Exhibit City News - Jul/Aug/Sept 2023

BREAKING ALL RECORDS

BREAKING ALL RECORDS

WHEN TAKING RISKS PAYS OFF

WHEN TAKING RISKS PAYS OFF

A FOREST IN PARIS TASTY WAY TO ENGAGE

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH SEATTLE?

A Conversation with Bill Nixon CEO of Willwork

SOLUTIONS FOR LIVE STREAMING, VIRTUAL & HYBRID EVENTS!

Your transformation into a hunter is evolving quickly. Your territory expands much like your confidence as you tactfully navigate your way through the bramble and brush of the trade show landscape. Your skills, sharpened and honed by both distance and time, and precisely choreographed with the rest of your Exhibitus’ pack of professionals, have you at the apex of your career.

On our cover: (Left to right): Highmark TechSystems’ President and CEO, Debbie Parrott, and Matt Andrews, Senior Vice President. (Bottom right): Bill Nixon, Founder and CEO, Willwork Global Event Services.

Greetings to readers everywhere!

As we put the fnishing touches on this, our Q3 print edition, our industry workforce continues its feverish pace of trade shows, conventions, and events of all kinds. Many would agree that time passes faster when you're busy. With that said, where has the frst half of 2023 gone? Although the feverish work schedule for so many continues, some room to breathe, and hopefully take some time for yourself and with your family for the Independence Day long weekend, seems plausible.

Last year, the Fourth of July came and went in the blink of an eye, sandwiched between busy seasons. Though many companies still have open positions to fll, the industry as a whole has its feet more frmly underneath itself to service the huge customer demand we've seen over the last year and a half.

Not only has the industry workforce been working hard, but your incredible team here at ECN has also 'rolled up our sleeves' to keep up with the landslide of happenings throughout our industry and the many segments of our workforce. Grab a cold lemonade or adult beverage of choice and catch up with what's happening in your industry. Besides our regular cast of diverse and insightful columnists and regular departments, here are some specifc highlights of this print edition:

Q3 issue highlights:

Be sure to read pages 33-35, Highmark's Featured Cover Story, "When Taking Risks Pays Of." Also, a Cover Story on pages 40-43, Bill Nixon's "Willwork University: Mentality Creates Culture," and pages 54-56, "The Impact Sports Events Have on a City" by Ray Smith.

As always, we invite and look forward to all industry comments and suggestions regarding our content. Now in our 29th year, we continue to let you, the reader, guide us as to what coverage is most important to you.

Until the Q3 print edition, as always... catch you through our weekly Thursday digital newsletter and ExhibitCityNews.com, where new content arrives every business day.

Wishing all a pleasant summer season.

PUBLISHER & FOUNDER

Donald V. Svehla Jr.

(702) 272-0182 ext. 102

DonS@exhibitcitynews.com

INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR

DIGITAL EDITOR

Lisa "Li" Jackson

(702) 272-0182

DigitalEditor@exhibitcitynews.com

ART DIRECTOR

Thomas Speak

Tom@Speak-Design.com

COLUMNISTS / WRITERS

Calanit Atia

Sven Bossu

Paco Collazo

Bob McGlincy

Chris Kappes

Jim Obermeyer

Liese Peterson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jeanne Brei

Danelle Dodds

Thea Engst

Pat Friedlander

Leslie Mujica

Kerstan Szczepanski

Ray Smith

PROOFREADERS

Kerstan Szczepanski

Caitlin Howle

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Christy Giambattista

ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com

SALES & SOCIAL MEDIA EXECUTIVE

Ashley Sou

SALES ASSISTANT

Don Svehla Publisher/Founder

Questions? Suggestions? Comments about our content? We love feedback and hearing from you! Send me an email at dons@exhibitcitynews.com.

Angela Marin

CIRCULATION

Manny Chico

Circulation@exhibitcitynews.com

Vol. 29, issue 3, copyright 2023 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS published four times a year by Mr. Tradeshow Communications, LLC, 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169. Editorial views presented within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and no liability is inherent. To subscribe, go to ExhibitCityNews.com or call (702) 272-0182. Reproduction/reuse of this material may only be permitted with expressed permission of Exhibit City News. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to location listed above.

With

Infuencing an Industry

When talent precedes experience, ideas become designs, and conception meets creativity, a vision is born.

When I was introduced to the industry as an Account Executive in 2000, I had no idea what a trade show was. My training was simple: "Here are the Trade Show directories for MAGIC and MIDEM. Call everyone in the book, sell them a booth, and if you sell, you go to the trade show." MAGIC is a Las Vegas fashion tradeshow, and MIDEM is a music convention in Cannes, France. With my degree and background in fashion and marketing, I thought, "This is right up my alley." I successfully sold six booths for MIDEM and one for MAGIC. I was thrilled!

Within just eight months in the business, I found myself jetting of to both Vegas and Cannes. We're talking about the fabulous French Riviera here, and an impromptu 45-minute limo ride from Cannes to the legendary Grand Hotel in Monte Carlo with my clients. That experience had me absolutely hooked, and the industry changed my life for good.

Fast forward through fve exhibit houses, promotions, VP title changes, and a record year in sales with $3.4 million; co-founding an energy drink company; maintaining a

Tradeshowlife blog since 2015; subcontracting millwork for Allegiant Stadium; co-owning a sustainability organization and a hosiery company—One might say that being the Editor of a 29-year-old industry magazine was simply meant to be, a perfect ft for someone like me. And honestly, I couldn't agree more. However, let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. It's only been three months since I stepped into this role, so only time will reveal what lies ahead.

Publishing a print magazine is very much like building an exhibit: from conception to completion. There are numerous moving parts, and each piece is crucial in shaping the vision and the fnal product. The signifcant diference is that what we say and publish truly matters.

I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to this magazine. I would like to extend my appreciation to our Publisher, Don Svehla, for his leadership. To all the writers, without you, there would be no stories. To our creative team, your contribution is invaluable, as there would be no magazine without you. And to our loyal and new advertisers, without your support, we would not exist. THANK YOU!

Congratulations to our 3rd Quarter WOW Booths: Duravit by Exhibitus and IGT by Hill & Partners. For more

details, please refer to pages 67-73. If you wish to submit your WOW Booth nominations or seek more information, please email EditorialStaf@ExhibitCityNews. com for consideration in the magazine's Q4 edition.

Additionally, to all those featured in our "People on the Move" spotlights on pages 82-83, best wishes in your new promotions and careers! We are delighted to share your news and announcements. Kindly send them to Newsdesk@ExhibitCityNews.com.

As the new Editor at Exhibit City News, I am dedicated to

upholding the vision and legacy of our highly respected industry news organization. My goal is to publish stories that matter and provide relevant, informative studies that positively infuence you. Stay tuned for my new monthly digital article, "Ask the Editor," available at ExhibitCityNews.com.

Together, let's make a diference!

Happy reading,

TRADE SHOW 411: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO EXHIBITING LIKE A PRO

By Leslie Mujica

“The Essential Guide to Exhibiting Like a Pro” by Lisa M. Masiello is a valuable resource for trade show exhibitors. The book emphasizes the importance of setting goals and objectives before participating in a trade show. Masiello shares her own experiences and insights gained since 1991, ofering a comprehensive look at the trade show industry. Each chapter begins with an “If I had known earlier” section, highlighting important lessons. Divided into six parts, the chapters provide an easyto-follow guide to exhibiting. Masiello’s personal anecdotes make the book highly instructive.

It is recommended to read this book in its entirety, as skipping around may cause you to miss out on valuable wisdom. Also check out the Foreword by Patricia Hammond.

For more information, contact Leslie Mujica at LLM.07.2010@gmail.com.

YOU GOTTA’ TAKE RISKS!

Andrews said that pre-pandemic, Highmark made the strategic decision to invest in a fresh inventory of its indoor products. “Our president, Debbie Parrott, is not afraid to take risks,” he said. In 2020, all the big not-every-year shows were scheduled: World of Concrete, IMTS, NPE, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Anticipating an extremely busy 2020, Highmark increased its rental inventory of its indoor ExpoDeck, Max Multiwalls, and SuperMax architectural structures. While the pandemic was an enormous blow, and much of this inventory sat idle for 1.5 years, Highmark’s investment risk ultimately paid of.

Highmark emerged from the pandemic with a full stock of ready-to-deploy inventory during a time when raw materials were scarce, expensive, and with long lead times. This inventory also enabled the quick and timely launch of Highmark’s sister company, YOURspace, LLC (a pivot launched during the pandemic), which makes ofce and room pods out of Highmark’s wall technology. On multiple fronts, the inventory investment gambit was the right one and enabled Highmark to hit the ground running as the economy and events in particular reopened.

LOVE WHAT THEY STAND FOR

Seattle Convention Center has added more space to collaborate, innovate and celebrate in the heart of downtown. Let’s chat about hosting your event at Arch, our original building, or Summit. The Center has a longstanding commitment to positively impact the lives of those in our region and beyond, advancing the common good. The legacy of our civic actions for the community holds as true today as it did when it frst opened its doors in 1988.

MAKES YOU WANT TO MOVE TO TAMPA

When asked about what he loves about living in Tampa: Kacy Rodgers, Co-Defensive Coordinator of the 2021 Super Bowl Champs Tampa Bay Buccaneers says, “The city encompasses everything. Big-Little major city hometown feels. Like Nashville with 2 beaches (Clearwater and St Pete’s), or Atlanta without the crowd and trafc. Easy 10–20-minute Uber ride to everywhere.”

As Rodgers says to people visiting the city for the frst time: “See the Bucs and the Rays play. Go to the Aquarium. Checkout Ybor City, the

Riverwalk, and Downtown. You’ll get a feel for the city’s culture. Everything from cigar bars, lounges, speakeasies, comedy clubs, and more. Stay at the new Tampa Edition 5-star hotel, a few steps from Ybor. You’ll feel like you’re in NYC Time Square.”

CC photo by Cory Parris Photography

Photo by Cory Parris Photography

PLUS!

Seattle Convention Center

Location: Arch – 705 Pike Street, Summit – 900 Pine Street Seattle WA

Date Opened: June 18, 1988

Square Footage: 988,422 square feet across two buildings, Arch and Summit. The exhibit halls have 485,150 square feet – There are 123,761 square feet of meeting rooms, and 102,628 sq ft for ballrooms

Parking: 1,490 stalls

Hotels: 810 hotels within a mile of the convention center, including the Hyatt Regency Seattle, the Paramount Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Seattle, and the boutique citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square.

Airport Info: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 16 miles from the convention center.

WiFi: Free wif in various lobbies and restaurants, paid wif provided by Exhibitor Internet in event spaces.

Transport: Sound Transit’s Link light rail runs through downtown Seattle, from Angle Lake Station to the Northgate station including SEA Airport. 40 minutes to travel between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and downtown Seattle.

Fun Facts 1: The Seattle Convention Center changed its name from Washington State Convention Center in 2022.

Fun Facts 2: The convention center has undergone two major expansions, in 1999–2001 and 2018–2023.

I’m Not Done Yet

Iwas sitting on a couch talking to several friends in The Square at ExhibitorLIVE in Louisville this past April. The conversation with this group of industry legends covered all manner of issues facing our industry, but eventually circled around to a question I seem to be getting more frequently in the last year or so: “So, when are you going to retire, Jim?”

I suppose that’s a fair question, given my age and tenure in this industry, but it’s just not something I’ve thought much about. But what it has done is cause me to think about what it is about this business that keeps me motivated and involved…

Client relationships: Since day one, I have always enjoyed working with my clients, and with my sales teams and their clients, to develop the types of faceto-face experiences that create incredible results for their companies. It’s about learning what they are trying to accomplish with their events and presenting cool ideas and solutions to those challenges. And it’s about the personal relationships that develop from those projects. Some of my strongest friendships are with former clients.

By Jim Obermeyer

Working with my project teams: I enjoy the brainstorming, and the creativity that brings out the solutions to our client’s challenges, and then the development and management to see the project through to completion. Every project is unique, and every project brings out the best in our teams. As we like to say, we don’t manufacture in this business, every project is a prototype.

Supervising installation on the show foor: Nothing is more rewarding than starting with a bare concrete foor and building an incredible three-dimensional experience in a matter of days. The teams I get to work with on the show foor are some of the most passionate, creative and hardworking people in this industry.

And after you do this for a while you end up with friends in every major convention city. Not a show goes by that I don’t run in to someone I’ve worked with in the past.

Walking the show foor: My absolute favorite time on the show foor is early in the morning on the frst day of the show…well before the show opens. Everything is set up and ready; the show is sparkling and such a dramatic change from the madness of the night before. I love the smell of freshly laid aisle carpet! And then the show opens and the crowds rush in and the place ignites with energy. Just walk by the exhibits and witness the commerce taking place. The energy is palpable, and it is an experience like no other form of business-to-business interaction.

Being involved in the industry: I started attending ExhibitorLIVE and

what was then TS2 in the 1980’s and started going to EDPA events in 2006. Being a part of the industry has brought innumerable benefts, from new business to new supplier partners to new friends. Joining the EDPA Board of Directors and the board of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic has been very rewarding on a personal level and ofers one way for me to give back for all this industry has done for me and my family.

At this point in my career, I am blessed to work for a company that appreciates the industry knowledge and passion for what we do. Why would I stop doing this?

See you on the show foor…still.

Jim Obermeyer has been in the exhibits and events industry for over 40 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house owner. He can be reached at jobermeyer903@gmail.com

Is this the Future?

I’m a tradeshow fan. I like them. I work them. I believe in them. I advocate for them. Some might call me an event fanatic. Or even a tradeshow junkie. By whatever name, the point is, tradeshows have been a major part of my life for more than a few decades. But as well as I think I know tradeshows, they never cease to amaze me.

By Bob McGlincy

I was walking a show foor recently, and stopped in my tracks … awestruck! In front of me, was a curved video screen. I felt transported into the booth, as if pulled by a tractor beam. It was sort of like virtual reality, but without the goggles.

The two photos in this column do not do the exhibit, or my experience, justice. But my experience did get me to thinking about immersive technologies, and the benefts for tradeshows.

“Immersive technologies”, to my way of thinking, are any tools that help merge the real and digital world. These concepts may include 3-D animation, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), Extended Reality

(XR), and others. While familiar to some, defnitions of these terms may prove benefcial. Most are familiar with 3-D animation; it provides stunning images, and is visually engaging. AR “overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception and interaction with the environment.” VR “creates a fully simulated digital environment that users can interact with and explore.” MR “combines elements of the real and virtual worlds, allowing virtual objects to interact with the physical environment.” XR “is an umbrella term that encom-

passes all immersive technologies.” What these terms have in common, is that they are all related (sometimes the terms are used interchangeably), and they all are becoming more and more prevalent – both on and of the trade show foor.

The booth mentioned above was 4 Productions; and that company has been at the forefront of technology for over a decade. In 2010 they were the frst to use hologram technology at a tradeshow in the US. (The show was IMTS; the client was a leading machine tool and systems manufacturer. Besides the “buzz” created, and a “Best of Show” award, sales tripled from the previous show, and the ROI exceeded 800% -- because audiences were engaged, and total costs were dramatically reduced). 4 Productions was

also one of the frst to use largescale, oversize 3D mapping on building exteriors (Kiawah Island for a sales meeting for a Fortune 500 company is one early example). AR and content development are other areas the company has used to assist with brand activations.

Tradeshows are magical marketing extravaganzas. They bring people together for education, networking, and sales. They are business malls displaying products, and creating jobs. But none of it works if the audience, or the individual, isn’t engaged. Immersive technologies can transform experiences, and lead to enhanced user engagement. The better the engagement, the better storytelling … and the better the storytelling, the better the show will be. The future is here. The future is now.

Willwork creates labor and technology solutions for experiential marketing applications, including tradeshow exhibits, corporate events, brand activations, and themed retail environments. Bob McGlincy is director, business management. He can be reached at Bob.McGlincy@willwork.com

WE ENSURE YOUR TRADE SHOW SUCCESS!

IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

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› More than 100 vans, tractors & trailers solely serving the Las Vegas market

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Las Vegas International Market Update

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority provides valuable insights into travel trends from top international markets, including Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, and Korea

Canada

Las Vegas remains #1 on Google’s Outbound Destination Demand (City) from Canada. There are over 100 tour operators and 5,000 travel agencies across Canada. They report a signifcant increase in Las Vegas sales, making Las Vegas the fastest recovered market for major Canadian tour operators. With over 120 weekly fights into Las Vegas from 7 gateways, most agencies book through Canadian airline & traditional tour operators. Expedia.ca is the number 1 online travel agency for Las Vegas.

Mexico

Las Vegas was the most searched destination in Google by Mexicans in the last 12 months.

