Exhibit City News - September/October 2018 by Exhibit City News

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

September/October 2018 • VOL. 24 • ISSUE 5

“RE-IMAGINED” MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER DEBUTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

September/October 2018 • VOL. 24 • ISSUE 5

30-31

General Contractors: Champions of Workplace Culture

32-34

“RE-IMAGINED” MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER DEBUTS

Tradeshow & Event Security Goes High-Tech

Technovation Solutions & Expocad Offer the Latest in Protection

36-37

THROUGH THE EYES OF INDUSTRY SALESPEOPLE

Sharing the Wealth

ARE EDIBLE “SELFFEES” THE ULTIMATE GIVEAWAY?

The Crêpes à Latte Story

TRADESHOW & EVENT SECURITY GOES HIGH-TECH US $12 CAN $18

38-39

EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

On our cover, the Miami Beach CC celebrates with Community Open House & Gala in January

The Don & Mike Show Celebrates Its 1-Year Anniversary

26-29

Shop to Showfloor Section

Through the Eyes of Lifers

The Refinement of Aluminum Frame Systems

Feature Story

I&D and Event Labor

A Look at Exhibition Industry Sales

42-44

Columns

Q&A with Big Al Lichtman

Six Questions for a “People Person”

As The Saw Turns

46-47

MacGyver Was Here

The Wow! Booth

Highmark Outdoor Launches EventMAX at the World of Concrete

The Green Piece

Planning Meals with Respect to Religious Customs

Andy’s Apps

Turning Your Smartphone into a Toolbox

The Digital Experience Maximizing Social Media @ Your #Tradeshow

The International Man

Experiential: An Old Concept Revisited

Ask The Expert

Hail Caesars Forum in Las Vegas!

Departments 8 10 24 52 56 60 66 76 82 87 95 102 105

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

Photo Poll

What Do You Like Best About Being a Tradeshow Manager?

Physical + Digital = “Phygital” Bold Ideas to Bring Brands Closer to Their Audience

Experts Explain a Practical Approach to GDPR Compliancey Regulations Follow Widespread Breaches of Data Privacy

Are Edible “Selffees” the Ultimate Giveaway?

Edible Selfies Bring Smartphones, Social Media and Food Together

Tradeshow Strategies

How to Use Technology to Generate Leads in Your Booth

EDPA Association Roundup Charity & Networking Across the U.S.

In Memoriam

Carl Fawcett, Lynn Strocchia, Anthony Lucafo and Brenda Turvey

6 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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PUBLISHER’S WORDS

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

Greetings to readers everywhere!

he Old Guard is changing: It is with great sadness that as we go to press I heard of the death of Kurt Walker in Atlanta. For those of you who did not know Kurt, his time as an NHL star, and as an I&D and carpet expert, he was a force to be reckoned with…and above all else…quite a character. ECN has covered Kurt’s career in the tradeshow industry for 25 years… and that of many professionals like him. I hope the management of the RSMGC, its main event of the year coming up in October in Atlanta, will keep a chair left vacant to mark the loss of Kurt, a perennial presence at all things related to the Randy. At age 54, I have a unique real-life view of the workforce both up and down the age ladder. The Old Guard changes in all industries, ours is no exception. Younger workers are coming from somewhere, getting trained and inserted to the bigger, all encompassing Tradeshow Machine…part of the human workforce that keeps our industry taking care of business and moving forward…nobody cheats the clock of life. Recognition for I&D Professionals: It is with this issue of ECN that our

CSAL

CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeanne Brei (702) 309-8023 ext. 103 JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com

team is proud to announce The ACE AWARDS. The first, and only, national awards program ever for the hard-working men and women who walk our nation’s show floors and other venues on a continual basis every day of the year. As an I&D worker/supervisor myself for more than 25 years…I know how hard these people work. The evenings, the weekends and overall unpredictKurt ability about one’s own Walker daily schedule. Many in the workforce are prone to early death from bad living habits and are away from their children and loved ones because of a life on the road… resulting in the fact that many, higher than most industries, are divorced. The ACE AWARDS are part of our increased coverage of the labor sector. Do the crews that service your program have what it takes to be an ACE? Please look for information in this issue, as well as full details about The ACE AWARDS at www.ExhibitCityNews.com/ACE_Awards_FAQs.

