners to ensure that capacity is there when we need it for our event and show clients.”

Yellow Company Yellow Director of Inside Sales, Tradeshows and Associations Jason Olinger echoed Martillaro’s sentiments and Jason says that industry Olinger mainstay Yellow has opened Driving Academies across the country to recruit, hire and train new drivers.

Yellow is one of the leading transportation companies in North America. It has been moving tradeshow materials safely and efficiently for 30 years.

Of note is the fact that the company announced its rebrand from YRC Worldwide to Yellow Corporation (NASDAQ: YRCW) in February 2021. With the rebrand is a streamline its experience for customers. “The Yellow brand is synonymous with the LTL industry, and we are honored to continue its proud legacy of service with one of the largest, most comprehensive logistics and LTL networks in North America,” says CEO Darren Hawkins. “Migrating to one Yellow technology platform and creating one Yellow network are the key enablers of our enterprise transformation strategy, which is to provide a superior customer experience under one Yellow brand.”

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 35

TRADESHOW TRANSPORTATION

to properly and safely move their show freight to their event than we did pre-pandemic. … I would want them to know that we simply will not cut corners and that they can rely on us to get the job done right, regardless of how challenging things Superior Logistics is currently hiring sales people, logistics coordinators, customer service specialists and drivers. “We are open for business, and business is booming,” Martillaro says.

The industry-wide slowdown has given Champion time to fo-

Champion Logistics Group Champion Logistics Group is a women-owned compa-

disrupted nearly every aspect of the global supply chain, and moving forward, the tradeshow

than most. Skilled drivers are Business Enterprise being paid top-dollar in National Council. other industries—doFounded in 1980, ing so without the Champion has long waits and grown to become increased respona global logistics sibilities associleader. By virtue ated with tradeof its specialized shows and live transportation diC.J. Berg events. This may vision for tradeshows drive rates even higher and events, Champion is as our industry battles to celebrated as a reliable source retain these skilled drivers.” for exhibit material delivery To answer those challenges, and coordination.

Berg says that “Champion’s Champion Director of Sales procurement department conand Marketing C.J. Berg comtinues to vet new drivers and mented further on challenges carriers. We’ve also increased the company is facing in 2022. our focus on training existing “As the tradeshow industry drivers who may be unfamilinches closer to a full recovery, driver shortages and escalating show transportation.” transportation costs will cerBerg also says that increastainly spill into early 2022, if ing the driver pool should not beyond. The pandemic has help to alleviate the problem.

36 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

“As it currently stands, you must be 21 years old to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines. The new infrastructure bill contains a provision focused on the driver shortage—potentially allowing drivers under the age of 21.

The FMCSA is backing this bill and conducting a three-year pilot program to determine of allowing younger drivers to operate a commercial vehicle.

If the pilot is successful, our industry would see a potential

Mapping the Road Ahead As many strains on the supply chain are expected to continue beyond 2022, transportation companies are eager to collaborate with their customers and serve them with excellence.

Martillaro says he wants customers to know “that we are -

initiative was technology driven. Champion just launched our new tradeshow portal, which gives clients the ability to create online tradeshow orders and quotes, check tracking statuses, download all tradeshow documents, and gather all pertinent information regarding a toward 2022, Champion will continue to improve our online tools, automation services and customer service experience.”

Event organizers and exhibitors can help ease the strain by working proactively with freight companies. “Plan ahead,” says Berg. “For larger shows, driver availability will be very tight. Exhibitors who book early will lock in available trucks and receive lower transportation costs. By waiting, you increase the likelihood of missing a show or paying exorbitant rates as capacity shrinks.”

Olinger counsels, “The earlier exhibitors can ship their booths the better. Yellow

we've increased … our training of drivers on the specifics of tradeshow transportation … advance of each tradeshow, and we encourage exhibitors to ship early and take advantage of this value-added service with Yellow. As colder weather approaches, remember trucking is an outdoor sport. It might be sunny in San Diego, but there could be a foot of snow in Chicago that may delay transportation.

Plan ahead, and take weather into consideration when shipping to tradeshows.”

More than ever, the success of any show requires heightened communication and cooperation among contractors, exhibitors, transportation companies and installation and dismantle (I&D) labor suppliers.

Martillaro suggests propble-checking material handling agreements to ensure that piece counts are accurate and sending this documentation to show carriers. “We are all saddled with planning with more advanced notice what is available to us from an equipment and solutions perspective. We see clients being more committed to communication on the show @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ting material handling documents and a strong desire to work together more to ensure things get done correctly.”

Lancaster Management Services has been an I&D labor provider to the tradeshow sector for nearly 15 years. With expertise in small markets, Lancaster has opened up full service in more than 30 cities, with company vehicles, equipment and select talent. The cy, eliminate uncertainty and enhance the value of its clients’ appearance at both tradeshows and permanent installs.

Lancaster Management Services Director of Accounts and Marketing Cara Roach explains that the I&D labor market is currently struggling own. “Patience is still going to be key with working in this

industry next year. We are labor shortages and getting back to our ‘normal,’ but with patience, we can all have very successful events.”

Vaccination mandates put in place by various cities and venues are among the company’s biggest challenges in 2022. “This causes stress on being able to have the right people and enough people to be able to work. We have great workers who want to work, but due to the vaccination mandates, are unable to work at certain shows at critical times. The solutions are out of our control, as we have a philosophy that our employees have a right to choose if they want to be vaccinated or not.”

To help alleviate labor frustrations for its clients,

Lancaster Management Services has expanded its Cara direct cities and Roach hired new managers. “We have Jesse Barlow, who is our Las Vegas city manager, and we are a direct provider in Chicago,” Roach says. “2022 will be the comeback year for the events industry and will pave the way for an incredible 2023!”

Olinger concludes with some sage advice for everyone. “Since the pandemic, our world has changed. As we get back to tradeshows, don’t take anything for granted, and don’t assume the way things used to be still are today. Work with your providers for all aspects of your tradeshow experience, ask your providers what has changed, and how we can work together to get our great industry back on its feet.”

Lancaster Management Services I&D hard at work at the Colorado Convention Center

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 37

YEAR IN REVIEW

2021: Year in Review

BY AMADEUS FINLAY

After the world-shaking trials of 2020 that saw the tradeshow, event and conference industry all but close up shop, 2021 showed numerous signs of recovery. This Year in Review takes a look at the key moments of each of the past 12 months, visiting each month in turn, and setting the stage for what promises to be a roaring 2022.

In a similar vein was PCMA Convening Leaders 2021 expo, which was an experimental global hybrid event composed of physical meetings being held in Las Vegas, Palm Beach and Singapore (to name a few), plus a digital audience tuning in from across the world.

January also came with the news that IMEX 2021, slated to be held in Frankfurt May 25-27, had been canceled. In and chairman of IMEX, the decision was made with mixed feelings, but promised that IMEX America would proceed as planned as an in-person event in Las Vegas in November. The same can be said for InfoComm 2021, which was moved from its original June 12-18 dates at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, to a revised slot of Oct. 23-29.

January ever digital Consumer Electronics Show, held Jan. 11-14, following a COVID-forced announcement in July 2020 that the 2021 edition would be online only. Despite the planet’s leading show for all things tech being denied its essential hands-on experience, CES 2021 was an unprecedented success. More than 80,000 attendees and day event, making it the largest digital conference in history. Not to be outdone, CES 2022 will be a hybrid event, with organizers fusing the most successful digital elements with the existing in-person format.

February There was some news to love in February, as Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that event capacities in the Tradeshow State would be lifted from 35 percent capacity up to 50 percent cathe news that the National Hardware Show’s 75th anniversary event would be held in-person Oct. 21-23, 2021, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

February also saw the formation of an advocacy group dubbed the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, a coalition of industry associations that promote the common interests of tradeshows and exhibitions with legislators while driving awareness sional support. Not as welcome was the announcement that the 2021 National Restaurant Association Show was being postponed until May 2022 due to the unavailability of McCormick

38 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD

Center in Chicago, shut as a result of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings.

March March saw the Center for Exhibition Industry Research release a damning state of the industry report for 2020, which saw a 78.8 percent Total Index downturn over 2019. However, the pandemic-hit industry did begin to show signs of growth in Q4 2020, a trend that continued through Q1 2021. The good news for March was the reopening of The Hawaii Convention Center and the ribbon cutting at the 30,000 ft. Eastwood Event Centre in Niles, Ohio.

Further encouragement came when the Nevada Department of Business and Industry approved World of Concrete to be held June 8-10 at the LVCC. March also saw HIMSS being ordered to pay $2.8 million in unrefunded fees for their canceled 2020 show, with the Chicago-based group originally proposing toward a future event, before being hit by the court order.

April April was a relatively quiet month.

CEIR announced that PREDICT, the annual exhibition industry outlook conference, would be held in-person in Sept. 13-14 at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, while in Las Vegas, Worre Studios opened a multi-million dollar interactive space designed to host 30,000 online users in a 25,000-sq.ft. space surrounded by a 360-degree, 1.9mm 4k LED interactive screen.

May More went on in May, as the newly-named Huntington Place in Detroit,,

announced that it would be reopening for events come June 25, while the National Hardware Show committed to an in-person event at the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 21-23. Of note was Bizzabo’s Virtual Attendee Experience Report, which analyzed survey responses from 700 attendees and data from 967 events held during 2020. The report found that while digital and hybrid events were popular, largely due to circumstance, nothing can replace the impact and importance of an in-person conference.

June Two of the biggest news stories of the year came in June, and both occurred at of a $1 billion addition—the new, state-ofthe-art West Hall. The second, following on the same day, was when the LVCC’s West Hall opened its debut doors to World in the country since March 2020. More than 650 exhibitors turned out to toast the months. Other news in June saw Reed Exhibitions rebranding as RX, and Exhibitor Advocacy Group releasing a white paper on the future success of tradeshows.

of the leading players in the event management and labor services sector.

August Last-minute cancellations rocked the Auto Show, NAFEM, AANA, RILA, AANS and AVA, pulled out weeks before doors were due to open, with ResCon postponing until April 2022. Some good news came in the second week of the month as The New Orleans Saints and Caesars Entertainment formed a 20-year naming-rights partnership that rebranded New Orleans’ iconic downtown stadium as the Caesars Superdome, home of Super Bowl LIX, to be played in February 2025.

September In Florida, the Orange County Convention Center received GBAC STAR™ July accreditation from the Global Biorisk July’s headline story was that Nth Degree Advisory Council for adherence to health added members of Renaissance Manageand safety protocols through more than ment’s I&D team to their ranks, reinforcing 100 live events since the beginning of the pandemic. Meanwhile, in Louisville, Kentucky, The Utility Expo reported that its 2021 event added 7 percent more exhibit space than its record-breaking 2019 show. Back in Vegas, MINExpo attracted more than 21,000 attendees to the LVCC. The month’s bad news came with the postponement of the NAB Show to April Orange County Convention Center 2022. @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

October More positive signs came in October, as the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) brought more than 13,000 attendees and 233 exhibitors together for a four-day meeting at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, InfoComm 2021 hosted D=SIGN, the digital signage conference, as two half-day programs, running Oct. 26-27, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

November November by launching the SEMA Show at the LVCC on Nov. 2., with more than 50,000 attendees descending on Sin City for the four-day event. And as expected, IMEX America hit the Las Vegas Sands Nov. 9-11 with the sort of oomph they had promised back in January, attracting more than 3,300 buyers, 2,200 exhibiting companies and attendees from 200 countries (the travel ban for international travelers to the U.S. was fortunately lifted on Nov. 9, the show’s opening day).

December Santa’s sleigh brought a successful National Finals Rodeo to Las Vegas, CEIR opened the month with a multi-channel guide to planning B2B in-person events in 2022, always a good sign, and CVent reported expansion within its live event marketplace. And the news that Super Bowl LVIII will be held in Las Vegas in 2024.

All things considered, although it wasn’t the best of times, it also wasn’t the worst.

Hopefully 2022 stays on track for the industry’s comeback recovery.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 39

PRODUCT PROFILE/ADVERTORIAL

Take Your Tradeshow Giveaways from Trash to Treasure

by Tristin Vaccaro

A

fter a long day on the show floor, there are two things every tradeshow attendee is guaranteed to walk away with: sore feet and a bag of swag. But what if there was a piece of swag in that bag that could relieve sore feet instantly? That piece of swag suddenly becomes the most useful, sought-after promotional item of the show. That piece of swag is Foot Rescue.