There are about 8,500 Travel Agencies in Mexico, with more than 86 tour companies that ofer packages to the United States, approximately 8500 travel agencies (including around 58,400 travel agents), and 5 major online travel agencies. Tour operators in Mexico are increasingly including the experiences available in Las Vegas in their packages aligning with Las Vegas’ promotional strategy.

The main months in which Mexicans travel are March and April (Holy Week), July (summer vacations), September (Independence Day), and December (end of the year vacations). Mexicans also take advantage of long weekends created by public holidays to travel. 75% are interested in short trips (less than 4 hours by air), and the typical duration of a stay is 3 to 4 nights.

By Calanit Atia

related activities market in the United Kingdom increased by 13.3 percent. By 2027, revenue growth is expected to increase to 4.3 percent. There are around 5081 travel agencies and Las Vegas remains in the top 3 US destinations for their top operators along with New York City and Orlando.

These travel agencies are looking to promote experience-based travel and looking to include attractions and experiences that set them apart from others, which is the perfect time to align with the growing entertainment and sporting options in Las Vegas.

they book 79 days in advance. Overall travel expenditure in the US: in 2019: $7.57 million, in 2021: $2.27 million.

Korea

When planning an international leisure trip, Koreans prefer travel blogs and online searches the most, though travel TV shows continue to have a large infuence. Koreans prefer combined travel of relaxation and activity.

United Kingdom

Consumer confdence has risen slightly in light of the improving economic situation in the UK. Consumers are prioritizing spending money on experiences and holidays. With the Pound vs Dollar at £1 = $1.23, spending on travel is continuing to rebound faster than all other areas of non-essential spending.

UK preferred travel months are April to June, and September to November. The UK remains the largest market to the U.S. with 756,543 UK travelers entering the US so far this year; 61.13% higher than 2022. Average stay is 8.7 nights away, 4 for Las Vegas.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), 88% of consumers want someone they can talk to for expert advice and guidance. 29% of customers are looking to book through a trusted tour operator compared to 2019. In 2021, the revenue of the travel agency, tour operator and

Germany

German employment rates are the highest since 1990. The result is record bookings since the pandemic, with more money spent on travels. Online travel agencies grew fast during increased digitalization and Covid-19 restrictions. Germany has about 11,000 travel agencies and over 2300 tour operators.

Germans took 63 million holidays/trips of 5 days or longer in 2022. 63% traveled outside of Germany. Top destinations in the US are New York City, Miami, and Las Vegas. They plan and book 3 to 5 months in advance with 67% planning to spend between 7 to 20 nights.

Their travel months are July, August, and September, and they trend towards package tours. The average stay for frst timers is 17 to 20 nights as opposed to 14 to 16 nights for repeat visitors. When booking with a travel agency, they book 113 days in advance; online,

Las Vegas is ranked as the 5th most visited city in the US for Koreans. Peak months are July and August for the summer vacation and December thru February for winter. Gap travelers are emerging as a trend. Average length of stay is 2 nights. Flight and hotel booking windows are 31-60 days.

The number of outbound Korean tourists: overall in 2022 6.5 million, for the US 1 million. In 2021 overall was 1.2 million, US 200,000. These numbers are down from the Pre-Covid 2019 overall of 29 million with 3.3 million visiting the US. The number of travel agencies is down to 20,000 in 2023. Total revenue of the Korean travel industry is down 70%, from $7.4 billion in 2019 to $2.5 billion in 2022. Low fight frequency, high airfare, and staf shortages are some of the continuing challenges.

For additional information www.lvcva.com

Calanit Atia is an award winning event planner and entrepreneur. Air Force Veteran, Founder and President of A to Z Events, Las Vegas DMC, Entertainment and Booth Activity Agency, and Speaker. She can be contacted at 702-212-2500, Info@AtoZevents. com, www.AtoZevents.com

Mama Said, “There’d Be Days Like This”

If you’re old enough to remember that song (when it was a hit), then you no doubt remember the things that made exhibiting challenging before the Internet, technology, and easier global travel. These factors caused more nightmares than we experience now.

take place before the year 2000!). It will also test your knowledge of international business. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try.

and he was talking about a border wall Americans were trying to build on the MexicoTexas border.

By Liese Peterson

Many of the questions are multiple choice, but back in the day, teachers actually graded their students’ tests by taking the paper home with them and reading through each one, then physically writing their corrections on the test itself. Hard to believe, isn’t it? Test yourself—and if you don’t know the answer, ask anyone who’s showing a little gray around the temples—you’ll be surprised what you learn!

» He was in the capital of then West-Germany, addressing then Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and he was talking about the Berlin Wall that separated West Germany from East Germany.

» 2. He was addressing the annual EDPA convention at McCormick Place in Chicago, and he was addressing it to the audience of exhibit builders, urging them to break down walls that come between us, especially among different American generations.

» 3. He was on the Great Wall of China, addressing American reporters following him on a mission to stop outsourcing US manufacturing to Asian competitors.

Even if you can’t remember that song (much less who sang it), the acceleration of change has been so great in the last two decades that you might still recall some of the “bad old days.” So, if you’re having one of those days, you might really enjoy taking this quiz. It will certainly help if you know what Woodstock was, and if you had a decent high school history teacher (and if not, a mentor old enough to have caused you to shake your head in astonishment that trade shows did

At one point in history, a very famous American said, “TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!” Who was the famous American, and in what year did that person say it?

It was President Ronald Reagan, speaking on June 12, 1987.

Where was Reagan when he gave this famous speech, to whom was it addressed, and what wall was he talking about?

» 1. He was in Matamoros, Mexico, addressing then-Mexican President Miguel de la Madrid,

What happened in 1987 had a profound efect on all aspects of our country’s developments and in trade show exhibiting, especially. Which of the following also came about as a direct result of what happened in 1987?

» a) The European Economic Community eventually became today’s European Union.

» b) Instead of dealing with specific countries’ currencies, the euro was formed.

» c) The way taxes were charged to people exhibiting internationally changed

dramatically, making it easier to exhibit in more than one country.

» d) Airline competition accelerated after the airlines were deregulated and fares dropped, enabling people to travel the world at a lower cost.

» e) American show organizers stopped charging drayage.

» f) All of the above

» g) Some of the above (If you pick this answer, you must specify your choices)

It’s 2023. When you travel to Europe now, you can change your dollars to euros in order to shop. You can also use your credit cards nearly everywhere, something you couldn’t do until the internet was developed. Suppose for a moment you don’t have a credit card in Europe, just cash. You’ve changed your dollars to euros. In which of the following countries would your money be no good?

» A) Switzerland

» B) Portugal

» C) Turkey

» D) Austria

» E) Ireland

» F) Wales

» G) Malta

EXTRA CREDIT: Without using the internet, can you name the currency each of the countries you checked which would not accept euros as payment?

One of the most challenging things that needed to be dealt with at the turn of the century was the reconciliation of something known as VAT. Some exhibit building companies found it so important that VAT was a key part of whether they would or would not establish their own foreign subsidiaries. What does VAT stand for?

» Variable Agricultural Tariffs

» Video Adjustment Techniques

» Value Added Tax

» Various Alternative Teaching

» None of the above

One of the biggest changes in the style, efectiveness, and nature of design came about because of which of the following key events?

» The experience of 9/11 made people realize that trade shows were dependent on people’s ability to travel by plane, and therefore vulnerable to terrorism.

» The cost of drayage compelled designers to utilize more lightweight materials, as drayage costs were calculated based on the weight of the exhibit components being transferred from the loading dock to the exhibit space.

» The internet introduced audiences worldwide to virtual reality, which had a huge impact on how exhibitors’ individual spaces were divided up and assigned to specific tasks.

» The Hanseatic League, after World War I, decided to ask its members to fairly divide up locations for the German Messen (convention centers) so that no one German city would have an unfair competitive advantage when trying to recover from the damage caused by the war.

» Apple introduced the Macintosh computer.

» All of the above

Which one had the biggest efect on trade show design in the United States?

For each of the following shows, name its American counterpart:

» ANUGA (Cologne)

» ICS (Amsterdam)

» IFA (Berlin)

» Frankfurt Book Fair

» Bauma (Munich)

» Hannover Messe

» CEBIT (Hannover)

» ISM (Cologne)

» MEDICA (Düsseldorf)

vSuppose you arrive in Munich on Saturday, October 2nd, 2021, and you’re exhausted from the stress of travel and jet lag. You’ve booked an Airbnb apartment, hop in your rental car. When you arrive, you drop everything and go immediately to bed. You finally wake up about 10:00 am the next day, make yourself a cup of coffee,

and decide to check your messages on your phone, but sadly, the battery’s dead. You didn’t plug it in when you went to bed, and the same is true of your laptop. You can’t call the front desk because there’s no front desk, and besides, your host of the Airbnb is en route to another trade show in South America. Why is this a much bigger and longer problem than it might be on another day, in another country?

Without looking at the internet, can you describe in simple words to someone how electricity in Europe difers from electricity in North America?

Is drayage a thing in Europe? How about Mexico? What about China?

Name three things all European exhibitors feel are mandatory to ofer visitors to their exhibit, which are not necessarily top-of-mind for Americans exhibiting in the US.

So, are you feeling on top of the world, and could you buy yourself a burger and fries in Malta while talking on your phone to your European exhibit builder to verify that your catering order is in place for your exhibit? Are you feeling older than dirt? (I’m already older than dirt, and I was just 19 a few minutes ago!). Give yourself some credit. Your parents and grandparents didn’t have to deal with so much change all at once (which suggests the movie, “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once,” which we in the trade show world experience daily).

Want to do something nice for a really old colleague? Sit down with him or her with this quiz, and work on it together. Not only will your colleague welcome the chance to learn from you and appreciate how much more you must cope with, but you’ll establish a great relationship with someone whose history and wisdom could take you far. Have fun—and be sure to check the next issue of Exhibit City News for answers, explanations, and surprises!

scape. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on traditional methods. We must become well-versed in new technologies and the ever-evolving platforms of social media while trying to keep our businesses functioning. I get it, it feels overwhelming. But the real hard thing to do is stay the same when everything around you is changing at a fast pace.

Face Decline or Bridge the Gap How Can Associations Address the Needs of Younger Generations to Remain Relevant

As younger crowds become the primary attendees of exhibitions and events, it is crucial for associations to bridge the gap between generations and embrace the needs of younger participants. I know that I don’t see myself leaving this industry for another 30 years— at least—so it’s encouraging to see the continued interest of the youth in our industry. However, it is time to actively seek ways to adapt, innovate, and secure the future of associations such as EDPA, IFES, ESSA, FAMAB, among others.

Networking, teamwork, and collective knowledge have been the pillars of success for many professionals, including myself. Being part of top industry associations has opened doors to invaluable opportunities and has allowed me to learn from mentors who

generously shared their expertise with me. Passing down this wealth of knowledge to the younger generation is not only a responsibility but also an investment in the industry’s future. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” I have never agreed with anything more.

By Paco Collazo

And as benefcial and rewarding as our participation in these organizations has been, we have encountered a few challenges along the way, primarily because changes and the addition of diversity— age, gender, race, and nationality—in decision-making roles are met with resistance.

And I get it, familiarity feels comfortable and, at times, necessary. But in order to survive in the next decade, associations must embrace

innovation and, most importantly, renovation. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, encourage new methods of leadership, and empower the up-and-coming members. By incorporating the skills and perspectives of the younger generation, we can ensure the longevity and relevance of our industry. Remember, all the people over 50 were newbies once upon a time, and I feel this group has a little tough time passing the torch.

It’s not “us versus them,” but rather, how can we better use the newer generation’s skills and make changes that will help us perpetuate this industry that has been SO GOOD to everyone for many decades to come.

Associations need to adapt to the rapidly changing technological and cultural land-

However, embracing technology and giving a forum to the future leaders is just a little solution that will not make a dent. Associations must also foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and applies the unique perspective and ideas of younger generations. It is essential to actively involve them in decision-making processes. By doing so, we can tap into their creativity and harness their energy to shape the future of the live events industry.

It’s true that change can be daunting, and implementing new strategies requires efort and time. However, associations that can embrace the needs and aspirations of younger generations while making themselves look more appealing and preserving the valuable traditions of the industry will be the ones to endure and thrive throughout the years.

I believe that we are in the perfect moment to create a vibrant and sustainable future for the exhibitions industry. Let’s be open-minded, innovative, and willing to yield to the future generation. I am sure that together, we can build a stronger, global, and more inclusive industry that will continue to inspire, attract, and connect professionals for decades to come.

A Forest in Paris

by Sven Bossu, CEO AIPC

Venue design has been subject to massive changes over the last decades. Event facilities are no longer the big blocks of concrete, appearing in cities like white elephants and with no connection with the local communities. Architects now need to take into account the need for fexibility, sustainability, visitor wellness, esthetics and so much more. Inspiration to make this a reality can sometimes come from surprising places.

Visiting Paris is always a pleasure. It is one of my favorite cities for many reasons, including architecture. And with the 2024 Olympic Games approaching, it seems that both private owners and local authorities are doing their utmost to make the city of lights shine even more, with roadworks and restoration ongoing throughout the city. But this particular visit had a diferent purpose than admiring the city views – I was invited to visit a venue of which the restoration is inspired by the work of a comic book artist, François Schuiten. Mr. Schuiten, a Belgian citizen, but semi-adopted by the French, is most known for drawing the series Les Cités Obscures, or Obscure Cities. So I was a bit puzzled to see how that would work in a venue.

The CNIT Forest, as the venue is called, will open in September and is located within the business district of Paris, La Défense. It is part of an eclectic set of 12 venues, managed by VIParis.

What makes this restoration special is the underlying mindset. The designers – including Mr. Schuiten - wanted to “keep in mind the spirit of audacity, of inventiveness, of creativity, and also the desire for nature and the ambition to connect to the most advanced technologies”. The result indeed is the feeling of entering an underground forest, composed of digital trees, complemented with natural light. The materials used aim to create a sense of calm and the overall fow is very intuitive. The contrast with the “buzz” in the business district outside could not be bigger – it simply feels like you’re entering a special place.

It is something which is becoming an overall trend when it comes to venue design: the ability to ofer visitors a unique experience through (event) design and technology, while at the same time ofering maximum fexibility and cost-efciency. Great examples are the new BMO Centre in Calgary, ICC Sydney or the Swiss Tech Convention Centre in Lausanne. All of these venues took the customer experience as a starting point when developing their plans and indeed ofer something unique, impossible to be found in another venue. The Swiss Tech Convention Center for example profles itself as a knowledge and technology hub, located in the heart of a university campus and equipped with state of the art technology, wrapped in a stunning design.

Given the struggle that associations have to attract their members to their

events – both as criteria for member engagement and as ways to generate nondues revenues – being able to ofer such unique experiences will become more important. It also means that organizers are thinking more and more “out of the box” when it comes to selecting a destination and/or an event venue and the ofer is defnitely there. Just looking at the city where our ofces are located – Brussels – you can rent anything from a heritage building to a former Airbus A320 recycled as an event hall. This also allows to closely align the purpose of the meeting with the location where it will take place and makes it easier to have consistency when it comes to messaging and branding. A summit on sustainable events obviously would take place in a venue which is truly sustainable, a conference on public transport could take place in a former railway station, etc.

This is another reason why the renovation of the CNIT Forest – the building has been existing since 1958 by the way – is so interesting, as it demonstrates the trends of existing venues reinventing themselves, from empty concrete shells into experience centers.

This is also one of the topics we will touch upon during the AIPC Annual Conference, taking place in Luxembourg at the European Conference Center Luxembourg, with three architects/designers sharing their views on the future of event venues and their integration in the local communities. We still have a couple of seats left …

Sven Bossu

Only Paranoid Survive. It’s Time

Former Intel CEO Andrew Grove wrote the seminal book “Only the Paranoid Survive”. His message: success breeds complacency, which in turn breeds failure.

Should we be paranoid as an industry? We have reason to be

COVID, economic gyrations, AI, technology, city crime…all have, and will continue, to challenge the face of our business. Recently, the owner of two substantial San Francisco hotels announced its loan default and release of Union Square & Parc 55 from its portfolio. Reasons cited: “Concerns over street conditions; lower return to ofce than peer cities; and a weaker than expected citywide convention calendar through 2027.”

human connection, meaningful travel, and involvement of local culture and cuisine to build these experiences”. In my earlier articles, I present omnichannel marketing as a key strategy to achieve this and to combat the commoditization of our industry, and guest experiences.

Why Omnichannel

2003. The company created an approach that centered around the customer both in-store and online, while providing postsales support. Today, top brand favorites like Best Buy, Apple, Amazon, deploy omnichannel marketing to continually fnd ways to personalize experiences to keep their customers engaged and loyal.

What Omnichannel can mean for our industry?

