Any carrier can say they “do tradeshows”, but not every carrier has the experience level to deliver superior results on a consistent basis.
We take a consultative approach and believe the logistical component of going to a show is as important as the booths the exhibit itself.
We take pride in being a true partner for our exhibitors and exhibit design and fabrication clients.
I’m excited to start the new year by, once again, promoting the FIT Capstone event, which took place in New York in December.
Since ECN’s inception nearly 30 years ago, we have promoted and celebrated both design and designers. In my mind, there is no “which came frst: the chicken or the egg” controversy here. Design comes frst and all else comes second. All else comes after.
Because from those professionally designed exhibits and projects come many thousands of good paying, interesting jobs that lead to the careers so many of us enjoy. So please join ECN in celebrating this year’s graduating class and their recent project presentations (page 30). Welcome to the workforce!
For those readers who don’t know, I was born, raised and spent the frst 32 years of my life in Chicago, so Bob McGlincy’s piece on the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (page 26) is a piece I’m thrilled to print.
I’d like to add a little of my own knowledge to our industry historian’s well-researched piece. The World’s Columbian Exposition, as it was taught to me in grade school history
class, rose out of a swamp near the lakefront. Millions came from around the world to see all of the new technologies debuting at this unique and important time in history—for the US and the world.
I may be a little biased because of my love for my hometown. So many key aspects of the city have changed since I was a kid in Chicago, but I hope kids still learn about that early proud moment in Chicago history. For the many kids from all walks of life growing up there now, it’s truly a proud moment in history for them all to share.
Also in this issue, we asked several industry experts to predict what’s ahead for our industry in 2023. Take a look at page 42 for their insights.
We’ve been hearing from readers that cybersecurity is an area of concern for them on the show foor, so on page 44, Amadeus Finlay tackles the topic and provides some tips on protecting data in a public venue.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend another year in this industry I love, among industry professionals who are like family. I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous year! - DVS
Donald V. Svehla Jr. (702) 272-0182 ext. 102
DonS@exhibitcitynews.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Lisa Abrams (702) 272-0182
LisaA@exhibitcitynews.com
EDITOR
Emily Olson
EmilyO@exhibitcitynews.com
ART DIRECTOR
Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com
Calanit Atia Sven Bossu
Paco Collazo
Bob McGlincy
Mike Morrison
Jim Obermeyer
Liese Peterson
Jessica Sibila
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jeanne Brei
Danelle Dodds
Thea Engst Amadeus Finlay
Pat Friedlander
Kerstan Szczepanski
Ray Smith PROOFREADERS
Kerstan Szczepanski
Making décor and accessories work for maximum impact.
Allow a wellness or sustainability-focused client to reinforce their brand identity by incorporating biophilic touches throughout an event space. Lifelike greenery adds touches of nature without the waste. Wood textures provides a sense of grounding, even in a crowded venue, to facilitate relaxed, candid conversations.
On the other end of the spectrum, it would be remiss to plan a tech event without charging accessories. Go a step further and place QR codes on personalized products for easy informational access.
For luxury clients, incorporate rich textured rugs, deep jeweled-toned pillows, and mixed metallics to envelope attendees in opulence.
Personalization can be much more than just printing a client’s logo on a board. Consider going outside of the box and reinforcing the client’s products and services in different ways. Subtly carry brand colors throughout the event with custom, thematic graphics on light columns, pillows, and soft seating pods to marry brand amplification with creative design elements.
Highlight intelligent design with well thought out, functional lighting. Discern a gathering space with defining hedge walls for a calming effect. Frame a soft seating sanctuary with geometric wall partitions for a sense of privacy even in a crowded space.
For more design tips and the latest updates, visit us at cortevents.com
© 2022 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.
p. 78
Location: The Neal Kocurek Memorial Austin Convention Center is located at 500 E Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Date Opened: July 4, 1992
Square Footage: The Austin Convention Center has an exhibit foor of 247,052 square feet and a 63,928 squarefoot ballroom. Additional space gives the convention center a total of 881,400 square feet for events.
Parking: Parking at the convention center is in two garages with a total of 1,685 spaces.
Hotels: There are 12,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center, with both the Fairmont and Hilton hotels directly connected to the center by overhead pedestrian walkways.
Airport Info: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just 6 miles from the convention center.
WiFi: The Austin Convention Center has high-speed internet access with complimentary wif that can accommodate 20,000 wireless devices at one time.
Transport: Two blocks from I-35, the convention center is 35 minutes away from Austin-Bergstrom Airport by bus on CapMetro’s Route 20. The Light Rail Downtown Station is just a 13-minute walk from the center.
Website: austinconventioncenter.com
Several companies are celebrating big milestone anniversaries, and ECN wants to congratulate them on their success and ofer best wishes for many successful years to come. Creative Dimensions, a Connecticut-based exhibit house, celebrated 35 years in business in 2022. Over its lifetime, the organization expanded from a 4,500 square-foot shop with seven employees to their current 73,000 square-foot headquarters with 47 team members. Joel Roy, Creative Dimensions president, says, “Creative Dimensions is thankful for each of our current and past team members, partners and clients. Thank you for being a part of our journey.”
2020 Exhibits also celebrated 35 years in business in 2022, and the company’s leaders say they owe their success to their talented team, their ability to evolve and their consistent recognition of the human need to create. Founder Bob Babine started the company in 1987 by selling banner stands and pop-up display boards from the trunk of his car. Jeannette Sanders, VP of marketing and strategy, says of the company’s founder, “We are incredibly grateful for his vision and mentorship.”
Hamilton Exhibits celebrated an impressive 75 years in business in 2022! Our next issue will showcase their growth through the years.
The largest urban bat colony in North America is in Austin. An estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats make their home at the Congress Bridge from mid-March to early November.
In the recently released children’s book What Does Your Daddy Do?, by Joshua Page, Ashton’s ffth grade class settles in the classroom. His teacher, Ms. Dusenbury, starts the discussion of career week. The kids are really interested in it and want to learn more. Ashton knows very little about what his dad does so he goes home and says, “Dad, what do you do?”
This book does a good job generating interest, but it doesn’t capitalize on the opportunity to draw the audience in. If the aim is to get the younger generation more interested in the trades, this book is a great start, but I feel it fell a little short.
I love the idea of getting our younger generation more involved in the trades, and I’m very excited to see this efort evolve in the future. - Leslie Mujica
Read the full review online at https://exhibitcitynews.com/book-review-what-doesyour-daddy-do/
It takes an average of 4.5 sales calls to close a sale without an exhibition lead, and only 3.5 sales calls to close a lead from an exhibition.
Source: CEIR: The Cost effectiveness of Exhibition Participation: Part II
One of the most useful inventions to come out of New Orleans is dental foss. Don’t forget to use it!
The official cocktail of Louisville is the Old Fashioned. To make your own, combine: 1 teaspoon sugar 3 dashes Angostura bitters 1 teaspoon water 2 ounces bourbon
Chicago-based CampfreSocial recently announced the launch of Ignite!, a professional network designed exclusively for exhibitors. The platform allows for year-round networking among industry
professionals so that they can network with peers, respond jointly to RFPs, form partnerships or establish referral relationships. For more info, visit campfresocial.io/ignite
We’ve all been diving back into this business headfirst, nearly drowning in the work that has been thrown our way in the last few months. I think it is time for us to come up for air and try to catch our breath. And while you are doing that and thinking about what has been happening as we all get used to the fast-paced world of tradeshows again, take a moment to consider these:
between that of a new car and a McMansion in three days, only to disassemble it three days later
» Hang your dress shirt in the bathroom with the shower running for 30 minutes to steam out the wrinkles
Guard your giveaways like a momma bear (Day #1), and beg show labor to take them away in bulk (Day #3)
» Judge people based solely on their name badge
three times
» Buy a gaudy new belt in the casino shop for $165 after forgetting to pack one
» Take a Lyft to Lowe’s and Target and Walgreens at 8am because your client forgot something they need for the show
» Let someone point a scanning device or smartphone camera in the general vicinity of your chest and crotch—repeatedly
By Jim Obermeyer» Spend $10 for a 12 oz. bottle of Aquafina
» Wear matching polyester clothing
» Chat with 500 total strangers in 72 hours
» Debate the existential meaning of portable, modular and custom
» Complain about how much it costs to vacuum 400 sq. ft. of carpet
» Be convinced a 15-minute conversation will lead to $500,000 in new business
» Assemble a 3D structure that costs somewhere
» Sneak off to the bathroom just to find a quiet place to work
» Convince your boss that the 300 fishbowl leads are new clients clamoring for your product (and not the iPad giveaway)
» Have accounting panic because you just maxed out your credit card on one transaction … perhaps the drayage bill?
» Spend 3 days with 100 of your best friends and not speak to or see them again for 362 days
» Hide in a storage closet to scarf down a day-old scone because you’re starving (and were out too late the night before)
» Fly from the Midwest in January to Las Vegas, Orlando or New Orleans and NEVER leave the hotel/convention center complex
» Reintroduce yourself to the same person
» Explain, once again, to your family and friends that it is a business trip and NOT a vacation
You know there’s at least some on this list that you have done, if not all! But it’s just who we are and what we do. And unless you’re in this business, you probably wouldn’t get the humor. So as we kick of another year and (hopefully) watch our industry continue to rock on, do take some time to catch your breath and enjoy the ride.
See you on the show foor.
Jim Obermeyer has been in the exhibits and events industry for 40 years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and exhibit house owner. He can be reached at jobermeyer903@gmail.com
After sufering through pandemic postponements, cancellations and closures, America is open for business. The year did not start that way, but business has been fourishing through the last three quarters because of pent-up demand and the desire to interact face-toface. People are past ready to get back to normal, and they have been proving it through their actions and their spending habits.
By Bob McGlincyTravel, retail, entertainment and tradeshows are having their best numbers since the start of the pandemic. People feel safe and are traveling for both business and pleasure. The TSA screened 2,560,623 individuals at airports nationwide the Sunday after Thanksgiving (a post-pandemic record). While ofcial driving numbers have not been released as of this writing, AAA estimated that Thanksgiving week 2022 was the third
busiest in the past 23 years. Retail sales are booming. Online sales set a new Black Friday record of $9.12B; at the same time, brick-and-mortar sales increased. According to a Forbes November 27 article, “In-store sales were up 12 percent yearover-year on Black Friday.” The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasted the number of shoppers Thanksgiving weekend at 166.3 million, which would be eight million more shoppers than in 2019. Further, the National Retail Federation predicted record sales between $942 billion and $960 billion this holiday season. In the entertainment world, audiences are returning live and in-person. Two summer movie blockbusters set records in terms of dollars and live audience numbers. On September 3, 2022, 8.1 million people nationwide paid to attend movies in person. Broadway sales are averaging 86 percent of capacity, accord-
ing to a September 27 Variety article. And last, but defnitely not least, crowds are back at tradeshows … sometimes in huge numbers. Below are a few examples:
» SEMA attracted 135,000 people
» NY ComicCon drew more than 200,000 fans
» MODEX attendance was up 20 percent over 2019
» NAB numbers were up 13.5 percent over 2019
» IMEX was up 45 percent over last year, and scheduled 62,000 business appointments
» Pack Expo set records for both attendance and number of exhibitors
» Label Expo had a record setting number of first timers
» IAAPA had attendees from 104 countries
» ISC West, Printing and Equip all set records for attendance and/or number of exhibitors
Despite the positive news, we live in an uncertain world. A majority of economists are predicting a recession. This pre-recession period, however, is
diferent from other recessionary times: Labor numbers are up, unemployment is down, and although the frst two quarters of 2022 showed negative growth (typically a defning sign of a recession), quarter three showed positive growth. In my opinion, the Fed waited too long to raise interest rates, then overreacted, and now continues to look in the rear-view mirror while driving the economy toward the clif. Whether a recession happens in 2023 or not, there are several reasons to be optimistic about the business future of tradeshows.
» The industry has a history of being resistant to recession, and resilient in recovery
» Recent surveys by AMEX and by Cvent indicate a strong 2023
» The industry is all about face-to-face.; people want to see and be seen
» The industry is too big to fail
Tradeshows work. They work very well. They make dollars, and they make sense. Barring some catastrophic event, tradeshow numbers for 2023 will exceed pre-pandemic ones. But in order to succeed moving forward–whether the show is digital, live or hybrid–we must all work together to create a positive show-foor experience. We need to engage buyers and sellers, and ofer them reasons to leave their ofces, their houses and their remote areas of business.
Bob McGlincy is director, business management at Willwork Global Event Services. Willwork creates engaging, energized, and exceptional event experiences. Bob can be contacted at Bob.McGlincy@willwork.com.
Wynn Las Vegas’ Awakening, a more than $120 million show Wynn Las Vegas introduces a new era of entertainment. Guaranteed to awaken all your senses with the show’s spectacular color, elaborate costumes, music, incredible stage efects, and the narration by two-time Academy Award-winner Anthony Hopkins, Awakening is an unprecedented spectacle. The show, conceived and created by Bernie Yuman, Baz Halpin and Michael Curry, immerses audiences in a custom-designed 360-degree theater.
By Calanit Atia
featuring PHBX Technology™, a technology that creates 3D sound. Elaborate set designs are showcased as the journey unfolds across a 60-foot prismatic stage made of dichroic glass and custom LED screens. More than 300 costumes, inspired by haute couture, bring the fve unique and visceral worlds of Awakening to life.
For tickets: AwakeningLasVegas.com
Balla Italian Soul’s at the SAHARA Las Vegas
The energetic new restaurant inside SAHARA Las Vegas from James Beard Award winner chef Shawn McClain and McClain Camarota Hospitality Group, Balla Italian Soul celebrates the ingredient-driven favors of the Italian coast. The experiential, high-energy destination features seasonal cuisine, including Balla’s selection of aperitivi, handmade pastas, Roman pizzas, an array of fresh seasonal vegetable dishes and salads as well as rustic, fre-roasted meats and fsh. In addition, the restaurant ofers a Euro-centric eclectic wine list, unique cocktails and playful desserts.
What makes this restaurant a must-try, beside the delicious food, is the people. From the busboy to the waiter, everyone made me feel like family. For more information: saharalasvegas.com
Princes Diana: A Tribute Exhibition Inside The Shops at Crystals Las Vegas
This 10,000-square-foot royal exhibit has more than 7,000 artifacts in 12 themed rooms.
It was designed to transport visitors efortlessly into the life of world-famous royalty through the designer fashions, personal efects and historic items of the People’s Princess and family and friends important in her life.
Awakening invites audiences to join the quest of a heroine and her two fellow travelers as they seek to reunite two lost lovers. Infused with modern day myth and magic, the show comes to life through a combination of dramatic choreography, technology, fantastic creatures and a custom sound system designed to showcase its breathtaking original musical score.
The theater features 1,600 seats, each within 75 feet of center stage and equipped with a sound system that envelops audiences through WynnSonic
Gordon Ramsay Debuts Ramsay’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Las Vegas Multi-Michelin-starred chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay has made his favorful mark in Las Vegas with Caesars Entertainment for the sixth time: Ramsay’s Kitchen, a concept inspired by Chef Ramsay’s travels abroad.
“I can’t wait to introduce one of my newer restaurant concepts and the frst of its kind on the West Coast to Harrah’s guests,” says Ramsay. “The menu features some of my favorite dishes I’ve created at home in my own kitchen, but with that special Vegas fair.”
For more information: caesars.com/ harrahs-las-vegas
Organizers worked to curate the exhibit from a collection of Diana and British royal memorabilia considered by many to be the world’s most comprehensive—a collection that has taken more than 45 years to assemble. Twelve themed rooms are anchored by three standout collections: “Wedding of the Century,” “Fashion Icon” and “Gone Too Soon: A Memorial.” The exhibition will include a life-sized artistic sculpture of the most famous wedding dress in history, nine Diana-worn textiles, historic royal family items and more than 500 original items and personal objects belonging (or relating) to Diana as well as other well-known royals.
For more information: DianaLasVegas.com
With every new generation, the previous generation unearths the same old questions. And yet here I am asking them once again: Is this new generation doomed? What is with these latest trends, topics and hashtags? Is a hashtag still a thing?
It feels as if the internet has created an avalanche of fresher faces; however, the workforce seems to dwindle. Companies are encountering difculties reducing staf rotation and recruiting.
We are on the brink of a generational shift in the workplace. Gen Z represents a quarter of the US population. Eventually it will surpass Millennials in size, and the efects are already tangible across industries.
diferent industries, commitment from companies regarding social responsibility, taking a stance in relevant cultural moments, and demonstrating fexibility toward change are just the tip of the iceberg.
Hence, focusing on a combination of digital and face-to-face communication, where everyone feels involved in the company goals, must be a priority.
tion to leveraging the wisdom of older generations and the digital skills of the newer ones, can be a valuable approach as well.
When hiring in our industry, we have to consider the physical element of our industry. Installing and dismantling, supervising several projects, and ensuring that the stand is up and running in perfect state (when you are on a diferent foor or all the way across the tradeshow) can be physically demanding.
By Paco CollazoThere are four other generations that have shaped the workplace this new generation is entering, and they still play a big part in it. And just as humans continue to evolve, so has work and the meaning of work-life balance. There are clear discrepancies between this generation and the way older generations see the benefts of having stable sources of income over prolonged periods of time; they will devote themselves to a career or a role for much longer than someone younger.