You might not know them by name yet, but Foot Rescue has 40 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

positioned themselves to become the hottest promotional item of tradeshows to come. The spray-on topical formula is designed to instantly provide soothing relief to hot, tired and achy feet. Foot Rescue contains a unique blend of natural ingredients that smell great and leave no residue. For attendees and the overworked exhibitor, finding Foot Rescue at a tradeshow booth is like finding an oasis in a desert. For event marketers, it is like having the golden goose.

Event marketers spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per show on promotional giveaways. With more than 70 percent of promotional items distributed at tradeshows ending up in the trash before show’s end, valuable marketing dollars are at stake.

Make no mistake, though, tradeshow giveaways are not to be dismissed as a waste of money. Great giveaways have the unmatched potential to generate attendee buzz, drive booth traffic and keep a brand top-of-mind for weeks to come. Branded Foot Rescue delivers as a value-add in all these categories.

The fact is, utility separates giveaway trash from giveaway treasure. Because Foot Rescue provides instant relief, there is no doubt attendees will be pulling their Foot Rescue out multiple times over the duration of a show. Like music to a marketer’s ears, questions like, “Where did you get that?” and, “Can I get one, too?” are sure to follow. Foot Rescue is avail-

PRODUCT PROFILE/ADVERTORIAL

This is your handy, painreducing solution for those tired feet... able in credit card style and travel-sized sprayers. Branded with your company name and logo, Foot Rescue is one giveaway that is sure to command attention even beyond show close.

Foot Rescue’s introduction into the tradeshow market could not be timelier, as many tradeshow organizers are choosing to forego aisle carpet to address budget concerns. “You’re walking for days to your sessions. You’re walking for days through the exhibit hall. This is your handy, pain-reducing solution for those tired feet,” says Foot Rescue @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

CEO and founder Nikki Oden, who has nearly two decades of experience in the international beauty industry.

This therapeutic natural spray is formulated with eucalyptus and aloe to relieve pain and inflammation, hemp seed oil extract to moisturize, and menthol and medicinal strength lidocaine to provide pain relief on contact. Although Foot Rescue is just starting their push into branded promotional items, the product has already been featured on QVC and in Glamour magazine.

To further cement Foot Rescue’s staying power as a superior product giveaway, Oden points out that Foot Rescue’s price point is not far off from the pricing of common “junk” giveaways.

“It is within the same price range as a stress ball,” says Oden. The choice between stress balls, that will, let’s face it, likely end up in the trash, and Foot Rescue seems clear.

Swag, promotional items, giveaways—whatever you call them, the

branded materials given out at your booth can either cement your status as the “can’t miss” brand or give you the reputation as the person who hands out stuff you don’t want to carry around for hours on the show floor.

Foot Rescue is undoubtedly a premium piece of tradeshow swag that is sure to delight attendees and marketers alike. Unlike pens, calendars and even stress balls, Foot Rescue is a true value-add for any organization looking to up their brand presence on and beyond the show floor.

For more info, visit footrescue.com or contact Melanie at mblv@footrescue.com and mention this article for discounted bulk pricing.

Tristin Vaccaro is an experienced copywriter, marketer, and sales executive with experience in the live event and security industry.

She has recently launched her own freelance copy and content writing firm and can be reached at tristin@vaccarocms.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 41

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tradeshows Work.

They Work Very Well.

Mark Johnson, CEO, Star -

by Bob McGlincy

T

he Consumer Electronics Show, “the most

in the world,” opened on

Frédérique “Freddie” Georges, CEO and Founder, FG/PG

commitment to return

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Durl Jensen, President, CDI USA, Inc., CDI World

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-

-

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Rip Rippetoe, President and CEO, San Diego Convention Center

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Kelly Helfman, President, Informa Markets Fashion

seller is its serendipitous

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Sam Lippman, President, Lippman Connects

pop culture to consumer shows

42 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

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David King, President, Willwork Global Event Services

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Herb Besaw. President & CEO, Spoon Exhibits and Events

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Karen Chupka, Executive Vice President, CES, CTA

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Anik Forest, President, Archex -

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Michael McMahon, President & CEO, Hill & Partners, Inc. -

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Tom Corcoran, President, Corcoran Expositions -

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Matt Hrdlicka, President, Limitless Exhibits

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@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

Bob McGlincy is director, business management at Willwork Global Event Services. Willwork creates engaging, energized, and exceptional event experiences. He can be contacted at Bob.McGlincy@willwork.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 43

Here. ready. stronger than ever.

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

Hamilton’s Wow Booth at ExhibitorLIVE featured QR codes

Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD

HighMark Tech’s YOURspace A Perfect Pandemic Pivot

Pg. 46-48

Hamilton Creates a Wow at ExhibitorLIVE Pg. 50-51

BlueHive Exhibits Raises the Bar on Booth Design Pg. 52-53

IUPAT’s Dean Wanty Wears Many Hats Pg. 54

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) 272-0182 and ask for sales. @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 45

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

Highmark’s YOURspace— The Execution of a Perfect Pandemic Pivot

By Emily Olson

W

hen COVID-19 was detected in the U.S., many industries were shaken, but remained able to conduct business remotely. The tradeshow and live events market, however, did not have that opportunity as evevents supply chain. This left Highmark TechSystems, a supplier of modular systems for indoor and outdoor structures and architecture used at events, without its primary customer base, which includes designers and producers of exhibits and events. If not for the quick 46 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

thinking of YOURspace co-founders David Faust and Debbie Parrott, Highmark could have become a COVID casualty.

Two months after the pandemic hit, Faust approached Parrott, owner and CEO of Highmark, with an idea. He imagined parents and children working and learning from home—perhaps with a couple of pets and maybe a toddler underfoot—and desperate for some privacy and quiet so they could focus. What if they could create an aesthetically pleasing structure that allowed for privacy and productivity and could be quickly

and easily set up in the home? Parrott was immediately intrigued by the idea, certain that these structures could be built using Highmark’s exhibit system components, and YOURspace was born as a pivot pursuit for Highmark.

With more than 20 years of creating and dismantled quickly, and a vast inventory of its proprietary modular systems and components readily in stock, Highmark was the perfect partner to design

an ideal use of Highmark’s proven extrusion-based systems technology,” says

a rental option for their exhibit structure needs, the company went into the pandemic with extensive new and freshly refurbished rental components on the shelf. development and the market launch of YOURspace incredibly fast.

YOURspace pods look a break room. The company options, but the pods are fully customizable. They

modularity. They can be made in a variety of interior and exterior decor or brand. They can be designed with or without windows, depending on privacy needs, and are ADA compliant inside a crowded family home or a busone person or many and can be expanded or contracted depending on the user’s the options of interior white boards, additional sound dampening and wall mounted desks and shelves, as well as

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

uses such as gaming or David sensory space.

Faust The office pods quickly gained popularity for home use, but as the pandemic lingered and families, companies and schools began thinking of ways to embrace their new normal, YOURspace has proved itself useful outside of the home. For example, the open floor plan that was designers go-to for the last couple of decades had been losing popularity even before the pandemic’s health and safety demands made it obsolete. Rather than take on the burden of astronomical renovation costs—particularly when revenue streams were drying up—com-

panies purchased or rented office pods to keep employees socially distant as they returned to work. “Organizations seek solutions that fall somewhere between architecture and furniture to achieve flexible, changeable workstations that allow for activity-based collaboration and independent work,” explains Parrott.

YOURspace has been in operation for more than a year and has found a variety of applications beyond markets. YOURspace pods can serve as teaching space in schools and universities, gaming pods, sensory pods Debbie Parrott or even pop-up retail. They ity not only in the corporate world and residential settings, but also in public settings, such as airports, libraries and event spaces.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 47

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

David Faust has found that YOURspace’s usage has evolved considerably.

“As we launched into the market, we found there were a lot more commercial applications than we anticipated, airports being one of those,” Faust explains. “Airport terminals that are layover-centric don’t have great environments for taking Zoom calls or conference calls, much less casual phone and starting to get more into their normal routines with business and vacation travel, we can put these up to give people more privacy. If they are there for an hour or three, they have somewhere to go and be productive.”

Given YOURspace’s roots in Highmark technology, it’s not surprising that the tradeshow industry has become a natural home for the pods. Because they can hold more than one person, the pods provide an alternative to renting break-out rooms for meetings and private space for impromptu conversations. The pods also solve the traditional tradeshow problem that there’s nowhere to take a phone call or conduct a conference call amidst the 48 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Thankfully for Highmark, innovation is in our DNA ...while it has leveraged the many strengths of Highmark’s team, it has also stretched us in positive ways ... hustle and bustle of a convention. “Instead of people lining up in the hallway, straining to hear the person on the other end of the line, the pods can act like an old school phone booth!” says Parrott.

They also provide an obvious sponsor-

ship opportunity—they can easily be branded inside and outside by companies or associations that want to rent a pod and provide a useful service for tradeshow attendees.

The tradeshow industry—and the travel that goes with it—is coming back as an economic force. The habits we developed while working from home have made us more focused, The Highmark YOURspace pivot recognizes our new ways of working and provides an element of privacy in an otherwise crowded, people-intensive industry.

When the events industry shut down for a year and a half, companies like Highmark had to get creative and innovative in order to survive. “Thankfully for Highmark, innovation is in our DNA,” says Parrott.

“It really has been an impressive and fun challenge,” she continues. “While it has leveraged the many strengths of Highmark’s team, it has also stretched us in positive ways, reminding us that our products have legs beyond the events industry.”

For more info, visit www.yourspaceinc.com

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor PROJECT CREDITS Lead Designer: Josh Frisbie, Creative Director – Hamilton Builder: Hamilton Production/Engineering: Hamilton Exhibit Construction: Hamilton Graphics Production: Hamilton Photography: Exposures Exhibit I&D: Hamilton Supervisor + Sho-Link

Hamilton Creates a Wow at EXHIBITORLIVE

By Emily Olson Photography by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD 50 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

H

amilton, an Indianapolis-based, full-service event marketing agency that’s been in the business for 74 years, creates immersive brand experiences for companies by designing, producing and executing integrated experiences with

the aim of helping their clients create meaningful connections with their audience.

They put their expertise on display with their booth at the 2021 EXHIBITORLIVE—a booth so unusual and impressive that it won a place as one of Exhibit City News’ Wow booths.

The thing that stood out immediately to tradeshow it was from what a typical tradeshow booth looks like.

One attendee called it an “unbooth”—there were no tables, chairs, cabinets or counters. It made people think.

Courtney Cantor, marketing director of Hamilton, says of the booth, “We wanted to create an immersive experience without relying on traditional exhibitry. We challenged ourselves to create a booth that was impactful, yet minimalistic, and showcased our broader event marketing capabilities. To be memorable, we knew we had to think bigger, deeper and simpler.”

Hamilton’s theme was “Discover New Perspectives,” and every element of the booth challenged attendees to do just that. “The booth had to be experiential, not transactional— open and inviting, with multiple points of entry and opportunities for engagement,” says Cantor. “It was also important that it could be self-driven.

Each pillar included a QR code where the visitor could scan to learn more and answer trivia questions, using HUB LIVE, Hamilton’s proprietary touchless engagement solution.”

The booth provided a sensory and immersive experience for people who stopped by, providing an oasis to escape to @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

was engulfed in shifting lights, sounds and imagery. An overhead, double-sided, LED-tile hanging sign cycled through visuals from six distinct environments: snow, forest, sea, desert, waterfall and city. With each change of the environment, the atmosphere changed—from the sounds in the space to the textural lighting dancing on the The choice to use natural elements in the booth was a deliberate one. “We wanted to infuse organic elements into the space to juxtapose the high-tech features,” says Cantor. “We used six 10-foottall sycamore wood planks each signifying one of our core Environments, Proprietary Events and Conferences, Outdoor Events, Mobile Tours and Digital Solutions. We

We wanted to infuse organic elements into the space to juxtapose the high-tech features... used mirrored panels on the closet to allow it to virtually disappear into the space.”

Not only did the booth provide a respite for visitors from the fast-paced, often noisy elements to surprise and delight attendees. “Words engraved into the wood planks,

such as ‘Discover’ and ‘Perspectives,’ could only be read from a certain vantage point, which caused visitors to stop and adjust, then experience an ‘aha’ moment when they read the results.”