By Chris Kappes

Walk the halls of any convention center during trade shows and experience in real-time “change in motion”: reduced attendance, younger demographics, smaller footprints, scaled-down exhibits, digital prominence, tech-heavy etc.

Uncertainty is the Norm. Not the exception.

The NEW paradigm is this: attending events virtually has become a new norm, so in-person attendance must be worth the time and expense of the trip. According to a new study by IACC, Meeting Room of the Future Barometer, “The “experience” of events must focus on educational content,

The traditional linear sales funnel is no longer applicable in today’s marketplace. Access is key. 3,500 marketing decision makers in 12 markets (and over 21,000 since 2016), surveyed by McKinsey & Company shared they want “more”—more channels, more convenience, and a more personalized experience”. And if they don’t get what they’re looking for, they’ll take their business elsewhere.

Omnichannel is NOT a new concept

Omnichannel is a holistic approach that provides a seamless customer experience across all touchpoints, including the website, social media, events, physical stores, and mobile apps. It’s earliest origins were in the retail industry when retailers were either a physical brick and mortar store or catalog sales where orders were placed by mail or via telephone. Best Buy is credited with being an early adapter of omnichannel marketing strategy to compete with Walmart’s electronic department in

Consumers value “experiences” above all else and the recent Freeman Trends Report sites “in-person events as the most trustworthy source of information, more so than academic institutions and media outlets.” We are well positioned to deliver even more value to our customers. However, to do so requires a strategic shift in thinking from “one and done” events to “relationship-formation” centered around a continuous customer experience. We need to embrace an omnichannel business model where we all work together to engage audiences, not once a year, BUT all year.

At Circle, we’ve consistently added in-house and out of house talent to support our omnichannel mindset and event strategies. Omnichannel is our calling card, differentiator that helps our clients amplify their event strategies with broadcast, hospitality, live entertainment, and measurement.

We’ve all survived the COVID thunderstorm. Our industry has changed forever. Omnichannel is one path to follow. There are others to discover. Be paranoid. Play ofense.

Death at the Exposition

BY BOB MCGLINCY

The Pan-American Exposition was a world’s fair held in Bufalo during the summer of 1901. Looking at it today, the troubles seem almost inevitable: the construction, the assassination, the aftermath. But in the beginning … it was all hope … optimism … and the promise of a bright future.

The City of Light

It started with the energy and excitement of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The anticipation increased when Westinghouse began building generators for the proposed Niagara Falls power plant. Bufalo wanted the thrill, brand recognition, and the revenues that a World’s Fair would bring. In 1895, the city’s elite travelled to Atlanta for the “Cotton States and International Exposition”; once there they announced plans for an 1899 World’s Fair in Bufalo. However, two years later at the Nashville Centennial, they changed the date to 1901, and decided to welcome only businesses from the western hemisphere – hence the name, “The Pan-American Exposition”.

Bufalo was the 8th largest city in the country in 1900 (population 352,387); and

over half of the country’s populace was within a day’s travel by rail. Thanks to the Niagara power plant, the town had streetlamps everywhere.

Nicknamed, “The City of Light,” Bufalo was primed for a World’s Fair: It had the space; it had the transportation; it had the desire; it had the electrical power; and it would have the President of the United States. They expected between ten and twenty million attendees.

“The Pan could not fail,” they said.

The Planned Exposition

The Exposition would display the newest scientifc, technological, and material accomplishments of the day. Nineteen countries would attend. Thousands of companies planned to exhibit, including hundreds of brands well known today.

Bufalo wanted to outshine Chicago’s Fair, and planned their buildings to be brighter, more electrifying, and more colorful. To entice attendees, they ofered free food, free drinks, and free souvenirs. Bufalo’s Midway had concerts, foreign villages, the “House Upside

Down”, and “Cleopatra’s Temple”. To replace Chicago’s Ferris Wheel, Bufalo designed a giant 140-foot-long see-saw, with spinning cages elevating 275 feet in the air. The expectation was, the Pan-Am would be the best Exposition in the United States in the last ffty years.

But, if one was observant, there were multiple signs that it wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows: (1) pre-show funding was signifcantly less than projected; (2) the architects and event planners did not communicate expectations; (3) there were work stoppages due to strikes, and weather delays (including a heavy blizzard ten days prior to show opening); (4) construction was not completed on time; (5) initial attendance numbers were considerably lower than expected; and (6) what didn’t seem important at the time, the First Lady took sick in June, thereby forcing the postponement of the President’s scheduled speech until September.

The President’s Visit

The President addressed the

fair on September 5, 1901. A Pan-Am record-setting crowd of 116,000 people attended that day. McKinley spoke on trade reciprocity and ending American isolationism. It was said to be one of his fnest speeches. He also spoke on the efcacy of events:

“Expositions are the timekeepers of progress. They record the world’s advancement. They stimulate the energy, enterprise, and intellect of the people; and quicken human genius.”

The President’s personal secretary, George Cortelyou, was concerned about a possible assassination attempt and twice removed the September 6th Temple of Music visit from the itinerary. The President insisted on meeting his public, however, saying “Why should I cancel? No one would wish to hurt me.” (What no-one knew at the time, an anarchist was in fact planning to assassinate the President. Taking advantage of the rescheduled visit, the assassin moved to Bufalo August 31; he purchased a .32 caliber

revolver September 3; he was in the crowd on September 5, but at a distance).

On the morning of September 6, the President and his wife breakfasted and briefy visited the Exposition. Then, he, Pan-Am President John Milburn, and the fair’s Chief Medical Doctor, Roswell Park,

travelled to tour Niagara Falls, and the power plant. Park, the Chief Trauma Surgeon in Bufalo, and a proponent of antiseptic practices, stayed behind for a scheduled surgery that afternoon, as McKinley headed to the ”meet and greet” at the Temple of Music. Had Park stayed with McKinley, perhaps his life could have been saved.

The Shooting

September 6, 1901, was a hot day in Bufalo. Some people standing in line to meet the President, used handkerchiefs to wipe their sweaty brows. The assassin waited patiently. He wasn’t sweating, but he did have a handkerchief in his hand. It concealed a handgun. At 4:07 PM, two shots rang out in quick succession. One bullet defected of a coat

button and caused a superfcial chest to wound. The second bullet entered the President’s stomach. A third shot was prevented by the heroic actions of James Parker, who punched the pistol out of the assassin’s hand, and knocked him to the foor – all before the stunned 75-person security force reacted.

The Surgery

The ambulance arrived in six minutes. Instead of being rushed to Bufalo’s General Hospital, the President was taken to the Emergency Hospital on the Fairgrounds. It was closer, but not as wellequipped. The best surgeon in the city, Dr. Park, was unavailable. Instead of a doctor experienced with both gunshot and abdominal wounds, Mathew Mann, a gynecologist, elected to do the surgery.

There was no electricity in the room. The doctor operated on with the waning sunlight being refected of a metal bedpan. Mann could not fnd the bullet; he removed some cloth from the wound, probed with his ungloved fnger, then sewed up the patient, without draining the incision. It was neither sterile nor sanitary. (Ironically, one of the inventions displayed at the Exposition was an x-ray machine; it had been developed six years earlier, but was not used during the operation, or the recovery.)

While initially appearing to recover, McKinley was 58,

overweight; and his wounds had not been cleaned. Gangrene set in and was poisoning his blood. McKinley fought during the Civil War; he enlisted as a private, and through battlefeld promotions, was discharged as a major; he survived bloody Antietam; he survived having a horse shot from under him; but he would not survive this battle. A week after being shot, he died at 2:25 AM on September 14.

The Aftermath

With McKinley’s death, the bright lights of the fair began to fade. At Expositions in the past, attendance would increase dramatically during the fnal two months. But at the Pan-Am, daily attendance peaked the day before the assassination. By mid-October it was clear the fair had severe fnancial problems: expenses exceeded revenues by more than a 2:1 margin. (While total attendance was recorded as 8,120,048, the total paid attendance would prove to be only 5,306,859). The Exposition closed the afternoon of November 2. By early spring, the Fairgrounds were being demolished. Some city leaders moved away that year; others stayed but invested their fortunes elsewhere. John Milburn, the President of the Fair, and in whose house, McKinley died, left his law practice and moved to New York City in 1904.

In 2022, the population of Bufalo was 276,807, and the city’s rank nationwide dropped seventy spots from 1900, from the 8th to the 78th largest city in the country.

Seattle Airport

Airport Code: SEA

Location: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA

Date Opened: Initial construction in 1944, ofcial opening ceremony July 9th, 1947.

Size: At 3.9 sq miles, SEA is relatively small, compared to other airports. SEA has 103 gates in four concourses and two satellite buildings. The three runways are parallel, and are 11,901 ft, 9,426 ft, and 8,500 ft.

Transportation: The Port of Seattle offers paid on-site parking in a 12,100-space garage. The 1 Line of Sound Transit’s Link light rail system runs from the Airport station to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. A pedestrian bridge over International Boulevard connects to nearby airport hotels, and Metro buses including RapidRide A Line.

On-site facilities: Free wif, kids play area, pet relief areas outside and inside the airport. FuelRod charging stations, and curbside check-in. Over 40 dining areas post-security throughout. Cell phone lot with 200 spaces for temporary parking, and bike parking and bike lockers.

Fun Fact 1: SEA’s parking structure is North America’s largest parking structure under one roof.

Fun Fact 2: Remember the DEN CATS team with therapy dog volunteers? Well SEA has SEA Pups! Therapy dogs for stressed travelers to visit, usually found in the Central Terminal or North Concourse.

Website: www.portseattle.org/sea-tac

Redefining Modular

BY PAT FRIEDLANDER

After reading the article on the previous page, you might think that outdoor modular structures are the new kids on the block. But you would be missing out on the historical context. One of the quintessential examples of a modular—indoors and out—structure is the Contemporary, one of the frst two resort hotels at Disney World, which opened in October 1971. The Contemporary was built on an A-frame with Its outer walls sloping inwards an inner atrium.

The design was a collaboration between Disney, the United States Steel Corporation, and Los Angeles architect Welton Becket. To construct the building, steel frames were erected on-site. Modular pre-constructed rooms, designed by California architect Donald Wexler, the father of mid-century modern, were lifted into place by crane. After that, most of Disney's Polynesian Resort and the Court of Flags Resort were built the same way, using modular principles, except that the rooms were stacked instead of slid in.

Wexler's values were rooted in adaptability, fexibility, and his concept of space, systems, and materials. This approach made him a pioneer in exploring modularity and using light steel framing for construction. One of his frst steel-framed systems consisted of a light-gauge structural steel frame, steel roof decking, and wall panels. These elements comprised the basic structural modules, and since they were lightweight and structurally independent, they could be relocated. The wall panels were designed in 8-foot modules, allowing fexibility and the feasibility of expanding the size of the structure.

Modularity And Its Impact On The Exhibit Industry

This approach was the birth of a concept that forms the basis for modular exhibits: light-gauge structural steel

frame, steel roof decking, and wall panels. Wexler turned to steel because timber was scarce; today, aluminum is the material of choice. Modular structures provide a green approach to exhibiting by avoiding using wood, repurposing the modules, and providing less environmental impact when shipping. "Modular" is defned as "designed with standardized units or dimensions for easy assembly and repair or fexible arrangement and use: constructed with standardized units or dimensions for fexibility and variety. The beauty of modular architecture is that you can replace or add any component (module) without afecting the rest of the system."

What constitutes modular exhibitry? Debbie Parrott, President and CEO of Highmark TechSystems, explains. "Modular components work on a grid system, and because of this, they are easy to put together. Because many modular systems, such as ours, are aluminum, they are lightweight, economical, and very fexible. They are considered modular in that they allow you to customize the shape and scale of your design, and they blend well with custom elements in a hybrid exhibit. Still, it's smartly designed extrusion systems that enable all of this. Part of a smart design is not having too many parts and pieces – minimal pieces make for optimal design in the modular extrusion system world. Having fewer parts and pieces reduces set-up and dismantling complexity and time, which in turn helps curb costs. This becomes especially appealing when incorporating a multi-level deck system into an exhibit to take advantage of vertical space and add dimension, scale, utility, and impact to one's exhibiting presence."

The Future is Bright for Modular Systems

What does Parrott see for the future of modular systems? "As exhibitors direct their spending to customer-facing initiatives, they will ask for economical solutions on the backend. They want to use their exhibit budgets in ways that help them connect with their customers. They don't want to spend the lion's share of their dollars on getting the exhibit on and of the trucks, onto the foor, and set up. Aluminum modular exhibits give them that freedom. And in addition to their versatility, they are reusable and recyclable. Today many corporations have taken a stand for sustainability; modular exhibits enhance that position and are consequently good for those brands. Further, post-pandemic more exhibitors want design-, usage- and fnancial fexibility, so the availability of modular extrusion systems that can either be purchased or rented, used in one confguration today and in an entirely diferent confguration next month, and deployed quickly is becoming a growing preference."

In partnering with exhibit builders and designers to redefne the use of modular exhibits, says Parrott, there is a return to Wexler's values: adaptability, fexibility, lightweight, structural independence, and reusability. "We've built our company around the theory and virtues of modular thinking. Our mission is to help our customers understand the value and benefts of using modular structures in a wide range of events indoors and outdoors, whether they do so as a purchase with a new exhibit or as a custom rental for a specifc event. With modularity in our DNA and our customers' needs always changing, we don't see modularity at its core changing, but we see the application of modularity being redefned every day. Its future is bright!"

When Taking Risks Pays Off

BY PAT FRIEDLANDER

When Matt Andrews, Highmark’s senior vice president, and I sat down to talk about CONEXPO-CON/ AGG, he mentioned that he was having a problem. “What kind of problem?” I asked. “I’ll explain later,” he said. “But it’s connected to CONEXPO-CON/AGG.”

Matt has worked at Highmark for almost 14 years, so he has an insider’s perspective on the show. “If you remember,” he said, “the last CONEXPO-CON/AGG was in 2020. It shut down two days early because of Covid. We had just introduced our multi-level outdoor product, EventMAX. At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, we were thrilled to have

six outdoor projects using our new EventMAX and 17 indoor projects using our well-known ExpoDeck, the gold standard for indoor double-deck structures. And then, BAM! CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 shut down—and so did almost all events for the next two years.”

Andrews said that pre-pandemic, Highmark made the strategic decision to invest in a fresh inventory of its indoor products. “Our president, Debbie Parrott, is not afraid to take risks,” he said. In 2020, all the big not-every-year shows were scheduled: World of Concrete, IMTS, NPE, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Anticipating an extremely busy 2020, Highmark increased its rental

inventory of its indoor ExpoDeck, Max Multi-walls, and SuperMax architectural structures. While the pandemic was an enormous blow, and much of this inventory sat idle for 1.5 years, Highmark’s investment risk ultimately paid of.

Highmark emerged from the pandemic with a full stock of ready-to-deploy inventory during a time when raw materials were scarce, expensive, and with long lead times. This inventory also enabled the quick and timely launch of Highmark’s sister company, YOURspace, LLC (a pivot launched during the pandemic), which makes ofce and room pods out of Highmark’s wall technology. On multiple

fronts, the inventory investment gambit was the right one and enabled Highmark to hit the ground running as the economy and events in particular reopened.

Post Pandemic Strategy

Debbie Parrott took a similar risk in mid-2022 when she determined that increasing Highmark’s inventory of outdoor products would be essential to service the signifcant needs of clients heading to CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. The complexities of this undertaking were quite the challenge: nail down solid commitments from clients early enough to order materials that were still heavily impacted by the pandemic supply chain squeeze and, therefore, extremely slow to arrive.

Once the materials arrived, Highmark had to quickly turn that material into the fnished

Kobelco - No Bull Challenge

product in time for CONEXPO-CON/AGG installation. It was a massive undertaking in terms of investment dollars, human resources, and supplier relations. “

It was also a test of communication on all fronts,” adds Ms. Parrott, “particularly in precise coordination with our clients on project specifcs to ensure we were meeting not only their structural needs but their well-choreographed timelines for the move-in of demo machines and more. I could not be more appreciative of and pleased with our clients’ communication or prouder of the Highmark team’s project management and coordination.”

Breaking All Records

According to the trade publication of the Association of Equipment Managers (AEM), “after fve jam-packed days of innovative product

launches and major company announcements, enlightening education sessions and countless networking opportunities, CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 2023 have come to a close, but not before taking the construction industry to the next level. The show crushed expected attendance numbers, drawing over 139,000 construction and fuid power professionals from 133 countries to Las Vegas from March 14-18 – making it the largest trade show in North America with more than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries spread out over 3 million square feet of exhibit space.”