When on site, it is important to engage with your team by showing support and encouraging them to ask questions. Companies can beneft from diverse resources to keep communication in real time when installing a project in another city or country.
It is important to identify the candidate who will stay the course. Delve into their past work experience to fnd some key indicators of loyalty and longevity. Keep in mind that workers prefer to be in organizations where they feel aligned with the values, vision and mission, so identifying those who have a similar work ethic and mindset from the get-go is the best move in the long run.
From the way they talk to the way they dress, there is a word that uncovers what this generation is all about: diversity. It is the common denominator of all their demands, and it extends beyond race and gender. Representation in
But what is the key to staying ahead of this inevitable curve in a very dynamic industry like ours?
Primarily, understanding the requests of a mixed talent pool is crucial; fostering a healthy workforce starts by nurturing a healthy company culture.
The importance of equitable treatment is front-of-mind for most employees nowadays, as well as the opportunity to explore the ways work brings value into their lives. The way your business caters to employees’ career aspirations and professional development is closely attached to the way they will evaluate whether to accept a job ofer and stay in their position long-term. Supporting employee career development through training and clear advancement opportunities can aid in talent retention.
Authenticity and personalization, and ofering internal apprenticeship and comprehensive training programs, in addi-
On the bright side, our industry allows us to experience new places and get to know new people all the time. Use this as an opportunity to attract talent that is interested in expanding their cultural knowledge. Traveling while enjoying what we do is a privilege not many people have.
And last but not least, when motivating your staf, you have to go that extra mile. We think it goes without saying, but the more obvious things are not that obvious sometimes. Make staf members feel appreciated and valued for their hard work. Monitor your team to verify they are not experiencing workplace burnout, and implement a good rest-work ratio to increase their productivity.
While a lot can be said about the achievements of COP27, the event industry has made steady progress since COP26. The initial pledge was fully articulated and translated into a roadmap toward zero carbon by 2050. In parallel, many convention centers have developed a strategy to reduce carbon emissions, sometimes nudged by the sharp increase in energy prices. The road ahead nevertheless promises to be a bumpy one.
At this moment, you want to be running a convention center in Portugal when it comes to meeting zero carbon targets. In the frst 8 months of this year, half of the energy generated in the country came from renewables, and the government expressed the ambition to reach 100 percent by 2040. While this does not dismiss venues from looking for energy efciencies, the impact on the local event industry footprint is clear and very positive.
This is obviously not the case for every country, and it is actually not the 2050 vision as outlined in the Net Zero Road-
by Sven Bossu, CEO AIPC
map for the Events Industry. There is indeed a lot of confusion on this topic and the matter is complex. What the roadmap says is that “by 2050, all energy related emissions should be accurately accounted for, energy efciency should be maximized and renewable energy should be used where possible.” Once all of this is achieved, remaining emissions can be ofset if there is no viable alternative. Nevertheless, the pathway to achieve this target remains ambitious and therefore challenging.
Let’s have a look at the two frst steps, to be achieved by end of 2025.
By end of 2023, every venue needs to have data collection and plans in place. By 2025, a universal system to be used by all venues needs to be in place to measure and track data. And of course, the plans defned by the end of 2023 should be put into action and reported upon.
These are not small steps to be taken in the next 36 months. While everybody agrees that what is not measured does not get done, defning a common met-
ric and measurement standard is not straightforward. There is, however, a big upside to having such a standard: It will allow venues to compare and learn from each other, instead of comparing apples to pears. And let’s be clear: Organizers will be requesting this data as part of their eforts to reduce their carbon footprint. So—to quote a beloved monarch— we just need to get on with it.
The other short-term component—defning baselines and targets—is equally daunting, but for diferent reasons. Achieving targets will be a combination of moving to renewable energy AND energy efciencies. As it is likely that both “legs” will consist of diferent components—some of which reinforce each other—doing the mathematics will take some efort. A recent presentation given by Billy McFadyen from the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) at IBTM was a real eye-opener for me. The SEC wants to be carbon zero by 2030 at the latest. In order to do so, they are looking at a mix of solutions (hydro, solar, etc.), all of which are scalable. This means that if one of the solutions underperforms against objectives, the other solutions will be scaled up to meet the overall objective. In the target picture, it will even be possible to identify which type of energy has been used for which type of activity within a single event. Key lessons learned: There is no single solution—it will be a mix—and scalability is key.
Add to this the rapidly evolving technology, and convention center leaders are likely to have a real control panel at their disposal to become and maintain carbon zero. Just as an example with regard to technology: When I installed solar panels on my house in 2012, they had an efciency rate of 17.8 percent. These days, solar panels can achieve a 39.2 percent efciency. Just imagine what this would do at the scale of a convention center.
So while the convention center community has a challenging road ahead, the destination is defnitely worth it. And by sharing knowledge and lessons learned at events and via other platforms, the journey also becomes a shared one, which makes it all the more interesting.
As we wrap up 2022 and move into a much-awaited 2023, when the tradeshow, live events and experiential marketing industries world will kick it into overdrive for a welcome comeback, we refect on one of the most recent industry events, which was held at Stone Mountain Resort. Known as the homecoming of sorts for the tradeshow industry, where many recipients of fnancial and emotional support are recognized, Don and Mike were on hand to conduct a few interviews and support the cause for their sixth consecutive year.
In speaking with many of the participants who came to Atlanta to be a part of The Randy, there were mixed emotions about the immediate future of events—about as mixed as we have seen. We have seen many shows putting up record numbers of attendees and exhibitors compared to pre-pandem -
ic conditions while others struggle to reach 50 percent of what was seen prior to the pre-pandemic state of affairs. Research has shown that 2023 is the target year for comebacks to occur, and I believe that this is the case, but to what extent? And what will the NEW world of tradeshows and live events look like?
Much of this was discussed at the associations’ end-of-year events, including EDPA ACCESS 2022 in San Antonio, Texas, ESCA’s Winter Awards Ceremonies and IAEE’s Expo!Expo!, both of which were located this year in Louisville, Kentucky. The Don and Mike Show had a presence at all three events and spoke with guests about this and other extremely important subjects.
The podcast played a major role at IAEE’s Expo!Expo! Education Day on December 13. A multitude of interviews were recorded live in front of an audi-
ence where I spoke on the subject of podcast creation—the dos and don’ts for podcast formulation.
The podcast, fve and a half years young at this point, is still making itself known to the tradeshow, event and experiential marketing industries. To learn more about The Don and Mike Show, head over to TheDonAndMikeShow.net and be a part of our eforts to bring the latest discussion to the family.
After a more than five-year run, the Don & Mike show is coming to an end. Archives of The Don & Mike Show can be heard at TheDonAndMikeShow.net and most all podcast platforms.
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.
Once upon a time, a magic city appeared on a lakeshore, rising out of a swamp.
The temporary city didn’t last long, but for a brief ficker of time, millions of people from around the globe focked to be there. Part Mardi Gras, part Consumer Electronics Show, part Disney experience, it was the largest event of the 19th century and showcased the world’s newest ideas and technology. Newspaper reports from the day said it would take more than three weeks and walking more than 150 miles to see everything. This fantasy land was so large that it was known by several diferent names: “The World’s Columbian Exposition,” “The White City” and, as most know it today, “The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.”
On May 1 of that year,
President Grover Cleveland pressed a gold telegraph key, closing an electrical circuit and energizing the Exposition. Slowly generators buzzed. Engines whirred to life. Swirling spotlights danced across roofs and bathed fountains in cascading colors. A hundred thousand incandescent lights fared and began illuminating the city. Crowds stared, silently awestruck, then they began cheering wildly. Nothing like it had ever been seen in the history of the world!
Initially proposed during the mid-1880s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival at the “new world,” the show opened six and a half months late. But that was understandable, since approvals were delayed and construction did not begin until summer 1891. New
York City, Washington, DC, St Louis and Chicago clamored to hold the event: They all wanted to promote their cities, generate revenue and boost real estate values. Chicago eventually won Congressional consent because they had the space, they had the money, they had the railroads, and possibly because they wanted it the most and yelled the loudest (at least that is what the New York press claimed).
Building a NeoClassical City
Daniel Burnham of Chicago was chosen as the chief architect. Wanting to revive a classical look from earlier times, he recruited an all-star team from across the country. The Fair’s “Main Buildings” would be designed by diferent frms, and focus on diferent products and areas of interest. Frederick Law Olmstead, the premiere landscape architect of the era, designed Jackson Park and was responsible for the Venetian feel of the Grand Basin.
In 18 months, 40,000 workers transformed the space and constructed 200
buildings. Materials included 75,000,000 board feet of lumber; 64,000,000 pounds of iron and steel; and 30,000 tons of staf (staf was a mixture of plaster, cement and hemp). Because of the short time constraints, the buildings were metal skins clothed with wood, covered with staf and painted white. They were designed to be temporary, and inside they looked like empty sheds.
Six miles from downtown Chicago was the entrance to the Fair. There, 61 acres of recovered swampland morphed into lagoons, ponds, waterways and islands. On the water were full-size replicas of Columbus’ three ships, a Viking ship, and gondolas and electric boats to transport people. At one end of the Basin stood a statue stretching 65 feet skyward, atop a 35-foot base. Surrounding the water was the “Court of Honor”: the 14 main buildings of the fair. Twelve were dedicated to specifc areas of interest: agriculture, anthropology, electricity, fsheries, forestry, horticulture, machinery, manufacturing and liberal arts, mines, fne arts, transportation, and the women’s building. Collectively, these exhibit halls totaled 3,780,318 square feet of space (over a million square feet). “Manufacturing,” with 1,327,669 square feet, was the largest building in the world at the time.
The Exposition showcased original items, as well as some existing ones that became
popular after the fair. Some of the frsts in 1893 included:
» First World’s Fair building designed by a female architect
» First practical electric automobile
» First commercial movie theater
» First electrical transit system in the US
» First moving sidewalk
» First automatic dishwasher
» First Ferris wheel
» First indoor ice-skating rink
» First spray paint machine
» First prototypes for the zipper, fluorescent lights and aerosol sprays
» First US coin bearing the portrait of a woman
Maybe the most important frst is the one most easily overlooked: It was the frst demonstration to a national audience
of the widespread potential of electricity. The show established the victory of Westinghouse’s and Tesla’s alternating current over Edison’s direct current.
Other items debuting at the Fair included: Cream of Wheat, Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit, Quaker Oats, Vienna sausage and diet soda. Items that already existed but became popular after the fair were: Pabst (won the Blue Ribbon for beers), hamburgers, peanut butter, carbonated beverages and brownies. It is believed that the writing of “America the Beautiful” and The Wizard of Oz were both infuenced by the Fair, as were the ideas behind Disneyland and Epcot Center. Milton Hershey was said to be inspired by the fountains of fowing chocolate from Europe.
There were more than 65,000 exhibits at the Exposition, displaying more than a million individual pieces. Countries and companies had their own pavilions. Edison and Krupp each spent over a half million dollars on their displays (equivalent to $16.3 million today). Westinghouse, General Electric, Bell Telephone, Western Electric and HJ Heinz had multiple exhibits. Tifany had their own pavilion. There was an art museum housing more than 10,000 pieces of art, an aquarium and the world’s largest selection of wine. Some of the heaviest items at the Fair included: the Ferris wheel (weighing 1,433 tons—without people!), Krupp’s cannon (44 feet long, weighing 122 tons, with a record-setting fring range of 15 miles), the Yerkes telescope (61 feet long, weighing 75 tons) and a 22,000-pound wheel of cheese. Other unique items attracting crowds included Edison’s 150-foot light tower, a tower of 14,000 oranges, 16,000 varieties of orchids, ostriches, Egyptian cigarettes, and William Morrison’s electric vehicle. Remarkably, it had a range of 50 miles, with speeds up to 20 mph.
Companies exhibited because it made sense to do so. Here’s one example: Thousands a day paid 10 cents each to watch glass blowing demonstrations from a small Toledo Ohio company. The company was Libbey Glass, and 125 years later, they had revenue of $797.8 million!
The Midway was the moneymaker of the Fair. Located “on the other side of the tracks”
from the White City, it ofered rides, food, entertainment and a glimpse into other cultures. Attractions included villages from around the world, Hagenbeck’s zoo, an ice-skating rink, a tethered 1500-foot hot air balloon ride, a movie theater, an ice-railway/toboggan slide, the “World Congress of Beauty,” the “wild man of Borneo” and a belly dancer called “Little Egypt.” The centerpiece of the show was George Ferris’ original Great Wheel. It stood 265 feet high and had 36 cars. The Wheel rotated 2,160 people up 25 stories into the sky, for an unforgettable view of the fairgrounds and the city of Chicago.
A Lasting Legacy.
The 1893 Fair was one of the most impressive in history, and it demonstrated the enormous power of expositions. Architecturally, it triggered the ”City Beautifcation” rebuilding movement in Chicago, and spurred the Beaux Arts and Classical revival in other parts of the country. Culturally, it displayed lifestyles from around the globe. Scientifcally, there was a wealth of inventions and products. From a business standpoint, the Fair attracted the largest number of countries of any event in a century; it provided a space for international networking and for closing business deals. The Fair made a signifcant proft. It fostered international cooperation and promoted recognition of the US as a potential world power. Most of all, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair sparked the electrifcation of America and propelled the country into the future.
Airport Code: AUS
Date Opened: May 23, 1999
Size: Austin-Bergstrom has two terminals; the Barbara Jordan Terminal has 34 gates and the Allegiant/Frontier airlines exclusive South Terminal has three. The airport has an area of 4,242 acres, and two runways, which are 12,250 feet and 9,000 feet.
Transport: The airport is served by Austin’s CapMetro High Frequency Bus Route 20. Highway access is from Texas state highway 71 and includes the convenient 183 toll road. Austin-Bergstrom has rideshare and taxi service, and a cell phone waiting lot for passenger pick-up.
Fun Facts: Austin-Bergstrom was converted from Bergstrom US Air Force base, named after an Austinite who served in the Army Air Force in WWII. It is the third busiest airport in Texas, after Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. More than 13 million passengers were served in 2021.
Website: www.austintexas.gov/airport
FIT’s Master of Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design is a full-time, hands-on, three-semester 39-credit program completed in 16 months. Encouraging design experiences not only for exhibitions, but also for spaces such as museums, corporate venues and retail environments, the program is comprehensive, and most coursework is a blend of feld and studio work. The curriculum focuses
on designing narrative environments rooted in human psychology. Students explore every type of designed experience, including museums, pop-ups and interactive digital spaces, and develop skills in concept development, environmental design, graphics, lighting and model making. Projects are conducted with support from many sources, with students learning to plan and build three-dimensional
models, apply typographic solutions to brand identity issues, and incorporate graphic, lighting, interactive and audiovisual elements into small- and large-scale designs.
The coursework includes exhibition and experience design planning, presentations, concept development, audience research, theory, evaluation methods, experiential graphic design, lighting and model making for museums, retail, corporate, nonproft, and public interior and exterior venues.
The culmination of their studies is a two-part research-based requirement. Students conceive and prove
in writing an original, theory-based argument. Then they develop an independent thesis project and participate in the Capstone Event, where students demonstrate their design, research, writing and critical-thinking skills in a fnal exhibition design and academic paper, presented to program faculty and an international panel of experts. Experiential design industry professionals, including creative directors, CEOs, exhibit developers, audience specialists, museum curators, writers, researchers, content experts, design educators, recruiters, journalists, events marketers and project managers, participate in a day-long adjudication of fnal student work. Industry leaders
travel to FIT to review theses and provide feedback.
And this Capstone Event, on Friday, December 9, is what brought industry professionals to 28th and 7th—to New York and the FIT conference center. After lunch, Professor Christina Lyons, chair of the FIT Graduate Exhibition & Experience Design program, gave the guests guidance, including a scoring rubric. Before the event, attendees were sent descriptions of each student’s projects and their rationales for their creative solutions. Then, beginning at 1pm, attendees had 30-minute increments to visit their preselected student projects. The projects ranged from the emotional well-being of Millennials and
Gen Z post-pandemic, climate change and battling waste in exhibitions, the power of sound, and the impact of digital and the multiverse. But, of course, a theme that permeated many of the presentations was the COVID pandemic, which will be a defning moment for these students. And Capstone was wonderfully live this year, after two years of virtual presentations.
All presentations are available on the Capstone website.
A program followed the viewing of the student work; there were awards and a keynote speaker, Joy Bailey Bry-
ant, president of Lord Cultural Resources US. Her address was about inclusion in our experiential spaces, which she broke down into the elements of planning a party, a party where everyone feels welcome and represented.
Signifcant support for FIT’s program comes from the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) in the form of scholarships to help defray education costs, lecturers who share their specialties with the students in classroom settings, and developers of the curriculum in partnership with the FIT experiential design faculty. Since 2004, EDPA’s
Foundation has championed the program through its university afliation team. As of this writing, several students have already received job ofers from frms attending the event.