That element of the booth turned out to be Cantor’s favorite. “I really liked all the out the space,” she says.

And attendees, partners and competitors provided feedback unlike anything Hamilton had experienced in the past.

One attendee called it the most unique exhibit at the show. Another said it was one of the coolest things they’d ever seen at any show. Still another said that Hamilton’s exhibit raised the bar for the entire show. And speaking of setting a high bar, Cantor says, out how to top it next year!”

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 51

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

By the Numbers:

Booth Footprint: 30 x 50 Install: Ten people installed it over a day and a half Booth Height: 20 feet

BlueHive Exhibits Raises the Bar on Booth Design

By Emily Olson Photography by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD

some amazing memories.” areas with inviting, comfortable white connect with each other. There was a conversation pit, high top tables, a

L

ogMeIn calls themselves “the work-from-anywhere company before work-from-anywhere was a thing.” The organization helps companies connect their workforces so that they can

concepts with his client. “LogMeIn’s clari-

-

Ultimately, the main goal with the was “the best booth at the event by far!” in the space rather than passengers. This 52 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

PROJECT CREDITS Designer: Finn Yonkers Builder: BlueHive Exhibits Production Manager: Chris Littlefield Client Team: Kelsey Campbell Account/Project Management: Amanda Porcaro Production/Engineering: Sean Hopwood Exhibit Construction: BlueHive Exhibits Graphics Production: BlueHive Exhibits Photography: Exposures Exhibit I&D: Lime I&D (div. of BlueHive) AV/ Lighting Design: AVFX/ Kevin Reilly

We wanted attendees to be participants in the space rather than passengers...

-

positive. “The energy, the clarity of the says. “People were blown away.” @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 53

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD

Pictured L-R at ExhibitorLIVE: Steve Bigelow, Jennifer Hernandez, Dave Henderson, Teresa Ellis, Gavin McDonald and Dean Wanty

I negotiate collective bargaining agreements; I negotiate vendor contracts; I get bids for work IUPAT needs ... I get the parking lot plowed...

IUPAT’s Dean Wanty Wears Many Hats

By Emily Olson

A

sking Dean Wanty to describe his work for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 770 in Wisconsin, makes him

knowledges the huge blow that was to the the industry until economic uncertainty in

“A buddy of mine from high school

ing ‘sucker,’ because these jobs are 24/7.”

-

building tradeshow exhibits. That was in

“I got some money together and bought a bunch of gift cards to our local grocery

then reach out to them and say, ‘You need $100 in food cards?’”

But Wanty sees a light at the end of the

back to work. I just taught a forklift class 19 years ago, but he does much more than a smile on my face,” he laughs.

Wanty’s story in the industry began at his all-boys technical high school where he took four years of cabinet making. “After school, I went into the army for three -

54 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

dor contracts, I get bids for work IUPAT needs,” he says. And when snow hits

one back to work and is looking to hire.”

He’s attended a few shows as the inExhibitorLIVE, and I feel attendance was ful about leads. They got some real good connections out of that show.”

And in the tradeshow industry, connections are what it’s all about.

CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT

Huntington Place

L

ocated along a beautifully restored international riverfront in the heart of a vibrant downtown Detroit, the iconic venue is the 16th largest CC in the U.S. It opened in 1960 and was originally named in honor of former Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo, whose vision to build a CC was realized only Detroit-based Chemical Bank, which merged with TCF Financial Corp. in

By Jeanne Brei & Mary Klida

Building Performance, making it the only CC in the award’s history.

A Detroit People Mover station inside the CC makes 13 stops around downtown including Greektown, the Renaissance Center and Grand Circus Park, which can be used to quickly get to a Q-Line station. Nearly three miles of uni-directional elevated track, the Peoper hour, looping downtown in about ASM Global has been managing the

ton Place into a state-of-the-art facility including an 8,000 sq.ft. kitchen with a tasting room, a 40,000-sq.ft. ballroom (the largest ballroom in Michigan), a 30,000-sq.ft. three-story glass atrium; Place has free, ultra high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the facility, two events, programmable video displays outside every meeting room and hospitality services including an information and business service center, full service quet rooms. Food and beverage service Place is a LEED Gold and GBAC-certi-

56 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

establishing the venue as a top CC both nationally and internationally which, lion visitors annually.

During the pandemic suspension of greater Detroit community by distributing more than 3 million pounds of food to agencies that aid local residents, sterilizing PPE for local area hospitals, lot counting center, operating a day center for homeless services and becoming a drive-through location for vaccines,

commissioned to create a large fresco at the venue. Dedicated in Sept. collection of public art and depicts a panoramic view of Detroit’s historical legacy dating back 300 years.

Across the street from Huntington Place is the wonderful Apparatus Room run

by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Lents inside the Foundation Hotel. The Town House (500 Woodward Ave.) remodeled during lockdown and reopened in Sept. with an updated and elevated menu— including a caviar-topped crispy potato dish and A5 wagyu. Prime + Proper is an upscale steakhouse in the Capitol Park Lofts (1145 Griswold St,) with an aging room and butcher counter.

SLEEP Downtown’s renaissance saw several boutique hotels open, including the 100-room Foundation Hotel (May 2017) in the historic Detroit Fire Department headquarters, the 106-room hip Siren Hotel (Spring 2018) in the 1926 Wurlitzer Building; the 129-room posh Shinola Hotel (Jan. 2019) and the 110room Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building (Dec. 2018) which is the only extended stay property in downtown. Adjacent to the CC is Fort Pontchartrain Wyndham Hotel, a 367-room, 25-story high-rise hotel that opened in 1965 and completed a $5 million renovation in 2013. It has an indoor pool and 10,000 sq.ft. of meeting space.

PLAY Cars, sports, Motown, casinos and beautiful Belle Isle park—there’s something for everyone, starting with The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Detroit Institute of Arts Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Motown Museum, Detroit Historical Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, Ford Field and the Detroit International RiverWalk and much more!

Open up to the possibilities We are thrilled to introduce Detroit’s new convention center, Huntington Place. New name. Same place.

Same spectacular view. A place to connect, to see what’s next, for open air and opening minds. A place to meet in a place that moves. We invite you to see the possibilities for yourself. HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

Meet you in Detroit

TM

CONCERTS CONVENTIONS DINING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SHOPPING SPORTING EVENTS

ROSEMONT’S IMPACT FIELD

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/March 2022 57

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Year, New Digs THE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF EXHIBIT CITY NEWS HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A STATE-OF-THE-ART WORKSPACE WITH A MISSION

BY EMILY OLSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY PROCHORCHIK / EXPOSURES LTD

ECN publisher Don Svehla has known Clemente Guillen for nearly three decades. There’s years of friendship and trust between the two of them, so when ECN needed someone to design tion, Svehla didn’t hesitate.

Guillen, who started Clementine Creative Services in 2018, immediately had a representative of Svehla and his spirit. “Anybody who’s met Don knows what a character he is,” Guillen explains. “He’s businesslike, but he’s anything but boring. So I didn’t want to

because Don’s a showman.”

From those two words— 58 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

sprang up. What if the ECN for tradeshow suppliers and service companies to prove that their products, design

With that idea in mind, Guillen contacted ten of the best, most exacting vendor companies in the business and asked them to be partners in the renovation. And the results were astounding. “The products used in the renovation are commercial grade,” Guillen explains.

“The lighting from DS&L is retail lighting. It’s tradeshow

friendly, but also used in restaurants and airports. The network infrastructure that’s enough to handle a small tradesupplied and installed is on par tions they have provided for projects like Samsung at CES.” All these partner suppliers came together to make the renovation a success, much like they come together to make a tradeshow a success. physical structure that represents the workhorse com-

panies behind the tradeshow the spirit of tradeshows as well and almost acts as a museum. “Don had 30 years of memorabilia packed away “I pulled those badges and knick-knacks out of storage and displayed them on the When Guillen talks about redesign, his passion for the industry is evident, particularly when he talks about the details. “I calculated every angle on the desks to be

We spoke with the partner companies about their contributions to the

“Our customers are exhibit companies and general contractors that have a design team in place, but send us their have several seasoned exhibit, event and A/V content designers on our team, like beMatrix and CORT, that are armed with libraries of industry-proven products. We are a white label design service provider up and down their design pipeline and alleviate bottlenecks that delay sales or production.

We approach exhibit companies and ask them to consider us their in-house designers because we understand all the moving parts from fabrication to logistics. Companies can hire a designer, but exhibit

ergonomic,” he explains. “The legs on the sales desk form the Exhibit City News logo. I refurbished and repurposed elements of tradeshow builds to color he chose for the outside of the building is representative of the industry. “The grey echoes the aluminum that makes up the skeletons of the exhibits we build,” he says.

And as a result of the work of Guillen and the contributing partner companies, the premier magazine that represents the tradeshow

literally built by the tradeshow industry. It’s poetic in a way, and serves as a constant source of inspiration to the ECN team.

Hopefully it also will serve as an inspiration to road warriors in Las Vegas for a show. that it would be not only be a great place for the ECN team to work, but would also be a place for entertainment and a lounge space for industry professionals who need a quiet spot to work,” says Guillen. invitation!

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

animal and designers without tradeshow experience don’t know about the challenges you have at a show site.

“For this renovation project, I pulled in companies our team has worked with before. And basically, I not only designed the renovation, but project managed it, supervised the vendors and did a lot of the purchasing. I wrangled everybody and made sure they were in communication and basically made sure they weren’t tripping over each other.”

—Clemente Guillen, Clementine Creative Services, design/project lead “DS&L has been delivering innovative, quality lighting

To rent ECN office space, reserve the podcast studio or just to call ahead to see if the BBQ is on, contact Publisher Don Svehla at DonS@ExhibitCityNews. com or call the office at (702)272-0182.

and supply products along experience and lighting design services for 42 years. The Exhibit City News renovation DS&L core principles. From day one of being called in on this project, we worked with Don and Clemente to understand the new vision they had for the ECN alongside both of them we were able to bring their ideas to life by brightening up their workspace throughout the building, adding colored accent lighting, and adding studio room. All of this was accomplished while incorporating tradeshow lighting elements that they had envisioned. It was our pleasure to partner with ECN on this project and we’re grateful for that opportunity.”

—Mike Sunseri, Display Supply & Lighting, lighting

opportunity to work with our partner Exhibit City News and help them refurbish their headquarters with new and understand their goals and objectives for their upgraded with Clemente Guillen to

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 59

INDUSTRY NEWS

choose the best solution that would meet and exceed their needs. We focused on designs and styles that would complement their upgraded space visually and provide value, through durability and

and materials that would match their desired look at a great price.” —Matt Kelly,

“We were honored with the opportunity to fabricate a custom lightbox and graphics for the Exhibit City News worldwide headquarters. As a permanent installation we used our patented ADA-compliant, single-sided lightbox frame + UL high output LED lighting.

What made this fabrication so custom was perfectly in-setting an LED monitor

of this project. —Dave McCormick, 4 Productions, digital signage displays & computers “Edlen is always delighted to ‘Light the World’ in so many It was our pleasure to assist Exhibit City News with their cians redirected electricity and installed special lighting to vided a needed and a desired working atmosphere.

From convention centers and stadiums across the

cutout backlit prints were also matched the LED lighting temperature to the LED monitor so it would be hard the screen and the backlit seamless backlit+LED monitor. Thank you ECN for truly being a partner over the years.

Your contribution in keeping the exhibit and decorating world informed is second to none. —Josh & Stefanie Bevans, SEG Warehouse, backlit SEG frame and Design to Print, graphics “When Don called and asked if we would be interested in providing some “state-of-theart” equipment to be a part of the newly-renovated ECN 60 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

crannies,’ Edlen, The Power People, is always available to service a customer and help a friend!”—Jim Ness, Edlen, electrical rate into their custom light outstanding list of industry experts in making the ECN a showroom for the industry.

4 Productions provided some new 4k monitors and computers to display some elaborate content in the ECN space. The monitors were delivered to DTP to incorpo-

is quite impactful and ties the whole space together. It was an absolute pleasure to work with the Exhibit City News team to help create this space. ECN provides a voice for our industry and we feel privileged to have been a part

“Preferred Network Provider/We Are Conventions assisted Exhibit City News with WiFi and hardline network, running new cables and setting up computers/monitors for the building.”