Don Svehla | Publisher

ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com STAFF WRITER/EDITOR F. Andrew Taylor (702) 309-8023 ext. 105 FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com COLUMNISTS Calanit Atia Haley Freeman Larry Kulchawik Lesley Martin Jim Obermeyer Cynthya Porter F. Andrew Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vince Battaglia Sarah Chew Pat Friedlander Christopher Polis Karin Roberts Marc Rodriguez Celestia Ward NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Christy DiGiambattista (702) 309-8023 ext. 111 ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Manny Chico Ahnee Moradian Mike Morrison

Vol. 24, issue 5, copyright 2018 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS, published six times a year by Mr. Tradeshow Communications, LLC, 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169. Editorial views presented within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and no liability is inherent. To subscribe, go to ExhibitCityNews.com or call (702) 309-8023. Reproduction/reuse of this material may only be permitted with expressed permission of Exhibit City News. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to location listed above.

AS VEGAS

8 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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Meet the Staff

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

DonS@ExhibitCityNews.com

JeanneB@ExhibitCityNews.com

Don Svehla

Jeanne Brei

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

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

Business Development/Sales

Staff Writer

Art Director

ChristyD@ExhibitCityNews.com

FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com

Tom@speak-design.com

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

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

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

Have news or story ideas for ECN? Email newsdesk@ExhibitCityNews.com! Meet_The_Staff_FP_092018.indd 1 008_Publishers_Word+Masthead_0918.indd 2

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CONVENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT

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The Miami Beach Convention Center Location: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Year Built: 1957, opened in 1958 Square Footage: Originally 108,000 sq.ft.; it doubled in size in 1989 and is currently undergoing a $620Â million renovation and expansion set for completion this month, to 1.4 million sq.ft. The new LEED Silver certified facility will include nearly 500,000 square feet of renovated exhibit space, a state-of-the-art, 60,000sq.ft. grand ballroom, additional meeting rooms with flexible arrangements, a 20,000-sq.ft. glass rooftop junior ballroom, advanced technology and new versatile indoor/outdoor public spaces. Parking: 800 parking spaces located across the street from the center were relocated to the roof. The 5.8-acre parking lot will be converted into a public park. Wi-Fi: Complimentary WiFi is available in the lobby areas.

PLUS!

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

Hotels: Within a one mile radius of the MBCC, there are 66 hotels with 7,564 rooms. Miami has 419 hotels with 54,481 rooms. Airport Info: The MBCC is 12 miles from the Miami Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Airport.

Fun Fact #1: The MBCC was the site where Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) defeated Sonny Liston for his first World Heavyweight Championship in 1964. Fun Fact #2: The MBCC hosted 20,000+ delegates for the Republican National Convention in 1968. In 1971, the MBCC hosted 45,000+ delegates for both the Rep. and Dem. National Conventions. Website: miamibeachconvention.com ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 11

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COLUMN As the Saw Turns

MacGyver Was Here

ast month my son drove from his of the plywood, and then set the new home in Nashville, Tenn., to Des“seat cushion” in place. tin, Fla., pulling his 22-foot boat MacGyver would have been proud. behind his truck. When he arrived Angus MacGyver (from the ‘80s in Florida and was preparing to TV show carrying his name) was launch the boat he noticed that the master of improvisation, getthe cushion for the back seat– ting himself and his friends out which ran across the full width of difficult and dangerous situaof the boat–was missing. Since tions too numerous to count, all he had made the trip non-stop, By Jim Obermeyer while carrying only a Swiss Army the assumption was that at some knife and a roll of duct tape. point along the way it caught some wind Sounds like a lot of guys I know on the and blew out of the boat, leaving a large show floor. WD-40, duct tape and wire opening to a storage compartment, and ties. If it moves and it shouldn’t, use the nowhere for his passengers to sit. duct tape and wire ties. If it’s supposed to He and his friend went to Home Depot, move and it doesn’t, use the WD-40. bought a sheet of marine-grade plywood, Seriously, I believe the best guys on stopped by the lawn and garden departthe show floor are the ones who can ment and found a cushion for a lounge conquer all challenges and are not afraid chair, in the same red color as his boat, of anything. Six new 3’ x 6’ graphics and bought two foam “noodles” and two printed and installed by tomorrow rolls of white duct tape. morning? No problem. Laminate a raw He had the plywood cut to size, laid wall panel that was left exposed when the red cushion on the plywood, used the booth was reconfigured at the last the white duct tape to tape it on (leaving minute? Sure. Build a shelf out of scrap evenly spaced white stripes on the red wood found on the show floor to fit incushion), sliced the noodles lengthwise side a counter while the client is waiting and attached them to the exposed edges to load it? Done.