Highmark’s largest project was outdoors for end-exhibitor Kobelco, a company that manufactures excavators, but Highmark’s client was Kobelco’s exhibit company, nParallel. “We work through exhibit companies and event agencies, so solid partnerships

are vital to our success,” says Andrews. “nParallel was an incredible partner throughout this project. They created a concept of a two-story old Western town with all the bells and whistles. In de-

signing the superstructure based on nParallel’s concept, we created 3D models, and nParallel created cladding for EventMAX from the models, an amazing collaboration. The set-up time was 12 ½ days,

Link-Belt at CONEXPO-CON/AGG

and our structure alone was two stories and 7,424 sqft. Our part included the structure itself, and the general supervision of the installation.”

Meeting the Challenges of Outdoor Structures

But Kobelco was only one

of eleven Highmark outdoor projects at CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2023. Highmark also worked with Freeman on Link-Belt and Lippman (see photos) and MC2 on extending a special ramp system for Volvo. “Most of the time,” says

Andrews, “we were setting up in the rain and high winds, sometimes up to 85 mph. All the more reason you don’t want to put the world’s best industrial brands in tents. The reality of outdoor events is that you can’t control the weather before, during, or after the event, so having a durable, reliable, solid structure that can withstand rough weather is a real advantage.”

It was a heavy lift on many levels, but Highmark and its clients could not have been happier with the results.

“Encountering rough weather and being on-site for 33 days comes with its challenges, but walking the show outdoors

and indoors and taking in the impressive work on the 17 projects we had the pleasure of contributing to was incredibly gratifying.”

“Oh, and about that problem I mentioned at the start... what some might see as a problem really is an opportunity. Highmark is now bursting at the seams with boatloads of indoor and outdoor inventory – made right here in the U.S. at our Indiana production facility-- that can be pulled, prepped, and deployed at a moment’s notice for indoor and outdoor events anywhere in North America. Nice problem, or shall I say, opportunity to have.”

WERK-BRAU at CONEXPO-CON/AGG

• Graphic Design

• Mailing Solutions

• Ez-Net Online Ordering

• Warehousing/ Product Management

• Kitting Fulfillment Services

• EZ-Net: Online Ordering & Proofing

• Collateral Management & Distribution: Move projects & Packages... with your mouse.

• Direct Mail Solutions: Ongoing effort or one time campaign

When was the last time you received exceptional service? It probably stands out, because it is rare. That’s what makes it memorable. Our goal is simple, to be the best convention destination in the world. To do that, you need exceptional people delivering exceptional service in every facet of the organization. We

Kyle Palm Senior Network Specialist

A Tasty Way to Engage with Your Attendees

BY DANELLE DODDS

In Las Vegas, making an impression at exhibits and events requires a lot. With numerous distractions, attracting an organic crowd to a booth or hospitality event is becoming increasingly challenging. And even if you manage to grab their attention, the question remains: how do you make them stay? With over 24,000 conventions bringing in 6.5 million attendees to the city annually, you need a tasty trafc builder. Welcome to the world of Interactive Food Activations.

What are Interactive Food Activations?

Interactive food activations are multi-sensory experiences that incorporate a food or beverage component. Combining entertainment and gastronomy, these activations capture and hold the guests’ attention, providing them with an emotional takeaway. When executed efectively, they generate organic trafc, enhance brand awareness, and drive additional sales. Given the city’s razzle-dazzle, it’s no surprise that Las Vegas is home to multiple interactive epicurean delights, some of which are associated with prominent names.

Las Vegas Interactive Culinary Creators

Heidi Cayn Friedman and Melanie Bash, having observed the industry through their experienced perspectives,

identifed a missing element. “There was a need to add something special to get people excited,” said Melanie. This realization led them to co-found FoodPopper, an interactive culinary experience in partnership with Buddy Valastro Restaurants.

Drawing upon Heidi’s previous role as the head of production for Chopped and Chopped Junior, and Melanie’s extensive background in the hospitality industry, they developed an experience that stands as an event within an event. According to them, it’s “an exciting and interactive way to join together and experience food.”

Their portfolio now features a range of sweet and savory food stations, accompanied by chefs from Buddy Valastro Restaurants’ team. Attendees can have their own Carlo’s Bake Shop, where they learn how to fll and decorate cannoli. They can also witness the fascinating process of mozzarella being pulled and enjoy it fresh. Moreover, they have even created an experience that potentially involves Buddy V himself. “It brings the excitement and celebrity factor to the event industry,” added Melanie.

Seth Bankier, the Founder and Chief Executive Spinner of Spin-Spun Cotton Candy, concurs with the power of interactive food experiences. His all-natural cotton candy stations, catering to adults, have drawn massive crowds at exhibits

and events for over a decade. He believes that a well-crafted culinary engagement stimulates all the senses and generates substantial revenue.

His case studies include a dental supply company that they initially catered to at an industry trade show. Seth revealed, “They observed a signifcant year-overyear increase in show attendee visits to their booth, prompting them to invite us back the following year.” The subsequent event witnessed even higher numbers,

Carlos Bake Shop Photos by Stardust Fallout

leading to an ongoing partnership with the same client, with a consistent rise in attendee visits.

What Makes a Successful Interactive Food Station?

Ultimately, successful interactive food activations do not require rocket science. According to Seth, they should provide “an elevated experience that the guests will remember.”

Firstly, they must have an allure that

strikes a chord with the human experience. Spin-Spun captures the nostalgic charm and whimsy of childhood, while FoodPopper exudes a sense of celebrity. Both create an emotional response in attendees.

Secondly, they should deliver the product in a unique manner that sets them apart. Spin-Spun achieves this through its innovative favors and engaging spinners. Gone are the traditional cotton candy favors; instead, they ofer Bourbon Salted Caramel and Champagne.

They also carefully select team members based on their engaging personalities and charisma. As for FoodPopper, they understand the signifcance of creating an exclusive moment that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Lastly, the activation should seamlessly integrate into the overall event experience. It can be challenging to incorporate outside food and beverage into Las Vegas venues and exhibit halls due to certain restrictions. The most efective partners will navigate these challenges to ensure success.

Playing with food is not a novel concept. However, a few ingenious suppliers have discovered how to transform it into a delectable trafc builder for your next event.

Spin-Spun photo by Spin-Spun All Natural Confections

A Conversation with Bill Nixon

BY ECN STAFF

Willwork Global Event Services

creates customized labor and technology solutions for tradeshows, private corporate events, and retail environments. Founded in 1987, Willwork is highly regarded for its service excellence, and for being one of the nation’s most innovative general contractors. A partial client list includes: Adobe; Amazon; Astra Zeneca; Facebook;

Google; IBM; McKesson; Pepsi; Under Armour; and Verizon.

Exhibit City News sat down with Bill Nixon -- founder, business owner and entrepreneur -- to discuss the origins, growth, and future of his companies.

How did you start Willwork?

In 1983, I was a shop steward when Champion Expositions signed a contract with

the Teamsters union. They hired me to procure labor for the convention industry. Four years later, I started Willwork as a local Boston I&D company. At the time, I had two goals in mind: improve the quality of trade show labor in New England; and create work for individuals. I’m happy to say, we accomplished both.

By recruiting young, energetic individuals – people who were willing to work – and then training them in terms of service, attitude, and booth building basics, the company quickly attracted more and more customers. There was a noticeable diference in the appearance and energy of a Willwork crew: there was a quickness in their step, and a neatness in their look. Equally important, the team we recruited was willing to do “whatev-

er-it-takes” to service customers. And exhibitors noticed.

That’s really interesting. How did the company evolve?

As we grew, client demand dictated that we open in Las Vegas. From there we connected the dots, opening cities nationwide, from Boston to California. At that time, it became apparent that a new phenomenon was emerging in the convention business -- mega corporate events came on the scene, along with the explosion of new technologies. Willwork’s next steps were to specialize in Corporate and Private Events, while handling general sessions.

One thing led to another. We formed a new division in 1998 to do both private corporate events and general

Willwork team

Bill Nixon

contracting. That was followed by an AV company in 2007 – for keynote and general sessions, and to fulfll exhibitors’ needs. Our lead management and data analysis company followed in 2009. By 2010 we were developing software for some of our clients and produced our frst virtual show.

But I can’t stress enough, it all evolved because of the wants of our clients, and the need to keep good people working. It’s difcult to fnd and train the right people; it’s critical to keep them employed

I understand. Tell us about your entrepreneurial background.

(Laughs) I started selling candy in the third grade. In school. Classmates loved it, and I made some money. Unfortunately, the school didn’t like it much. They made me stop. Took it over themselves, and then charged more mon-

ey. It sounds funny now, but I wasn’t laughing then.

Seriously though, I guess it really started in the ‘70s with me selling tee shirts at concerts. First at the Cape Cod Coliseum, and then later at the Boston Garden. Shows like, the J Geils Band, Arrowsmith, Bob Seger, Tom Petty. These were events, and I loved the energy back then as a teenager. Fact is, I still love events today, and still love the energy.

Another thing. My dad ran some of the earliest girls’ basketball camps in the country. Some years, Sam Jones was there – if you don’t know the name, he was a Boston Celtic NBA all-star. Me and a friend of mine ran the canteen and sold pizzas at night to the campers. It was a lot of fun. And we made some money.

Speaking about your father, what did you learn from him?

(Editor’s note: William Nixon, Sr was a high school teacher and coach for over forty years. He is enshrined in the Massachusetts Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Oliver Ames High School gymnasium is named after him)

I think we all learn from our parents, both of them, if we’re lucky.

My dad, being a coach taught me a lot! How to think critically … how to breakdown what the opponent is doing. In a family of eight kids, but only two boys, it made me want to never miss a chance to get out and see games … and to scout the opposition. At 4 years old on, he made me take the clipboard and chart everyone’s basketball shots – what they were shooting, and where they were shooting from. In the fall, my dad would also breakdown flm in our cellar – imagine six high school football coaches on a

Sunday night -- boy they were loud and argumentative! I just loved being in the room watching the action, feeling the energy … until I was sent to bed.

I was the point guard on some of his championship teams. Point guards run the play; they are the leader on the foor. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the TEAM. That was my biggest take-away: one person cannot do it all. I still believe that today.

It’s the team that matters. What is your philosophy on recruiting, training, and employment?

Find good people. Commit to them. Train them. Help them to have fun, make a living, and support their families. It’s pretty simple. But it’s not easy.

We spend lots of time recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. And then training. It’s

I loved the energy back then as a teenager.

Fact is, I still love events today, and still love the energy.

William Nixon Sr, with sons, Bill and Jim

an arduous process. The key to it all, and my pride and joy, is Willwork University!!

Okay. That brings up our next point. Willwork University is well known in the Industry. How did it originate?

We started it in the nineties, and we’ve held classes in major convention cities around the country. First intended for show foor workers only, it has included clients – as guest lecturers, as well as some of their newer employees sitting in as students.

The instruction provided at Willwork University is unique to the tradeshow Industry because it provides both handson and classroom training. A few EAC’s used to provide classroom training; most did not. But no company in the Industry, except for Willwork, ofers a specifc, detailed, hands-on learning environment. The faculty includes seasoned Willwork professionals and guest lecturers. Students learn and practice of the job, not on the Exhibitor’s clock. They work with hand and power tools. They learn to

read blueprints, seam carpets, and practice electrical, CAT 5, and AV connections. Classes include: packing and shipping; graphics; vinyl application; use and abuse of solvents; and doing paperwork, (including properly completing a Bill of Lading). Other sessions include videos and discussions on “Customer Service,” and “Image, Attitude and Appearance”.

Two of my favorite sessions were guest appearances by Lou Holtz and Terry Bradshaw. (Laughs) They were on video. Not live.

What are the benefts of Willwork University?

A trained and professional workforce benefts the entire industry.

We started out with four goals in mind, and I think each one is a beneft: 1) to raise the level of professionalism and service excellence on the show foor; 2) to promote a more enjoyable experience for both clients and workers; 3) to create more cost-efective sets; and 4) to provide better opportunities for employees. Willwork is one of the few companies in the industry to have consistently

provided show foor training over the past three decades. And we are continuing to do so – we have held two regional Willwork Universities so far this year.

How does Willwork serve the community?

Willwork is passionate about helping local charities and organizations that support people experiencing homelessness.

There is no place like home. Home is a relative term but one that has a diferent meaning if you don’t have one. Having a base, a place to feel safe and secure, a place to rest and reboot, and to be with family is essential. Our teams have assisted with various local organizations and shelters including the David Jon Louison Center, My Brother’s Keeper, and School on Wheels of Massachusetts. It gives us great joy to assist with administrative tasks, technology support, and numerous food, toy and clothing drives.

Willwork has supported the Arthur C Luf Children’s Burn Camp the past ffteen years. We also assist the community through programs at our local YMCA. The company gives employees the time once a week to spend with local children at risk in the bullying cycle to give them friendship development opportunities in a safe space.

How does Willwork serve the events industry?

That’s easy. We make magic happen on the show foor.

Ok, maybe this is what you mean. We support CVBs in multiple cities around the country. We are actively

involved in a lot of organizations, including: EACA; ECA; EDPA; ESCA; EEWDF; HCEA; IAEE; IFES; MPI; and PCMA.

What is your service philosophy?

Listen to the customer. Do what they want. The only exceptions – safety and ethics.

What gives you the most satisfaction?

The growth of the organization! Watching the company grow and expand … seeing loyal people grow with us and giving them the opportunity to have a lifestyle better than they grew up with … seeing their kids grow and get older. We at Willwork have been lucky and have been rewarded with amazing, talented, loyal people – we have many people who have been with us for 20-30 years, and some even longer. Also, as we have grown, we’ve had four people advance from working on the show foor to becoming partners in the organization. Curt DaRosa, Dave King, Dave McCormick, and Jay Kass. I am very proud of that.

How did you and the company adapt during the pandemic?

We worked to make things happen. We worked really hard to keep the doors open, and to help people continue to earn a living.

We moved into furnishing hospitals and nursing homes with gloves, masks and sanitizers. We worked tirelessly trying to a procure enough to fll a $300 million dollar order but we could not get that amount of product due to the supply chain being shut down. We in-

Willwork University - vinyl application

stalled a couple feld hospitals in convention centers. We did virtual events, but that didn’t help our feld people.

There was some I&D and GC work, but it was very limited. We did signage, and installed graphics. We added plexi barriers in casinos, liquor stores and supermarkets nationwide. We started renovating and fipping houses in diferent states – keeping skilled people employed, and trying to make a buck.

I could go on. But you don’t want to get me started. The pandemic is not a topic I enjoy talking about.

What makes Willwork unique?

I think most companies would answer, “it’s our people!” And that’s true here as well. But a more complete answer is, “Willwork University”.

Willwork University is a

mentality; and it drives us as managers. What I mean … to focus on and develop a great curriculum takes a mindset … and that creates our culture. When our managers get so involved investing of themselves to teach and train and educate their workers and leadmen, it creates a bond and a philosophy … everyone becomes part of the team … and I believe that team carries over to the show foor and with the client. So, at Willwork we make time to focus on developing our culture.

I think everyone appreciates it, when we take the time to teach, train and educate our personnel.

What do you see for the future?

Well, the recovery has been extraordinary. Still racing to hire people for key spots … and that’s been both hectic and fun. Very challenging at

same time. We do have to get back to developing our culture. It got damaged from Covid. But we do have a great team, and I’m refocused on it.

The future is exciting and worrisome at same time. In my long trade show career, I have seen multiple rough times … 9/11 … the 2007/2008 fnancial crash … the 2020/2021 pandemic. The tradeshow and events industry is hit frst during tough times. Good news, it’s the frst to come back. Truthfully … nervous about the war and how it could escalate … concerned that the banking situation could get worse and more insolvent … they keep predicting another virus and they predicted the last one.

But I’m also optimistic because of the underlying basics of our company. Our combined product lines are unique in the

industry – and that’s what will keep us going and growing and changing. And the industry itself has a history of being resilient in recovery. So, that’s really encouraging to me as well. It’s a great industry!

Anything else?

Yes. I said before, it takes a team. It really does, and I have been blessed by being surrounded by some truly wonderful and gifted people. Dave King, Curt DaRosa and Jay Kass have been here from the beginning. And Denise Franzen almost as long. Dave McCormack and Lisa Studley have been critical to our success. And where would this company be without all our great leads and wonderful city managers?

Lastly, I want to thank you for the opportunity to talk, and to let me reminisce. It’s been kind of fun.

Thank you, Bill.

Willwork family

Keep your eyes out for more sustainable tradeshows

BY THEA ENGST

Sustainability has been a hot topic for businesses for years now, and many companies are taking the responsibility of treating our planet better very seriously. One such company is Greenbuild, which, according to their mission statement, strives to create a communi-

ty “for global green building professionals to improve sustainability, resilience, equity, health and wellness in the spaces we live, work, play and learn.” And this year, Greenbuild is teaming up with the IWBC Conference to create a tradeshow that practices what it preaches: sustainability.