—Johnny Fecchino, Preferred Network Provider, network infrastructure

ASSOCIATION NEWS

National TradeShow Alliance Looks Back at 2021 & Forward to 2022

by Laura Palker, president & CEO, National TradeShow Alliance

A

s 2022 approaches, we are optimistic about our return to work and the opportunities that will be uncovered for our industry.

We are excited to open our online membership directory. The directory, a password-protected area that is only accessible to members, for those seeking work and those with job positions open.

Having access to the talent and skill of our membership has already yielded work and provided skilled workforce resources to members. In addition to the ECN Job Board, the Membership Directory adds a personalized approach for working together for successful outcomes.

Looking back over the past year, we have laid the groundwork for connecting, sup-

We have laid the groundwork for connecting, supporting and developing our workforce...

62 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

porting and developing our workforce. In the new year more structured networking opportunities will exist along with educational webinars that will help members refresh skills and learn from the library of knowledge being built on demand. All meetings and webinars will be 30 minutes to allow greater participation. focus to help attendees better organize their time.

We have upgraded our calendar, so you can easily access what is available at any time.

Join members once a month for Mastermind Monday, a topic-focused discussion, with a solution-based perspective.

Tune-Up Tuesdays will be a learning session, to help you

We now have access to the details on our website

savings are ready to launch in the new year.

Watch for new information on our February 10 Virtual Conference and Sponsor Showcase. The content, educational track, games and prizes along with meeting people around the world who will make for an incredibly rewarding day. Can’t make it on February 10? Access to education and sponsors will be on demand for 30 days.

know—from the “Language of TradeShows” to “How to Pack.” looking for, we are here to help, and our member services team will jump in to help. What’s Up Wednesday Zoom meetings the good works of industry leaders. A brief update on advocacy action items, tradeshow schedules, new paradigm shifts and innovations in technology. Thirsty Thursday Zoom meetings will be a fun way to end the month and share our new stories.

NTSA Member Spotlight on David Ravitch David Ravitch has owned and worked for companies that produce tradeshow and point-of-purchase graphics and displays for tradeshows,

events and permanent inHis duties included ordering materials, purchasing equipment, as well as hiring employees, and oversight of graphic production. He was also responsible for new product development and research and development of new processes and techniques graphics. His career started as an artisan and advanced with the advent of technology. His skills include working with Illustrator, Photoshop and Onyx Postershop rip software of Acrobat, Excel and Microsoft Word.

He operated wide-format ished graphics. In 2013, his oversight was valuable in the launch of a new program, Exhibitforce, an app that provided client asset management solutions. His understanding of process helped with setting up the program within the company, as well as directing the training of personnel.

More recently, Ravitch has worked closely with the director of marketing and technology, to research and then transition operations to a cloud server, AWS, and implement VOIP phone service.

Running full circle, he expanded his skills to include project management, presentation and client support.

Ravitch hails from Brooklyn, New York, and is ready to work. He is available for permanent or project-based work. Contact Candi.

Nickerson@nationaltradeshowalliance.org at the National TradeShow Alliance for an e-introduction.

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 10, 2022 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE AND SPONSOR SHOWCASE JOIN US FOR THE DAY | SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE John Cordier | CEO & Co-Founder of Epistemix Inc. Understanding Risks and Relationships between the Pandemic and Live Events.

John and his team at Epistemix are working with industry leaders to better understand the risks and relationships between the pandemic, events, and mitigation strategies. Their data is currently used by the event industry, businesses, school districts, and insurers to manage COVID-19.

Join Industry Leaders and Road Warriors From Around the Globe

NEW SPEAKER ADDED

Register at: www.nationaltradeshowalliance.org JOIN INDUSTRY LEADERS & COLLEAGUES

FOCUS ON CAREER

CONNECTIONS

CUSTOMER SERVICE

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THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTING MEMBERS AND SPONSORS

N A T I O N A L T R A D E S H O W A L L I A N C E . O R G

www.nationaltradeshowalliance.org P: 1-888-713-2083 | F: 1-888-268-4025

ASSOCIATION NEWS

The EDPA Q4 2021 Board of Directors meeting held before start of ACCESS 2021. Not pictured are incoming president Dan Serebin and board member Dana Esposito.

EDPA ACCESS Future Forward Conference Recap

by DJ Heckes, CEO/Owner EXHIB-IT!

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EDPA Future Leaders gathering at ACCESS 2021

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DJ Heckes is owner and CEO of Exhib-it!, providers of graphic design, branding and tradeshow marketing services. From concept to completion, EXHIB-IT! provides event, retail and tradeshow marketing and design for a successful experience—all in one place. For more info, visit www.EXHIB-IT.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 65

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tony Andrews’ Shortest Retirement in History

by Emily Olson

W

hen the pandemic caused nearly universal belt tightening, Tony Andrews had an experience familiar to many: He was out of a job.

Andrews had been in the tradeshow industry for 30 years, starting in the business as a client to a project manager. “I worked for a company that built conveyer machinery,” he explains. “They wanted to start exhibiting at shows and had me take the lead on doing that. I knew nothing about how to exhibit, so I contacted Freeman to help.

For the next couple of years, Freeman taught me the busi-

ness.” When the company he worked for got bought out by a bigger company, Freeman brought Andrews on board as a project manager.

After his time at Freeman, he served as an I&D manager and production manager for companies like Xhibits in Las Vegas and MICE in Phoenix before being hired as operations manager at Derse, where he spent the next 15 years of his career, eventually working as a project manager, managing a large account for them in Dallas. Derse lost that account early in the pandemic and the company suddenly had a dilemma.

They had an experienced and valued project manager, but nothing for him to do.

“I was about to turn 65,” Andrews says, “so I told them, ‘Look, if there’s nothing for me to do, I might as well retire.’” But was he ready to retire? “Not quite,” Andrews chuckles. “But, as we all know, every story has a twist.”

Rather than spending his new-found retirement to go freelance and return to the industry he loves. So he headed to EXHIBITORLIVE to meet up with his colleagues—many of whom protested his early retirependent work. Instead, he from The Trade Group as a project manager. “I liked the people and the looks of the company, how they are highly respected in the industry and their commitment to quality, so I decided to accept the too,” he laughs. “It’s nice to see companies recognize and value people who have been in the business a long time and have a lot of knowledge and experience.”

He brings up an interesting point. How should companies employees with experience at a higher salary point and hiring people new to the business at a lower salary who don’t have the experience, but keep the industry alive? “I agree that hiring younger and cheaper is a thing that’s happening,” Andrews says. “Some companies are trying to rehire, but some of the people getting hired are very young

66 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

It’s nice to see companies recognize and value people who have been in the business a long time ... and don’t have the experience.

They come at a cheaper rate, but you have to pay for experience because it can be the and failure [at a show].”

He continues, “I wish the industry had an apprenticeship program for people who wanted to travel and see the glitz and glamour that comes with working at a show. This industry is a young person’s game, but so many of us in our 60s are slowing down and working circles around these younger guys because we have six steps ahead. You have to carry a lot of wall panels from one side of the booth to the other before you start directing crates to be put where they belong when they come in.” unretired, is Andrews looking forward to retirement? “It’s still he says with pride, still clearly in love with the industry that raised him. “Hell, I’ll unload trucks. Just put me to work.”

INDUSTRY NEWS

David Woods Retires After 45 Years in the Exhibit Industry

by Jeanne Brei

D

avid Woods, business development director at Labor-inc, is retiring after 45 years in the exhibit industry and Brian Kearns, the president of Labor-inc, is proud of Woods’ long career and his association with his company. with Kearns was during the ‘90s at a company now known as TAG. Together they executed numerous projects on a global platform with one of the most challenging and rewarding being complete design, build, delivery and installation of 400 exhibits for Canadian companies exhibiting in Mexico City at the Can/Mex show which launched the NAFTA agreement partnership.

Having worked with some of the most prestigious exhibit houses in Canada, Woods was excited to reconnect with Kearns and join the team at Labor-inc. in 2014. Now, Kearns says, “As a colleague and friend, it pleases me to announce that David will be retiring on December 17, 2021, from Labor-inc. and the exhibit industry … David has decided to step away from the industry and begin writing his next chapter.

Knowing David as I do, this will surely involve him spending time with his wife Lynn, three children, eight grandchildren, and many friends he has met along the way. Perhaps a bit of @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

travel and golf along the way as well. Or maybe a lot!”

Kearns continues, “David, as business development director of Labor-Inc since 2014, has been an integral part of the continued success of our specialty installation company servicing Canada. His business development skills, customer relations, industry experience and mentorship of his successors ensures his legacy will carry on at Labor-Inc., as will his endless industry stories.”

Speaking of industry stories, Woods arrived in Canada in 1977 from the U.K. with a background in estimating and was technologist by the local imbefore he was hired by Disney Display out of Toronto with Singapore and London. Woods soon mastered the Telex

machine and was quoting on international projects around the globe. His position quickly evolved into a site supervisor, project manager and assistant general manager.

Says Woods, “I have worked for a number of exhibit companies since 1977 but it was my and mentor Mr. Joe Batty who showed me integrity and honesty, and as I worked with them for ten years, I witnessed

& Basin Hot Springs and the Canadian and British pavilions at Expo Vancouver.

His memories include tractor

attributes of a family-run business,” adding, “There were too many great times to mention, brilliant working colleagues and fantastic international clients. We built many museums and interpretive centers and three pavilions at Expo ‘86, traveled to supervise projects, throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the USA. The ten years at Disney was the foundation for my career in the exhibition industry.”

For many years Woods worked overseas in China, Europe and South America and became quite a master of international pavilions, working with numerous export-minded governments including

David Woods in the Canadian Pavilion at Acapulco Mining Show 1994

Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Canada and Australia, to name just a few. Many of these pavilions were constructed without aluminum extrusions.

In the mid-1980s and ‘90s Woods was the project manager on many museums and interpretive center projects such as Fort McMurray Oil Sands, the Kananaskis Inter-

the Acapulco Mining Show, -

with graphics, silk screening, PET’s Photo Emulsion Transfer and Cut & Spray Graphics.

When asked what he had learned over the years, Woods replied, “With the pressures of designing, building and the logistics of corporate exhibits I learned from my mentor in my early years to also ‘smell the roses’ when you are in a new city away from home. Smelling the roses may be a cruise around the canals in Chicago, a museum visit or simply taking a tourist type of bus tour to learn more about the city.

Those memories last forever and along the way you end up with a compendium of tales!”

Kearns speaks for all of us when he says, “On behalf of everyone at Labor-Inc., I would like to wish David a happy and healthy journey as he writes his next chapter.”

ECN wishes him all the best in his retirement, too.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 67

IN MEMORIAM

Christopher John Wehking PCMA’S 2014 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS July 16, 1959-November 28, 2021

C

hris Wehking, 62, Professional Convention Management Association’s 2014 Chairman of the Board of Directors and business events strategy executive with the American Society of Anesthesiologists, passed away Nov. 28 in St. Charles, Ill., following a long battle with cancer.

“Chris was well known throughout ASA and the events industry for his leadership, professionalism, warmth and friendship,” says Paul Pomerantz, ASA CEO. “He started at ASA in 2010 and in his

years with us transformed our meetings to be among the best in medicine. During his tenure, Chris also provided leadership to membership, industry relations and business development. He excelled at building relationships and was known for strengthening bonds with ASA’s state societies, sub-specialty organizations, and foundations as well as our sister societies internationally.”

Wehking was a leader in his profession, having served as the PCMA's Chairman of the Board in 2014 and was the recipient of the 2019 PCMA

Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Chris understood the unique power of meetings to bring people together, to share knowledge, to create memorable experiences, to build enduring relationships, and to energize organizations,” says Pomerantz.

“He was a mentor to young professionals and colleagues, inspiring so many of us to see the magic in what he did.”

Before joining the medical specialty society events sector as director of meetings and exhibits at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Wehking worked for the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, where he served as director of meetings and

ASPS before joining ASA. He graduated from University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Hospitality in 1981.

Wehking is survived by his wife Shirley, and his daughters Lindsey and Madeline. A celebration of his life was held Dec. 18 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles, Illinois.

His family requests donations in his memory to a memorial tree and bench at https:// gofund.me/84bd41c5 or the Fox Valley Food for Health at https://gofund.me/6d539e31 or the Meetings Industry Fund at https://gofund. me/1389bd45.

get-togethers, we play board games. I am the parcheesi queen. Am hooked on BeJeweled Twister currently.”