A Star Award went to Katina Rigall Zipay, MA, a graduate of the program. Katina has been the creative director at Classic Exhibits for almost seven years, and in 2020, she was named the EDPA designer of the year. Currently, Katina is a member of the EDPA board and a facilitator of the Women in Exhibitions group. In commenting on Katina’s Star Award, Kevin Carty, EVP at Classic Exhibits, wrote, “Tell me something I don’t already know! Katina Rigall Zipay, MA, is a star. [I’m] beyond proud of you for your service-driven heart for the #FITNYC program, among the many other ways you give your time and skills to our great industry.”
Happy to be in person once again and able to network with industry friends, this year’s Capstone Event demonstrated the strength of the industry and the relationships we build.
A theme that permeated many of the presentations was the COVID pandemicThe 2022 FIT Capstone Event demonstrated the industry's strength, and everyone was delighted to return to an in-person celebration.
American truck drivers are the backbone of our nation’s commerce. These are the people ensuring that everything from produce to tradeshow setups get to where they need to be—and back again—on time, every time. I spoke to one of the best in the business, Kevin Bates, who’s been driving trucks for more than 30 years, currently for Sunset. I want-
ed insight into what brought him to the industry and what keeps him there.
Kevin’s father was a trucker and so is his older brother, so the career was a natural choice for him. “We started out in the potato industry in Rhode Island. We had a contract with Frito Lay, so we pulled seed potatoes up and down 95 from Maine to Florida. We’d do the run and then bring watermel-
ons or whatever produce back. And that went on for years.”
And over decades that Kevin has been spending from two weeks to two and a half months at a time on the road, he’s seen the ebbs and fows of the industry more than most. “We were short-stafed before the pandemic, and we are now.” But like many other industries, the demands don’t slow with fewer hands to help. “We’ll get two weeks to bring a show in and build it, but on the outbound you get only three days to get outta there.”
He snickered at this and sang praises of his coworkers, who make these seemingly impossible tasks run smoothly. “The teamwork, the people I work with make it easier. I’m at
home with the people I work with because we are a family.”
Through all the changes, Kevin misses the mom and pop-style rest stops most. “It used to be—if you saw a truck parked out front a restaurant, you knew that was a good spot to eat. Now you see me in a rest area, I’m in the back eating the meal I made in my truck. It was a godsend for me to have this truck. My bunk is 170 inches long, so I’m not in a regular trucking company’s truck. I’ve got a shower, toilet, fridge, oven, burners, microwave, double sink...”
“My fancée is a health coach, and she makes all the food for my truck. When she knows I’m leaving, she starts cooking and freezes it. Every-
thing I eat is all good food, and it’s all made at home.” Kevin calls his fancé“the backbone” of his family, their daughters and his new grandchild.
Kevin’s experiences, advice and ability to laugh was inspiring. Even when discussing the challenges of his job or the negatives of the industry, Kevin maintained his perspective that hard work, teamwork and family will get you through.
“I’ve been around trucks my whole life and I honestly think if I have to put everything in a nutshell in all the years—because there’s nothing I haven’t done in this industry—it’s the people I work with and my family—my fancée her daughters, our dogs, my granddaughter—that’s why I do it.”
There’s a simple question exhibit managers ask when planning their tradeshow budget: “How much will it cost to ship my exhibit freight to a show?”
The problem is there’s not one simple answer. The fnal cost of your shipment is afected by many variables:
What geographic locations are you shipping from and to? There are diferent tarifs–or rates–depending on if you are shipping locally, across state lines, or in commonly used freight lanes or to more remote areas.
How fragile is your freight? Equipment and exhibit properties also ship on diferent tarifs, based on their fragility.
Where are you delivering to? There are diferent rates if your truck will be dropping of at a warehouse (ie, advance warehouse or exhibit house) or waiting in line–sometimes overnight–at a marshaling yard waiting to unload at busy convention center docks.
What’s the timeframe between pickup and delivery? The quicker your freight needs to move, the more expensive it’s likely to be–from next-fight-out, to
next day, two to three day, or a week-plus for cross-country shipments.
How is your shipment packaged? Will it be palletized, crated, in rolling cases, D-containers, cardboard cartons or odd-shaped pad-wrap?
What type of carrier are you using? Common carriers, van lines, expedited freight and airfreight carriers, and door-todoor carriers (eg, UPS, FedEx or DHL) all have their quirks on what they’ll move and what they charge. And some door-to-door carriers can deliver to–but cannot pick-up from–convention facilities.
What does each piece of your freight weigh, and what are the dimensions (height, length and width)? Costs are generally computed based on the dimensional weight–a calculation of weight plus total cubic dimensions.
What’s the current cost of fuel? There may be surcharges calculated based on the current cost of fuel to move the freight.
Are you adding valuation to the very minimal coverage per pound you automatically receive? Make sure that if your freight were lost or damaged, you have coverage to replace it.
What special equipment and services will you require (eg, a liftgate truck if there aren’t docks, pallet jack, wait time in the show’s marshaling yard dropping of or picking up freight, additional valuation, etc.)? Ask your carrier what “ancillary charges” you may incur when requesting a pre-shipment quote.
Working closely with your shipping agent will help you compute your estimated costs and make sure you’ve covered all your bases for an on-budget shipment!
Candy’s a multi-certified, veteran exhibit project manager, consultant, industry writer and exhibit staff trainer with over 30 years’ experience managing exhibits, specializing in guiding exhibitors flawlessly through the tradeshow maze. Contact her candyadams@boothmom.com.
Of of exit 284 of Interstate 80 in Walcott, Iowa, is 225 acres, 75 developed; it’s home to the largest truckstop in the world: The Iowa 80 Truckstop.
Bill Moon found the spot for Standard Oil in 1964. The oil company wanted to build a truckstop along the still-under-construction Interstate 80. A year later, Bill took on management of the location. Then in 1984, Standard’s successor, Amoco, put the stop up for sale. Bill and his wife, Carolyn, borrowed against everything they owned and
bought Iowa 80. The truckstop has been in the Moon family ever since.
In 58 years, the Iowa 80 has been open 24/7, never closing due to weather, national crisis or 28 remodels and expansions. It has 900 parking spots, 100,000 square feet of retail space, and the 300seat Iowa Kitchen (open 24 hours!). The food court has a 24-hour Wendy’s as well as Dairy Queen & Orange Julius, Blimpies, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Chester’s Chicken, and Caribou Cofee. Retail includes a convenience store, gift shop, custom embroidery and vinyl shop, and the Iowa 80 Super Truck Showroom, which has books, DVDs and more chrome and trucking accessories than you can believe. Want a tour of truck history? Check out the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, show-
casing Bill Moon’s collection of antique trucks and trucking memorabilia. Download the app to get an audio recording for each of the well over 100 trucks on display.
For your truck there’s a fuel center with 42 gas islands, and 16 diesel lanes. There’s also a 24-hour 7-bay truck service center, a 3-bay Truckomat truck wash, coin operated vacuums, and a CAT scale, which will keep your vehicle running, looking sharp and within regulations.
And for the trucker there’s even more. There are 24 private showers to clean and refresh. Need a haircut or shave? Try the barber shop. Clean your clothes in the laundry room before or after deadlifting in the workout room. Socialize in the truckers tv lounge, or request a DVD from the showroom and play it in the 60-seat movie the-
ater. Or grab some quiet time in the library. Got a sore back from long drives? Visit the chiropractor. A dental emergency? No problem, see the dentist. Canine companion riding shotgun needs a bath? Head to the Dogomat Pet Wash. There’s even a chargepoint and Tesla Fast Charger. That’s an awful lot of service. But you need that when you have 5,000 customers a day. Even non-truckers will want to visit the Iowa 80. A good time to visit is in mid-July for the Walcott Truckers Jamboree. There were 44,000 in attendance in 2021! Don’t miss the Iowa Pork Chop cookout, the Super Trucks Beauty Contest, Truckers Olympics, freworks, live music, antique truck display and 175 other exhibits.
The Iowa 80 Truckstop. Largest doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Your tradeshow booth makes a bold statement about your company, and in many ways, how you set up and breakdown your booth does as well. That’s why it’s important to hire a logistics and moving company that holds itself to a high standard. Here are some of the expectations you should have of the logistics and moving company you hire:
» Confirm all loading and delivery information: It is standard practice when a mover signs on for a job.
» Weigh inbound shipments: This is a fairly standard practice that is part of creating a complete inventory of items being delivered to the tradeshow. This may not be necessary for the outbound shipment unless the items are being delivered to another show or alternative location, which should be specified by your firm.
» Bill of lading: Your mover /partner should show up with a Bill of Lading, which is a document acknowledging receipt of shipment. If they do not, then ask for a handwritten Bill of Lading as they unload.
» International shows: If you are attending an international show, your mover/partner should prepare the following:
» Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
» Shipping Labels
» U.S. Customs Power of Attorney
» Certificate of Origin
» Uniformed personnel movers: It’s important that the mover/partner be in some type of uniform to ensure that tradeshow staff know who they are and they are there.
» Padded items: Pad-wrapped shipments/items must remain padded until placed in the booth.
» Contact information: It’s critical to have the cell phone number of the mover in case there are any questions and to coordinate during the course of the show. For some of the larger shows, larger movers will have a representative on site. Be sure to also have an after-hours emergency contact number.
» Code of conduct: Most movers
will have guidelines in terms of conduct during the show/event. At our company, it goes beyond wearing a uniform and includes professionalism throughout the show and during the job while on site. To that end, we provide training for our drivers and crews.
The investment to participate in a tradeshow, conference or exhibition is considerable. Hiring a moving and logistics company is part of that investment and provides insurance that you have all the tools you need at the show for it to be a success. When hiring a logistics partner, ask around. See who people you respect use. Get two or three estimates and make sure to ask a lot of questions and for references.
Our industry is entirely dependent on transportation to get booths to and from show sites safely and on schedule. So we talked to a few of the country’s major transportation companies about the issues they’re facing and how they’re embracing change in the future.
Jason Olinger is the division vice president of sales at Yellow, an organization that calls itself the original less-than-truckload carrier. Doug Shockley is the presi -
dent of Total Transportation Logistics, a California-based logistics company that provides rigging, transportation, warehousing and tradeshow services. CJ Berg is the director of sales and marketing at Champion Logistics Group, a full-service logistics company that offers domestic transportation, international freight forwarding and warehouse and fulfillment services.
Exhibit City News: What were the biggest transportation issues you faced in 2022?
Jason Olinger (Yellow): According to the American Trucking Associations, the trucking industry will need one million new drivers over the next decade to replace those retiring or leaving the industry. Approximately 25 percent of the current truck driver pool is within 10 years of retirement. The truck driver shortage is a long-term industry challenge, which is why Yellow has established 22 Yellow Driving Academies. The Academies are earnwhile-you-learn, and De-
partment of Labor registered apprenticeship programs. Yellow utilizes our seasoned drivers to train apprentices on their over-the-road training. In 2022, we graduated 1,000 new CDL drivers from this program.
Doug Shockley (Total Transportation Logistics): The single largest issue our industry faced in 2022 was capacity. Our medical device manufacturing customers were working at their highest level to satisfy the need of medical equipment,
which was at its highest demand, during the pandemic. This increase in demand put a strain on the capacity in our feets and kept our drivers busy and on the road constantly without many days of. During this time, we had an unprecedented increase in hiring new drivers, training them to provide White Glove services, and we were able to mitigate any disrupt to our customers.
CJ Berg (Champion Logistics): Qualifed driver shortages continue to challenge the tradeshow industry. We invested heavily in driver training in order to successfully support the specifc requirements associated with tradeshow transportation. Had we not made this decision, our available driver pool would have been much smaller than pre-pandemic levels.
ECN: What issues do you anticipate in 2023 and how do you plan to address them given lessons learned in 2022?
JO: Keeping CDL operators from leaving the industry will remain a challenge given the increasing demand and rising pay rates for skilled labor. Investing in their ongoing development, highlighting career paths and earning potential, and building opportunities for them to engage in meaningful work beyond daily deliveries will be key. Yellow has certified nearly 1,000 frontline safety trainers who participate in safety committees, internal marketing events, external industry and customer events, and in training the next generation of drivers.
DS: Our three biggest
issues are 1. drivers 2. fleet insurance 3. healthcare. The transportation Industry and our niche of high valued products distribution has always had challenges in hiring and retaining quality drivers who are properly trained to handle and provide White Glove Services. Total Transportation Logistics maintains an active driver recruiting program as well as continuous driver training programs within our fleet. Rising insurance costs driven by frivolous lawsuits and the overall risk of fleet operations will continue to drive up transportation costs.
CJB: Fortunately, we anticipate fewer service and cost issues in 2023. With the impending recession, consumer consumption could slow, which would create driver availability and cost reductions as compared to this year. A recession may come with a new a set of challenges, but they’ll difer from what we’ve become accustomed to.
ECN: How do you manage client expectations and what extra value does your company add?
JO: We manage client expectations here at Yellow with transparency and honesty. We stand apart with nearly 100 years of experience being the original LTL carrier.
DS: TTL’s clients comprise manufacturers of high valued electronic equipment, medical devices, semi-conductor equipment and others who complement these industries. TTL provides a First in Class White Glove program that includes value-added
Planning the shipment of your exhibit properties and supplies doesn’t have to be painful if you follow these fve steps: Manifest – Make a spreadsheet listing what you’ll be shipping, each piece’s dimensions and weight, and the origin of the freight. Tip: Note, too, which ones will be returned after the show.
Packaging – Will your freight be shipped as loose, individual cartons; palletized (ie, cartons banded and or stretch-wrapped on a pallet); in a D-container (palletized box); in rolling cases; wood crates or pad wrapped? Tip: Check your exhibitor services manual as material handling costs may be afected by how your freight is packaged and the type of carrier it arrives on.
Freight Origin – Where will the freight be picked up: at your exhibit house, promotional item vendor, corporate ofce or graphics agency, etc.? Tip: Ask your exhibit house if they’ll consolidate your marketing collateral and exhibit supplies with your exhibit shipment.
Destination – Where will you be shipping your freight: The show’s general contractor’s advance warehouse or direct to show site? Check the deadlines in the exhibitor services manual for the dates when the advance warehouse accepts freight and if there is a freight target map for your show that shows when you’ll be allowed to unload freight onsite. Tip: You can always ask for a variance on your freight target if the one assigned doesn’t work with your set-up schedule, but this, too, will have a deadline.
Timing – When will your freight be ready to ship? Share your manifest with your carrier and ask them how much lead time they need to get your freight to your chosen destination. Be sure to get your shipping order in earlier than you’re used to pre-COVID, as there’s now less capacity for moving freight. Tip: Always place your return shipping order at the same time as your shipping order to the show.
Planning ahead and working closely with your carrier will make sure all your freight is moved on time and on budget–because the worst show is a no-show!
services of inside pick up or delivery, blanket wrapping, unpacking and debris removal. We also provide real-time product tracking and reporting services through our client portals. Our Customer Service team provides a single point of contact from the time of registration of a new order to confirmation of delivery. TTL’s concierge type service is targeted and then designed around each customer’s specific and specialized needs.
CJB: During the pandemic, Champion invested heavily in driver services and the technology to support improved real-time communication with our clients. Because of these investments, our client expectations shouldn’t change. Our service ofering has only improved over the last few years.
ECN: What technological advances on the horizon in trucking and transportation do you find most exciting? Why are you looking forward to those advances becoming a reality?
JO: The trucking industry is currently experiencing signifcant investment in new safety and sustainability technologies. These technologies are already resulting in industry safety advances and emissions reductions. In 2023, there will be even more opportunities available for the industry to enhance safety and sustainability. However, the most important safety feature of a truck is the driver, and continued emphasis on training is one of the best investments made by the
trucking industry.
DS: Alternate fuel trucks will be the focus for the near horizon. Whether electric or fuel cell the push will be in the direction of some alternate fuel source.
ECN: How do you help seasoned drivers embrace new technology and automated systems?
JO: Yellow utilizes our own drivers who complete a safety training program. Once certifed, they become instrumental in peer-to-peer training for existing and new technology, for example, placarding systems, electronic logging devices, video event recorder systems and electronic vehicle inspection reports.
DS: Like many new ideas, the key to a successful adaptation is a slow and steady approach trying to avoid an avalanche of changes that overwhelm even the most tech savvy person. By adapting new upgrades and providing continuous training, our drivers are more easily able to absorb changes slowly than trying to implement new technology all at once.
ECN: The supply chain has been a major point of discussion over the last year. How have supply chain disruptions over the last few years impacted your business?
JO: Closely partnering with our customers so that we understand their businesses is one of the best ways to deal with the dynamic supply chain the industry has experienced over the past few years.
DS: The supply chain disruptions have put manufacturers in a precarious
position of managing an abundance of some inventory while being paralyzed without the inventory of key components to complete a fnished good. We provided storage solutions during this time for their overfow of materials and provided solutions of expedited deliveries for the fnished goods to customers who were behind in receiving their products.
ECN: What safe work practices did you implement in 2022? Do you plan to implement more in 2023? Driver safety is a huge concern for the industry since drivers are such a precious commodity. How do you address their safety?
JO: We continue to utilize Smith System for collision avoidance, an internal program (KIP) for injury prevention, and SafeAlign for improving culture and communication at both the leadership and frontline levels. We reinforce expectations by recognizing safety performance individually and as teams. Yellow’s Million Mile safety program has recognized nearly 2,800 drivers who have achieved more than one million miles.