Here’s what these two companies are doing, how, and why it’s a trend to watch.

The IWBC Conference made waves in 2018, when it arrived on the tradeshow scene with event spaces constructed entirely of wood. Their website says, “When sustainably managed and harvested, wood produces far lower CO2 emissions than concrete or steel. If the industry wants to make an impact, mass timber and light framing are a clear solution in North America. One cubic meter of wood will store one ton of carbon dioxide.” And so, they moved forward, creating event spaces that are built and constructed with far lower CO2 emissions than most. It’s only natural that this trend would catch the eye of more businesses that

value protecting our planet, so the eventual collaboration of IWBC and Greenbuild made a lot of sense.

Because sustainability can be done in more ways than one. That’s were business like Greenbuild come into play. We got to chat with Greenbuild International Conference + Expo Marketing Manager Nick Vener about the company’s mission and practices. “Sustainability is embedded into every aspect of the Greenbuild conference,” he said. “Our conference team works with an Advisory Board, Program Working Group, and Session Reviewers, which consists of a dedicated lineup of sustainability professionals vetting sessions and topics.” This means that from the swag given (say goodbye to

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

things like stickers, single-use plastics, and the like) to the construction of the booths themselves (enter companies such as IWBC), Greenbuild ensures its projects are having a lower and lower impact on the environment. But can they prove it? Why, yes, they can! “Greenbuild also releases a full in-depth sustainability report after every show, detailing the event’s overall carbon footprint.” Vener told us. “As the continued impacts of climate change remain in the spotlight, I predict that these practices will become adopted by the wider events and tradeshow industry.”

Companies that practice sustainable methods and hold themselves accountable with transparent and public reports? Sign us up for that industry trend. But if all of this seems like it might be a bit much, consider this report from MeetingsNet. “The average material waste produced

per show participant is three and a half pounds, of which 51 percent goes to landflls, 26 percent is recycled, 10 percent is combusted, six percent is composted, and fve percent is donated.” That means that if companies like Greenbuild and IWBC continue to grow, succeed, and spread awareness, we’re looking at less waste in our landflls. And

who doesn’t want that?

And with more and more awareness on climate change, our impact on the environment, and all the political and moral pressure that comes along with that, we predict a bright future of more and more sustainable practices in tradeshows.

IWBC Conference is an international construction

conference. It is well-renowned for being the only international wood-based construction conference in the world. IWBC works to create a space that brings together those who are looking to improve, expand, and evolve in the construction community.

Greenbuild is a community working towards bringing together creative professionals who are interested in constructing and building responsibly. They strive to improve our environment on both a micro and macro level for the present and future.

Thea Engst is from Fabius, NY, and lives in Providence, RI. She received her MFA in Writing from Emerson College and is a copywriter, author, and cocktail recipe developer. Her beverage-focused books, Spirits of the Tarot, Nectar of the Gods, and Drink Like a Bartender, can all be found at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and your local bookstore.

I predict that these practices will become adopted by the wider events and tradeshow industry.

The biggest Greenbuild Expo kicks off

Attendees at Greenbuild Expo

A Whole New World

BY THEA ENGST

In the age of advances in virtual reality and the metaverse, it’s hard to not get excited about what the next few years—and beyond—hold for this groundbreaking feld. Li Jackson, ECN Editor, sat down with the founder and creator of one of the pioneers in the metaverse today, John Rogers of AvaWorld, to discuss AvaWorld’s recent hosting of a metaverse tradeshow. (You read that correctly.) Plus, how AvaWorld was born, where it’s headed, and how this will impact the future of tradeshows.

The metaverse of AvaWorld was escalated like many current trends: from COVID-19. It’s no secret that the pandemic took a toll on the event and tradeshow industry. And sadly, virtual tradeshows during that time were nothing like the real thing. They lacked the personal touch, the face-to-face interaction. But with AvaWorld and other metaverse platforms like it, business owners can build their store from the ground up, own it, sell from it, and even integrate their pre-existing apps and software.

This technology can, and will, evolve the tradeshow industry in more ways than one.

“AvaWorld is a platform with over 21 metaverses,” Rogers told us, “It’s a destination for education, entertainment, and solutions. The purpose is to create a space that serves communities so we serve small businesses, schools, creatives—a musician can have their own world where they perform for guests, they can sell NFTs and even merchandise.” (That’s right, physical merchandise can be sent from the metaverse.) This means that a student can learn from a class that was taught across the country and someone who doesn’t have the funds for a passport or a plane ticket can see the Sphinx in Egypt or trek the Ring Road of Iceland. “I started this project because I wanted to give a child the ability to look at Switzerland, experience Paris—then their minds start to churn on how they can get there and what they can contribute to society once they get there.” John told us.

AvaWorld is a B2B company differentiated by its focus

on arts, education, and the technology that goes into keeping it running called Iconic Engine. Unlike the platform formerly known as Facebook—Meta, which requires goggles, AvaWorld casts a wider net. All you

need is a phone or headset to step into the metaverse that AvaWorld enables you to create. And what’s more? You build it, you own it. Full stop. It’s your data, your users, your policies, and your rules. You can even create

It's a destination for education, entertainment, and solutions.

your own form of currency—like gems, tokens, sand dollars—which translates to your country’s currency in a way that you dictate. For example: 5 gems equate to $10USD in your store, but next door, 20 sand dollars is $5USD in my store.

In comparison to an online retailer like Amazon, AvaWorld is more expensive to build as you get started, but you never pay them a fee per sale. You can put on a concert and sell t-shirts, sell an NFT of your artwork or create a

virtual brick and mortar for your crocheted plants—all the profts go to you. Consider it the cheapest rent with lowest utility cost you’re ever going to get. (With little to no carbon footprint.)

And how does this impact the tradeshow industry? Well, in April 2023, AvaWorld put all their tech to work by reserving a suite nearby, but not in, NAB. They went to NAB and invited VIPs to their suite, where those folks were asked to try out the metaverse through AvaWorld for them-

selves. The results? A lot less money spent, a lot of excellent frst-impressions, and perhaps—the frst step in a new way to execute tradeshows. All done sustainably.

So, as we move towards the next innovation in the metaverse, we can also stop and

consider the impact not only on our wallets, but on the planet. Events that produce waste and require energy and emissions can now be done from the comfort of homes and ofces, all in the palm of your hand. Is the future meta? We think so, in one way or another.

Meeting with Client (L-R) Armen Filipetyan (Iconic Engine) Jonathan Lee (Iconic Engine) Amit Chopra (Iconic Engine)

(L-R) HH John Rogers (AvaWorld) and Seth Juarez (Ateliere)

Take the Tension Out of Your Bottom Line

BY DANELLE DODDS

Signage and branding go hand in hand on the show foor. Visual impact is just as crucial as booth layout. When weight and sustainability infuence your bottom line, thoughtful signage must be more than simply colorful.

Tension fabrics have been solving the signage conundrum for years. The stretchy, slim material has become a preferred branding material for exhibitors across the globe. But even with the availability and accessibility of the format, not everyone recognizes the budgetary beneft it ofers.

What is Tension Fabric?

For those in the know, this may seem like a silly question. But recognizing that almost every major show has “First Time Exhibitor” checklists, you can infer that there is a signifcant percentage of newbies in the audience.

“Tension fabric” refers to fabric that stretched over a solid frame. The taut surface becomes a printable canvas, while the structure acts as a stand. With many materials and extrusion systems, tension fabric printing has expanded branding opportunities for

exhibitors. And the fact that it’s so lightweight and reusable makes it a preferred resource.

Why Are Tension Fabrics Better for Your Bottom Line?

At frst glance, the initial printing cost between traditional signage and tension fabric isn’t comparable. First-time printing with traditional signage can appear less expensive. But looks can be deceiving.

You’ll see how tension fabrics shine once you delve below the surface usage. “Tension fabric graphics may have a slightly higher cost vs. traditional signage in the initial purchase for frst use,” shared Natalie Whited, vice president of marketing for Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, “but in the long run, due to multiple uses, minimal damage, and reduced shipping/drayage expenses, it provides better overall value and less impact on the budget.” They have

Nimlok Cinncinnati for Trilliant

expert insight as North America’s largest producer and manufacturer of visual communications solutions for tradeshows and events.

When you consider the logistics of traditional vs. tension fabric printing, it makes perfect sense. In most cases, traditional signage is a single-use solution. Installing, dismantling, shipping, and handling can dent or crease your foamboard or vinyl. In addition, traditional signage is considerably heavier than fabric pieces. If you’re in the exhibit business, you recognize that weight equals costs in the land of drayage. Because the fabric and extrusion materials weigh less, they contribute to a lower bottom line regarding shipping and set-up.

What Can Tension Fabrics Do that Traditional Printing Can’t?

When you print on fabric instead of traditional foam-core or Sintra®, your

printing ability is expanded considerably, especially during application. As we mentioned, there are multiple materials that you can print on with tension fabric. Everything from sheers to light-blocking options exists on the market today. The variety of fabrics available means that exhibitors no longer need to worry about refections or shine on their brand messaging or images.

The malleability of fabric compared to traditional surfaces opens a whole new world of possibilities when applied to booth design. Gone is the need for sharp corners and rigid edges. Tension fabric can bend and twist without sacrifcing quality.

It can also take on the characteristics of any surface you’d like to replicate. Exhibitors can achieve brilliant and colorful results using dye sublimation or direct printing. A recent design Orbus® created for Nimlok Cincinnati and their client Trilliant looked like a

booth made entirely from wood. Had it been constructed that way, it would have cost the client tens of thousands of dollars in construction, shipping, and drayage. Instead, they printed a sophisticated woodgrain pattern on counters, walls, and the pergola. The result was a rich, elegant design that looks like the finest wood.

Yanique DaCosta, owner, founder, and creative director of YKMD Visual Communications, would agree. “Tension fabric makes up about 35% of our product oferings,” she states. “This innovative medium allows for unique, eye-catching designs and is an excellent option for many of our clients.”

When you take in the big picture, it’s not a stretch to see why more and more exhibitors use tension fabric for their display printing needs. As a lightweight option with hundreds of applications, it is the new sign of the times.

Koozie Group

The Impact of Sports Events

By Ray Smith

The cost of hosting Super Bowl LVIII and the Formula One Grand Prix is pushing the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority budget to $463.3 million for fiscal 2024, Chief Financial Officer Ed Finger told board members at the tourism agency’s May 9 public meeting.

LVCVA has allocated $63.3 million for special events, compared to $20 million in fscal 2023. That includes $39 million for the Super Bowl and $6.5 million for the Grand Prix, the CFO noted. Total revenue sources for the general fund are project-

ed at $540.7 million, a 1.7 percent increase from 2023 projections. The proposed budget shows a beginning fund balance of $98.2 million, dropping to $77.3 million, for a fscal defcit of nearly $21 million.

Fiscally Disciplined

The tentative budget, fled April 17 with the State Department of Taxation, was drafted by key LVCVA executives in collaboration with local economists, business leaders, and governments. A public hearing is scheduled for May 31 to adopt the fnal 2024 budget. The fscal year

runs from July 1 through June 30.

“We’re presenting a budget to you that is fscally disciplined,” Finger said at the meeting. No action was required.

Roughly 80 percent of the general fund comes from room tax and gaming fees, projected at $351.4 million for 2024. Revenue from the Las Vegas Convention Center, including facility use and ancillary fees, totals $58.6 million. The monorail adds $23.5 million.

The budget allocates $141 million for marketing, sales, and advertising, and $61 million for debt service.

Good Position

Chief Executive Ofcer

Steve Hill feels good about budget projections, but he knows there’s always uncertainty. “We’re in as good of a fnancial position as this organization has ever been,” he says.

The $600 million renovation of the North and South halls is on budget, Hill assures the board, though it was originally budgeted for $432 million. LVCVA also agreed to sell 10 acres of land for $125 million.

Formula One Race

A portion of the board meeting focused on planning and marketing for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, to be held November 16-18 on a 3.8-mile course around the Strip, Harmon Avenue, Koval Lane, and Sands Avenue.

Representatives from the marketing department laid out various “viewing zones,” with dedicated walking paths to each zone. They include the Paddock zone, East and West Harmon zones, North and South Koval zones, T-Mobile Arena, and Bellagio hotel.

The Super Bowl and Grand Prix are “marquee events” for a marketing platform that will place Las Vegas in the world spotlight, says Kate Wik, chief marketing ofcer for the convention authority. The Formula One announcement earned

Las Vegas Monorail

2.8 billion media impressions, and the F1 Fanfest launch party earned 5.2 billion media impressions, she reports.

Board member Cedric Crear mentioned that it’s going to be a “hard decision” as to who gets VIP tickets.

During the public comment period, Ed Uehling chastised the board for spending $6.5 million on the Grand Prix. “It’s a total lie when you say you’re bringing the Formula One race here for the community. It’s for the 14 (board) members here,” he raged.

Looking For A Home

In what’s playing out as a poker game with the city of Oakland, the Major League Baseball A’s have reshufed the cards in deciding where to build a new 30,000-seat stadium in Las Vegas.

Weeks after signing a “binding” agreement with Red Rock Resorts to acquire 49 acres at Tropicana Avenue and Dean Martin Drive, the team has reportedly struck a deal with Bally’s Corp. to lease 9 acres at the Tropicana hotel and casino on the south end of the

Strip. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The public portion of the cost to build the $1.5 billion (about $5 per person in the US) stadium on the Tropicana site would be reduced to $395 million, from $500 million for the previous site. The Nevada Legislature would need to pass a bill like the fnancing of Allegiant Stadium.

The Boring Company

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has approved a $4.6 million con-

tract with The Boring Co. to manage and operate the 1.7mile Vegas Loop underground transportation system at Las Vegas Convention Center for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2024.

The cost covers the Tesla cars that have transported more than 1.1 million passengers at the Las Vegas Convention Center in two years, free of charge, along with drivers’ pay, vehicle maintenance and cleaning, and security systems, says Ed Finger, chief fnancial ofcer of the LVCVA.

LVCVA Board Meeting with Steve Hill

“We think the annual cost of maintenance and everything, it’s mandatory for a convention center of this size,” he tells ECN at the June 13 regular board meeting. “It’s necessary to help people move across our campus.”

The Vegas Loop saves a walk from the South Hall to the West Hall, which might take 25 to 45 minutes, depending on pace and crowds, with about a 2-minute ride, Finger estimates. The convention center campus covers 200 acres (about the total foor space of the Pentagon), and it’s a mile and a quarter between the farthest halls, a longer walk than anything even at Reid International Airport, Finger notes.

Expanding The Loop

The Boring Co., owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, began construction of the Campus-Wide People Mover, now called the Vegas Loop, in 2019, and completed the project under budget at $47 million. The initial management agreement was signed in 2021, with an optional fve-year extension. The board approved a oneyear extension in 2022 in the amount of $4.5 million.

With a peak capacity of 4,500 passengers an hour, the Loop has carried more than 1 million people through a color-lit tunnel with stops at the South, Central, and West halls. The average customer rating is 4.9 on a 5.0 scale.

The Boring Co. has completed construction on the frst two phases of a connector tunnel from the Las Vegas Convention Center to Resorts

World on the Strip and has begun work on a separate tunnel to Encore. The company plans to expand the Vegas Loop with 18 stations covering 25 miles throughout the Strip corridor.

Monorail Revival

The authority board also approved a $60 million agreement with Western Management Group to manage and operate the Las Vegas Monorail through June 30, 2026, and to change the bonus clause.

The current agreement gives Western Management a 15 percent bonus of net revenue, not to exceed $750,000 a year. The amended agreement will exclude 60 percent of advertising revenue from total net revenue.

LVCVA acquired Las Vegas Monorail Co., which had fled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, for

$24.5 million in September 2020 and signed a contract with Western Management for $45 million in January 2021.

The monorail has carried 8.7 million riders since reopening in May 2021 and has received “solid” customer service scores and secret shopper reports, CFO Finger says. The system has run without any signifcant safety issues and has outperformed fnancial projections, earning revenue of $5.7 million last year, before interest, taxes, and amortization, he reports.

Other terms of the contract remain unchanged. LVCVA retains control of operational conditions used during the pandemic and the ramp-up period from reduced ridership to what are now normal operations.

Marketing The Monorail

The board voted to enter

into a contract with Levy Online for marketing of the Las Vegas Monorail and website maintenance through June 30, 2024, with two optional one-year extensions. The first year pays $525,000, the second year $540,000, and the third year $555,000, for a total of $1.62 million.

Levy provides data such as pay-per-click, conversion rate optimization, search engine optimization, website maintenance, and other services related to monorail ticket sales and awareness in a contract with Western Management Group.

Levy has refned the services to target potential monorail riders and has grown the percentage of riders purchasing tickets in advance, who tend to buy larger ticket types and ride more, according to LVCVA staf.