Her daughter, Stephanie, wrote, “My mom’s loss is a hole in my heart that nothing will ever fill but rather than mourn her death I’m going to celebrate her life. Share love and laughter, drink martinis, tell 'mom tales' and most of all just remember all the things that made my

mom the woman she was.

Secure in the knowledge that even though my mom has been gone only 28 short hours, that’s sufficient time for her to have worked her way into management and by this time tomorrow be running the whole show! I love you mom and I’ll see ya on the other side.”

She was predeceased by her parents and four siblings and is survived by her daughters, Mary Pulizzano McMartin and Stephanie Regudon, one brother and numerous nieces and nephews.

An excerpt of this obituary was originally published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Dec. 3, 2021. To share a memory or condolences, visit obituaries.reviewjournal. com/obituary/judith-pulizzano-1083919359

Judy Pulizzano OWNER OF POSITIVE SHOW SOLUTIONS TECHOLOGIES & CONVENTION SERVICES July 17, 1939 – November 9, 2021

J

udy Pulizzano, 82, was the owner of two successful businesses and the mother of two daughters who loved her dearly. One of six children, she was from PlainArlington-Green Isle High School in 1957, and studied at Aurora University (in Illinois). In 1986, she found herself as a single mother of two in a small town in Wisconsin and moved to Las Vegas and founded her businesses, Convention Services and Positive Show Solutions Technologies. Her daughter, Mary, remembers how “strong and amazing” her mother was, 68 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

explaining that in those days the tradeshow industry was very male-dominated but her mother “didn’t take any but if a client went back on their word, she would make them pay.”

On Judy’s Facebook page, she described herself as “retired from self employment (owned two businesses; never made any money but had a lot of fun). Love to play cards; if there is a game, I have probably played it. On special family

expositions from 1990-2005. He

IN MEMORIAM

Gary Dennis Mauger Sr. TEAMSTERS LOCAL #14 February 12, 1940-November 21, 2021

Carol L. Tinney LVCVA December 7, 1937 September 7, 2021

C

arol L. Tinney 83, who worked for the LVCVA for more than 25 years in registration, passed away Sept. 7 in Las Vegas, NV. She was born in California to Albert and Jewel Oddonetto and moved to Las Vegas as a young girl, attending the 5th Street School and graduating from Las Vegas High School. She married Richard Tinney and they had two children.

She is survived by her son, Michael Tinney, and daughter, Diane Haag, and grandchildren, Ashley Vanderpool, Joshua Haag and Bailey Haag. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Richard of 62 years. A small service was held Nov 10 at the Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.

To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.obituaries.reviewjournal.com/obituary/carol-tinney-1083615465 @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

G

ary Dennis Mauger, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the oldest of two children born to Henry (Harry) and Dorothy Mauger on February 12, 1940, in Queens, New York, thereafter growing up in Levittown, Long Island.

Gary joined the U.S. Air Force at Nellis AFB which he joined Teamsters Local #14. Gary remained with the Teamsters for nearly 48 years in several capacities and eventually retired after serving for 12 years as the Secretary/ Treasurer of Local #14.

Gary was an avid sports fan and played offensive lineman (#54) for Levittown Memorial High School. His love for sports was so great he spent 20 years in Clark County as umpire and referee for Little League baseball, Pop Warner football, as well as high school baseball and basketball.

Gary was loved by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity, patience and sense of fairness. From his online guestbook, friends and fellow Teamsters shared their memories and condolences: “Gary, my dear friend. I was one of his shop stewards. He was the world to me. I spoke with him at least once a month; when I got the call I was heartbroken. Gary, you Beverly Walton “Gary was our local 14 representative.

We seldom were on the same page but we always agreed to respect each other. Gary had strong convictions and would go the extra mile to help his team succeed. I wish his family all the best. Cherish all the great

“Esperanza, I was sad to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember him and you fondly from our days with the Teamsters. My sympathy to you “Gary was a gracious man. He provided the hall for my daughter’s sweet 16 party. This has been a memory I’ve visited over the past 15 years with thankfulness. I pray for love and Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Donna Williams. He is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Esperanza; his sister, Gail DiPietro; children, Gary Jr, Michael (Janet), Charlene, Mark (Wendalynn), Meaghan, Morgan and step-daughter Guadalupe Ramirez, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and six nephews and nieces.

Services were held Dec. 11 at LDS Chapel in Las Vegas. Graveside services with full military honors were held Dec. 13 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder donations be made to Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 5485 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89142, in memory of Gary Mauger.

To share a memory or send condolences, visit obituaries.reviewjournal.com/obituary/ gary-mauger-sr-1083882968 . His obituary was originally published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Nov. 28, 2021.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 69

IN MEMORIAM

Stanley Einzig THE “DEAN OF TRADESHOW PHOTOGRAPHY” August 8, 1941November 13, 2021

S

tanley Einzig founded the premier tradeshow photography company in America in 1964 and for more than 40 years he was considered the “dean of tradeshow photographers.” During his long career, he won many awards and received the prestigious “Diamond Award” from the Professional Photographers of America.

He began his career photographing former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

for magazines including Life, Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and was also the personal photographer to surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, shooting and cataloging Dalí’s artwork and events. Some highlights of his career included being backstage with The Beatles at Ed Sullivan Theater in 1964, shooting U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush, and shooting Apple’s Steve Jobs during the introduction of the iPod in 2001.

Thomas Joseph Jaggers TEAMSTERS March 19, 1977 - October 11, 2021

T

homas Joseph Jaggers, 44, who had worked for the Teamsters Union and spent many years as a distribution sales manager, was born in Las Vegas to Jon and Christine Jaggers. He graduated from Valley High School where he was on the golf team and later attended UNLV. He enjoyed traveling and loved spending time in Newport Beach, Calif. He had a huge personality and lit up every room he entered with laughter and good times. Family was the most important thing to him.

Friends shared their memories of his devotion to family and his personality in his online guestbook: “So sad to hear the news of our friend Tommy. The world has lost an amazing soul but heaven has gained an awesome angel. CJ and I knew you and Jimmy 70 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Frances Ferrante, senior editor of Trade Show Executive magazine, wrote a beautiful tribute to Stan available at www.tradeshowexecutive.com/ the-amazing-life-and-legacyof-stan-einzig. She spoke with his son, David Einzig, founder of VIP Guest Invites and IndustryConnect, as well as industry luminaries such as Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (Stan photographed

ways showing up in a good mood with a big smile. He and Jimmy both and sharing great stories and making sure we were taken care of with cold ice water on a hot summer day. You will be dearly missed, Tommy, and our thoughts and prayers for Jimmy and the rest of the family. RIP

“I knew Tommy through my brother friend for the past eight years. He was Always asking about my kids and their sports. He loved his family, we had many conversations about them. Tommy and Jimmy would come pick up my dogs every morning to take them for a walk and afternoon, he loved my Trump! I knew if my girls or I needed something all we had to do was ask and he wouldn’t hesitate.

My prayers to his family and especially to Jimmy. They did everything together. You never saw one without the other. You will

NYC and continued to shoot the show for more than 30 years); Chris Brown, executive V.P., Conventions and Business Opps, National Association of Broadcasters; Sam Lippman, producer of the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum; Tony Calanca, principal, Calanca & Associates, who managed domestic and international trade and consumer shows for Reed Exhibitions (RX), Advanstar, UBM and Informa; Rick Simon, president & CEO of United Service Companies; and Robbi Lycett, president, Lycett Consulting, about their memories of working with Stan.

He is survived by his wife (and, for many years, business partner) Marlene, three children: David, Steve and Nancy, and grandchildren.

Arlene McRae Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Maheu Jaggers; his brother, Bobby Jaggers; his maternal grandparents, Yvette and Bob Maheu; and his paternal grandparents, Tom and Emma Jaggers. Tommy is survived by his children, Dominic and Gabriella; his father, Jon Jaggers and partner Christina Lakkis; his sister Yvette Tippetts (Jimmy); his brother, Jimmy Jaggers; his nieces, Christine and Alana Rasmussen; his nephews, Slater, Tanner and Kole Tippetts; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services were held privately. In that donations be made to the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association in memory of Tommy Jaggers.

To share a memory or condolences, visit obituaries.reviewjournal.com/obituary/thomas-jaggers-1083535207 His obituary was published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Oct. 17, 2021.

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ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 71

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move

O

rbus Exhibit & Display Group, a leading wholesale supplier and manufacturer of display, exhibit, graphic and event solutions, named Gary Keefer (pictured right) as CEO. Giles Douglas, Orbus’ CEO of 20 years, retired in 2020 and continues to serve on the Board of Directors.

On Location, a nationwide provider of labor and management services for exhibits, events and environments, has promoted Michael Mulry to president.

He was their general manager for 14+ years and has 25+ years of experience in the experiential marketing and labor management industry. They also hired John Zipay as a senior account executive. Previously, Zipay was VP of services with Holt Environments in N.C., general manager at Exhibits Northwest, Inc., VP/ GM for Trade Show Supply in Orlando and a member of EPPA for 20+ years.

In I&D news, Momentum Management appointed John Britton as their new Dallas city manager. They also hired award-winning designer Don Lipke (pictured right) as their newest midwest senior account executive. In his 27+ years in the industry, Lipke has worked as an exhibit consultant, designer, project manager and in sales for Laarhoven Design, e4 Design, beMatrix and Freeman.

Eagle Management Group promoted Garrett Wingard to city manager for the Miami, Florida, region. Wingard has 15+ years of industry experience and spent the last year mentoring under the now-retired city manager Brian Fisher.

CSI Worldwide, a leader in the tradeshow services space for nearly half a century, has hired industry veteran Keith Anderson as city manager of New York.

Anderson began as a carpenter in 1985 and has worked as a city manager in both NYC and San Francisco.

72 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

by Exhibit City News

Sho-Link Inc., a premier installation and dismantle service company, named Helí Gutierrez their new IT analyst and Mike Leos as an estimator.

Exhibit Concepts, Inc. has promoted Masten Worley (pictured right) to VP of sales and account management. Worley joined ECI as director of sales in 2018 and previously was director of business development for Sparkbox. They also promoted Donimic Conti to VP of production. Conti, a former Marine, started in the ECI shop as a fabricator 16+ years ago and in 2009 became program and account director.

GES, a global experiential marketing partner to many of the world’s leading brands, has named Diego Herrera as director of new business development and Billie Jo Poufcas as an account director.

Paddy Jordan-Higgins was named general manager of Juiceworks Exhibits, a full-service expert in the fabrication and management of exhibitions, events and experiences.

PRA, a leader in the business events industry, has promoted Lindsay Breining from PRA Northern California to global sales director, joining the PRA Global Sales Team.

Based in San Francisco, she is on the Board of Directors as director of programs for the PCMA Northern California chapter.

ASTOUND, a North American brand experience agency, welcomed Nicole Williams (pictured right) as VP, business and client development and Kevin Hansen as VP, client partnerships. Previously Williams worked at RR Donnelley, and Hansen’s previous experience was at MG Design, and as VP of business development at Derse and VP of sales at Sparks.

In CC news, The Greater Miami CVB named Carol Motley as senior VP of convention sales & services. She is relocating to Miami from Washington, DC, where she previously was director of convention sales at Destination DC. Choose Chicago has welcomed Eric Kincaid as senior director of convention sales out of the mid-Atlantic region. He will be based in Washington D.C. and was previously the national account director of citywide sales for Destination DC. Brent DeRaad, previously president & CEO of Visit Tucson, was named president and CEO of The Arlington (Texas) CVB and started on Dec. 6. The ASM Global-managed Dayton Convention Center named Kelli Donahoe, CMP as their new general manager. Previously she was director of sales & marketing in Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence CC. In association news, the Italian-based Annalisa Ponchia, innovation & customer experience director at AIM Group International and EMEA Advisory Board member, joined the International Board of Directors of PCMA. The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute has appointed as chairman of the Board, along with six Andre Belland (Rebarfab, Inc.) and Layne Jones (Commercial Metals Company) as atlarge directors, and Marty Lancial (Commercial Metals Company) as the new chairman of the CRSI Foundation in a non-voting director role.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers named John Somers as its VP, construction & utility sector. Somers replaced Megan Tanel, who succeeded Dennis Slater as AEM President on Jan. 1.