While this all sounds great, and in most cases, all happens behind the scenes so that everything is perfect when the client arrives, there is a darker side to having MacGyver save the day on the show floor: the cost. One lesson I learned early on was something we called the 1-10-100 Rule. It goes something like this: If I catch an error during the construction drawing or work order creation phase of a project, it costs me one minute to make the change before printing and distributing. If the error is caught in production–either right before or just after it’s produced, now it’s going to cost potentially ten times as much (in time or money) to correct the situation. I have to re-order parts on a short time frame or re-build a portion of the project. If the error is caught on the show floor during install, now I’m extending my install labor hours (potentially into overtime) to fix it, I’m paying priority overnight freight to get parts shipped in or sending guys to hardware or specialty stores to get parts and holding up the completion of the project. Now my cost in time and money is potentially 100 times what it would have been if I’d caught it on the drawing board. Add in to this mix the very real potential that the client catches the error and now the cost can include lost confidence in your company’s ability to perform. How do you measure that…other than lost revenue from a lost client? 1-10-100. Each time we allow the fix to get pushed to the next level, the cost in time and money escalates exponentially. So, MacGyver, as good as he is, can be expensive to have around. Sure, he does save the day, and in many ways is indispensable, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to call on him quite so often. Unless, of course, you’re missing a boat cushion. See you on the show floor. Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 35 years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and exhibit house owner. He is currently a vice president at Hamilton Exhibits and can be reached at jobermeyer@hamilton-exhibits.com.

12 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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COLUMN The Green Piece

Planning Meals with Respect to Religious Customs

emember when having a vegetarian meal option at a convention banquet was considered a food-forward alternative? In these days of diverse dietary preferences and specialty diets from vegan to gluten-free, event planners and chefs have their work cut out for them when it comes to creating menus that are crowd pleasers. As our society has become more culturally enlightened and embracing of individual food choices, accommodating guests with religious dietary customs has become another meal-planning consideration. Religious traditions from around the world include simple dietary practices like fasting to more complex ones like restrictions on certain foods and laws pertaining to food cultivation and preparation. For instance, the kosher diet excludes particular foods and specifies various requirements for preparation and service of kosher food. For food to be certified as kosher, rabbis must examine it to authenticate its handling and processing. Keeping kosher requires that all dairy and meat items remain separate, requiring separate dishes and cooking utensils. Similarly, Islamic tradition requires that meats are slaughtered under halal guidance, halal being the dietary standard for foods dictated by the Qur’an. Pork is forbidden. Strict adherents will eat only foods that are processed and stored using utensils and equipment