Entrance to the LVCC Vegas Loop

We have some big news.

O ering a full suite of tradeshow services in experiential design, planning, execution, inventory management, logistics, and more, Las Vegas Expo and Complete Show Services are now LVE.

We’re the same independent, family-owned business you’ve come to rely on over the past 30 years, but we’ve reimagined our brand identity to better reflect our organization and its full range of services. With o ces and facilities in Las Vegas, Denver, Nashville and Orlando, complete show support is always nearby.

We’ve even moved our headquarters into a new 145,000 sq. ft. building to help us provide better support to our customers than ever before. Because for us, it’s always show time somewhere.

Learn more at lvexpo.com/showtime

Show Services Inventory Logistics Experience

BlueHive Implements ConventionSuite to Streamline Processes

By Li Jackson

Ihad the opportunity to interview Caitlyn Correia, President of BlueHive Exhibits, a creative powerhouse based in Worcester, Massachusetts. We recently met at ExhibitorLive in Kentucky to casually talk about her position as President. They are a new client of NewGen Business Solutions and recently purchased the ConventionSuite Exhibitor Management Software. She is looking forward to rolling out the software in order to streamline their process.

Q: How did you become President of BlueHive? A: Actually, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work with my dad after college and was on a diferent career path. Slowly but surely, he recruited me, and now I have been with BlueHive for 10 years and am a third-generation entrepreneur. I was an account manager from 2013 to 2016, a senior account manager from 2016 through 2019, a VP of Marketing and Operations from 2019 through 2021, and became president in 2021 until the present.

Q: What’s your favorite position so far? And why? A: Defnitely President! she laughs. I love working with people. It took some getting used to not having any more projects, but I enjoy problem-solving, and my focus is now on problem-solving and growth. The good thing is, I still get to talk to people,

even more now, and do a lot of networking.

Q: What are your thoughts on ExhibitorLive KY compared to last year? A: I defnitely love change, whether it’s design or build, as well as a change of scenery or city. I welcome that. Kentucky has been great. We’re getting a lot of interest for the September shows, which is good. So far, so good.

Q: You recently acquired a new program called ConventionSuite. What can you tell us about it? A: It’s a new purchase, and we are excited to roll it out. The process has been great so far. It is a robust account system that we need. Being that we are a one-stop shop from soup to nuts, everything, this will help us streamline all that we do. The diferent software ofered will help us with the various processes that we have from beginning to end, whether it’s product warehousing or labor, etc.

Q: What is the design theme of the booth? A: The BlueHive. We are always very colorful and vibrant, as is our culture. Like a beehive, everyone plays an important role towards a common goal. Like Convention Suite that we talked about, there’s a beginning and an end to the process, and everyone is involved. When the company

was created, our name was chosen with great care. We wanted something that told our story of natural creativity, playfulness, productivity and teamwork within a caring atmosphere that helps our clients succeed. With that, there was no greater inspiration to go to for a name than Mother Nature herself. Blue represents the fow of imagination and creativity. Blue has no limitations. It is our sky. It is our ocean. Hive is natures purest form of organization, a universal symbol of industry and prosperity. It represents our creative society. Our exhibit represents that.

ConventionSuite ofers comprehensive business solutions tailored for conventions and events. Their suite of services includes state-of-the-art convention center facilities, audiovisual equipment, event planning and management, catering, and accommodation arrangements. With a focus on delivering exceptional

experiences, NewGen’s ConventionSuite ensures the seamless execution of conferences, trade shows, and corporate events. Their fexible and customizable solutions cater to diverse client needs, providing a one-stop destination for successful and impactful business gatherings.

BlueHive Exhibits is a leading provider of innovative exhibit solutions for trade shows and exhibitions. With expertise in design, fabrication, and installation, BlueHive creates captivating and immersive displays that capture attention and engage audiences. They ofer a wide range of services, including custom booth design, interactive technologies, graphics production, and project management. BlueHive’s attention to detail and commitment to quality ensures that their exhibits efectively showcase brands and products, leaving a lasting impression on event attendees. Their solutions combine creativity, functionality, and brand messaging to deliver memorable experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Caitlyn Correia and Li Jackson at ExhibitorLive

NewGen’s Rick Kostopoulos and Jeannette Laluk at ESCA SEC

IMEX DEBUTS DIGITAL WAYFINDING

BY JEANNE BREI

Two New Shows to Debut This Fall

New York Informa is gearing up to launch an East Coast version of its long-standing SOURCING at MAGIC fashion tradeshow, held biannually at the Las Vegas CC. The new show is slated for Sept. 19-21 alongside COTERIE and MAGIC at the Javits Center in NYC.

SOURCING at MAGIC New York will resemble its Las Vegas sister expo, featuring an array of global exhibitors. MCON, created by veterans to bring the military community together, will debut over Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 10-12) in Las Vegas as an annual consumer event celebrating military culture, service and sacrifce, Co-founder and former Marine Waco Hoover (who also founded XLIVE and The Institute for Health Technolgy Transformation—which were sold to Informa and Vendome Group) says the show will be a highly interactive experience that will ofer a festival feel yet enable attendees to learn about the resources available to handle the mental health, suicide, family balance and post-service transition challenges that many veterans face. Pavilions will feature musicians, comedians, outdoor and adventure, mental health and wellness, culinary and learning experiences, an awards program, and a vendor and exhibit area that will feature more than 50 brand partners and organizations serving the military. MCON production partner Martha Donato, founder and president of MAD Event Management, says she is excited to bring some of her Comic-Con experience to the new show.

Inspired Home Show Will Be Shorter and More Condensed in 2024

The Inspired Home Show, produced by the International Housewares Association (IHA), will be held over three days instead of four and exhibits at Lakeside Center will be relocated to McCormick Place’s North and South Halls when it runs March 17-19, 2024, in Chicago. While the overall size of the show will not decrease with these relo-

cation plans, the show will no longer occupy the Lakeside Center. The IHA Board of Directors decided to reduce the overall length and optimize the show layout to create the most productive and efcient trade show experience as possible for the industry after analyzing feedback from two industry-wide surveys and four special committees made up of both exhibitors and retailers.

IMEX Debuts Groundbreaking Digital Wayfnding

Crowd Connected, a pioneer in location-based visitor tracking, and ExpoFP, a leading provider of digital foorplans to the exhibitions industry, have developed a QR code navigation solution to revolutionize navigating the show foor. Show attendees at IMEX America, set for Oct. 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, will be able to use their smartphones to scan QR codes strategically placed throughout the venue, which will open an interactive foorplan. This will pinpoint their current location, and enable them to easily search for specifc exhibitors, product categories or other show features and plot a route across the show foor. It will then estimate the walk time to their chosen destination. This enhanced digital navigation that combines indoor positioning technology with an interactive foorplan debuted at IMEX Frankfurt in May at Messe Frankfurt.

IMEX Wayfinding UI

UFI ANNOUNCE LEADERSHIP

BY JEANNE BREI

If Golf is More Your Style…

The EDPA Midwest Chapter is hosting the 20th Annual Chicago Randy charity golf outing on July 31 at Seven Bridges Golf Course in Woodridge, Illinois. Whether you’re a competitive golfer, just enjoy playing the game, or want to catch up with your colleagues on the course, this event has plenty of fun options for you to come help celebrate the 20th anniversary while raising money for the Randy.

Meanwhile, the EDPA Northeast chapter’s “The Classic” annual charity golf tournament will be held September 11 at Shaker Hills Country Club in Harvard, Mass., to beneft the EDPA Foundation Scholarship Program. Players can register in teams of two or individually and will be placed with other golfers to complete a foursome. “The Classic” uses a scramble format with a shotgun start promptly at 9 a.m. Registration, putting green and driving range will open at 7:30 a/m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and an award ceremony will follow. Note that any sponsorships after August 30 may not be included in all signage opportunities. Both the Las Vegas chapter and the Southern California EDPA chapters held their charity golf tournaments in June.

If You Prefer Your Networking/ Education to be Indoors…

The EDPA Upper Midwest chapter will hold their next event on August 17 and are seeking suggestions of topics for discussion at future events. Suggestions are welcome at info@umedpa.org. EDPA Texas hosts a monthly Trivia Night usually on a mid-month Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. CDT on Zoom. Sponsored by Classic Exhibits, the Meeting ID is 869 5177 0992 and the passcode is 264690. Free for all, email Noelle.Webster@ willwork.com for a calendar invite. The winner takes home a $50 Amazon gift

card. EDPA Texas chapter also has a mental health series with speakers on Zoom calls—the latest was Katharine Chestnut speaking on “Mindfulness & How it Pertains to the Exhibit & Events Industry” on June 6. ESCA’s Summer Conference was held June 25-28 at Hotel Efe in Sandestin, Florida. Also, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) has launched Project Spark to Uncover Practical Applications of Generative AI. PCMA and CEMA President and CEO, Sherrif Karamat, CAE and Gevme CEO, Veemal Gungadin, describe Project Spark as a complimentary research and educational initiative to uncover the impact of generative artifcial intelligence (AI) on the business events industry. The AI model will be tested for various practical applications within the scope of business events to understand its impact on workforce productivity. Project Spark, in its frst phase, ofers business event strategists access to a generative AI

platform designed to increase efciency in achieving event goals and is supported by educational content and engagement sessions to aid in the learning process. This is complemented by an online community to foster collaborative research evolution. To join the community waitlist for this transformational initiative, visit https://www.pcma.org/projectspark/.

Leadership News

The Board of Directors of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has elected RX CEO Hugh Jones (pictured left) to serve as UFI’s president for the term spanning 2024- 2025. The industry veteran will assume the volunteer role at the 91st UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, in November 2024. The presidential trio for the Nov. ‘23–Nov. ‘24 term will be UFI President Geof Dickinson, CEO for dmg events; Incoming President Jones; and UFI Outgoing President Michael Duck, executive VP commercial development at Informa Markets. Jones joined RELX in 2011 after the acquisition of Accuity. In addition to Accuity, he has overseen the operations of Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette (EG) and Cirium.

UFI, a non-proft and non-partisan international association founded in 1925, represents more than 50,000 professionals in the exhibition industry across nearly 90 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, it has regional ofces in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa and also recently announced fve recipients of its Next Generation Leadership Grant 2023. Selected were Otero Finiti, Business Dev. Exec., Expo Stars Interactive, U.K.; Elizabeth George, Sr. Lead, Content & Programming, HIMSS, U.S.; Tehchad Kittiboonya, Int’l. Sales Mgr., VNU Asia Pacifc, Thailand; Aya Moatamed, Data Analyst, Informa Markets, Egypt and Amy Saleh, Operations Director, Hannover Fairs, Australia.

Huge Jones

ECN will be accepting submissions for I&D ACE awards all year and will be traveling regionally to present them locally throughout the year.

Categories:

Rookie of the Year

ACE Seasoned Show Floor Veteran of the Year

ACE Best Regional Manager

ACE Best Traveling Lead

ACE Firefighter of the Year

ACE Flooring Installer

ACE Double Deck Installer

ACE Regional I&D

ACE Award Best Operations Team

Become an ECN I&D ACEs Sponsor Today!

Get in on the planning stages! Join now by becoming a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Sponsor by sponsoring the bar tab, suggesting the venue, and the best date to celebrate your local ACES. We’ll do all the event planning, we’ll bring the trophies and videographer (for the ECN YouTube video channel — (check it out at www.youtube.com/@DonatECN) and we’ll provide the editorial coverage that will live forever — both in print and in our digital issues. Check out the May/June and July/August 2019 digital flipbooks at www.issuu.com for the digital issue coverage of the ACES inaugural event.

Honor your retired All-Stars who helped build your company with a William F. Nixon Sr. Lifetime Achievement ACE Award

Join as a Platinum Sponsor and Name Your Own Award after your company, your founder or person of your choice!

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Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures

2023 Hermes

Creative Award –Platinum Winner

A BEAUTIFUL RETURN TO THE SHOW FLOOR FOR WOW BOOTH #2

by Kerstan Szczepanski

Photography

by

Gary Prochorchik / Exposures LTD

Duravit North American returned to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas in late January 2023 after more than a decade. Given the importance of the return, the Company challenged their exhibit partner, Exhibitus, to produce an exhibit space that beautifully highlighted new product collections, such as the award-winning Zencha series by Sebastian Herkner,

Soleil by Starck and Duravit No. 1 styled across several vignettes. The booth also highlighted important initiatives including Duravit’s new Ready to Ship Program to underscore the brand’s continued commitment to partnership and business excellence.

The exhibit was broken into vignettes that focused on specifc product oferings or initiatives. Backlit graphics in the product areas gave a sophis-

PROJECT CREDITS

AE: Stacie BeVille, Senior

Account Manager

Designer: Exhibitus

Builder: Exhibitus

Lead designer: Daniela

Toro Castillo, Designer

Project Mgr: Matt

Pearson, Senior Project Manager

Production Mgr: Jeff

Moran, Production Manager

Client Team: Chad Shaw, Account Director; Caroline

Daves, Account Manager

Production/Engineering:

Johnny Johnson, Detailer

Graphics Production:

Exhibitus, Parallax

Photography: Gary

Prochorchik - Exposures LTD

Exhibit I&D: Nth Degree

ticated feel to the products. A waterfall created a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere in the hospitality area. A preserved, living wall created space for attendees to take selfes.

Duravit (www.duravit. com) was founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest. Duravit AG today is a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms. The company is active in more than 130 countries worldwide and stands for innovation in the

By the Numbers:

Booth Footprint: 20’ x 70’

Labor: Nth Degree

Booth Height: 20’

Entrance Height: 12’

Event Name: KBIS 2023

fields of signature design, comfort-enhancing technology and premium quality. In cooperation with high-profile international designers, such as Philippe Starck, sieger design, Kurt Merki Jr., Christian Werner, Matteo Thun and Cecilie Manz, the company develops unique

bathrooms that enhance quality of life for users on a sustained basis. Duravit’s product portfolio comprises sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, tap fittings and accessories as well as installation systems.

WOW BOOTH #1 IGT by Hill & Partners

By Kerstan Szczepanski

By the Numbers:

Booth footprint: 157x159 - Almost 20,000 sq ft

Labor: About 600 hrs.

Booth Height: 25’

Entrance Height: 25’

Tradeshow or Event name: G2E

Hill and Partners went for a dazzling splash of light, color, and sound when they created IGT’s exhibit for G2E. With an overhead highlighted by three 10 ft tall internally lit logos against a backdrop of LED tube-lit hanging signs, attendees could see IGT was in the house and ready to play. PlayDigital, that is.

PlayDigital is IGT’s complete, omni-channel Casino and Sports portfolio. At G2E, people saw it all.

It’s a 50-50 bet as to what would catch the eye first: the 21 ft wide LED video backdrop in the reception and hospitality area or the 26 ft Sportsbook LED wall? And H&P took the Sportsbook seriously by including a pok -

er bar and lounge seating. Poker bar? Why yes, what’s a gaming booth without gaming? H&P put up some 200 casino games for attendees to try their luck, just for fun, of course.

A 10 ft cylindrical LED video banner and a 13 ft video display showcasing a casino demo continued to dazzle. Six 16 ft tall graphic

lightboxes promoted some of the more popular games IGT provided. The booth itself accommodated 16 private conference rooms and a 330 sq ft second-level VIP deck. With IGT’s booth, H&P gave G2E attendees an opportunity to play Las Vegas but without taking chances with their wallets.

DINING

Walking Distance from Convention

The Carlile Room (820 Pine St) Walking distance from convention center. XOBC Cellars is the winery in residence, co-founded by Brandi Carlile. Try the Corn Hushpuppies with pimento cheese, giardiniera, and pepper jelly. Entrees include Bone-in Pork Chop with red wine agrodolce, red cabbage, sultana, and white sweet potato, or the Wild Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon with snap pea gribiche, asparagus, and blonde frisee. For a drink the Negroni Jello Shot will

take you back to your dorm days – gin, Campari, sweet vermouth jello, topped with sweet vermouth whipped cream and orange zest. Limited hours though: Wednesday to Sunday 4:30 – 9:00 bar closes at 10:00.

Dough Zone Dump -

ling House (815 Pine St) Walking distance from convention center. The Dough Zone brings traditional Chinese comfort food to casual dining.More than 50 dishes are available. The Q-Bao is

ENTERTAINMENT

made with Berkshire-Duroc pork, a “secret recipe” aspic and wrapped in fluffy dough. Dan Dan Noodle is one of the signature offerings with chili sauce, numbing Szechuan peppercorns, and chicken broth.

A Lot of Adult Going Ons

Seattle Underground Tour (614 1st Ave) Pioneer Place Park. 75 minute tour both family oriented daytime and Adult evening tours (apparently old Seattle had a lot of “adult” goings on to talk about). Get a fascinating tour of the remains of the city after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, and the subsequent rebuild on top of the ruins.