In International news, VisitBritain/VisitEngland announced the appointment of Paul Black as head of business events.

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THE D.E.A.L.

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ing new programming across the portfolio. He earned widespread acclaim including from the Forbes Travel Guide, four-stars from the Chicago Tribune, and four-stars from Chicago utive chef at Sixteen at the impressive culinary career before joining two Micherant inside Dublin, Ireland’s turned to his home state after a battle with cancer and an erage at the vintage Detroit

Town House

DINING

Downtown Detroit Restaurants are Ready for Recovery

By Jeanne Brei The last couple of years have been especially hard on downtown Detroit’s restaurants— lockdowns caused the closures of several favorites—the Fort Street Galley’s Food Hall, Brome Modern Eatery and Plum Market are among those that have closed permanently, while others, like Hearth 71 in The Highlands on the 71st ter are promising to reopen again soon.

The Town House took the time during the second lockdown to remodel and just reopened last September, six 74 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

years after its original debut in 2015, with an updated menu options. The total revamp saw the dark wood accents, pol-

temperature-controlled bottle cabinet system.

The restaurant is owned by Jeremy Sasson and his Heirloom Hospitality group, which also owns Detroit steakhouse

course dining experience that Detroit Free Press’

ONLY, an “ultra-exclusive” invite-only bar in Prime + Proper’s basement that prohibits cell phones.

2018 and 2015.

For more casual din-

-

upholstered chairs, metalwork

with a more airy space featuring a lighter design that uses marble, pink hues, string lights, washed oak hardwood accents and greenery. The new, opened-up interior was accomplished by removing separation walls, adding a display kitchen and a redesigned atrium with a retractable roof.

The revamp also saw a retooled menu, which has replaced the comfort food and sushi with more seafood and vegetable-forward plates, luxe ingredients like caviar and King crab, as well as an emphasis on wine selections with the addition of a new

still working downtown including Michelin-starred chef

Hotel), James Beard nomi-

location near the ballparks.

Buddy’s got its start on ing 200-seat location near the M@dison Building downtown will feature dine-in seating and a grab-and-go area with

Hotel), among others. was promoted to culinary Group. In his expanded role, Lents will remain executive Detroit Foundation Hotel and will also assist with develop-

beer and rec hall by NoHo Hospitality Group called the Brakeman over near the Shier, with delicious food, open for dinner.

ENTERTAINMENT

The District Detroit Puts Everything in Walking Distance

by Jeanne Brei

Fox Theatre (built in 1928), the fabulous Fisher Theatre (also built in 1928) known for its Broadway touring shows, the Fillmore Detroit (built in 1925 as the State Theatre in Detroit Opera House

architecture) and the Detroit Opera House (built in 1922 an columns and an even more ornate interior featuring sevmosaics, sculpture and gilt) along with venues for every major sport and casinos—and they’re all within walking distance of each other—the next step is to give the area Detroit, Detroit’s entertainment district, was christened.

The District Detroit is a world-class sports and entertainment development—made up of 50 blocks, six theaters, teams. Back in 2017, when they announced that The District Detroit would connect Downtown and Midtown into one contiguous, walkable area, where families, sports fans, entrepreneurs, entertainment lovers and others could enjoy a vibrant urban @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

setting with plenty of shows, sports and concerts.

They are still working on that ambitious project of connecting both neighborhoods but in the meantime, the District Detroit is a thriving art, music, sports and nightlife

Field featuring concerts when they aren’t playing sports in their venues.

Faithful readers know how Deco architecture, live music can Song Book and all things swanky. In downtown Detroit, nothing comes swankier than the last standing of the many -

enchanting one—and possibly haunted one as well.

From the painted glass

of South Dakota Jasper, a rare variety of pink granite that originally provided the outside of the house with a striking rose hue, the exterior features a multi-gabled roof and arched windows that add drama to the already luxurious facade. The 21,000 square foot home originally had 52 rooms, 10 bathrooms,

created and signed by Thomas Edison, it truly is a historic guided tours of the mansion throughout the night to tell more about what went into making this home. There are several parlors with beautiful tles. One of the parlors has a collection of tapestries of mischievous cherubs, and there’s also a dramatic stairwell that harkens a Hello Dolly or Gone with the Wind moment.

a secret vault in the original dining room and an elevator. at a cost of $400,000. arches, crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows,

next to the Ghost Bar, The -

completed in 1894, was designed for lumber baron Da-

dining restaurant and upscale lounge. Traditions of elegant tea parties and dinners, as well as sightings of David

by one newspaper account at the time as “the most elaborate and substantial residence in this part of the country.”

Ghostbar’s eclectic spirits make any evening spent in the dining rooms or garden an

many online reviewers mention that the live pianist is one of the highlights of an evening spent at the mansion.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 75

THE D.E.A.L.

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

um, Henry Ford Museum of & Eleanor’s] Ford House,

ry, and Dossin Great Lakes haven’t even mentioned the downtown parks, like Beacon

is just the other side of the river and is a 15-minute drive by bridge or tunnel. Shoppers will enjoy getting great deals with the exchange rate and if staying in the U.S., shopping

Comerica Park

ATTRACTIONS

Detroit’s Attractions Appeal to Everyone

Pistons), which holds 19,515 for ice hockey and 20,491 for basketball, are also known to host concerts—with Billy Joel scheduled to play (after two pandemic postponements) in and Justin Bieber’s Justice

By Jeanne Brei Detroit is a dynamic urban destination with something for literally everyone. Sports fans are truly in luck because all four sports teams are

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy walking the Detroit

each other. The 41,782-seat

or the beautiful Belle Isle.

Detroit Tigers), the 65,000seat Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions), and Little

will get you on the water in no time. Thousands of bicyclists come to downtown Detroit to explore the city for the Mon-

76 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

boat tour, hopping on a MoGo

Detroit, or pick up a bike from a MoGo stall. If you’re bold,

forest that features 10 trails, levels and 130 challenges in their obstacle courses where you can literally swing from the trees! should check out Greektown,

Hamtramck (PolishTown) while gamblers should head

a great variety of choices including the Motown Muse-

Martius square for food truck eats and treats, and partying at The Belt, a street art-lined alley with outdoor bars that draw lively crowds. located in the center of downtown. In the summer there are bands and orchestras performing and you can relax in a beach area and enjoy cocktails from the beach bar. In the winter it’s transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice walk to the convention center.

Belle Isle Park is also just a short bike ride or Uber ride from Huntington Place.

The breathtaking 983-acre island park looks like a 1930s summer camp—pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some fishing and nature. You can visit the nature center, historic aquarium and gorgeous conservatory, play tennis or visit the beach area that is complete with a waterslide and playgrounds.

LODGING

Detroit’s Boutique Hotels Restore Legendary Glamour

By Jeanne Brei Hotel options in downtown Detroit range from contemporary casinos with 1,000-sq.ft. corner suites to historic landmarks with lobbies and guest rooms restored to legendary glamour. In total, some 5,000 rooms are in Detroit’s prime downtown real estate.

Directly across the street from Huntington Place is the stunning Detroit Foundation Hotel, which transformed Detroit’s former Fire Department headquarters, built in 1929, into a 100-room luxury hotel with a gorgeous dining

hats and gear on the fourth

for. From the front desk clerks to the valet to the concierges, every employee goes above and beyond to ensure that you have the best possible stay. They even provide a complimentary car and driver if you’d like a ride or pickup within a three-mile radius of the hotel.

Place is Fort Pontchartrain,

The Foundation Hotel

room, 25-story high-rise hotel opened in 1965 and was built on the site of Fort Pontcharnent European settlement dating back to 1701. It later became known as Fort Detroit. The hotel was named for the fort and for an earlier Hotel Pontchartrain, which was

Just around the corner is the city’s oldest private social club. The architectural beauty Eyre in 1891 and became listHistoric Places in 2005. The

was demolished in 1920. Their -

They have 32,000 sq.ft. of meeting and event space, with on-site catering and banquet

building has 21 contemporarily crafted rooms that have been opened to the public.

Features include the Library, a full-service craft cocktail for late night snacks on the

full-service restaurant and bar, is open daily and serves Each guest room and suite is

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

Maker, a mini-refrigerator, and unmatched views of the

in the lower level of the club, where guests may indulge in a large hot-tub or sauna and be pampered with a diverse menu of spa services ranging from massages to facials.

The only Detroit hotel that hasn’t reopened or made plans to reopen in the wake of the pandemic is The Inn on Ferry Street, located in the East Ferry Street Historic District of Midtown Detroit. homes and two carriage housrooms dating back to 1886.

The Inn was a member of Hiswon a National Trust Honor award in 2002 for its remarkably detailed restoration with $12 million in neighborhood improvements.

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 77

*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=Convention Center/Centre | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

CANADA Show Truck Loggers Association Annual Coastal Forestry Convention & Trade Show - TLA The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Western Retail Lumber Assoc. - WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase Canadian Gift Association - Toronto Spring Gift Fair Buildex, Construct & Design Northwest Canadian International AutoShow - CIAS Ontario Good Roads Association - OGRA Conference Alberta Gift Show - Winter RC Show - Restaurants Canada

Salon National de l’habitation

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/12 01/15 01/19 01/30 02/16 02/18 02/27 02/27 02/27 03/10

End 01/14 01/16 01/21 02/03 02/17 02/27 03/02 03/02 03/01 03/13

Venue Westin Bayshore Metro Toronto Congress Centre RBC CC Toronto Congress Centre Vancouver CC Metro Toronto CC Fairmont Royal York Hotel Edmonton Expo Centre Enercare Centre Palais des Congres

City Vancouver Toronto Winnipeg Toronto Vancouver Toronto Toronto Edmonton Toronto

St BC ON MB ON BC ON ON AB ON

Montreal

QC

Start 01/06 01/08 01/08 01/11 01/13 01/19 01/20 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/26 01/26 02/01

End 01/09 01/11 01/23 01/13 01/16 01/23 01/22 01/27 01/27 01/27 01/28 01/28 01/28 02/04

Venue Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Gaylord Texan Nat. Western Complex/Events Ctr. Stormont Vail Events Center Dallas Market Center Kansas City CC Colorado CC George R. Brown CC Gaylord Texan Ft. Worth CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Colorado Convention Center Colorado Convention Center

City Dallas Dallas Denver Topeka Dallas Kansas City Denver Houston Dallas Ft. Worth Dallas Dallas Denver Denver

St TX TX CO KS TX MO CO TX TX TX TX TX

Att 2000 5000 2800 22K 13.5K 320K 2300 16K 18.6K

Exh 60 150 265 1.1K 600 300 96 740 1K

Nsf 22000 35000 61000

Industry Forest Products Business Building & Construction Gifts 57500 Building & Construction 500K Automotive & Trucking Government 190K Gifts Food & Beverage

Home Show

U.S. CENTRAL Show Dallas Safari Club - DSC American Bus Marketplace - ABA National Western Rodeo and Stock Show Topeka Farm Show Western & English Sales Market - WESA United Soccer Coaches Rocky Mountain Dental Convention - MDDS American Meteorological Society - AMS Annual Meeting Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week - HDAW Underground Construction Technology - UCT DistribuTECH International POWER-GEN International

Outdoor + Snow Show ProGreen Expo

78 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Att 30K 3300 687K 35K 4462 10K 8911 4300 2000 3000 13.5K 21.6K CO 33K CO 6500

Exh

Nsf

Industry

Hunting 252

Transportation 90000 Agriculture & Farming 300 55000 Agriculture & Farming 750 109K Apparel Sporting Goods & Rec. 270 300 92000 Healthcare[Dental] Science 230 100K Building & Construction 200 125K Building & Construction 520 131K Energy 1.3K 382K Energy 877 389K Apparel Landscape/Gardening 250 65K

*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=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

MIDWEST

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Show American Baseball Coaches Association - ABCA Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Convention Indiana Music Educators Association - IMEA National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association - NMEDA Auto Mobility Expo Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association - IFCA Fort Wayne Farm Show Wisconsin State Education Convention Indiana Horticultural Congress and Trade Show Michigan Shoe Market IPSA - Independent Professional Seedsmen Association Great Lakes Trade Exposition - GLTE Indiana Green Expo Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police - IACP Private Label Manufacturers Association - PLMA iLandscape - Horticultural Trade Show Chicago Shoe Market Ohio Music Education Association - OMEA Cincinnati Auto Expo Mid-West Truck Show Heartland Travel Showcase Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Ohio Parks & Recreation Association - OPRA Conference & Trade Show Chicago Collective - Chicago Men’s Wear Collective Chicago Auto Show Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting - ATE Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association Trade Show Hoosier Association of Science Teachers - HASTI