DS: We have increased our online training and installed Samsara tracking systems and cameras to monitor driver behavior and trafc interactions with our equipment.
Coming
In keeping with the core values and mission of the EACA, to provide value to our members and the industry, we are pleased to announce our 25th Anniversary Directory. This keepsake book contains not only detailed current member information but provides the industry with a view of EACA’s past distinguished members and accomplishments and its forecasts for the future. Distribution of the EACA 25th Anniversary Directory will be industry wide to all our members, Directory Participants as well as at Exhibitorlive 2023.
Christy DiGiambattista
ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com 702-272-0182 Office 702-525-9143 Mobile
Lisa Abrams lisaa@exhibitcitynews.com 702-272-0182 Office 702-908-0642 Direct
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As the new year tiptoed in, we reached out to several experts in the industry to ask them about their hopes and predictions for the year ahead. But don’t worry—we waited to call until after the holidays. If anyone needed a break at the close of 2022, it was the people in the events industry! We’re still collecting opinions. If you’d like to share your 2023 predictions with us, send them to newsdesk@exhibitcitynews. com and we’ll publish them on our website.
The events coming in 2023 are broad and multifaceted. More and bigger events are already a confrmed reality and not just speculation. At Caesars Entertainment’s properties across the country, the demand has been incredible. Bookings are strong through 2023 and well into 2024 and have been for some time. Being fexible and able to provide as many options as possible has been our culture. The more you can provide and adapt to planners’ needs and their vision, the more attractive your venue is. This is true for 2023 and beyond.
Kelly Gleeson Smith, vice president of sales, Caesars Entertainment
Last September, the Center for Exhibition In-
dustry Research predicted tradeshow metrics in 2024 would exceed pre-pandemic numbers. I say it will happen this year. Companies I have spoken with are at 80 percent to 100 percent of 2019 revenues (some even higher), and that is with a COVID-limited 2022 January and February. A predicted 2023 recession will not signifcantly diminish tradeshow activity; there is too much pent-up demand and too much value provided. Barring some unforeseen worldwide event, the number of exhibitors and attendees in 2023 will exceed 2019 numbers. The future looks good.
- Bob McGlincy. director of business management, Willwork Global Event Services
Alliance Nationwide Exposition can’t be more excited about the future of in-person events. Alliance expects 2023 to be the true “grand opening” for tradeshows and events, and it’s going to be spectacular. We are witnessing never-before-seen pent-up demand from both show organizers and participants, which will lead to increased opportunities for everyone. The ability to move swiftly and with great fexibility will be necessary for our success.
- Nicole Unger, CMP, vice president
of business development, Alliance Nationwide Exposition
I predict that 2023 will be the year we get back to 2019 levels in attendance. These attendance levels will set the stage for Las Vegas to prove, once again, we are the convention and tradeshow capitol of the world.
- Tommy Blitsch, secretary treasurer, Teamsters Local 631
My crystal ball skews positive. I am very optimistic about 2023. Our amazingly resilient industry will continue to fnd its footing in this post-pandemic new normal. We have seen a lot of young, diverse talent come into our industry over the past 12 months. I believe that they will fourish while bringing new ideas and perspectives and will fall in love with how we all get to make a living. This infux of talent will be a very positive development in 2023 and have impact for years to come.
- Paul Cunniffe, senior vice president, Freeman
I am excited by what I see for 2023. Based on the inquiries and committed jobs for frst quarter, I believe that 2023 will exceed everyone’s expectations. January is going to start with a bang—CES looks to have record numbers, followed by World of Concrete, Shot Show, KBIS/IBS and Photonics West to name a few. The steady work continues into February and March already. Here’s to a great 2023 for all of us!
- Marypat Alroth, senior account executive, TruService Group:
We all see looming recession indicators and economic challenges due to infation and limited supply; however, these contributors often create as much opportunity for business as one might experience in a boom. A downturn creates some volatility, and volatility provides opportunity to engage with people and organizations about possibility, which is right where we like to work.
The very real shortage of working people will be the ongoing story that affects our experiential economy in 2023. The expectation of the buyer or consumer is sophisticated when it comes to all phases of a brand experience. Many of those phases of engagement are dependent upon the behavior, experience and ability of key people doing their part. Right now, we are managing that role with less people, and in many instances, less experienced people.
2023 will be flled with lots of challenging and provocative discussions with our clients, our teams and our partners. All of which will contribute to our ongoing efort to do our next best work. It is our hope and intention that our legacy client activity will continue to drive innovation and excellence among our ranks, but if history is our teacher, there’s something new and exciting on the horizon.
- Michael McMahon, president and CEO, Hill & Partners
We live in an interconnected global network driven by technology and the exchange of data. Every day, this community (of which the tradeshow and convention industry is a part), processes an average of 2.5 quintillion bytes of digital information; or, roughly the memory capacity of 78 million laptops. But this is just a sliver of a much larger pie. Seventy percent of the globe’s GDP has undergone digitization, which means almost everything that signifes and governs modern
society is stored in an intangible, and potentially highly vulnerable, form somewhere in the digital ether.
The benefts of a highly organized, rapidly accessible network of information are obvious and well documented, but having so much of our existence tied up in the cloud has also resulted in a dangerous, predatory world where nothing is truly safe. According to Statista, 4,100 data breaches occurred in the United States in 2022 alone, exposing almost 22 billion
records to malicious agents across the world. And of all the industries that these malicious agents go after, the tradeshow and convention industry is one of those vulnerable to attack.
“Events and conferences are prime targets for cyber criminals,” explains Tom Shanley, senior vice president of technical services at SmartSource, “due to there being many attendees connected to wif with limited or no security measures, utilizing mobile devices with sensitive data, usually in the form of email.
“Events and conferences typically have many presenters with bifurcated internet,” continues Shanley, “and as a result, hackers targeting events typically do not target the entire event and instead focus on those presenters or portions of the show with the weakest cybersecurity measures.”
Which means each event requires extensive preven-
tive work to identify, patch and protect the areas where cybersecurity is at its weakest long before the show foor even opens.
Think of cybersecurity as a football match where one side wants to fnd ways to keep data under lock and key, while the other wants to access and utilize all data, regardless of intent or ownership. When one side fnds a solution that stops the other, the response is a new approach to hacking, which requires a whole new set of solutions to prevent it, and it never ends.
It all comes down to data. On the one hand, data is information, the locks and keys to what matters to us all. But data can also mean power, and power in the wrong hands can lead directly, and swiftly, to corruption. In the tradeshow and event industry, the data that we handle is often highly sensitive (think bank
statements, invoices, credit card information, designs that cannot be released), and if any of it got leaked or stolen, the repercussions could be serious.
Which means intelligent data management is one of the most important operational aspects for a contemporary business to keep in mind, not least those operating in the tradeshow and event industry.
“Organizations will be forced to look for new approaches to manage unstructured data [ie, data that is not well organized and not every item is accounted for, making it vulnerable to abuse],” comments Carl D’Halluin, CTO, Datadobi, a global player in unstructured data management and data security solutions.
“Many have already noticed that the pace of unstructured data growth is snowballing exponentially faster than it has in the past. This leads to increased costs, as companies have to buy more storage, and the introduction of risk, as the organization has less knowledge about the data as it ages in its network. Organizations need new solutions to minimize the fnancial impact and risk their business faces.”
In short, businesses can ill aford to ignore the vital importance of cybersecurity and structured data management in their daily operations, as Steve Leeper, vice president of product marketing at Datadobi, made very clear in a recent press release:
“In 2022, unstructured data will play a pivotal role in the success of an organization’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies. A recent PwC report found that more than 80 percent of individuals are more likely to buy or work for an organization that stands for ESG best practices.”
Sounds complicated, and it is. But this does not mean we are powerless to act. Businesses and organizations, but also individuals, have the ability to understand and update their IT practices.
Think about the last time you traveled for a job. How many times did you go online? How many diferent networks did you use to get online? How many times did you access sensitive data on that job? Without realizing it, you exposed yourself to the world in many diferent ways, and you were vulnerable every single time.
“You don’t need to be a high-ranking member within an organization to be at risk for cybercrime,” Shanley explains. “Cyber criminals generally target users, computers and networks for monetary gain.”
However, in many cases these criminals simply aim to damage a company’s network for reasons other than proft. To do so, more often than not the frst breach of an organization’s data occurs through the infltration of a user’s email, computer or mobile device while connected to wif.
So, what should businesses do?
“Ensuring all of your devices and applications require multi-factor authentication should be a baseline security practice for both corporate and public events,” continues Shanley. “Attendees should always restrict open file sharing and be wary of public wifi connections, favoring the use of a VPN [Virtual Private Network].”
There is some debate about VPNs. While VPNs certainly hide your identity to an extent and make it harder to be a target, that technology is not as robust as it’s thought to be.
“VPNs are buggy,” explains Don Boxley, CEO and co-founder, DH2i, a California-based IT storage and security frm. “The performance has always been spotty and, of course, the security issues are there. It allows for fast and easy lateral network attacks from bad actors.
“In 2023, I predict that SDP will fnally pull ahead of VPNs as the dominant technology for remotely connecting people and devices,” continues Boxley, but cautions that, “one of the most critical drivers here will be awareness and acceptance.”
The industry also needs to be cognizant of the meteoric rise in the use of ransomware, a data hack that results in fnancial blackmail for the owner to recover the data without it being leaked.
Surya Varanasi, CTO of StorCentric, a secure data management provider in Sunnyvale, California, goes into further detail on the persistent and growing threat of ransomware:
“Ransomware will become increasingly aggressive—not just from a commercial standpoint, but from a nation-state warfare perspective as well. For this reason, channel solutions providers and end-users will prioritize data storage solutions that can deliver the most reliable, real-world proven protection and security.
“Features such as lockdown mode, fle fngerprinting, asset serialization, metadata authentication, private blockchain and robust data verifcation algorithms will transition from nice-to-have to must-have.”
But please, do not worry. Awareness is the first step in any battle, and when it comes to cybersecurity, the second step is complex passwords for critical applications that you regularly reset. The third, arguably, is paying attention to, and attending, industry events such as Global Security Exchange (GSX), DEF CON, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary when it comes to Caesars in Las Vegas, August 10 – 13, and Black Hat, held in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center the week prior. The tools and knowledge are there.
If we as professionals in the tradeshow and event industry keep abreast of the challenges surrounding cybersecurity, data management and the threat of ransomware, the frontline battles will start to swing in favor of those fghting the good fght, ensuring that you, your business, your clients and, most importantly, your loved ones are kept safe from the dark side of the internet.
If you look up “advocacy” in the dictionary, it will describe the word as “the act or process of supporting a cause.” To “advocate” for something is to “plead in favor of” that cause. It is not about persuading someone to believe what you do. It is not about aggressively storming the castle to make someone do what you want. It is not about force. Advocacy is about standing up for something you believe in. It’s about speaking up for someone who can’t speak for themselves. This is why our organization is called The Exhibitor Advocate. For too long, exhibitors have been without a voice in the exhibitions and events industry. We believe in this industry, and we believe exhibitors deserve a seat at the table. The team at The Exhibitor Advocate is a passionate group. We are also a reasonable group. We are a group that loves this industry and wants to ensure a sustainable future for all stakeholders. For us, the way to ensure that future is to ensure the exhibitors have a voice.
In partnership with ECN, we’re excited to share the exhibitors’ voice with the industry. This is the frst of a regularly occurring article that we hope will raise awareness of exhibitor needs and spark a
conversation. We welcome your feedback and input, and we hope that you will keep an open mind with the intent to simply understand the exhibitors’ perspective. Should you feel compelled to take action for the betterment of the industry, we welcome that, too!
In the coming months, The Exhibitor Advocate will regularly share research and data regarding exhibitor pain points, best practices that support exhibitor initiatives and innovation that strengthens our industry for the future. Our inaugural piece of research is a resurrection of the Annual Labor & Material Handling Rate Survey, previously conducted by Tradeshow Week magazine and then the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA). Understanding labor rates across the US is incredibly important for exhibitors and can be a valuable tool for other stakeholders in the industry. For exhibitors, having access to an updated summary of labor rates helps them budget appropriately and efectively plan for events. They have the opportunity to factor show services costs into their decision-making for what shows they will exhibit at and determine the right size booth space. Show managers can use this
information to evaluate and compare current exhibitor rates to city averages. Facilities and general contractors can use this information to benchmark rates of their services to ensure competitiveness compared to other cities. And so much more! This research will be available in early January 2023. You can access the full Labor & Material Handling Rate Survey on our website at www.ExhibitorAdvocacy.com/Resources.
We hope that you will join The Exhibitor Advocate and follow us on social media. As an Advocate, you will be the frst to hear about and have access to critical data and research. Join the conversation and tell us what you want to share with exhibitors and what questions you have for us. We are committed to amplifying the voice of exhibitors and providing valuable feedback and insights to the industry stakeholders who hold the power to maximize exhibitor ROI. Together, we can ensure the enduring success of exhibitions.
To learn more about The Exhibitor Advocate, visit www.ExhibitorAdvocacy.com and become an Advocate!
Jessica Sibila is the executive director of The Exhibitor Advocate.
Mike Boone is the director of international business at Coastal International, an exhibitor appointed contractor (EAC) that provides booth installation and dismantling services for their customers. As Boone prepared for the Kitchen and Bath IndustryShow (KBIS), which takes place in Las Vegas in January, he received a bill from the show manager outlining a fat $300 per booth EAC fee his organization would be responsible for, regardless of booth size.
Amy Johnson is the tradeshow services manager at Coastal and incredibly, all of the information about which show managers apply EAC fees and which ones don’t lives in her head. Show managers justify the EAC fee by saying they go toward administrative, security and liability costs. But Johnson has some questions. “The vast majority of show managers do not charge these fees,” she says. “Why does one show consider administrative costs a burden when another doesn’t?”
Jim Wurm, executive director of the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA), says The EACA started because of EAC fees, which Wurm says can be traced back to the relationship between a show organizer and their general contractor (GC). “In the mid-90s, there was a feeding frenzy,” he says. “For-proft organi-
zations were buying events because they’re high proft. The cash fow is amazing.”
As in any feeding frenzy, however, excitement sometimes overrode common sense, and purchasers often overpaid for events. As a result, they sought ways to get their investment back faster, and one of the frst ways they did that was to approach the general contractor. Wurm explains, “They’d go to the general contractor and say, ‘I want the same services, but I don’t want a bill.’”
But show managers don’t want only to minimize their expenses. They also want to work with the general contractor to maximize their revenue. Wurm explains, “Many shows that charge fees also have a revenue share relationship with their GC. The EAC fee is an outgrowth of that cozy relationship.”
Johnson wonders if all the talk about the necessity of security and extra insurance surrounding EACs is show managers’ attempts to steer exhibitors away from using EACs in favor of using their own providers. “Seasoned exhibitors get it,” she says. “But if you’re a frst-time exhibitor, the fne print might make you question using an EAC.”
Wurm confrms Johnson’s speculation. “Shows charge fees to generate revenue while disincentivizing their exhibitors to hire EACs. When an exhibitor uses the GC instead of an EAC, the
show profts from the revenue share relationship.”
Chris Grifn, president of Crew XP and incoming EDPA president says eliminating EACs from the tradeshow foor would be a mistake. “If the EACs didn’t come in, who would set up the show?” he asks. “There just isn’t the labor to do it. And certainly not with the customer service exhibitors need.”
EACs are all about providing customer service, and that’s largely where the breakdown in understanding starts. “Show organizers consider the general contractor customer service. But the general contractor doesn’t view the exhibitor as their customer. Instead the show is their customer,” Wurm says. “So who is servicing the exhibitor? If they want good service, they hire an EAC, but then they get penalized for it.”
Show managers view the EAC fees as an EAC’s responsibility, but EACs often can’t absorb that fee and simply must pass it to their clients.
Jessica Sibila, executive director of The Exhibitor Advocate, recognizes this as one of the challenges exhibitors face. “Exhibitors want laborers who are familiar with their booths, particularly if the booth is technically complex,” she says. “And why should exhibitors have to pay extra for that? Why should they have to pay for that at some shows and not at others? That’s one of the things we advocate
for—not only a simpler fee structure, but for regulation of those fees.”
“The fear that those of us who have been in the industry for a while hold is that at some point, the exhibitor is going to get so frustrated that they’ll leave the show foor,” Grifn says. “Why are we charging fees to the people we’re desperate to have return to the industry? After the pandemic years, I’m super grateful for 2022, but people are still fguring out their budgets. They’re exhibiting in smaller footprints. Everyone’s concerned about the economy in 2023. We should be working to make it as easy as possible for exhibitors.”
Something that makes exhibiting complex for people is that they’re required to contract for space before reviewing the show kit. Wurm says this makes budgeting very difcult. “Exhibitors should begin to request the show kit prior to committing to exhibit so they can be aware of all costs of participation,” he suggests.
“And they should make it known that they won’t sign if there is an EAC fee.”
They want to work with the GC to maximize their revenue.
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Iam always delighted when TV networks re-broadcast
The Wizard of Oz. I always connect it with the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when together with my brother and our parents, we would settle in with a big bowl of buttered popcorn to watch it together.