The Triple Door (216 Union St) The Musiquarium at the Triple Door live

music venue seats 150 and has an eye watering 1900 gallon aquarium. Catch the Starlight Jazz Band for no cover on Thursdays. Food offerings include sustainably farmed pork ribs slow roasted and finished on the grill. Try the Hanoi Tuna –fresh sashimi grade ahi tuna, seared rare and with scallion oil and crushed almonds. Or you can settle in with the chicken pad thai and some seasoned steak fries.

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging THE D.E.A.L. by Kerstan Szczepanski Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging in Seattle, WA

The Carlile Room

The Seattle Underground Tour

ATTRACTIONS

Famous for Fish Tossing

Pike Place Fish Market (86 Pike St) 8 minute walk

from the convention center. Yes, the place famous for fish tossing. But the top level of this market has hundreds of vendors selling not just fish and produce, but art, handicrafts, flowers, and more. And the underground specialty shops include a

magic shop. Finally there’s the Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours of tasting seafood and other samples of Pacific Northwest cuisine. Space Needle (400 Broad St) Seattle Center. If you haven’t seen it, you need

to see the historic Seattle landmark, even if only once. And even if you have, the attraction is in the midst of various interesting places to visit like the Chiluhy Garden and Glass museum, the Pacifc Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture.

LODGING

Business Friendly

Hotel Theodore (1531 7th Ave) 153 rooms A 24 hour fitness center, same day laundry, wifi, and virtual concierge, the pet friendly Hotel Theodore is a classy, remodeled turn-of-thecentury building with a friendly staff visitors won’t stop raving about. Seafood restaurant, Rider, will be reopening in May of this year. There you can enjoy a menu of fresh, sustainable and locally-sourced seafood like oysters, ceviche, and ahi tuna tartar and finish up with prime ribeye or King Salmon. The hotel lobby

features Made Coffee, a chic spot with espresso, chai, and regular ole drip coffee as well as some breakfast grab and go.

Grand Hyatt Seattle (721 Pine St) 457 rooms Parking (not free) offers EV charging stations. Many bases are covered with a business center, fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning service, as well as babysitting services. Wifi for $10 a day, pet friendly. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is on site, with Ruth’s Chris Tasting Room in the wine cellar. There’s 25,000 sq ft of event space, with ballroom, if you don’t want to walk to the convention center for your event.

Pike Place Fish Market

Hotel Theodore

Seattle Convention Center

by Kerstan Szczepanski

Originally built in 1988, the Seattle Convention Center completed an expansion just in January 2023 to have well over a million square feet of space, making it one of the largest

convention centers on the West Coast. The center has four levels of exhibit halls for a combined total of 236,700 square feet of exhibit space, with Hall 4ABC being the largest at 71,000 square feet. 72 meeting rooms range in size from over 21,000 sq ft to 360 sq ft. There are three ballrooms, with the Grand Ballroom at nearly 29,000 sq ft.

Architecturally the center is innovatively complex, being broken into two sites, Summit and Arch. Arch straddles the I-5 and connects to Freeway Park. The park is its own marvel, a melding of brutalism and

lavish greenery that sits above the I-5 and 8th Ave. Arch is two buildings; 705 Pike St is the (then Washington State) Convention Center’s original building. At six stories tall, with a four story atrium that is home to many shops and restaurants, this building is just the beginning of SCC’s exhibit space.

800 Pike St is the northern building with a comparatively modest number of meeting rooms on the frst three foors. The fourth foor is connected to 705 Pike with a 90 ft wide skybridge, joining the two fourth foor exhibit halls of Arch. The North and South Loading Docks are also on the fourth foor,

Photo by Cory Parris Photography

Hillclimb staircase at the Seattle Convention Center

CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT

When in Seattle, indulging in Pacific Northwest cuisine is a must. While Pike Place Market is legendary, there are plenty of eateries like Purple Café and Wine Bar (1225 4th Ave), a popular restaurant close to the Convention Center. The menu is a variety of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, along with sandwiches and salads, and even wood-fired pizzas.

You don’t even have to go to Pike Place Market to eat at Pike Place Chowder. The location at Pacific Place Center (600 Pine St) is actually closer to the Convention Center. The menu features not just New England clam chowder, but Manhattan clam chowder, smoked salmon chowder, and crab and oyster chowder. Connecticut style dungeness crab roll, Maine lobster roll, fish and chips, and fried calamari are just a start to what is offered. Casual and laid-back, with counter service and limited seating, but pick up and delivery as well. Quick, satisfying, and affordable.

SLEEP

making the fourth foor an impressive exhibit artery for the convention center. Having opened in January of 2023, Summit is the completion of SCC’s second expansion. Summit stays true to its Northwest roots with environmentally-friendly features like a solar array on the roof and radiant foor heating. The northwest corner of the building overhangs a section of I-5 (it just wouldn’t be the Seattle Convention Center if it didn’t overhang something). The south facing Pine St entrance has an entirely glass wall that lights the lobby and the

positively dazzling three fight Hillclimb staircase, over 140,000 ft of naturally lit space. If that wasn’t enough, Level Three has the outdoor, west facing 14,000 sq ft Garden Terrace.

One of the frst high-rise convention centers in the country, SCC is an architectural marvel of urban and environmental compromise. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and a food court, leave little reason to leave the space during shows. And with the Hyatt Regency Seattle and Hyatt at Olive 8 just a short walk away, you won’t have to go far when you fnally do leave. SCC hosts PAX West, Emerald City Comic Con, and Sakura Con annually.

Motif Seattle (1415 5th Ave) is a contemporary hotel right next to the Seattle Convention Center. The hotel features 319 rooms and suites with Keurig coffee makers, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A 24-hour business center, fitness center and front desk will take care of your many needs any time, day or night. If you’re bringing family, children stay free and complimentary cribs/infant beds are available. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, the hotel restaurant, is on the rooftop and offers cocktails and food like steak and patatas bravas, pesto chicken sandwich, and truffle fries.

PLAY

We have already mentioned Pacific Place (600 Pine St). This shopping and entertainment complex is right next to the Convention Center. Sometimes you don’t want the museums, attractions or other venues a big city offers. At Pacific Place you can mill around, window shop at the high-end stores, eat at one of the many restaurants, and even take in a movie at the 11-screen cinema (with luxury seating). Spend the afternoon at your own pace and relax.

Photos by Cory Parris Photography

Elliot Bay Meeting Room

Terrace Suite Theater

Pine Plaza and Mowitch Man

Tampa Bleisure

by Kerstan Szczepanski

Bleisure (BLEE-zhur). That trendy word used to describe combining business and leisure travel, something the tradeshow industry knows plenty about. You’re in a city, you can work and play. You plan things right: before, after, and even during your event, there are things to do. Tampa is a great city for work and play. With 165 parks and beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the state’s third most popu-

lous city (after Jacksonville and Miami) is a destination both beautiful and busy.

ECN Editor, Li Jackson interviews Kacy Rodgers, Co-Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Lineman Coach of the 2021 Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, what he loves about living in Tampa. He says, “The city encompasses everything. Big-Little major city hometown feel. Like Nashville with 2 beaches

(Clearwater and St Pete’s), or Atlanta without the crowd and trafc. Easy 10-20 minute Uber ride to everywhere.”

Tampa International Airport (TPA) website: www.tampaairport.com is routinely rated one of the best airports in the country and the world by Zagat, Conde Nast, J.D. Power and Associates, and Airports Council International. The home of “Phoebe”, the famous famingo sculpture, is just eleven minutes from the convention

center by way of I-275, and accessible by bus service.

The Tampa Convention Center (333 S. Franklin Street) website: www. tampagov.net/tcc opened in 1990 and represents the city well with its design of Spanish style and Southern charm. The Exhibit Hall is 200,000 sq ft in a total space of 600,000 sq ft. There are thirty-six meeting rooms (ten with a waterfront view) and a 36,000 sq ft ballroom. The famed Riverwalk is just outside, and there are 113 hotels within a mile.

But sometimes you don’t want to go outside when you

Sun setting over the downtown cityscape and the Tampa Convention Center along the riverwalk

Photo by Keir Magoulas | Visit Tampa Bay

Kacy Rodgers

walk from your hotel room to the convention center exhibit hall. That’s when you need to stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa (513 S Florida Ave). Yes, 360 rooms connected to the convention center by a skybridge. You’re on the Gulf Coast, so you’ll want some seafood, right?

Harpoon Harry’s Crabhouse (225 S Franklin St) is so close to the convention center you can use the center’s underground lot to park. Harry’s has seafood, American and sushi casual dining for lunch and dinner.

Hilton Tampa Downtown (211 N Tampa St), a

modern hotel within walking distance of the convention center, the Riverwalk, and just a half mile from the University of Tampa. This pet friendly hotel features 520 guest rooms with the 211 Restaurant and 211 Lounge. Easily accessible from Tampa International Airport via the nearby I-275 and I-4 highways, the hotel is a perfectly central location for visiting the city, not just the convention center.

The Tampa Bay History Center (801 Water St) is an absolute must for history bufs. From the area’s Native American origins thru Spanish conquistadors, the Civil War, cattle ranchers, and the cigar industry, you’ll learn more about Tampa Bay than you thought possible.

“Ocean Prime (2205 N Westshore Blvd),” says Rodgers, when asked about his favorite spots. “Can’t

beat it and it’s the best people-watching place. Olivia (3601 W Swann Ave) and Ponte (1010 Gramercy Ln), same owners. Olivia is named after the chef’s daughter, a great Contemporary Italian. Ponte – very nice modern, contemporary steakhouse, great wine cellar too. CW’s Gin Joint (633 N Franklin St), cool spot, hidden gem.”

Ybor City Walking

Tour takes you on a tour of the historic cigar making district. The country’s oldest cigar-making families belong here, and the city is in the National Register of Historic Places for that and its rich Latin culture. The walk includes food and drink tasting: Cuban sandwiches, mojitos, tapas, and fan just to start. Ideal for an adult night out, The Attic (1510 E 8th Ave) is an intimate live music ven-

ue that also serves food and drinks, located in the historic neighborhood.

But right around the convention center is the Tampa Riverwalk,one of the best in the nation, according to USAToday’s 2023 10 Best river walks in America (Number 2)! The attraction pass is one ticket for 7 attractions. That is The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, Pirate Water Taxi, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Henry B. Plant Museum. The “walk” itself is under 2.5 miles and features art, the Water Works Park, Sail Pavilion and more parks than you can shake a stick at, as they say down South.

As Rodgers says to people visiting the city for the frst time: “See the Bucs and the Rays play. Go to the Aquarium. Checkout Ybor City, the Riverwalk, and Downtown. You’ll get a feel for the city’s culture. Everything from cigar bars, lounges, speakeasies, comedy clubs, and more. Stay at the new Tampa Edition 5 star hotel, a few steps from Ybor. You’ll feel like you’re in NYC Time Square.”

Don’t forget to play on the Lost Pearl interactive pirate ship.

Yoga at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa

Centro Ybor

Ybor photo by Keir Magoulas

| Visit Tampa Bay; Yoga photo by Tampa Hillsborough EDC

People on the Move

Netherlands based Gielissen announced Ed Jefry (Right) as Business Development Manager in Las Vegas. Jefry was Sales Manager at Hill & Partners Brand Environments from June 2021 to Jan 2023.

Of his move to Gielissen, Jefry says, “I relocated from Cleveland, Ohio, to Las Vegas in 2021. Shortly after arriving in Las Vegas, I was introduced to the events/exhibiting industry. The life changing opportunity allowed me to attend a wide variety of tradeshows and expos in all kinds of industries. I’ve met diferent people from all over the world and added them to my global network. I’ve been trained by industry leaders to provide exceptional service and industry knowledge for both potential prospects and clients.”

At Gielissen, Jeffry will be responsible for selling exhibit space, facilitating exhibitions, and handling the logistics of trade shows, conferences, and events.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA was named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. The nation’s oldest small business advocacy organization, the NSBA Leadership Council provides networking between small-business advocates to address issues facing the small business community. This includes tax reform, government regulations, and health care costs.

“I am proud to have Rob Wilson as part of our Leadership Council,” said NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “I look forward to our coordinated eforts for years to come.”

“As a small business owner, I see daily the importance of being involved and active when it comes to laws and regulation,” said Wilson on Employco’s blog page.. “Joining NSBA’s Leadership Council will enable me to take our

by Kerstan Szczepanski

collective small-business message to the people that need to hear it most: Congress.”

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has announced Tony Camarillo as their new General Manager, and Keri Burns as their new Director of Sales.

“I am pleased to welcome Tony Camarillo and Keri Burns to the OCCC leadership team,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester in the organization’s press release. “Their extensive leadership abilities will further the growth of the Center through positive relationships and business with our existing and future clients and partners.”

“I am headed East to Orlando, FL to take on the General Manager role at the Orange County Convention Center, appointed by Mayor Jerry Demings and the Board of County Commissioners.

Keri Burns (left) comes from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), where she served as the Central Florida Regional Director. Burns has over 15 years experience and also manages Ladies in Leadership and Community (LILAC), an organization dedicated to supporting causes related to women. She is a graduate of Liberty University, and has an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.

On LinkedIn Burns posted, “I’m happy to share that this morning, Mayor Jerry Demings and the Board of County Commissioners appointed me to the position of Senior Director of Sales at Orange County Convention Center! Thrilled to be working alongside a stellar team of professionals. Excited to lead the amazing sales team and continue to support tourism in Central Florida. Great things ahead!”

For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.

Wynn Las Vegas announced the appointment of James Beard-recognized pastry chef Jennifer Yee (left) as the resort’s new Executive Pastry Chef. Yee brings two decades of pastry experience to her new role, in which she oversees the pastry programs at more than 20 venues across Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. “I enjoy challenging myself creatively and believe that Wynn’s commitment to excellence and position as an industry leader provides an atmosphere of innovation in which I will thrive,” said Yee. “I’m thrilled to be part of their talented culinary team, and am excited to create special, delectable treats for guests to enjoy.”

She was awarded the Rising Star Pastry Chef award in 2010 at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole; she has earned four James Beards Awards nominations at various locales since.

Global brand experience agency Jack Morton today announces it has elevated Mike Kunheim (below left) to President of EMEA and Asia. This is following a year of exceptional results for the agency, who added over 50 new clients to its roster and experienced double-digit growth globally. Specifc to these regions, growth in EMEA doubled, and Asia continued a steady upward trajectory. Kunheim, who takes a bold approach to innovation and reimagining brand experiences, has been at Jack Morton for over 20 years, winning and growing key clients such as Ericsson, Lenovo, and Samsung. Bill Davies, Global Co-President, commented, “Mike continues to impress us with his leadership. He is a well-respected international leader and champion of growth. In this new role, Kunheim will oversee ofces in Germany and Singapore .

He will continue to serve as Man aging Director of London.

Charlene Lopez (right), Vice President of Sales at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Ofcer for the bureau on Jan. 1, 2024. Lopez will be in charge of developing and implementing all sales programs for ACVB. She will promote visitation to Atlanta through tradeshow, in-house, international tourism sales as well as convention services. As Executive VP and CSO, Lopez is the frst C-level woman, the highest ranking woman, in ACVB’s 110 year history.

Lopez got her bachelor’s at Texas A&M, and her Master’s In Human Resource Management at Tarleton State University. She joined ACVB as National Sales Director in 2012. She has been a sales leader at the bureau since.

Marie Browne, Group Vice President, RX Global, is the 2023 Chairperson for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) recently announced Board of Directors. Based in Dallas,TX, the Center oversees the largest collection of exhibition related studies to help companies understand face to face marketing.

“I am honored to serve alongside colleagues who are passionate in supporting CEIR’s mission to provide valuable and objective research to industry members,” stated Browne.“ Browne received her bachelor’s at Baruch College in 1991 and her MBA, Marketing/Finance from UCONN’s School of Business in 2004. She joined RX as VP with Reed Medical Education in 2000. Becoming Group VP in 2020. Browne oversees various events, helping with company strategy and M&A, as well as new business launches. She is also a board member with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

ASTOUND Group announced the appointment of Joshua Friesel as

Chief Growth Officer. Friesel has been added to the team to lead the overall management and strategy of the company’s business development and expand its work in sectors such as sports, fashion, retail, arts, tech, and entertainment.

“Josh brings a wealth of experience in business development and strategy from a broad range of sectors, from entertainment to web3,” said ASTOUND Group CEO Joe DiMuro. “His work at MSG Entertainment and OakView Group will position ASTOUND to grow in the sports world and build upon what we’ve already achieved with prior large-scale projects in this space. We welcome Josh to our leadership team to help ASTOUND into a new era and serve brands and partners in new and emerging industries.”