that have been cleansed acthey asked attendees whether cording to Islamic law. their dietary requests are a These are just two preference or a medical or examples of religious religious imperative. dietary practices that Additionally, food meeting planners are allergies fall under commonly encounthe protection of tering. Here are a few ADA, so it may also suggestions for cabe a good idea to By Haley Wilson-Freeman tering to the needs ask attendees if of diverse groups: they have life-threatening Know your guests. Since food allergies or a food-related communication can solve ADA disability. myriad problems, it is wise to Calculate the cost. One ask a few questions at the time of the most common concerns of registration that will signal around special meal accommowell ahead of time how many dations is the additional food special meals you will need to cost. Having complete guest have on hand. Also, ask your information well ahead of time caterers if they can accommocan make a difference. Finding date last-minute requests, so commonalities in the needs you know what your options of attendees with special meal are if something unexpected requests can simplify the task arises at the event. for the kitchen and keep costs It may also be helpful to to a minimum. For instance, know about the lifestyle or an attendee who requests a cultural norms of your host kosher meal may be able to region. If your event city has eat the vegetarian option. And a high immigrant population generally, foods that are kosher from a particular area, it may are also accepted under halal. be useful to do some reEven with good planning, search on the religious/social preparing special meals may customs of that community, still add up to higher caterand plan accordingly. ing costs. In some cases, it Ask the right questions. may be necessary to charge We all like to have choices, so an additional fee. However, if you ask folks if they want a many planners shy away from special meal accommodation, this option, with concerns many will say yes. To discern that a surcharge could appear whether meal requests are discriminatory or violate ADA necessary or simply a preferguidelines. In the Convene ence, it’s important to ask the survey cited above, only 5 right questions. percent reported that they According to a 2016 survey charged a fee for special meals. of 230 meeting professionals An ECN reader recently conducted by the PCMA magshared a success story. In azine Convene 23 percent said 2017, 3,000 people gath-

...dietary requests may be a preference or a medical/religious imperative... ered in Grand Rapids for the biannual conference of Bruhan Maharashtra Madal of North America. The attendees were mostly Hindu and vegetarians. AHC+Hospitality collaborated with the Devos Place Convention Center and Experience Grand Rapids to host a successful event, which included preparation of 40,000 meals that took into consideration the group’s religious and dietary restrictions. AHC+Hospitality Corporate Executive Chef Josef Huber worked with the meeting planner, hotel staff and culturally focused vendors for a full year to build a menu that borrowed flavors from various regions of India to accommodate the group with flair. Travel and conference attendance for any person with a food restriction—whether it is for religious or health reasons—can be daunting. Your guests’ ability to carry the day’s food with them or go off-site for meals will likely be limited, and your accommodation can significantly enhance their experience. Haley Freeman is a writer and a passionate advocate for the environment and sustainable business practices. Connect with her at www.linkedin. com/in/haley-freeman-378b8413/

14 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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COLUMN Andy’s Apps

Turning Your Smartphone Into a Toolbox

our smartphone can be a very the floor is superimposed on the image. versatile tool, in the more tradiGreat for trying to line up pictures or tional use of the word. I’m not signs while building a booth or to get suggesting you use it as a wedge to your kids’ drawings on the refrigerator hold open a door or as a makeshift lined up just right. hammer, although I’ve seen both Smart Measure, an app by done… spoiler alert: neither is Smart Tools Co., uses the cama great idea. Simply download era interface to measure the a few apps that can turn your height of an object by lining phone into toolbox. All the apps By F. Andrew Taylor up points in the camera and in this article are available for clicking on them. The tool is iPhone and Android. calibrated to the user’s height and isn’t Laser Level is a suite of tools by Nordic accurate enough to draw blueprints from, Nations. A tap brings up a bubble level, a but it’s a great general measurement tool. Clinometer to measure angles or a laser It accurately calculated the heights of level. The use of the first two is pretty several people during an office field test. self-explanatory. The laser level doesn’t Army Knife, by Lazaros Vrysis, inactually fire a laser, rather the user holds cludes several tools, but no actual knife. his or her phone up, looks through the Some are more useful than others. Most camera and a laser line that is parallel to phones already have a stopwatch, a 16 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