In the big scene where Dorothy and her friends enter the Emerald City and are about to meet the great Wizard, one of my favorite lines from the movie is uttered: “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” I can remember being a teenager when my dad would say, “You know, this is a circumstance where you really should pay attention to the man behind the curtain,” whenever he was talking about the need to see what was propelling one thing or another.
The lesson that smoke and mirrors often cloud the reality of something is one I’ve always enjoyed. After more than 20 years in the exhibit building industry, I often see the smoke and mirrors be-
cause it’s part of the business theater. Branding, marketing and showmanship are some of the more enjoyable aspects of marketing and positioning, but with exhibit building, as with anything else, it helps to know some inside tips so you can decide whether you want to “pay no attention to that (wo)man behind the curtain,” or whether you want to quiz them on whether their ideas, fees and practices are sound.
Several years ago, my colleagues and I had the chance to produce a workshop at EXHIBITORLive! called “Pulling Back the Curtain on Exhibit Costs.” Much has changed in even the few years since we produced it, but here are three quick lessons that can still help you keep exhibit costs contained:
1. Remember that the exhibit designer is trained in all manner of things, not just aesthetic. When we present ideas and
designs to our clients, we strive to mention our designers’ credentials and training in detail. We do this not because we welcome the opportunity to boast, but because we want people to know that their exhibit design is so much more than “a random pretty picture.” You undoubtedly know that the people who are trained to do three-dimensional design have some preparation you might not have, but looking only at the exhibit aesthetics means you may not appreciate that the designer has considered:
» Traffic flow into the exhibit and out of it, from the perspective of the show and the exhibit’s orientation
» The process of a client or prospect from one spot to another in the exhibit
» The height, size and impression of key communication points inside the booth, so that your exhibit delivers the results you want
» The lighting and how it affects all the above items
» Your brand’s impact overall
» How the people staffing the booth will deal with the signage, the technology and more
No big surprises there, but invariably we see people focusing on the look of the exhibit. Yet your designer has thought about how the exhibit both will look and work when the hall is jam packed with people (as well as when it’s the last hour of exhibiting on the last day). Factor in conference rooms, demonstration areas, audio visual and technology enhancements, and you quickly realize that this should be done by someone trained to do it.
Now, how does this afect your costs? Well, if you evaluate the design on the basis of how attractive it is, chances are you may opt to change things that will diminish rather than enhance your impact. Meanwhile, the cost of your exhibit goes up because you’re asking for (sometimes self-defeating)
design changes while lessening the oomph of your exhibit.
A simple example makes this especially thought-provoking. Recently, a client asked us to modify a design by putting a long, narrow table at the broad entry to an exhibit. Of course we were able to ofer that, but by doing so, it blocked easy access to the demonstration areas and product displays. This was followed by a suggestion that we put a half-wall behind the table and put a large monitor on it. “Keep adding stuf,” and you’ll have a barrier between yourselves and the people you want to meet.
How to do better? Ask the designer better questions.
» Can you tell me about the traffic flow in the booth? How will we encounter customers and how will we lead them through our story?
» How are the graphics and branding designed so that someone who doesn’t know us and our company will be attracted to stop and talk?
» What specific features of the exhibit are you especially confident with and proud of? How can we make the most of what you’ve created?
2. Remember the “Shrine of John Smith.”
When I was new to the exhibit industry, one of the salespeople in our organization who was very experienced took me aside and told me it was time I heard the story of the “Shrine of John Smith.” This particular John Smith was the tradeshow manager for one of the world’s foremost auto makers. His brand is known around the globe, and you would recognize the logo immediately.
The account executive in this case showed me the renderings of the initial design, and they were slick. The designers’ concept was so enticing that even the renderings made you want to get up front and personal with the vehicles in their exhibit. It was a perfectly designed Toyland for the tradeshow’s visitors and in terms of aesthetics, it was hot.
Then the salesperson said, “Now, let me show you what was actually built.” He rummaged in his briefcase and pulled out a separate fle.
What I saw was a veritable forest of extremely high towers, about two feet wide and 20 feet tall. From top to bottom, they were covered with repetitive logos, so that one was compelled to walk through a logo maze to arrive at the high point of the exhibit, where a car was displayed on a very high base, much like an altar, underneath a hanging sign the size of North Dakota, with spotlights trained on the car.
It was like a shrine to the car, but the abundance of logos on the surrounding maze of towers made it seem like it was a shrine to the marketing manager who had insisted on it. It was cold, impersonal, way overdone and impractical. And man, was it expensive! The budget was more than twice the client’s goal.
The marketing manager was overheard by several people during the tradeshow that he felt confdent he would go down in the company’s history as the person who had really put the brand on the map. That the brand was already known worldwide and had a lot of brand equity was apparently not as important as his ego.
The moral of the story: It’s not just about branding. It’s about face-to-face marketing.
3. Your shopping has a cost.
One of the things I try to remember to ask clients who’ve sent out an RFP is, “How many other frms are competing against us for your project?” I’m embarrassed to tell you that in the past, I’ve heard clients proudly reply, “Eight.” Or, “Five.” How on earth is this afecting your personal design costs?
The time and work to prepare a response to a request for a proposal is considerable, especially when the program is large, complex and international, or if it is fundamental to the launch of a new product. New product launches make up a considerable part of the new business available to exhibit builders, and as a result, these ground-foor opportunities are hugely attractive.
I remember when a company where I worked was responding to an RFP to obtain an initial project worth about $750,000. We had a team of fve or six people on two continents doing research, drafting designs, crafting messaging and traveling to international meetings. I don’t know the specifc fnal totals, but my guess is that considering the labor of the people who crafted the RFP response and their travel, it was at least a third to half the value of the frst project.
I had the chance to see the work of two of our competitors after we were awarded the project. Their proposals were stunning, and obviously they had outspent us in a couple of ways.
Who pays for that? The client does. When I hear that a frm is asking more than two or three companies to provide input, I start making a case that this practice increases everyone’s costs. The cost of your proposal response will ultimately be paid for by someone, and it might very well be you who are paying for the egos of people who want to see more than three proposals for their budget.
Respect your industry and respect your vendors. Please don’t indulge in frivolous pursuits, even if you can. It doesn’t generate mutual respect, and it drives up everyone’s costs. Just as importantly, it’s more likely to hurt the smaller, newest entries into our industry, on whose success our future lies.
Have you got some great tips for keeping exhibit building costs low? Drop a line to ECN at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com and share your best ones!
Michael McMahon is absolutely concerned about the bottom line as president and CEO at Hill & Partners, but he’s not necessarily driven by return on investment when it comes to growing the company’s outreach.
That’s why he’s opening a new office for Hill & Partners in Orlando, Florida,
leasing 30,000 square feet for a combination of fulfillment and traditional office space. Renovation work is under way on the grey shell, with a grand opening planned for January.
McMahon fully expects the new location to boost revenue, but there are many other factors to consider.
“Our risks are often conservative and calculated, which will hopefully allow a longer runway for the kind of revenue that will support success as we see it,” McMahon says. “Part of our genome is an under promise, over deliver approach to everything.”
The Orlando ofce will be modeled after Hill & Partners’
Las Vegas facility and will provide an opportunity to leverage experienced talent in the Orlando area while improving the company’s overall capabilities in the southeast, McMahon explains.
The ofce will be stafed with 10 to 12 full-time employees. Each of Hill & Partners’ facilities has a group of team members carrying out their roles in administrative, design, fulfllment, sales and account management. The goal is to remain “lean and relatively fat as an organization,” the CEO says.
He doesn’t let “need” factor into his business decisions. Rather, he’s always looking for ways to advance Hill & Partners and the company’s
oferings, while prioritizing its people and process.
“We evaluate what is required to maintain our ability to deliver on the promises we make to our customers, while we simultaneously seek to
remain agile,” McMahon elaborates. “The Orlando facility supports our commitment to people, process, and agility, as we anticipate our future.”
The Orlando ofce will provide a place for people to work
together, face-to-face engagement, which is essential for professionals working in the tradeshow industry.
“Our company works as one entity, but we believe we will better serve our existing and future customers with high-performing teams located regionally,” McMahon tells ECN. “We are counting on the strengths of highly efective
teams within our organization to be of great value going forward. Those teams deserve the resources necessary to thrive, and we are committed to creating that opportunity.”
Orlando has a rich culture of creativity, and McMahon says he hopes to see Hill & Partners become a contributor to the local economy, “while we do the work we love to do.”
The Orlando facility supports our commitment to people, process and agilityThe new facility will serve customers in the southeast
When tradeshows began rebounding from the pandemic, Bob Dobinski said he believed that regional shows would be quickest to come back, as local authorities could manage COVID restrictions with greater fexibility.
Dobinski took that opportunity to broaden his business base at Corporate Events New England, acquiring Dame Associates and Specialty Equipment Rental (SER), two companies that he had turned to when his company got strapped for resources.
Corp-Events New England registers as a blip on the national radar of general service contractors, but it rules small-
and medium-sized events in the Boston area, primarily at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center and Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Founded in 1985, CorpEvents provides labor for installation and dismantling of exhibits with an emphasis on the Northeast. The company provides audio/visual equipment, furniture and carpet, and 22,000 square feet of warehouse to allow for convenient transport and freight services.
“Our union agreement provided us with an opportunity to partner with SER and
Dame,” Dobinski says from his headquarters in Westborough, Massachusetts. “We would rent from them when we ran out. We’ve now purchased some of their materials and brought key people on board.”
SER Materials was purchased at auction and carried a certain amount of debt that would not be the responsibility of Corp-Events New England, according to Dobinski. That inventory of drapes, tables, chairs, carpet and Velcro-compatible poster boards has been a great asset when national contractors need help servicing their clients, he says.
Dame Associates, an entertainment and corporate management frm, was founded by Doug Dame in 1966 in Boston. It posted revenue of less than $5 million a year. As tradeshows returned to the national scene, Dobinski recognized that purchasing the assets and database of Dame Associates would lead to greater success for Corp-Events, one of the smallest, but most agile, general contractors in the Northeast.
The merger of two labor unions in Boston, following the conviction of several members for racketeering in 2012, created a unique opportunity for Corp-Events. With a staf of about 25 list employees, Corp-Events is able to cherry-pick workers beyond the four permanent employees mandated by I&D agreements that typically require additional workers
be assigned from the union referral pool.
Teamsters in Boston came up short on labor for a recent show, calling Dobinski late afternoon to let him know they couldn’t fulfll his request for a couple dozen workers that next day.
“Because we’ve engaged so many people, we were able to supplement our workforce with professional talent,” he says. “We called in friends and family.”
With pent-up resumption of tradeshows and his business acquisitions, Dobinski estimates that Corp-Events will probably triple its revenue from last year and exceed 2019 levels by 50 percent.
“Boston is probably the foremost international desti-
nation for shows,” Dobinski asserts. “Everybody in Europe wants to come here for the history, the friendliness.”
The East Coast is a major hub for domestic travelers as well, and the Hynes Convention Center and Boston Convention Center are two facilities that can handle shows of formidable size, he adds.
Corp-Events kept its workforce busy during COVID by helping to turn Boston Convention Center into a 1,000bed treatment center, and setting up “glamping” structures, or glamour camping, in New York, Maine and New Hampshire, the company president notes. “We had the ability and the talent to activate when events came back.”
Dobinski came out of University of Cincinnati as an industrial designer, and started working with several exhibit houses, eventually becoming a tradeshow event planner and manager for Digital Equipment Corporation. With Boston being such a busy tradeshow destination, he parlayed his experience and industry contacts into forming his own company.
“One consistent thing in our industry is the ability of diferent contractors and organizations to join together and make sure the show is successful,” he says. “The general service contractor, the exhibitor appointed contractor, the electric utility provider, we all make it a positive experience for the customer, for the exhibitor.”
Dobinski estimates that CorpEvents will probably triple its revenue from last year
ECN is thrilled to return to presenting our I&D ACE Awards honoring the men and women of I&D. We will be accepting submissions for I&D ACE awards all year and traveling regionally to present them. Please visit www.ECNACEawards.com to send us your submissions and read submission guidelines.
In this frst quarter, we are honoring 3D Exhibits’ John Kulchawik with a Best Traveling Lead/Supervisor ACE, and Sho-Link’s Jef Brosseau with a William F. Nixon, Sr., Lifetime Achievement ACE.
Gene Faut, president and owner of 3D Exhibits, Inc., nominated John Kulchawik, saying,“John has been our go-to guy at show sites for more than 27 years. His ability to handle anything that is thrown his way continues to impress clients and coworkers. His client service and attention to detail makes him everyone’s frst choice to supervise their jobs.
“John is an integral part of all our success. He makes the salesperson and the company look good. John’s pre-show preparation is second to none.
KULCHAWIK & SHO-LINK’S JEFF BROSSEAU BY JEANNE BREI‘Where’s John?’ is their frst question. He becomes familiar with the clients’ products, their technical needs and their requests. We are lucky to have him.”
Gene included two old client letters that they “dug up” since, as he explained, “Clients don’t write letters much anymore—they tend to text the supervisor directly.”
One of those letters wrote, “Dear John, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your excellent coordination in setting up the SecurityLink booth at the ASIS show in St. Louis. Your knowledge of the procedures and patience in answering my many questions allowed me to concentrate on other situations without the worry of the actual booth. Most important was your excellent ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to help no matter what the job.”
He reviews the drawings, meets with the entire team, and reaches out to our showsite partners to ensure that they are ready for us. He rights all wrongs in the feld and the
clients love him. John is an allstar. He is a humble man who shares the credit for a successful show with his team.
“John is who many clients recognize as ‘their guy.’
A second testimonial letter wrote, “I wanted to send a letter to recognize John Kulchawik for all his eforts last week at IN World. John did an outstanding job. He was right there for me during the entire event. John handled the issues
that arose in a timely manner, resulting in a positive experience for Sun Microsystems and our partners. He was always available to handle any request, whether it came from Sun or one of the partners in the booth. One partner was so impressed that they mentioned to me how professional and accommodating John was during the show. They said that they have never worked with an exhibit company that was so accommodating and one that truly cared that their client’s experience was the best that it could be at the show. John’s eforts helped make IN World a success for Sun Microsystems. I thank you both for sending the best
to support us, as always.”
Larry Kulchawik, a former ECN columnist and author of Trade Shows from One Country to the Next, spent 40 years working for Exhibitgroup, Derse and 3D Exhibits, as well as serving as a past president of both IFES and EDPA, and had this to say about his brother being honored:
“Before I retired and traveled to the cities where my clients were exhibiting, I would run into other I&D company reps who would say, ‘So you are John’s brother.’ ‘No,’ I’d say, ‘He is my brother.’ But I have always been impressed with the fact he knew more people on any show foor in the US than I did. He even knew the
site people for a show I did in Barcelona when I was working for Derse. So I am John’s brother!”
And our Lifetime Achievement honoree, Jef Brousseau, was nominated by Sho-Link Corporate Vice President Colleen Johnson, who says, “What do you say about an individual who, from 1978 to 2021, put his heart, soul and immense talent into one industry? Sho-Link says thank you, Jef! Thank you for setting a pristine example of craftsmanship, problem solving, curiosity, leadership, commitment, fortitude, diligence and adaptability. Thank you for wearing so many diferent hats that we nearly ran out of hats! Thank you for being there through the pager era to the Nextel era to the email era to the smartphone era!”
Jef’s career in tradeshows started at McCormick Place in 1978 at the International Housewares Show. He spent 18 years working as a union carpenter/tradeshow exhibit technician for several contractors before going to Sho-Link in 1996 as assistant city manager of Chicago. Somewhere along the way, he says on his LinkedIn profle, a “great part-time job became a way of life.” In 1998, he relocated to Las Vegas where he became Sho-Link’s city manager in 1999. In early 2005, he relocated again to his present position as Orlando city manager before retiring last year.
Congratulations to John Kulchawik and Jeff Brousseau as the newest inductees in the ECN I&D ACES Hall of Fame.
The stunning La Cantera Resort and Spa rose from a swell in San Antonio’s hill country. The elevated pool area ofered sweeping views of the surrounding hills, and the resort’s carved limestone nature trails ofered glimpses of deer that seemed accustomed to human presence.
This was the setting for EDPA ACCESS 2022, a return to the spot that hosted ACCESS 2020, a much more lightly attended event due
to the pandemic. This year, nearly 300 event professionals gathered to learn, network and have a little fun.
The event opened with an address from EDPA president Dan Serebin, followed by a keynote address from Jim Morris, the late-in-life pro baseball player whose experience was depicted in the flm The Rookie. In his talk, he promised attendees that perseverance pays of, an apt message after the challenging years the industry has faced.
Following the keynote address, IPME hosted a cocktail reception on the resort grounds, complete with street tacos and dessert cooked to order. IPME used the opportunity to display the versatility of their shipping containers, and lead designer Hamza Benchekroun said that IPME’s goal for the evening was to create an engaging experience for attendees.
The next day was one of education. The theme of the presentations seemed to be differentiation. In a competitive industry selling to customers who are closely watching their budgets, how can companies best prove their value?