ProGlobalEvents announced the appointment of Jack Connolly (left) as the new Creative Director. Jack brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to ProGlobalEvents, setting the stage for a new era of creativity and design excellence.

As the Creative Director, Jack will be responsible for shaping and executing the overall creative vision for ProGlobalEvents, overseeing brand strategy, design direction, and marketing initiatives. Jack has been involved in several creative projects with top companies, such as SalesForce, Cisco, Comcast, Patron Tequila, and Ketel One Vodka.

“We are thrilled to have Jack join our team as our new Creative Director,” says Dick Wheeler, President of ProGlobalEvents. “His passion for creativity, keen eye for aesthetics, and ability to think outside the box will undoubtedly elevate our brand to new levels.”

Nicole Johnson (below left) is right at home in her new position as Director of Human Resources of Huntington Place, Detroit’s convention center and economic engine of the Southeast Michigan community.

Nicole’s expertise in leading human resources change initiatives has been recognized in various industries, such as gaming and entertainment, manufacturing, K-12 education, and Detroit Windsor Tunnel, a major North American Border Crossing.

“I am honored to join Huntington Place as the Director of Human Resources and look forward to working collaboratively to create an inclusive and empowering work environment where all Team Members feel like they belong,” said Johnson.

ASM Global appoints Jason Humphrey (below left) as general manager of Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. An industry professional with over 12 years of experience in event services and hospitality, Humphrey will be the frst general manager of the new center.

ASM Global’s Dan Hofend, executive vice president of convention centers, says, “Jason’s knowledge of Ithaca and the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, coupled with his experience in venues and hotels, will accelerate their success.”

“I am very excited and honored to lead the talented team at Ithaca Downtown Conference Center,” says Humphrey. “As an Ithaca native, I’m passionate about delivering the best experience for our guests and also working together to positively impact our local community, the city of Ithaca and Tompkins County.”

Most recently, Humphrey served as an event services manager for the University of Pittsburgh, where he oversaw the planning and execution of various events.

Dalton Lee Jenkins President/ CEO Omnigroup Inc.

July 31, 1957 – June 8, 2023

by Kerstan Szczepanski

Dalton Lee Jenkins, “Skip” to his friends, passed away in Mexico on June 8th. He was 65.

Born on July 31, 1957 in Cleveland, OH, Jenkins graduated Willoughby South High School in 1975 and went on to Kent State University. After graduating with a BA in Political Science and Spanish Literature, he went on to Ohio University where he got an MFA in Spanish Literature. His love of Spanish was obvious, while he traveled the world, he often took trips to Mexico and South America.

He briefy worked in archeology before entering the tradeshow world. As President and CEO of Omnigroup Inc., Jenkins spent 20 years producing exhibits, corporate events, dealer meetings, product launches and corporate visitor centers. In 2001 he served as President of the Experiential Designers and Producers Association. He would also spend time at Derse and enVu before working the last 3 years of his life as a self-employed executive producer.

Jenkins was well known for his sense of adventure and sociable nature. From the Ohio News-Herald: “Skip would meet someone new and in no time, they would be of on an adventure together. He

once met a man in a movie theater and then wound up on an archeological dig in Chiapas, Mexico. He stood on the Great Wall of China, rode an elephant in Thailand, visited the pyramids of Egypt, hiked to Machu Picchu, and visited the Mayan ruins in Guatemala, Belize, and the Yucatan Peninsula. He played golf at St. Andrews in Scotland, waterskied in the bayou of Louisiana, and drove toward the volcanic eruption of El Chichon to capture photos while everyone else fed saving a family when he, too, ultimately had to fee. He traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and every country in Central and South America.”

Larry Kulchawik, Past President of EDPA, says, “Dalton served as EDPA president and was very involved in pushing international involvement and helping to start EDPA membership to IFES

with Ingrid Boyd and I (both past presidents). Dalton then helped to organize and attended the frst EDPA participation at Euroshop with IFES.” Kulchawik ends with a lovely tribute to Jenkins, “His wit, charm, and friendly nature will be missed by all that he touched in our industry.”

He once met a man in a movie theater and then wound up on an archeological dig in Chiapas, Mexico.

Fred Vann

TEAMSTER, FORKLIFT OPERATOR

January 14th 1964

– February 28th 2023

Fred Vann (Frederick Eldren Vann aka Fredev), 59, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Feb. 28th 2023.

Born in Norfolk, VA, Fred’s family moved to Las Vegas in 1975. He went to Bonanza High School and studied at the College of Southern Nevada. He was a forklift operator and a member of Teamsters Local 631 for over 25 years.

David Lage

An avid skier and fsherman, Fred enjoyed NASCAR and really loved motorcycles, especially his Indian. A Las Vegas Raiders fan, he had season

tickets and his memorial page has many pictures of him at games in Raiders regalia.

“Words can’t express what your many, many years of friendship meant to me,” wrote friend Joe Whitaker on Vann’s memorial page. Michael DeGennaro, another friend, wrote, “Met on the job 25 years ago and been friends ever since. Still can’t believe you’re gone. I’ll never forget you, Fred. Rest in Peace.”

Services were held March 10, 2023 at Palm Mortuary Downtown in Las Vegas. He is survived by his father, Donald, his brother Eric, and his daughter Michelle Harmon.

Stephen Luther Wilson

NATIONAL SALES AND TRANSPORTATION MNGR, UNITED EXPO. SERVICES

May 8, 1948 – Jan. 20, 2023 by Dignity Memorial

Stephen Luther Wilson, 74, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully January 20,2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born May 8, 1948 in Ann Arbor, MI to James William Wilson and Lucille Rose Wilson.

FORMER PRESIDENT OF QUICK POINT INC.

April 4th, 2023

by Christopher Ruvo, ASI

Company leader, inventor, mentor, good friend – David Lage leaves an impressive legacy in the promo industry following his April 4th passing at age 86 after a battle with dementia.

David was the former president of Fenton, MO-based supplier Quick Point Inc. He spent more than 25 years in promo, leading Quick Point to be among the largest suppliers in the space for a time.

Blessed with a mind for both business and invention, David spearheaded what Paul, his son, describes as the creation of dozens of products, including ones for which he fled patents, such as a double-edge envelope opener.

David also devoted himself to industry volunteer work and mentoring. For instance, he served on the board of directors of industry trade group Promotional Products Association International

in the mid-1980s and was later named an honorary life member by the PPAI board.

“He loved all the relationships he made in the industry as many of these were some of his closest friends all the way to the end,” says Paul Lage. “Business was personal, not just business. He paved the way for me and many others.”

Before his time in promo, David Lage was a U.S. Marine.

Steve’s father was Postmaster of Ann Arbor and his mother was an elementary school teacher. When Steve was nine years old, his father died unexpectedly and he became the man of the family, helping his mom at home while maintaining good grades in school. Steve graduated from Ann Arbor High school in 1966 and thereafter enrolled in the University of Michigan.

He relocated to Las Vegas, with wife Judy in 1978, as Sales Manager for Las Vegas Transfer and Storage/Agent for Allied Van Lines. His mother passed away in 1988 in Las Vegas. An opportunity arose with the Transfer’s sister company, United Exposition Services as its National Sales and Transportation Manager, where he traveled extensively to various convention sites overseeing building, dismantling and transportation of convention trade show exhibits.

Simon Perutz

FOUNDER ORBUS GROUP

July 30, 1958 – April 19, 2023

Orbus Exhibit & Display Group®, sadly announced the sudden death of Simon Perutz, while in England with his wife Kim on April 19, 2023, at the age of 64. He was an extraordinarily revered, respected and honored founder of Nimlok, Orbus and 13 other exhibit and display companies around the globe.

Simon’s father, Gerald Perutz, and Neil Nimmo – inventor of the Nimlok lock & clip and the original modular display system – founded Nimlok Limited in the UK in 1970. The business grew rapidly and in 1977, Gerald relocated his family from the United Kingdom to the United

Kim Gulczynski

NATIONAL ACCOUNT PROJECT MANAGER FOR COMPUSYSTEMS

June 18, 1959 - May 27, 2023

Kim Gulczynski, National Account Project Manager for CompuSystems, passed away on May 27. She spent over 18 years at CompuSystems, managing the registration process for many tradeshows during her career.

This year Gulczyski was awarded the Stand By Me Award at Camp SEMA. In February CompuSystems posted on their Facebook page: “This award recognizes Kim for going above and beyond, providing exceptional consultation and support to Karen Zisko and the rest of the The SEMA Show team, and providing SEMA with creative solutions to help them achieve their goals.”

States. In 1981, Neil, Gerald and Simon established Nimlok in the United States.

Simon led Nimlok’s product development, sales, and marketing eforts with wild success. He formed relationships with business leaders across the nation and the globe, which led to the creation of a network of Nimlok Dealerships in the US, the establishment of Nimlok Canada in 1985, as well as Nimlok Italy and Nimlok Australia, among others.

In 2001, Simon established Orbus Exhibit & Display Group in the United States. He continued to lead the Nimlok business in the US until 2010, when Nimlok merged with Orbus. Together, Simon, his brother Tim and Gerald established 15 exhibit and display-focused companies worldwide and formed the P3 Group (commemorating the three Perutz’s – Gerald, Simon, and Tim).

Del Demaree Jr.

OWNER SYNDICATED SALES FLORAL PRODUCTS

Sept. 5th, 1937 – Jan. 2nd, 2023

From the Kokomo Tribune

Karen Chupka of Chupka Consulting posted on LinkedIN, “Kim’s work ethic, knack for problem solving, and extraordinary customer service made me a happy client — but it also made us instant friends. Kim gave it all to CompuSystems, her clients and her beautiful family (and those who were privileged to become her friend). The tradeshow industry sufered a great loss.”

Kahle Williams, CMO for CompuSystems said on her obituary page, “Kim was the best registration project manager the trade show industry has ever seen. She deeply cared for her colleagues and customers, and she will forever be remembered for her big smile, kind heart, and deep passion for her work. The outpouring of love from both current and past CompuSystems staf has been immense—Kim touched so many hearts. Though she will be missed, she will never be forgotten.”

Del was the son of Delmar E. Demaree Sr. and Fern Grindley Demaree, and had one brother, William Francis Demaree. Del was born in Chicago, Illinois. His family moved to Kokomo, Indiana, where Del spent his formative years. Del’s lifelong career in the foral industry began at an early age. His parents’ company, Demaree Molded Plastics, began behind the family’s grain shed with the company’s frst product, the Aquapic, a plastic tube with a rubber cap which held water and kept a single fower stem hydrated. This product ultimately became a staple in the industry and would be used worldwide.

Demaree graduated from Kokomo High School in 1955 and Indiana University in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart, Betsy, in 1957, and started his family of fve. In 1967, Del assumed leadership of the family business. With Syndicated Sales, Demaree is credited with seeking creative solutions to supply chain issues, most notably a transportation and distribution system incorporating the use of barcodes to track shipments, and later online ordering.

Del served as president of the Society of American Florists (1981-83), treasurer of Wholesale Florists and Florist Suppliers of America and Chairman of the American Floral Endowment (1992-93). He later established the Del Demaree Family Fund and a business internship program through the endowment. AFE has established a memorial tribute honoring Demaree.

Midwest North American International Auto Show -

NAIAS

DETROIT, MI

SEPT. 13 - SEPT. 24, 2023

The Detroit Auto Show is located squarely at the intersection of technology and mobility. It’s a global event flled with tangible advances ready to hit the pavement today. Here, the software is as revolutionary as anything out there, and the hardware always looks better with a good polish. You won’t fnd any devices that will ft in your pocket, but you will discover machines that will move you in the most literal sense. You’ll also connect with thought leaders from around the world, both in and outside the automotive industry, whose collective visions for the future of mobility will shape the way we move for years to come.

Midwest

EAA AirVenture

Oshkosh Fly-In

OSHKOSH, WI

JUL. 24 - JUL. 30, 2023

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) is the only association that offers the fun and

camaraderie of sharing the love of fying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft with the most passionate community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA annually hosts EAA AirVenture Oshkosh™ at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wis. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh™ is EAA’s annual convention and fy-in which draws more than 600,000 people and 10,000 aircraft with the help of over 5,000 volunteers.

Northeast Farm Science Review

LONDON, OH

SEPT. 19 - SEPT. 21, 2023

Throughout its history, Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review has been at the forefront of showcasing the future of agriculture.

The Molly Caren Agricultural Center (MCAC) near London, Ohio is home to the Farm Science Review and attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the United States and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural production. The educational programs feature Ohio State specialists and are second to none in the agricultural exhibition world.

Southwest

Comic Con International

SAN DIEGO, CA

JUL. 20 - JUL. 23, 2023

Over the years, Comic-Con has become the focal point for the world of comics conventions. The event continues to ofer the complete convention experience: a giant Exhibit Hall (topping over 460,000 square feet in its current incarnation); a massive programming schedule (close to 700 separate events in 2014), featuring comics and all aspects of the popular arts, including hands-on workshops and educational and academic programming such as the Comics Arts Conference; anime and flm screenings (including a separate flm festival); games; the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the “Oscars” of the comics industry; a Masquerade costume competition with prizes and trophies; an Autograph Area; an Art Show; and Portfolio Reviews, bringing together aspiring artists with major companies.

Southeast

Atlanta Market

ATLANTA, GA

JUL. 12 - JUL. 16, 2023

AmericasMart® Atlanta is the nation’s leading gift, home furnishings and area rug marketplace and the largest trade mart/ tradeshow complex of its kind in the world. The extraordinary mix of specialty product presented in its permanent showrooms and temporary exhibit halls—spread among its three integrated buildings. In its sprawling 7.7 million-square-foot facilities, AmericasMart’s specialty product takes center stage as the chief attraction for the more than 548,000 attendees who each year participate in its 15 annual markets. Its burgeoning product mix covers the broad gift, home furnishings and area rug landscape, and extends to include fashion apparel and accessories product in huge quantities.

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 Find

Las Vegas Power Professionals

Las Vegas Power Professionals creates and inspires a collaborative and impartial environment in which labor and management identify challenges and resolve conflicts in a fair manner. The skilled craftsmen and women of the IBEW Local 357 and experienced electrical contractors of the Southern Nevada Chapter of NECA work together to provide quality products and services to customers. The organization is committed to serving the southern Nevada community.

4 Productions

4 Productions is a full-service production company providing ideal technical solutions for tradeshows and events. If you have a message to deliver, a vision to share or a product to launch, 4 Productions is the partner to choose.

For Tradeshow Rentals and Production / Corporate Meetings / Special Events / Content Production / Live Streaming / Virtual Solutions:

» A/V Rentals

» LED Video Walls

» Lighting

» 3D Mapping

» Live Entertainment

» Animated Graphics

» Storyboarding

» Video Formatting & Edits

Event WiFi

Exhibit Design and Builders

I&D Lighting

LitHeart Interior Aesthetics

LitHeart Interior Aesthetics was born from a Japanese term “Ikigai” that entails mixing your passion, mission, vocation, and profession to provide a sustainable solution to what the world needs. Our mission is to provide high quality interior/exterior aesthetic design products. Providing both custom and rental options for all your events, tradeshows, pop ups, and interior design needs.

AVEX

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

Silver Silver

6

2023 EDITORIAL CALENDAR*

*Content is subject to change

QUARTER 1 (JANUARY-MARCH)

Print & Digital

• Material handling (shipping and logistics)

• Expert predictions on the year ahead

• Keynote Speakers

Digital only

• Technology/New Products

• AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography

• Lead Retrieval v. Data Matching/CRM

• Advocacy Updates

Focus City: Austin, TX

QUARTER 3 (JULY - SEPTEMBER)

Print & Digital

• Tension Fabric

• Graphics and Lighting

• Metaverse

• Experiential Events

• Tradeshow Marketing

Digital only

• ACE Awards

• General Contractor Profiles

• Event Tech Live Update

Focus City: Tampa, FL and Seattle, WA

QUARTER 2 (APRIL - JUNE)

Print & Digital

• 10-by-10 and 20-by-20 booths

• EXHIBITORLive Preview

• Furniture and Flooring

• Tech Corridor

Digital only

• Sustainability

• Warehousing/Material Handling

• Show Management/Kits

Focus City: Denver, CO

QUARTER 4 (OCTOBER - DECEMBER)

Print & Digital

• Best Places to Work

• ACE Awards

• Swag and Staffing

• Extrusions

• General Contractors

Digital only

• Healthcare

• Tradeshow Marketing/Traffic

• Advocacy Updates

• International Showcase

Focus Cities: Baltimore, MD and Detroit, MI

Deadline / Space reservation: 8th day, or closest business day, of month prior to print issue.

We would love to hear from you! Share the coverage you would like to see in future issues at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com

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We have worked with Color Reflections for many years now on every size project imaginable.

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NEW Rental Program