Chicago Dental Society - CDS Midwinter Meeting

Start 01/06 01/10 01/13 01/15 01/18 01/18 01/19 01/19 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/30 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/03 02/04 02/04 02/05 02/06 02/06 02/10 02/11 02/11 02/13 02/24

End 01/09 01/12 01/15 01/17 01/20 01/20 01/21 01/20 01/24 01/28 01/26 01/26 01/28 02/01 02/04 02/03 02/05 02/06 02/05 02/06 02/06 02/09 02/08 02/21 02/16 02/12 02/15 02/26

Venue McCormick Place Lansing Center Grand Wayne CC Greater Columbus CC Peoria Civic Center Allen County War Mem.Coliseum Wisconsin Center Indianapolis Marriott East Embassy Suites by Hilton Hotel JW Marriott Lansing Center Indiana CC Crowne Plaza Hotel Donald E. Stephens CC The Ren. Schaumburg CC Embassy Suites Chicago Huntington CC Duke Energy CC Peoria Civic Center Cleveland CC Donald E. Stephens CC Kalahari CC The Merchandise Mart McCormick Place Hilton Chicago Kellogg Arena Indianapolis Marriott East McCormick Place

City Chicago Lansing Ft. Wayne Columbus Peoria Ft. Wayne Milwaukee Indianapolis Troy Indianapolis Lansing Indianapolis Indianapolis Rosemont Schaumburg Lombard Cleveland Cincinnati Peoria Cleveland Rosemont Sandusky Chicago Chicago Chicago Battle Creek Indianapolis

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

Att 3350 900

Chicago

IL

29K

1200 37K 2109

2000 10K 12K 9000 7000 13K 1400

1200

Exh Nsf Industry 325 43538 Sporting Goods & Rec. 100 23350 Agriculture & Farming Art, Music & Culture Healthcare 110 35000 Agriculture & Farming 410 105K Agriculture & Farming 287 38000 Education 59 7100 Landscape & Garden Apparel Agriculture & Farming Landscape & Garden Landscape & Garden 150 Police 1.1K 229K Apparel Landscape & Garden Apparel 200 30000 Education Automotive & Trucking 200 130K Automotive & Trucking Travel Industry 20000 Travel Industry 152 19200 Sporting Goods & Rec. Apparel 150 900K Automotive & Trucking 20 2000 Education Food & Beverage Education 661 175K Healthcare[Dental]

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

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

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 79

*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=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. NORTHEAST Show Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show - MANTS Modern Language Association - MLA Transportation Research Board - TRB Virginia Farm Show Association of Performing Arts Presenters Annual - APAP Imaging USA - PPA National Retail Federation - Retail’s BIG Show - NRF New York Podiatric Clinical Conference - NYSPMA Washington Auto Show New England Water Environment Assiciation - NEWEA Inman Connect The Pool & Spa Show

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/05 01/06 01/09 01/12 01/14 01/16 01/16 01/20 01/21 01/23 01/25 01/25

End 01/07 01/09 01/13 01/13 01/17 01/18 01/18 01/23 01/30 01/26 01/27 01/27

Venue Baltimore CC Walter E. Washington CC Walter E. Washington CC Augusta Expo NY Hilton Midtown Gaylord National Javits Center NY Marriott Marquis Walter E. Washington CC Boston Marriott Copley Place Hilton NY Midtown Atlantic City CC

City Baltimore Washington Washington Fishersville New York Washington New York New York Washington Boston New York Atlantic City

St MD DC DC VA NY DC NY NY DC MA NY NJ

Att 10K 7000 13K 5000 3600 10K 38K 2000 950K 2100 4000 11K

Exh Nsf 972 300K

Industry Landscape & Garden Associations 200 Transportation Agriculture & Farming 400 37000 Art, Music & Culture 70000 Photography 800 220K Stores & Store Fittings Healthcare 125 551K Automotive & Trucking 200 Water Real Estate 430 100K Building & Construction

Start 01/05 01/05 01/20 01/22 01/25 02/01 02/01 02/01 02/01 02/04 02/05 02/07

End 01/08 01/08 01/22 01/27 01/27 02/03 02/03 02/03 02/04 02/12 02/09 02/10

Venue Hilton SF Union Square Washington State CC Moscone Center Moscone Center SAFE Credit Union CC SAFE Credit Union CC Spokane CC Reno-Sparks CC Reno-Sparks CC Lumen Field Event Ctr San Jose McEnery CC

City San Francisco Seattle San Francisco San Francisco Sacramento Sacramento Spokane Reno Reno Seattle San Jose San Francisco

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

Att Exh 2700 6400 70

U.S. NORTHWEST Show Archaeological Institute of America - AIA Joint Mathmatics Meetings - JMM Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium - American Society of Clinical Oncology Photonics West & BiOS - SPIE Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Religious Conference Management Association - RCMA Spokane Ag Expo Worldwide Spring Trade Show - Independent Retailers’ Buying Group Portable Sanitation Association International - PSAI Seattle International Boat Show Association For Research In Otolaryngolgy - ARO

RSA Conference

80 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Moscone Center

20K 11.3K 1400 8000

1.2K 500 200 290

Nsf Industry 7000 Science 17000 Education Healthcare 116K Healthcare 160K Food & Beverage 31500 Religious Agriculture & Farming

Retailers 77K

600 306K

40K

386 98K

Waste Management Boats Healthcare Computers & Apps

*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=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. SOUTHEAST

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Show The ASI Show!

Surf Expo American Historical Association Annual Meeting - AHS American Farm Bureau Federation - AFBF Annual Convention Archery Trade Association - ATA Atlanta Gift & Home Furnishings Market Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo - CEC Building Expo - NFBA National Association of TV Program Executives - NATPE Fire-Rescue East Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition - TPIE Florida RV SuperShow Advanced Therapies Week Florida Educational Technology Corporation - FETC Hotel Motel Restaurant Supply Show of the SE - HMRSSS IPPE - International Production & Processing Expo PGA Merchandise Show - Professional Golfers’ Assn.

Assistive Technology Industry Association - Orlando - ATIA Mobile Tech Expo - MTE Society of Thoracic Surgeons - STS BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition International Roofing Expo - IRE - NRCA Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide - MACS Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference - KBIS

Start 01/04 01/05 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/11 01/16 01/18 01/18 01/18 01/19 01/19 01/25 01/25 01/25 01/25 01/25 01/26 01/27 01/29 01/30 02/01 02/04 02/08

End 01/06 01/07 01/09 01/12 01/09 01/18 01/19 01/20 01/20 01/21 01/21 01/23 01/28 01/28 01/27 01/27 01/28 01/29 01/29 01/31 02/03 02/03 02/05 02/10

Venue Orange County CC Orange County CC New Orleans Marriott Georgia World Congress Ctr. Kentucky Expo. Center AmericasMart Orlando World Center Marriott Gaylord Opryland Fontainbleau Miami Beach Hilton Daytona Beach Tampa CC Florida State Fairgrounds Miami Beach CC Orange County CC Myrtle Beach CC Georgia World Congress Ctr. Orange County CC Caribe Royale Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Miami Beach CC Orlando World Center Marriott Morial CC Embassy Suites Orange County CC

City Orlando Orlando New Orleans Atlanta Louisville Atlanta Orlando Nashville Miami Daytona Beach Tampa Tampa Miami Orlando Myrtle Beach Atlanta Orlando Orlando Orlando Miami Orlando New Orleans Tampa Orlando

St FL FL LA GA KY GA FL TN FL FL FL FL FL FL SC GA FL FL FL FL FL LA FL FL

Att 6066 27K 5000 6000 9261 91K 5000 2000 5000 6000 8500 63K 2000 8000 22K 30K 42K 2600 2376 2600 4200 9337 2000 37K

Exh 739 1K 100

Nsf 116K 250K 13000

480 2.3K 200 150 350 250 500 355 110 500 500 1.3K 913 120 120 130 180 465 135 566

221K 1.1M

118K 22300 307K

Industry Advertising & Marketing Sporting Goods & Rec. Associations Agriculture & Farming Sporting Goods & Rec. Food & Beverage Education Building & Construction Radio, TV & Cable Fire & Fire Protection Agriculture & Farming Recreational Vehicles Healthcare Education Hotels and Resorts Food & Beverage Sporting Goods & Rec. Associations Automotive Repair Healthcare Electrical & Electronics Building & Construction Automotive & Trucking Building & Construction

The International Builders’ Show - IBS - NAHB American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine - AAHPM International Stroke Conference - AHA/ASA Traffic Expo - ATSSA

02/08 02/09 02/09 02/11

02/10 02/12 02/11 02/15

Orange County CC Music City Center Morial CC Tampa CC

Orlando Nashville New Orleans Tampa

FL TN LA FL

50K 2000 5000 3000

1.1K 608K 85 8900 125 35000 200

Building & Construction Healthcare Healthcare Government

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

30000 113K 125K 52000 785K

50000 490K 332K 12500 91800 47000

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 81

*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=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet

U.S. SOUTHWEST

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Show Potato Expo Consumer Electronics Show - CES

Start End Venue 01/05 01/06 Anaheim CC 01/05 01/08 Las Vegas CC

City Anaheim Las Vegas

St Att Exh Nsf CA 2000 180 NV 180K 4.5K 2.9M

Plant and Animal Genome Conference PPAI Expo - Promotional Products Association International Intersolar North America NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference World of Concrete SHOT SHOW Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show Safari Club International - SCI Impressions Expo - The Imprinted Sportswear Show Long Beach Las Vegas Market (Furniture) The Americas Lodging Investment Summit - ALIS IPC APEX EXPO Tobacco Plus Expo - TPE JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show Annual Hunter and Outfitter Convention - GSCO International Salon & Spa Expo - PBA ISSE AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition The Int. Surface Event - Surfaces/StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas/TileExpo Marine West Golf Industry Show Winter Fancy Foods Show - Specialty Food Association Reverse Logistics Association - RLA Conference & Expo World AG Expo Oasis Gift Show Parker Seminars - Chiropractic Industry Expo Commercial Real Estate Finance/Multi-Family Housing - CREF

01/08 01/10 01/13 01/18 01/18 01/18 01/19 01/19 01/21 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/26 01/27 01/29 01/31 02/01 02/02 02/05 02/06 02/07 02/08 02/09 02/10 02/13

San Diego Las Vegas Long Beach San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Long Beach Las Vegas Los Angeles San Diego Las Vegas Tucson Las Vegas Long Beach Las Vegas Las Vegas Camp Pendleton San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Tulare Phoenix Las Vegas San Diego

CA NV CA CA NV NV NV NV CA NV CA CA NV AZ NV CA NV NV CA CA NV NV CA AZ NV CA

01/12 01/13 01/15 01/21 01/20 01/21 01/21 01/22 01/23 01/27 01/26 01/27 01/28 02/06 01/29 01/31 02/02 02/03 02/03 02/10 02/08 02/09 02/10 02/11 02/12 02/16

Town & Country Resort Mandalay Bay Long Beach CC San Diego CC Las Vegas CC The Venetian Expo Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay Long Beach CC World Market Center JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton LA San Diego CC Las Vegas CC Tucson Expo Center Westgate Hotel & Resort Long Beach CC Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay Marine Corp Base

San Diego CC Las Vegas CC The Mirage International Agri-Center Phoenix CC Paris Las Vegas Manchester Grand Hyatt

3000 21K 18K 2900 55K 64K 1841 18K 11K 50K 3000 9796 4286 37K 5000 36K 45K 38K 3000 14K 24K 25K 100K 4000 5000 4000

Industry Agriculture & Farming Electrical & Electronics

150 11000 Science 1.2K 311K Advertising & Marketing 500 168K Energy[Renewables] 58000 Aerospace & Aviation 1.5K 725K Building & Construction 1.6K 634K Sporting Goods & Rec. 374 73360 Advertising & Marketing 969 235K Sporting Goods & Rec. 352 105K Apparel 450 550K Home Furn. & Int. Design Business/Financial 440 150K Electrical & Electronics 274 50000 Stores & Store Fittings 400 Jewelry 200 20000 Sporting Goods & Rec. 378 119K Beauty & Healthcare 1.8K 493K Building & Construction 639 311K Building & Construction 200 34000 Military 530 177K Sporting Goods & Rec. 1.5K 230K Food & Beverage 1K 1.6K 2.6M Agriculture & Farming 350 240K Gifts 300 Healthcare Real Estate