Following remarks from keynote speaker John Rancic, of “The Apprentice” fame, attendees heard from John Gleason, Amy Wirtz and TaChelle Lawson, whose talk on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the tradeshow industry sparked the most
lively Q&A session of the day. Her advice was practical: As she looked at the audience, she said the need for greater diversity was evident, but she said the goal is not to force diversity, rather for companies to have a staf that mirrors their community makeup.
Many who attended the State of the Association Luncheon said that the talk was lighter on information than in years past, and the EDPA board implored members to participate in next year’s survey so that they can provide richer data in 2023.
That evening was the pinnacle event: the Presidents Gala and Silent Auction, which took place in the La Cantera ballroom. Attendees of the black-tie-optional event were served an elegant meal of chicken and short ribs, accompanied by mashed potatoes and roasted carrots. As the awards were presented, winners spoke passionately
about the industry and what it means to them. The silent auction, coupled with donations received during the event, raised $165,000 for the EDPA Foundation. The gala was followed by a lively President’s After Party.
The next day was another opportunity for learning, and attendees heard from Joe Federbush, Amy Sondrup and ECN columnist Jim Obermeyer. Before lunch, Exhibitor Group's Mark Johnson lead a town hall to discuss the future of the organization he recently purchased. Johnson was moved to tears as he described his reasons for his purchase—the organization dissolving as former owner Lee Knight considered retirement was too painful a thought. Johnson then invited the organization's recently named president, Dan Raynak, to discuss EXHIBITORLive’s departure from Las Vegas in 2023.
Jessica Sibila, executive
director of The Exhibitor Advocate, closed the day by introducing her organization to attendees and explaining how imperative it is to protect the health of the industry by giving exhibitors a voice. Sibila’s support among event professionals continues to grow, and she invited audience members to help their clients self-advocate by telling them about The Exhibitor Advocate or joining the organization themselves by visiting exhibitoradvocacy.com.
As attendees fled out of the ballroom after the fnal session of the day, happy voices rang out as EDPA members joined chapter challenges, ready to relax, swap stories and network.
Kyle Lucken, beMatrix Designer of the Year Award
Griffin
Crew
EDDIE Award winners included Classic Exhibits, Exhibitus, Derse, beMatrix, VonHagen Design, happy projects and Elevation 3D.
von Hagen Design is your reliable international partner for exhibition and events, whether Stockholm, London, Milan or Berlin - we realize your european projects. Graphic department & print shop. Wood processing & furniture production. Incredible stock of rental equipment. Dedicated teams for interior design, project management and I&D. 30 years of partnering with exhibit houses from around the world.
The line to enter the ESCA Winter Awards event moved slowly, but it was no fault of the event planners. Instead, attendees were constantly distracted from the task at hand by their breathtaking surroundings. And more than a few were searching for evidence of the four ghosts rumored to walk the venue’s halls.
ESCA’s Winter Awards took place in downtown Louisville at the Palace Theatre, a nearly 100-year-old building that, according to ESCA director
of operations Julie Kagy, came uncomfortably close to becoming a parking lot. Instead, the building underwent restoration and Kentucky is better for it.
Every surface of the Baroque-inspired theater was decorated with carvings, statues and intricately decorated columns. From the curved, vaulted ceiling where the event took place, 139 carved faces of historical fgures stared down at the proceedings. Beyond the event space, was the stage, and the
ceiling above it was painted to look like the night sky, with twinkling lightbulbs standing in for stars and suspended birds appearing to fy near the balcony seating.
The event was MC’d by Sheila Lemaster, who quickly passed the microphone to outgoing ESCA president, Bob Ryley, who discussed the work of the past year before passing the mic to incoming ESCA president Damon Ross. Ross discussed the future of ESCA, promising to work toward a more diverse membership,
improve the capabilities of the WIS badge, enhance ESCA educational oferings and enhance revenue streams in order to bring the organization back into the black. “Because black is beautiful, baby!” Ross said to laughter from the audience.
Ross’ remarks were followed by the awards presentation (see above) and a spectacular dinner, complete with the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
The Bank of America Booth at the Grace Hopper Celebration, a recruiting show devoted to advancing careers of women in tech, took up an impressive amount of space. Its footprint certainly made it eye-catching, but what truly made it a show stopper was how far it went up. And up and up!
“In the past, we weren’t allowed to do multi-level
booths at this event,” explains CJ Stegner, vice president of business development at Exhibit Control. “But this year, they allowed us to create a multi-level booth, and it was an exciting challenge to fgure out how to engage attendees at each level.”
Building a booth of this size isn’t easy, and Stegner says Exhibit Control couldn’t have pulled it of without the support of Orbus. Stegner ex-
plains: “We design the booths and partner with a vendor we think will provide the most beneft to our client. And Orbus has been one of our greatest partners.”
Natalie Whited, Orbus vice president of marketing, concurs that the two organizations have a strong partnership. “Orbus works to bring Exhibit Control’s rendering to reality, and our solid relationship ensures we’re realizing
the vision within the scope of work,” she says.
“If we do something that’s kind of out there,” Stegner says, “we’ll rely on Orbus to do the custom fabrication.”
And this booth was certainly out there, from top to bottom. The top level was reserved as a recruiting space for Girls Who Code, an organization devoted to encouraging women to enter the male-dominated feld of coding. The second level, the Be a Game Changer tier, is where Bank of America executives met with career seekers. And the lower level brought a little magic into the booth.
Bank of America gave some job seekers the opportunity to visit Universal Studio’s Harry Potter World while they were in Orlando for the show, so the company decided to pull some Harry Potter elements into their booth. “We took Harry Potter’s room under the stairs and turned it into a high-tech giveaway room,” says Stegner. “The area had
this blue glow efect. A screen picked up body motion and created a galactic efect, and people could grafti anywhere they wanted to. It was a recruiting event, so people would write why they should be hired. People were really captured by the environment.”
Another impressive element of the booth was all the greenery that added some warmth to the modern white and steel design. “Those were all real plants rented from a local woman-owned nursery. And those trees were 10 feet tall!” Stegner says. “I prefer using real plants over plastic ones because they look better and they’re better for the environment. A goal of mine is to have environmentally sustainable designs.” He says that’s one of the reasons his organization enjoys partnering with Orbus.
“We recycle up to 80 percent of our waste every year— metal, aluminum, electronics and graphics,” says Whited,
an impressive fgure that proves the company’s commitment to change practices for which the industry is often criticized.
Stegner and Whited agree that their favorite part of the booth was the multi-level concept. “It was a powerful space,” Stegner says. “Looking down on the exhibit hall and seeing everyone coming together on the show foor was a singular experience.”
Whited had a similar sense. “I stood on that top deck on the shop foor and enjoyed the perspective it provided,” she explains, although her bird’s eye view was diferent from Stegner’s. “There are so many levels of talent that go into building an exhibit like this—from woodworkers to welders to sewers—and it’s exciting to see all of them congregate and engage in a tradeshow environment. It’s important for economic growth across the board, and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Corbion has relied on ELITeXPO for years to create booths that engage tradeshow attendees, so when they told ELITeXPO they wanted to do something grand for the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE), they were ready. “We already had a pretty nice booth developed for them,” says Richard Peterson, vice president of business development at ELITeXPO. “Collectively with our partners and the Corbion team we made it spectacular.”
Ashley Robertson, director of global marketing at Corbion, had a very specifc idea in mind for their IBIE booth. “This show provided us with
the frst opportunity to connect in a way we did prior to COVID,” she explains. “We built the whole booth around the idea of connection. We wanted it to be an inviting place for people to be.”
IBIE is devoted to showcasing the products of companies that serve the grain-based food industry, so it was a logical place for Corbion, a company that makes an array of ingredients for, among other things, bakery items (think pizza, doughnuts and bread), to meet current and potential customers. “The overall idea was to provide an interactive environment,” says Peterson.
ELITeXPO ensured inter-
action in a variety of ways. It included interactive kiosks, high-top tables, seating for about 50, a board room and a full working kitchen. “Corbion had several chefs who produced all the food samples,” says Peterson. “The full service kitchen included cooking stations, stainless steel tables, refrigeration, freezers and plumbing.”
Once all that delicious food was prepared, it went to a counter at the customer-facing part of the booth that acted as a serving area. Peterson elaborates, “In addition to the food sampling area, we had a cofee and tea bar and an ice cream area.” The booth also included a social media area from which
Corbion produced live social media broadcasts. “That was a new and unique element,” Peterson says. “People could tune in to hear live updates, and they seemed to really like it.”
Other spectacular elements that made the booth truly grand included neon signs that read “We preserve what matters,” and barn doors on the kitchen, media room and cofee bar. “The barn doors were more of a design element than practical,” Peterson says, but also explains that using sliding doors rather than swinging ones adds a space-saving element.
But the truly show-stopping part of the booth was, unbelievably, not the ice cream. Instead it was a series of four 6-footby-9-foot video walls, which Corbion used for the frst time at IBIE. “The video walls made a huge impression on people and drew people in from many aisles over,” says Peterson. “The doughnut footage, in particular, was amazing.”
Robertson agreed that the video walls were impressive. “It was so diferent from the other booths at the show,” she says. But her favorite part was behind the scenes.
“I loved the kitchen,” she says. “We had top-class chefs turning out these incredible samples, and people loved them. Visitors to the booth literally could eat through breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Peterson says he heard people visiting the booth share that it was the best booth in the show. “The feedback was really good,” he enthuses. “There were certainly more expensive booths at IBIE, but I didn’t see any booths that were busier.”
Robertson says that the Corbion booth was defnitely the place to be. “The booths around us loved sharing aisle space with us because they captured all of our overfow trafc,” she says. “It was almost challenging to move people through our booth and into others because they really enjoyed being there.”
Designer: Rich Peterson, ELITeXPO
Builder: ELITeXPO
Lead Designer: Jorge Navarro, Design Factory Project Manager: Adam Gilles, ELITeXPO
Production Manager: Jason Reed & Fred Danser, Design Factory Las Vegas Client Team: Ashley Robertson & Denise Antonich
Production/Engineering: Booth by Design Factory; Video walls by NMR
Flooring: ELITeXPO
Exhibit Construction: Design Factory Las Vegas
Graphics Production: Quiet Light Communications
Photography: Exposures
Photography
Exhibit I&D: Network I&D
“I joked with people that we should have charged rent!” she says with a laugh.
Connection, comfort and delicious, freshly made food? No wonder everyone wanted to stay!
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by Danelle Dodds
Las Vegas will sweep away the noise blowers and glitter of a festive New Year’s Eve celebration and clear the path for a celebration of another kind—one that radiates innovation. CES, the most infuential tech event the world has ever seen, descends again on the neon desert in early January, before 2023 resolutions even have a chance to be broken.
Consumer Technology Association (CTA) produces CES, and the event has long been considered the juggernaut of consumer technologies. The 2023 event is anticipated to have its all-star moment, with an expected 100,000 attendees. If those estimations are true, it will make it the largest independently audited post-pandemic tech event.
Those estimations come with a powerful economic footprint, both locally and for the exhibitors who showcase at the show. To date, the economic impact of CES has been more than $6 billion.
With an exhibit foor of 2.1 million square feet, there will be much for an attendee to experience. The show foor is 70 percent larger than CES 2022 and chock-full of new experiences. Nearly 1,000 new exhibitors will premiere. Crowd favorites, like the sold-out West Hall of the Automotive area, are expected to draw huge crowds. Food Tech returns, following a wildly successful debut in 2022. And the highly anticipated new category of Web3 and metaverse will be unveiled.
But it’s not just about the fnancial or tech side of things—the heartbeat of this technology show is about enhancing the human experience and the connection between us. CES’s commitment to Health Tech is one example of this. Debuting in 2023 will be CES’s frst-ever Digital Health Studio. In partnership with The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the Digital Health Studio will be the cornerstone for digital health and the trends that are guiding the future of care and treatments.
The commitment to health tech extends into the CES Innovation Awards. Longtime exhibitor and frst-ever healthcare CES 2022 keynote, Abbott was recently recognized by CTA with three CES 2023 Innovation Awards, including one for their Aveir VR Leadless Pacemaker, touted as a solution to keep hearts beating more regularly.
As CES proclaims, it is here to harness the power of human-to-human interaction to keep the innovation engine moving forward. To Gary Shapiro, CEO and president of CTA, it’s simple. “The lesson we all learned from the COVID pandemic is the importance of human relationships and face-to-face interactions, and we have heard incredible excitement and enthusiasm from the tech community in the leadup to CES 2023. People are thrilled to be getting back together and enjoying the one-ofa-kind, fve sense experience that is CES.”
Ayriana Peck guides her forklift up to a crate, slips the fork under the pallet, lifts it a few inches and backs out, carefully checking for obstacles behind her, then loads the cargo onto a trailer that’s theoretically headed to a tradeshow exhibit foor.
She performs these maneuvers under the watchful eye of instructor Keith Kohr at Southern Nevada Teamsters Local 631 training center in North Las Vegas, where 14 union apprentices are attending advanced forklift driving class. It’s part of a two-year convention construction program that certifes Teamsters in all facets of tradeshow labor.
A class of 39 completed a three-day “boot camp” in preparation for CES 2023. The boot camp puts trainees through various tasks a convention worker might be expected to perform. That would entail long walks, rolling out and kicking carpet, pushing carts, lifting propane tanks, climbing ladders, unloading cargo and moving crates with a J-bar.
Candidates are evaluated by Teamsters instructors based on team efort, attitude, ability to follow directions and concern for others, and nearly all of them make it through camp, says Crystal Slaughter, Teamsters 631 apprenticeship coordinator. “The only way they don’t make it is to self-remove or show up late,” she says.
The Teamsters’ 70,000-square-foot training center opened in 2018 and turns out about 200 apprentices a year.
On a chilly winter stretch in late February, the hottest fair of the retail industry returns to Düsseldorf, Germany, for a week of wonder and sensory experience.
EuroShop is a trade fair that highlights the latest in retail trends that has been operating since 1966. Held every three years, EuroShop hosts more than 2,300 exhibitors from 57 countries. And in the fnal days of February 2023, it returns to the grounds at Messe Düsseldorf.
Long considered a “gateway to the world’s markets,” EuroShop commands more than 123,000 square meters of exhibit space. Occupying 16 exhibit halls, the seams are bursting with answers to every current and future retail need.
“Nowhere else can a visitor experience such a wide range of developments, solutions and innovations in direct, international comparison and discuss them with experts,” says Elke Moebius, director EuroShop 2023, Messe Düsseldorf. “Many exhibitors are deliberately aligning
their developments with the three-year cycle of EuroShop, which is why many product premieres can also be seen in Düsseldorf. In addition, EuroShop is the networking platform of the global retail sector, because this is where the who’s who meets.”
That global draw is what brings so many through the doors. It now welcomes more than 94,000 visitors from more than 142 countries. And every guest will experience retail solutions through a consumer’s lens.
Few realize what components make a multi-sensory shopping experience. So much of the retail experience is driven by emotion. And EuroShop knows how to harness this force by providing solutions that capitalize on it. The nuanced solutions behind the technology, marketing and energy management build a foundation for the shopper experience. And the tangible and sensory elements of store design, scent marketing and persuasive lighting stroke the synapsis of experience, sensuality and emotion to illicit consumer spend. The massive
show foor footprint is curated into eight distinct dimensions, each touching on a retail fx that can coax a response from consumers.
In addition to the concrete, the show focuses on what they call their Hot Topics. These are relevant considerations beyond simply the brick-and-mortar. Sustainability, energy management and personalized consumer experiences are three of eight sizzling subjects that give attendees a perspective on the bigger picture of purchasing.
EuroShop practices what it preaches by artfully designing their event to inspire attendees, and the design elements and solutions that are unveiled at EuroShop tend to serve as inspiration for other shows and conventions.
Dana Esposito, EVP of strategy for BlueHive Exhibits, has an opinion on this: “Being a European show, the rules and regulations are much more lenient than US shows, which is a luxury that US exhibit designers covet. Plus, many of the exhibitors have clearly given their exhibit designers a long leash of creativity for
their stand designs. Many exhibits are fearless in their look and style, often initiating design trends that eventually infuence tradeshow exhibit designs in the US.”
She goes on to say, “I take hundreds of photos when I attend. I present them to our internal team upon my return, I present them to exhibit design students, and I refer to them often for my own inspiration.”
Time spent at EuroShop poises attendees for a fruitful few years ahead. Moebius sums the experience: “We want them to take away exactly what they need to succeed against the tough competition. In other words, inspiration for staging their products and services again and again, creative ideas to inspire the customer and to increase his/ her loyalty, and tools and products to enable them to work efciently and to successfully connect a wide range of channels on- and ofine. At the end of EuroShop, the visitor should say exactly what I say: I am already looking forward to the next EuroShop in three years!”
Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmannThe world of tradeshow and corporate event marketing can often happen in a vacuum. Successful Fortune 500 companies command a huge presence on show foors and ballrooms across the globe, yet many of their event planning teams are small, if not single-handedly shouldered by one planner.
When you consider that tradeshows can drive a company’s ROI on a return of 5:1, it’s stunning to imagine so much riding on just one person. And when you are that one person, where can you turn to discover best practices and insights on a peer-to-peer level?
For decades, there was a hole in the marketplace for planners to seek development and guidance specifcally designed to make their profession easier and more successful. Enter EXHIBITORLive!. For more than 30 years, this event has long been considered the professional development conference for tradeshow and corporate event managers. Focused specifcally on sharpening all the tools in their toolkit, the week-long conference is bursting with more than 170 sessions and workshops. Ofering education as well as more than 300 exhibitors, each experience provides solutions to the unique challenges that come with the specialized feld of tradeshow and corporate event marketing.
After a multi-decade run in Las Vegas, this year’s show heads to the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) in Louisville. Home of Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby and the Louisville
Slugger, it seems ftting that the show will take place in the hometown of champions. And with a focused theme of “The Great (re) Engagement,” attendees will be in for a meaningful and powerful experience this year.
Attending EXHIBITORLive! can be life-changing, especially for a frst timer. According to Dan Raynak, CEO and president of Exhibitor Group, “First timers often mention they feel like they’ve joined a secret world they never knew existed. Some of our attendees are the only person in their organization who have tradeshow and event responsibilities, so they fnd great value in connecting with others who understand the unique challenges they face.”
EXHIBITORLive! serves up fve days of workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities. Critical planning skills are taken to the next level through thoughtful application and real-world examples. Site Inspection 101 become three-dimensional, as attendees experience them in real time through planning feld trips. Topics like shipping costs and drayage pitfalls are demystifed in crash courses on tradeshow shipping awareness. Budgeting bootcamps meet post-event data deciphering, while hundreds of additional sessions just like these unfold in the industry’s largest exhibit hall. Every possible challenge or nuance of one of the most detailed professions in the world is addressed.
In addition to the rich educational content, attendees will have an opportunity
to put one more feather in the brim of the many hats they wear. EXHIBITORLive! ofers the industry’s only university-afliated certifcation program. Professionals can up their ante by becoming a Certifed Trade Show Marketer (CTSM), which enhances their viability in an industry that demands perfection. On the docket for the event will be a series of CTSM-required courses to help propel planners into the coveted community of more than 4,000 CTSM-certifed professionals in the world today.
Make no mistake … this isn’t an event simply for newbies. Each year EXHIBITORLive! raises the bar of the oferings to ensure that even the most seasoned event marketers can keep their planning muscles pumped.
“Our conference curriculum is updated every year, and in 2023 we will present 34 sessions that have not previously been ofered, on topics we’ve never previously covered,” says Mark Anderson, marketing manager for Exhibitor Group.
This year’s Great (re) Engagement event will be a special one, even compared to some of the most successful ones of years past. “My single-minded focus is to make this the most successful EXHIBITORLive! ever held. We are innovating every part of the experience, including a ‘never been done before’ foor plan with new networking and activation zones, all intended to create more premium spaces for attendees and exhibitors to engage,” reveals Raynak.
We could easily fll this entire magazine with Austin food recommendations. Do not leave its borders without
Austin earned its reputation as Texas’ live music capital—some would argue it should hold that title for the whole country. Visitors can hear everything from country to hip-hop in the city’s borders. Purists say that Antone’s (305 E 5th Street) isn’t the same since it moved from 6th street to 5th street, but there’s no doubt it still brings the same world-class
indulging in some classic Texas BBQ or Tex-Mex, but if you’re looking for the places the locals love, we’ve got you covered. Kerbey Lane Cafe (various locations) is an Austin classic. This diner is populated by studying students, late-night diners and people just out looking for a
good meal. Their buttermilk pancakes are what dreams are made of. They’re fufy and gorgeous, and the cafe ofers daily pancake specials. And when your server asked if you’d like a side of queso, the answer is “yes.”
If splurge-worthy food is more your style for a
blues and roots music to its 450-capacity room. Visitors who prefer the local music scene should check out Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River Street) where local acts put on intimate indoor performances. The outdoor stage is backed by a limestone clif face where musicians often enhance their performances with projection art.
There are so many bars within walking distance of each other, but maybe your feet are wrecked after walking the tradeshow foor all day. Enter PubCrawler of Austin. These pedal-pow-
ered vehicles can take a group around town, stopping at bars, murals and food trucks. And if even pedaling
post-convention client dinner, try Olamaie (1610 San Antonio Street). The menu is made up of Southern favorites with a gourmet fair. Think Gulf shrimp and rice or smoked eggplant with barbecue sauce. The restaurant ofers patio seating during outdoor dining weather.
feels like too much for your barking dogs, fear not. These vehicles have electric pedal assist to back you up.
If you’re looking for a unique Austin experience, head straight to the Congress Avenue Bridge. Austin is home to the largest urban bat population in North America and many of them take up residence under the bridge. Through October, visitors gather at sunset under the bridge to watch the bats fy out in unison to begin their nighttime hunting. So many
bats fy out at once that they block out the sky.
A visit to the state capitol is a fun thing to do because it’s the tallest capitol building in
the country. And as you’re touring the city, don’t miss a walk down South Congress Avenue. It’s fully of funky second-hand shops and used
bookstores. It has murals up its length and ofers a spectacular view of the State House. Buy a pair of cowboy boots while you’re there!
Austin Motel (1220 South Congress Avenue) is the stuf of legend in the city. The motel’s motto is “So close, yet so far out.” The hotel has 41 guest rooms, none of which has a speck of hotel art on the walls, and is part of the South Congress neighborhood, where visitors can fnd some of the best dining, nightlife and shopping in the city. It’s also convenient to bus lines, which makes it easy to get around.
That’s certainly not the only unique lodging option in Austin. Hotel Ella (1900 Rio Grande) is a renovated private mansion that’s convenient to downtown and a favorite among Austin visitors. Origin Hotel Austin (1825 McBee Street) is a Wyndham property decorated in a style of Lone Star spunk that proves its commitment to keeping Austin weird.
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), located at 900 Convention Center Boulevard, is the sixth largest convention city in the United States. It was named after the city’s first Black mayor, and the name of the city was added to its official title in 2008.
The convention center covers nearly 11 city blocks, and its 3 million square feet of space includes 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space. The center boasts 140 meetings rooms, a 60,000-squarefoot column-free ballroom, an additional
50,000-square-foot ballroom and a 4,000-seat theater, which was built as part of the facility’s 2006 renovation.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the MCCNO became one of the two most important shelters for hurricane survivors. The other was the Louisiana Superdome. In the aftermath of the hurricane, survivors were left without power, water, food, medical supplies and proper sanitation, but they were safe from the storm and fooding that swept the city during the tragic event.
The MCCNO has been host to nearly 3,000 events since its first building
opened in 1984 as part of the Great Hall of the World’s Fair. In 2018, the MCCNO Authority adopted a capital improvement plan that will renovate the facility and build a hotel connected to the center. Also part of the plans is a 7.5-acre park that will span the length of the facility in order to give convention goers a picturesque spot to relax outside. The Authority planned to complete the upgrades in 2020, but has delayed its completion.
The facility is owned and governed by the state of Louisiana.
If you have a quick break during the work day, head to Cochon Butcher (930 Tchoupitoulas Street). It’s only a five-minute walk from the convention center and is a casual, walk-in spot that doesn’t require reservations. It’s based on the tradition of old-world butcher shops, and all the meat served in the restaurant is made by the restaurant’s five full-time butchers. The butchers craft, smoke and cure 2,000 pounds of meat a week. There’s no better spot to get a sandwich in the city!
Also a quick five-minute walk from the convention center is Annunciation (1016 Annunciation Street). Visitors to New Orleans who leave without a taste of Creole cooking are making a huge mistake, and Annunciation offers some of the best Creole dishes in the city. On the menu are fried oysters, soft-shell crab and grilled drum—a fish found in the Gulf. There’s not much that’s more local than that!
Although the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center doesn’t have a hotel attached, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance. The Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel is a three-minute walk from the convention center. The hotel offers a free hot breakfast, and it’s only two miles from the city’s famous Riverwalk.
The Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans also is a three-minute walk from the convention center. It has an on-site restaurant, fitness center and a rooftop pool, so it has everything you need to be able to relax after a long day on the show floor.
The National WWII Museum is a 15-minute walk from the convention center. Rated one of the top destinations not only in New Orleans, but in the country, the museum offers a blend of sweeping narrative and personal stories. Visitors are treated to immersive exhibits, a collection of artifacts and multimedia experiences.
The Arts District of New Orleans packed with galleries, performance spaces and some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.
Louisville Tourism Board CEO Cleo Battle has big dreams for his adopted hometown
by Kerstan SzczepanskiThe Brand. Cleo Battle will come back to that phrase often in conversation about the convention scene in Louisville. Making the Brand, solidify the Brand, market the Brand. In 35 years he has come to appreciate the power the Brand can have in making a city’s tourism scene grow.
Battle’s journey to CEO of the Louisville Tourism Board started in Denver, where he graduated with a hotel and restaurant degree. Moving from there to Phoenix then to Newport Beach to Upstate NY then Virginia, he gathered decades of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries before landing in Louisville, Kentucky, as an executive VP in 2013.
Louisville was looking to expand from leisure markets to the convention/meeting markets. But how to do that? You build a brand.
One other industry was part of Louisville’s history: the bourbon industry. So Louisville made a decision to shift its brand to alcohol. Not as a party town notorious for excess, but as a refned experience in culture. Ten years ago, Louisville had no micro-distillery visitor experiences showcasing the Kentucky bourbon culture. Now it has 10 and the Bourbon Walk is a part of visiting the city. “Locals were, ‘You’re going to shift our brand to alcohol?’“ Battle says. But
with the success of the micro-distilleries, locals have come around to appreciating the brand as conveying “... the experience of bourbon … the history, the craftsmanship, the culture.” Further, the bourbon experience is a year-round experience, unlike the internationally renowned Kentucky Derby, which Battle calls “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Coupled with the shift in brand, Louisville started significant hotel expansion, including the new Omni Louisville with more than 600 rooms and just a block from the Kentucky International Convention Center, which also has undergone a recent renovation.
“With the growth in occupancy over the years, we were able to have a larger presence in many of the industry shows. We’ve been able to extend our brand … after solidifying what our brand would be,” Battle says. “We got our name out there and established ourselves … if I have a salesperson in Atlanta or Chicago or DC, I want them to have ‘warm calls,’ not cold calls. And what I mean by that is when you knock on the door, and they open it and say, ‘Oh Louisville! Come on in, we were just talking about you!’“
Succeeding Karen Williams as CEO and president in 2021, Battle has seen the tourism board through the end of the pandemic and return of business. “The Derby was four percent up (last) May,” Battle comments. “We’re seeing the return of occupancy with conventions.” And these conventions will include some big ones.
IAEE’s Expo!Expo! 2022 took place in December and EXHIBITORLive! 2023 will take place in Louisville in April, moving away from its traditional Las Vegas location. In October, Louisville will host Equip Exposition 2023. “We feel great about our recovery [post-COVID],” Battle says. “We are blessed in this community with these assets,” meaning the bourbon culture, Churchill Downs, the Ali Center and the Louisville Slugger Factory. “People are starting to see Louisville as a visitor city, a tourism city.”
And Battle sees a benefcial cycle in that. “I truly believe a good place to live is a good place to visit, and tourism contributes to making Louisville a better place to live.”
by On Location
On Location, a nationwide provider of labor and management services for exhibits, events and environments, has hired Glen Ruggiero as director of sales and marketing. With more than 20 years of sales experience, the majority in the tradeshow industry, Ruggiero will manage the current team of account executives and oversee the company’s marketing efforts. His focus will be shared between the On Location existing client base and new business development efforts, working hand-in-hand with operations to provide the best possible labor experience.
For 18 years, Ruggiero worked for a nationwide provider of labor for exhibits, events and environments, rising through the ranks from lead man to account
manager to senior account executive. He honed his skills in sales, project and client relationship management while training and developing other team members. With yearly increase in sales averaging double digits, Ruggiero received numerous awards, including salesperson and sales team of the year.
“Over the years, I would see Glen on the foor at various tradeshows, and we built a good relationship,” says On Location president Michael Mulry. “Seeing him in action, speaking with clients and working side-by-side with his team, I quickly recognized he would be a great asset for us. The industry resurgence is unprecedented, and Glen’s experience and dedication to service will only further enhance our commitment to the customer’s return on experience (ROE). We are
excited to have him onboard.”
“I have known Michael and many of his team for years and always had a high level of respect for the organization. They have a strong reputation and commitment to client satisfaction and that drew me back to the industry,” says Ruggiero of his decision to join On Location. “This is an exciting time for tradeshows, but there are a new set of challenges that have been introduced. Given the foundation that has been built, I am confdent we will continue to create the best possible client experience.”
A longtime member of the Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA), Ruggiero looks to become active once again and reestablish many of the relationships he had for years while building new ones amid the industry resurgence.
What a whirlwind 2022 was. The industry started the year unsure if it was safe to staf up, but doing so as needed, with hope. As the year ended, companies seemed to be confdently hiring in full swing. And although labor continues to be an issue in the industry, many job seekers and hiring managers found in each other the perfect match.
Global full-service event and experiential marketing agency Impact XM recently announced the appointment of Shana Carr (above right) to Chief Operating Ofcer.
“As our agency continues to grow at an incredible pace, we are thrilled to welcome Shana to the team as our COO,” says Jared Pollacco, CEO of Impact XM. “Her passion for leading, coaching and motivating those around her will be extremely instrumental in helping us take our work to the next level, both internally and externally with our clients.”
Carr says, “I am extremely grateful to be working alongside some of the most hardworking and creative individuals in the industry, and I am excited for the opportunity to listen and learn from them as I help the agency develop and implement actionable plans and timelines to further succeed.”
When a friend of Manny Rodriguez (above right) told him WSDisplay was hiring, little could Rodriguez know that his application would send him on a 15-year journey to CEO of a nationwide company with 14,000-plus customers. He greatly appreciates brothers Craig & Eric VanVelzer’s confdence in him as he pledges to refocus, re-energize and reinvigorate the post-pandemic company by way of its mission statement: To provide customers with the latest innovative and afordable products with a high level of customer service as quickly as
by Kerstan Szczepanskipossible. WSDisplay now has three locations, Carlsbad, California; Carlisle, Pennsylvania; and Tijuana, Mexico.
Shepard Exposition Services, a full-service event production company, has appointed Kevin Bird as CEO and Steve Margos as COO.
“Kevin’s long-standing career in the industry and business development brings the strategy, vision and leadership that will lead Shepard toward continued growth for many years to come,” says Carl F. Mitchell, executive chairman at Shepard. ”And Steve will be a catalyst for Shepard’s continued success based on his experience, commitment and ambition to make us the most operationally sound business for our customers and employees.”
Hamilton announced that Aric Furfaro has been promoted from senior designer to design director. Furfaro will be responsible for scheduling, assigning and overseeing exhibit design projects and for managing and training Hamilton’s exhibit designers, interns and creative graphic designers.
“As Hamilton’s creative department continues to evolve, Aric’s new role will be crucial to our future successes,” says Josh Frisbie, Hamilton’s creative director. “Aric is an extremely talented, passionate and enthusiastic designer. Not to mention, he is easy to work with and a truly genuine person.”
Deirdre “Dee” Clemmons, CAE, CMP, joined ASAE as vice president of enterprise sales.
“ASAE is thrilled to welcome Dee Clemmons to our experienced team,” says ASAE president and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Dee is a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholar and is very familiar with ASAE
and our critical role in support of the association community. Dee will be a huge asset to ASAE as we work to meet current and emerging market needs.”
Clemmons says, “It’s an exciting time to join the organization during this time of transformation. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the organization and to helping create new value for our stakeholders.”
PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips digital signage, interactive displays, direct view LED and professional TV products and solutions, announced the appointment of highly experienced AV leader Nick Begleries (left) as its new commercial VP, North America. In addition to leading the North American team, Nick will work closely with the wider global organization, using his knowledge and expertise to support senior management operating in the company’s other 158 regions. Begleries says, “I’m honored to become part of the PPDS journey and to be entrusted with leading the North American business to even greater heights.”
Skyline Exhibits announced that industry veteran Mike Montgomery (below left) joined the Skyline leadership team in the newly created role of senior vice president of client services. “I am excited to join Skyline and be part of a company that is 100 percent dedicated to the client experience,” says Montgomery. “I’m looking forward to growing and guiding the client services team here at Skyline as they support our clients with their exhibit programs.”
Two experienced industry professionals are joining the ASAE staf to bolster the organization’s employment of business analytics and enhance its career and workforce solutions for association executives.
Mark Graham, who for more than two decades served in various roles with
CEO Update, including managing editor, editor-in-chief and managing director, is joining ASAE as lead for business analytics.
Lynn McNutt, who also served more than 20 years with CEO Update, including most recently as editor-in-chief, is joining ASAE as lead for career and workforce solutions.
Circle recently announced it has promoted Melissa Vance to operations manager from project manager, a role she held for eight months before her promotion. Before she joined Circle, Vance was a project manager at Sparks.
Freeman, the global leader in events, named Heather Kreager (above right) to its Board of Directors. Heather Kreager is Chief Executive Ofcer of Sammons Enterprises, a privately owned global holding company of fnancial services, real estate investment, infrastructure and industrial equipment businesses. She has served on the executive committee and board since 2008.