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Color Printing • Rack cards • Brochures • Booklets • Everything else 82 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

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n. 30 ine is Ja

Deadl issions ds Subm

20 ECN’s 20

Industry Pivots to Virtual & “New Normal” p. 22

E Awar I&D AC

On the Front Li nes

of COVID

-19 p. 24

July/August 2020 • VOL. 26 • ISSUE 4

February January/

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Secure Your Placement In These Future Editions

PM

The 2022 ECN ACE Awards / Exhibit Building & Design / Vendors

Second Quarter Issue (Apr.-June) Focus City: Charlotte, NC

Women in the Industry / Best Places to Work / Giveaways & Incentives

Third Quarter Issue (July-Sept.) Focus City: Atlantic City, NJ

Corporate Social Responsibility / Nifty 50 Over 50 / Industry Salespeople Fourth Quarter Issue (Oct.-Dec.) Focus City: Salt Lake City, UT

(702) 272-0182 oror atat newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com CALL SALES TODAY! 702-309-8023

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 90 A Harmony Nail Spa 89 AllSpace Group 88 Avex 87 BWC Visual Technologies 86 CDS (Corporate Display Specialties) 91 CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) 89 Champion Logistics 90 Character Talent 87 Classic Exhibits Charging Stations 86 Classic Exhibits Display Design 87

Clementine Creative Services CorpCom CorpEvents Exposures Photography Horizon Print Solutions LaborSource, a div. of CEP Las Vegas Power Professionals Lip Smacking Foodie Tours My 50 Years in the Tradeshow Industry Preferred Network Providers Prism Lighting

86 87 88 91 91 90 89 89 88 88 90

Quality EFX Massage SISTEXPO (in Mexico) SmartSource TWI Group We Are Conventions YOR Design YOR Swag Your Event Audio

86 89 87 90 88 88 91 86

For Service Guide information and rates, call sales at (702) 272-0182. Inclusive categories are available for all your company advertising needs. @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 85

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Over 50 Wireless Charging Solutions

Classic Exhibits Charging Solutions are Rock Stars at tradeshows, drawing crowds and attracting fans. The charging stations from Classic Exhibits come in a variety of contemporary designs and shapes, including bistro, coffee, and end tables in round, square. Or choose a dynamic Power Tower or a custom counter with locking storage.

Your customers will appreciate the opportunity to charge their phone while learning more about your products and services.

For more info, visit www.classicexhibits.com.

Trade Shows, Events, Conferences, Lobbies, Retail eds.classicexhibits.com

Audio Visual Technology

Audio Visual Technology

Creative Design Services

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

86 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Call or Text (702) 336-9362

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Events.

Production.

Service.

AVEX AVEX is a full-service event design and production company that delivers exceptional technical results with award-winning customer service. For more than 15 years, our clients have trusted us to bring their visions to life in strategic, innovative, and budget-sensitive ways. From local non-profits to the most recognized brands in the world, our clients choose us—and stay with us, because they experience a higher level of service that translates into extraordinary event experiences. We provide live event design and production services for corporate events, meetings, galas, private celebrations, non-profit events, and more. For more info, visit www.goavex.com

EVENT DESIGN

AND PRODUCTION

CREATIVE LIGHTING IMMERSIVE

VIDEO SYSTEMS

EXHIBIT BOOTH DESIGN AND BUILD 702.410.9448

Creative Entertainment Services

WWW.GOAVEX.COM

Digital Signage, AV Production & IT

Entertainment Co. www.CharacterTalent.com

Display Design

Event Management

Purchase or Rent AND

Exhibit / Trade Show Displays | Event Planning | Sporting Event Décor

Blended Designs are Better Designs!

Find Yours Today!

www.classicexhibits.com

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 87

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

CorpEvents New England 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: www.corp-eventsid.com/cene

Upstate NY

Montpelier, VT

Concord, NH

Boston, MA Worcester, MA Spring eld, MA

(508) 366-8594 info@corp-eventsne.com Providence, RI Hartford, CT

Exhibit Design & Builders

Exhibitor Education / Book

Exhibitor Services/WiFi

Exhibits

88 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) CEP has been transforming our clients’ sales and marketing objectives into award-winning, three-dimensional environments for over 30 years. We focus on you—your needs, strategy and objectives. CEP provides full-service production and storage facilities in the three largest tradeshow venues in the U.S.: Chicago, Las Vegas & Orlando. We are positioned to provide cost effective and unique solutions from start to finish for any exhibit challenge, from design & fabrication to complete on-site install & dismantle services. For more info, visit www.cepexhibits.com

6 30.378.4 8 4 8 w w w.cepexhibits.com

Exhibits

Exhibit Services

Facial / Massage / Wellness Spa

Food Tours

@EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 89

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

TWI Group TWI Group Inc., the premier specialist in domestic and international tradeshow shipping and exhibition logistics, is an all-in-one destination for any type of industry. The hallmark of our service is the personal attention and on-site support we provide. Specializing in exhibition freight forwarding, transportation and arranging customs requirements worldwide, TWI provides event managers the luxury of not worrying about freight shipments at 21,500+ exhibitions in 60+ countries. If your exhibiting plans include an international venue, give TWI an opportunity to prove that Delivering First-Class Service Every Time is not just a concept for us, it’s a reality. For more info, visit www.TWIgroup.com

Graphics

Labor

The Attention You Deserve Displays Starting at $69.95

941-758-8444 866-239-8056

Visit us online for more of our products & services

AadvantageDisplays.com Lighting

630.914.5281

www.laborsourcegroup.com

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.

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 •Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions •Easy to Install, Plug And Play Lighting Solutions

PRISM – INNOVATION LIVES HERE! WWW.PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM | 1.866.620.1380 | SALESUSA@PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM

90 Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 Exhibit City News

Chicago | Atlanta | Boston | Dallas | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | New Jersey

800.323.5401 | info@champlog.com | www.champlog.com

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Exposures LTD.

Because Your Image Means Business™

Great exhibits demand great photography…trust Exposures to capture yours in their best light. We’ve been photographing architecture and interiors since 1983, and draw upon this experience to create award-winning photographs for your visual marketing. Finally, there’s no need to settle for mediocre photography. We’ve got you covered for great imagery in every major convention city and in some smaller ones too, and we offer two service levels to fit your budgeting needs - Standard or Architectural.

Choose Exposures and let’s work together! For more info, please visit exposuresltd.com, send us an email to info@ exposuresltd.com or simply call us - Gary (781.715.1216 ) or Lisa (702.908.0642)

IMAGE IS EVERYTHING CALL TO IMPROVE IT (781) 715-1216 INFO @EXPO SU R ESLTD.C O M WWW.EXPO SU R ESLTD.C O M

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

Printing

r e v l i S 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

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

CDSpartner.com

We Can Provide You A Local Presence Promo Stuff

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE GUIDE •Added value with your ad in print and on our website.

•Engage a captive audience with 38,000 readers every month!

•Increase revenue and gain marketshare!

Print and Digital Distribution (Ads in the 4 quarterly print issues in 2022 will run concurrently online.)

1 Issue: $500 per mo.

3 Issues (1 print/3 digital): $400 per mo.

6 Issues (2 print/6 digital): $300 per mo.

12 Issues (4 print/12 digital): $200 per mo.

Contact sales for details: (702) 272-0182 or sales@exhibitcitynews.com @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 91

2022 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* *Content is subject to change

QUARTER 1 (JANUARY-MARCH)

QUARTER 2 (APRIL-JUNE) Print & Digital

Print & Digital • Transportation Issue • Year in Review • 8-Page Insert from TCF Center • Wow Booth Feature • Shop to Showfloor Features • Associations & Advocacy Features • Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide

• The 2022 ECN ACE Awards for I&D • Exhibit Building & Design • Vendors • Wow Booth Feature • Shop to Showfloor Features • Associations & Advocacy Features • Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide

Regional Focus: Midwest U.S. (Focus City: Detroit, MI )

Regional Focus: Southeast U.S. (Focus City: Charlotte, NC)

Digital only

Digital only • Technology / New Products • AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography • Lead Retrieval v. Data Matching/CRM • Advocacy Updates

• Mobile Exhibits • Warehousing/Material Handling • Extrusions • Show Management/Kits

International Focus: Germany

International Focus: Mexico

QUARTER 3 (JULY-SEPTEMBER) Print & Digital

QUARTER 4 (OCTOBER-DECEMBER) Print & Digital

• Women in the Industry • Best Places to Work in the Industry • Giveaways/Incentives • Wow Booth Feature • Shop to Showfloor Features • Associations & Advocacy Features • Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide

• Corporate Social Responsibility • Nifty 50 Over 50 • Industry Salespeople • Wow Booth Feature • Shop to Showfloor Features • Associations & Advocacy Features • Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide

Regional Focus: Central U.S. (Focus City: Atlantic City, NJ )

Regional Focus: Northwest U.S. (Focus City: Salt Lake City, UT)

Digital only

Digital only • General Contractors • Insurance/Legal/Contracts • Floor Coverings/Flooring • Tension Fabric

• Healthcare • Tradeshow Marketing / Traffic • Security / Safety • Advocacy Updates

International Focus: U.K.

International Focus: China

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

Advertiser Index 4 Productions

3

4Productions.com

Hill & Partners

49

HillPartners.com

Angles on Design

13

AnglesOnDesign.com

Horizon Print Solution

82

PrintEfficiency.com

beMatrix

2

Connect.beMatrix.com/pop

iLuminate

73

iLuminate.com

Breathe Health & Wellness Summit

71

BreatheSummit.com

IUPAT - (International Union of Painters & Allied Trades)

Back Cover

IUPATTradeshow.com

Brumark

9

Brumark.com

Labor Inc.

55

LaborInc.ca

BusinessWise 365

21

BusinessWise365.com

Las Vegas Mannequins/Las Vegas Store Supply

21

LVMannequins.com & LVStoreSupply.com

ChampionLogistics

17

ChampLog.com

National TradeShow Alliance

63

NationalTradeShowAlliance.org

Clementine Creative Services

81

ClementineCS.com

Nolan Advisory Services (NAS)

19

NolanAdvisory.com

Color Reflections

94

CRVegas.com

Rosemont – RES

57

Rosemont.com

Consumer Technology Association (CTA) / CES

95

CTA.tech & CES.tech

SEG Warehouse / Design to Print

19

WhySEG.com, DesignToPrint.com & Pillows4Show.com

CorpCom

5

Corpcom-Events.com

Sho-Link Inc.

17

Sho-link.com

CorpEvents - New England

23,80

Corp-eventsid.com

SMT Expo

23

SmtExpo.com

CORT Events

7

CORTevents.com

Superior Logistics

13

ShipSuperior.com

D.E. McNabb Flooring

15

DEMcNabb.com & McNabbExhibitFlooring.com

Employco USA

Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo)

57

HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com

4

Employco.com

Total Show Technology (TST)

83

TotalShowTech.com

Exposures Ltd. Photography

78

ExposuresLtd.com

Von Hagen Design

71

VonHagen.net

Full Circle Events

57

FCELV.com

Willwork

44

Willwork.com

HighmarkTech Systems / YOURSpace HighmarkTech.com & YOURSpaceInc.com

47

Yellow Corp. / YRC Freight

21

YRC.com

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Contact sales: (702) 272-0182 ext. 105, sales@exhibitcitynews.com @EXHIBITCITYNEWS

ExhibitCityNews.com Jan/Feb/Mar 2022 93

Las Vegas has always been a city ahead of the times. A place where possibilities are limitless. Because of its extraordinary hospitality and generosity, CES® has been proud to call Las Vegas home for over 40 years. And we know we speak for the entire technology industry — from global changemakers to optimistic entrepreneurs — when we say thank you for welcoming us back with open arms.

Back to the lights. Back to the action. Back together again!

SAVE THE DATE CES® 2023 | Jan 5-8 | Las Vegas, NV

THE IUPAT WELCOMES BACK OUR MEMBERS AND CONTRACTORS TO ALL TRADE SHOWS!

IUPATtradeshow.com