Orbus Exhibit & Display Group announced that Jaime Herand (right), Orbus’ vice president of graphic operations, was been named director on the PRINTING United Alliance 2023 Board of Directors. “It is an honor to join this infuential group of industry peers,” says Jaime Herand, “I look forward to a fantastic year working with them and being closely involved in the printing industry.”
Employco was happy to announce a couple of hires in the last month of 2022. Melonie Allen joined the team as a contract and labor coordinator, and Rick Fazio joined the organization as its new vice president of sales.
On the venue side of the industry, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced Karen Dougherty Buchholz as the new chair of its board of directors. She serves as executive vice president of administra-
tion for Comcast Corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia. Buchholz will succeed longtime PHLCVB chair Nicholas DeBenedictis, chairman emeritus of Aqua America.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s board of directors,” says Buchholz. “The organization plays a critical role in supporting Philadelphia’s economy by driving the city’s tourism and hospitality industry, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the PHLCVB and its business divisions.”
Meredith Meyer Grelli, VisitPITTSBURGH’s chairperson, announced fve new board members for open positions at its most recent Board of Directors meeting. The appointees fll open seats on the board and will now proceed through the traditional election process.
The new VisitPITTSBURGH board members are: Allison Beckner , general manager, Omni William Penn; Mamadou Baldé , managing director, CBRE; Gerardo Interiano, vice president of government relations, Aurora; Stefanie Cedro Mohr , director of marketing and engagement, Carnegie Museum of Art; David Sher , general manager, Fairmont Pittsburgh.
The board of directors of Events DC named Angie M. Gates (right) president and Chief Executive Officer of the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, following a comprehensive national search. A 20-year veteran in the fields of event management, entertainment, film and public service, Gates’ expertise ranges from tourism and hospitality to film and venue operations. “As a Ward 6 resident,
Washington, DC, has been my home for many years, and the opportunity to lead this organization is an incredible honor,” says Gates.
The Baltimore Convention Center has promoted the assistant director of services, Tyler DeBella, to director of operations. Her new role will consist of managing the center’s entire operations team, including planning and directing event setups, breakdowns and facility housekeeping. Additionally, Tyler will be collaborating with service providers, Visit Baltimore and other industry partners to execute successful events of all magnitudes.
Visit Laguna Beach, Southern California’s premier coastal destination, announced the appointment of Rachel O’Neill-Cusey as CEO. Additionally, longtime employee Anne-Marie Schiefer was promoted to Chief Marketing Ofcer and vice president of sales.
Oak View Group, the global venue development, advisory and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industry, announced the appointment of veteran hospitality executive Chandra Allison (above left) as senior vice president of strategy and growth for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Focused on education, fundraising, advocacy and research to advance the industry, Allison sat on the executive committee, board of directors and finance audit committee for the US Travel Association and the global board of trustees, executive committee and international board of directors for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation. Allison says, “I’m excited to join the team because I believe in the foresight of OVG’s leadership for where the industry could and should be in five years, 10 years and beyond."
We announce the passing of Dr. Dan Cormany, clinical assistant professor at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and lead of the school’s events management & entertainment management programs at Florida International Universityn (FIU).
For nearly four decades, Dr. Cormany pursued his passion for events and entertainment management in both institutions of higher learning and in the private sector with real-life hospitality experience. His work included 25 years
Susan N. Segura, 62, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away November 11. During her life, she also was known by the names Susan Soesbe and Susan Sczekers. According to her Facebook page, she joined Teamsters Local 631 in Las Vegas in 1996 and began working tradeshow foors in 1994. She graduated from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1977.
She most recently worked as a retail associate at Walmart Store #1416 in Napoleon, Ohio, where she created many friendships with customers and associates.She enjoyed watching cooking shows, visiting farmers markets and going on out-of-town girl trips with her friends. She also looked forward to the annual Apple Butter Festival and going out to eat at various restaurants, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Her friend and industry colleague Gayle Warner posted on Facebook, saying, “Susan
of experience in educational leadership, including 15 as part of a senior staf team, four years in hospitality work and 10 years of full-time study at universities.
Dr. Cormany helped create one of the school’s most successful master’s degree tracks, their mega and large-scale events program, and had been in talks with the NTSA to bring the Invisible Industry Tour to FIU in the spring and have his students produce a tradeshow to accompany the tour.
NTSA board member Al Mercuro shared, “I woke up
today to hear sad news about my friend Dan. Even though we never met in person, we shared a passion for sustainability and live events. I really enjoyed our virtual meetings and was honored to be a guest speaker at his classes to introduce students to the tradeshow industry.”
A memorial was held at FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus on November 14 for students and colleagues to share their memories. Vice Dean Newman and Professor John Buschman led the memorial to honor Dan Cormany.
We're family. It's a refrain that echoes from all corners of the tradeshow industry. And ECN believe in celebrating the lives of those in the tradeshow industry and mourning losses alongside friends and family.
Segura was an amazing woman and a wonderful mom.” Bernie Massett wrote, “A gutsy, tough sweetheart who worked as hard as any of her peers.”
She is survived by her children, Melissa Etchebarren of Las Vegas, Stefen Szekeres of Las Vegas, Gabriele (Eddie Lopez) Szekeres of Las Vegas and Jaime Sosbe of Liberty Center; brothers, Eddie Segura and Mike Segura; sisters, Julie Doll and Delinda Foley and grandchildren, Aiden Szekeres, Luziana and Xochitl Lopez. Along with her parents, Rudy T. Segura and Mary Segura, Susan was preceded in death by her brother, James Segura.
If you've lost a loved one who worked in the industry, please send your memories and a few treasured photos to newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com. We'll gladly publish those memories on our website free of charge.
To read the above obituaries in their entirety and find more, visit exhibitcitynews.com
Eric Thompson
July 24, 1958-December 21, 2021
Teamsters Local 631, Union Steward
Eric not only served his country, he served the industry and membership always with a smile and encouragement. To top it of, he had the voice of an angel and was always singing, even on “America’s Got Talent.”
Milan David Penick
December 3, 1965-April 10, 2022
Teamsters Local 631, I&D
Dave was a lead man and well-loved among the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors and Installation and Dismantling aspect of the tradeshow industry. He was getting ready to retire and was in Alabama looking for a home when he was tragically killed in an automobile accident.
Michael “Duck” MacDonald
September 17, 1947-April 26, 2022
Teamsters Local 631, Union Steward
If you looked up “strong union man” in the dictionary, you would see Duck’s picture. One of the most respected stewards for decades, he served on several negotiating committees and was always there to volunteer when needed.
David Hastings
June 2, 1955-August 2022
Teamsters Local 631, I&D
Everyone loved David for his gentle personality and sense of humor. He was a veteran and respected member of thebTeamsters Local 631 “foor family.”
Danny Jackson
April 13, 1965-September 30, 2022
Teamsters Local 631, Business Agent
One of the nicest people you would ever meet, Danny had a hug and a smile for everyone, while doing the difcult of job of business agent.
ECN would like to recognize those our industry lost in 2022. Please read their full tributes online at exhibitcitynews.com
Tracey Lynn Ward
Jan. 8, 1960 – Jan. 3, 2022 Tradeshow Expo Decorator at IUPAT District Council 88, Houston
George Suzanne
Oct. 31, 1940 – Jan. 6, 2022 Chicago Carpenters’ Union Local 10
Robert Talley
June 8, 1968 – Jan. 13, 2022 Show Foreman for Teamsters Local 631, Las Vegas
Jim Bracken
Oct. 29, 1934 – Jan. 18, 2022
Former Society of Independent Show Organizers Chair, IAEE, Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)
Don Vaughn
Sept. 15, 1935 – Jan. 20, 2022
Freeman EVP, ESCA past president, EDPA’s Hazel Hayes winner, IAEE Pinnacle Award winner & Event Industry Hall of Fame inductee
David Bruno March 26,1945 – Jan. 29, 2022 J&D Plumbing
Donald Schulte Sr. Sept. 29, 1933 – Feb. 6, 2022 Chicago Carpenters’ Union Local 10
Douglas Hurst Sept. 21, 1956 – Feb. 13, 2022 “Freight Guy” in Orlando
Wallace Nathanael Youmans, Laser Exhibitor Service March 8,1945-Feb.18, 2022
Owner of Laser Exhibitor Service of Central Florida
Amanda Peters
May 27, 1987 – Feb. 22, 2022
LVCVA Communications Manager & KTNV Channel 13 “Morning Blend” Producer
Kurt Jaeger
June 5, 1951 – March 1, 2022
Carpenter, Hadley Exhibits, Bufalo, NY
Frank Lasley Sr.
Nov. 15, 1947 – March 6, 2022
Founder Delta Management Group and Exhibit Design & Production
Phil Jordan
June 6, 1961 – April 21, 2022
McCormick Place Trafc Manager & Busway Honoree
Keith Montonini
July 22, 1957 – May 1, 2022
Las Vegas Convention Center
Karl S. Hay
March 2, 1928-May 7, 2022
Akron Summit CVB & John S Knight CC
Jimmy Whitley, Jr. March 29, 1963 – May 25, 2022
Founder Hilton Head Electric, Inc.
Ronald Biggs
August 4, 1946 – July 12, 2022
Renaissance Management
Carpenter Rodney Henke
April 27, 1966 – July 25, 2022
Carpenters Union Local 491, and Decorators Union Local 756, San Antonio
Scott Anderson
Nov. 30, 1962 – Aug. 14, 2022
General Manager Brede Expositions, Minneapolis branch
Bill Dixon
January 14th – October 25, 2022
Founder 3D Exhibits
JANUARY 15 - 17 Las Vegas CC
The Winter Fancy Food Show promises three days of sampling, trendspotting, networking and discovery. Show attendees will be able to experience the future of food among 40 diferent categories, including salty snacks, chocolate, fruits and vegetables, baked goods and alcoholic beverages. Not only will they be able to wander the show foor trying out the newest and most innovative food products, they’ll be able to take part in some stellar educational experiences. The day before the show opens, January 14, an all-day workshop will take place where founders from iconic brands will share their expertise and explain their methods of pricing, selling, brand building and more.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2
Las Vegas CC
KBIS is part of this year’s Design and Construction Week, which features the co-location of KBIS, the National Hardware Show (NHS) and the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). More than 90,000 residential design and construction professionals will come together
during Design and Construction Week to network, discover new products and learn.
At KBIS, leading bath and kitchen brands will be on hand to show of their latest innovations and demonstrate their products for attendees. Previous attendees have said that attending is a must for any designer who wants to stay on top of the latest in appliances, fxtures, stone materials and more.
In addition to the networking and products available on the show foor, KBIS will be giving out awards to top booths at the show, and will hold events, including the SHARK event, which brings together product manufacturers and product reps in a type of speed dating for products!
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
JANUARY 14 - 18 Orange County CC
This year, VMX is celebrating its 40th event, and they’re doing it big. New products, services and equipment will be in the Expo Hall, waiting for veterinary medicine professionals to discover it and take their practice to the next level. From animal art products to anesthesia, nearly every topic pet-related will be represented at the show. And the show’s education track is unrivaled.
Small animal care topics, like dentistry, surgery and dermatology, will be presented. Topics on large animals, like equine infection and farm animal care, will be addressed. And exotic animals, personal advancement and nursing topics also will be discussed in an educational setting.
And VMX Expo Night, on January 15, shouldn’t be missed. We’ve heard there’s going to be roller skating.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA—FEBRUARY 6 - 8 Georgia
The AHR Expo attracts HVACR industry professionals from around the globe. Manufacturers and suppliers annually take advantage of the unique opportunity to share ideas and explore the latest and greatest in HVACR technology.
This year, the show will be held concurrently and partially co-located with the ASHRAE Winter Conference, which
takes place in the Georgia World Congress Center, the Omni Hotel and the CNN Center. ASHRAE is an organization dedicating to advancing the science of heating and air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation for create a more sustainable world. Attendees can take part in more than 100 technical sessions during the event.
NADA Show is the show for anyone involved in the automotive industry. It’s an opportunity to network and experience new products in all facets of the industry. Professionals in auto insurance, auto parts, pre-owned and
new sales, collision centers and service will beneft from a few days on the show foor. Information about marketing, managing and fnance all will be available during the show. The show organizers promise 600,000 square feet
of exhibits, more than 500 exhibitors and more than 80 workshops. And the wildest of welcome receptions will happen at Gilley’s, which will include trick ropers, line dancing, a honky-tonk band, mariachi music, famenco
dancing, mechanical bulls and western blackjack. We remember the original Gilley’s in Houston, which drew crowds from miles around, and after the original burned down, we're glad to see the place live on.
Based on reader feedback and industry trends, we’ve made the strategic decision to move the most comprehensive tradeshow calendar in the industry from our print edition to the web. This change will allow us to better serve our readers by:
» Remaining nimble in the current climate when show dates change
» Freeing up space in our print edition to give you the content you want: corporate profiles, trends and news you can use
Teamwork is a full-service installation company specializing in retail roll-outs, resets, remodels and new store installations. Their services include project management, graphic and sign installation, fixturing, millwork, complete store fit-ups, chain-wide initiatives and servicing. With warehouses and offices strategically located throughout the United States, they serve customers regionally and nationwide. Teamwork delivers superior results the first time, every time and everywhere. Their process-based mindset reproduces top quality standards project after project, regardless of the geographic area involved.
Print Solutions, started in 1992, exists to make print buying and
as easy as it can become. Offering more than 30 different
lines, from forms, tags and labels to promotional products and corporate apparel in a supply chain management level discipline is what makes Horizon stand out in a very competitive marketplace. Friendly, intelligent solutions to every client’s need, time after time, is what keeps them successful. For more info, visit printefficiency.com
a more
effective and reliable internet
for conventions and events. Ask about the monthly
plan. Setup the plug-and-play Multi-Carrier Hotspot Routers when and where you need it. They offer coverage for large indoor/outdoor events nationwide. Tell them what you need—they provide commercial multi-carrier hotspots, access points, network switches, prepaid SIM cards, pay-asyou-go SIM cards and onsite or remote support . For more info, visit www.preferrednetworkprovider.com or call (702) 9457776. For any other of your booth or event needs, visit www. WeAreConventions.com or (702) 680-9087.
On December 10, 2022, TWI Group celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary, and the organization’s global staff converged into Las Vegas to celebrate 50 years of exhibition logistics. Steve Barry, CEO of TWI Group, spoke about how his father, Stephen J. Barry Jr, the founder and creator of TWI, had a vision to provide the best shipping services for exhibitors attending overseas tradeshows, to be the best and most successful at what they do, and to work hard and celebrate their successes! After the pandemic’s industry disruption, TWI is happy both with their continued success and that they can continue to provide clients with the best possible service with the best possible staff. TWI recognizes and thanks all its employees for making TWI what it is today!
4 Productions 3
4Productions.com
Access TCA 83 AccessTCA.com
Alliance Exposition 49 Alliance-Exposition.com
beMatrix Back Cover beMatrix.us Brumark 7 Brumark.com
Champion Logistics 35 ChampLog.com
Chicago Exhibit Productions 48 CEPExhibits.com
Clementine Creative Services 92 ClementineCS.com
Coastal International 21 CoastalIntl.com
Color Reflections 104 CRVegas.com
Consumer Technology Association 105 CTA.tech
CorpCom 23 Corpcom-Events.com
CorpEvents - New England 75, 91 Corp-eventsid.com
CORT Events 9 CORTevents.com
Deckel & Moneypenny 38 DeckelMoneypenny.com
Design to Print 85 DesigntoPrint.com
Employco USA 40 Employco.com
The Exhibitor Advocate 43 ExhibitorAdvocacy.com
Exhibitus, Inc. 5 Exhibitus.com
Exposures Ltd. Photography 21 ExposuresLtd.com
Full Circle Events Las Vegas 75 FCELV.com
Highmark Techsystems 85 HighmarkTech.com
Hill & Partners 4 HillPartners.com
Horizon Solutions 25,93 HorizonSolutions.com
Huntington Place 25 HuntingtonPlaceDetroit.com
Labor Inc. 70 LaborInc.ca
Lancaster Management 62 LancasterManagement.com
Las Vegas Mannequins/Las Vegas Store Supply 85 LVMannequins.com & LVStoreSupply.com
McNabb Exhibit Flooring 17 McNabbExhibitFlooring.com
NewGen 19 NewGenNow.com
Orbus 71 Orbus.com
Oscar and Associates 48 OscarandAssociates.com
Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic 61 RSMGC.org
Rosemont – RES 75 Rosemont.com
Sho-Link Inc. 55 Sho-link.com
SMT expo 53 SMTexpo.com
Sunset Transportation 39 Sunset-LV.com
Superior Logistics 2 ShipSuperior.com
Total Show Technology (TST) 72 TotalShowTech.com
Willwork 64 Willwork.com
Von Hagen Design 59 VonHagen.net FOR
Contact sales: (702) 272-0182, sales@exhibitcitynews.com
There’s no better place than Las Vegas for a show like CES®. The lights are always on. Excitement is in the air. Las Vegas always has something in store for everyone. It’s where ideas come to life. For decades, it’s where CES® and our countless technology stakeholders have experienced inspiration. Discovery. Extraordinary hospitality. Viva Las Vegas! See you next year.
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