timer, a calculator, a mirror and a way to use it as a flashlight built into it. At first glance the magnifying glass looked like it fell into that category, but it does allow the light to be turned on at will, something most phone cameras won’t do. The bubble level isn’t as flashy as the one in the Laser Level app, but it’s functional. The really useful tools for exhibitors are the compass and the unit convertor, which instantly converts measurements to all available formats, in case you want to know how many degrees Kelvin it is outside, or how many knots it is from Kansas City to Des Moines. There’s also a ruler. A common problem with ruler apps is that they don’t take different screen sizes into account, so be sure to calibrate it with a traditional ruler before you get out in the field. Handyman Toolbox by Job Manager is another mixed bag with some redundant tools like a stopwatch, timer and calculator, and few more interesting and useful ones, like a plumb bob and a dimensioning tool for drafting notated project files from pictures taken on site. There are also some repeats, like a magnifier, a unit converter, a bubble level and Picture Align, which is similar to the Laser Level tool but adds a vertical line. There is also the Geometry tool, which allows you to easily calculate the area and volume of shapes including cubes, pyramids, parallelograms, barrels and more. The final oddity is the Torch (flashlight for Americans), which not only lets you turn on your phone’s light but adds the option of turning the screen into a light with a choice of seven colors either blinking or not. There’s even one that rapidly cycles through the seven colors. Presumably there is a very specific use for this other than triggering seizures but in the apps world, one can never be sure. F. Andrew Taylor is an award-winning journalist, artist, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator. He also works in film production, does local historical research and has been an amateur stunt driver and rodeo participant. Contact him at fandrewt@exhibitcitynews.com.

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COLUMN The Digital Experience

Maximizing Social Media @ Your #Tradeshow

sk a marketer to compare If the goal is to build new business, tradeshows to social media, tradeshows allow you to delve deeper and he/she will probably point into a segment or targeted area. With out more differences than similarities. targeted social media strategy, you can After all, the modern tradeshow identify and reach people withhas been around for decades in the vertical, niche or deciand social media is a relatively sion-making roles. new phenomenon. Tradeshows If you want to deepen relationare intimately tied to time and ships with existing customers, place, while social media outlets social media is a great way to By Lesley Martin are entirely digital. identify your fans and connect For brands, the two mediums are directly to deepen brand loyalty. more alike than you’d think. At their core, both tradeshows and social media Investing in Paid Campaigns are about connecting directly with your Some businesses do not have effeccustomers. Brands can showcase their tive social media because they rely personality in the booth or on the social only on organic content. It’s harder for media page. And of all the marketing businesses to reach users without paid tactics, both operate in real time. promotions because their content will Brands can no longer dismiss or ignore be lost. First, more and more content is social media as part of their marketing being shared. According to Facebook, program. It’s now expected that brands more than 1,500 stories could appear have a presence on social media. And if on the average user’s feed every time the booth is buzzing, but the social media they log in to Facebook. Social media feeds are dead, brands are missing out on prioritizes personal content posted by a huge opportunity. Here’s some methfriends and family over promotional ods marketers can use to strategically content. Thus, only 1 percent of organic leverage social media and extend the content posted by companies will be tradeshow experience off the show floor. seen by fans. If you want to take your strategy to the Set Goals next level, paid social media campaigns Without clear goals, social media are key. The good news is that social efforts can easily be wasted. Your team media allows for highly targeted marketmight produce inconsistent, irrelevant or ing. When determining your social media self-centered content that is spread across goals, you must consider these four areas: too many social channels. Messages and comments to your company might be left »» Audience unread and unanswered, which could »» Action you want your audience to take hurt your brand’s reputation with fans. »» Time frame (including before and after Clear goals can help you prioritize and the tradeshow) set intentions for your dual tradeshow »» How much money you’re willing to spend and social media strategy. Marketers might want to increase The beauty about social media is that brand exposure, and social media lets the highly personal profiles allow you them connect with audiences who aren’t to be targeted in your marketing. You attending the show but are still interested can identify users down to their roles, in the action. You might utilize branding skills, region, personal preferences, foland messaging of your booth and extend lowed brands, active conversations and to social media to gain brand exposure. hashtags. On LinkedIn you can identify

users by their positions or skills, and on Facebook and Twitter you can promote on specific hashtags. Another benefit of paid strategy is that you are charged based on the competition. A popular hashtag would be more expensive. Before you purchase the promotion, social media will give you the expected reach based upon your monetary investment so that you can know your ROI before you spend dollars. If you’re exhibiting at a niche show, buying promotions on the show hashtag could be an excellent opportunity to purchase for a niche audience. From Live Streaming to Scheduled Posts Live streaming on social media is a huge trend in 2018. Instagram Stories are noteworthy for the sheer engagement numbers they post. For example, 1 in 5 organic Instagram Stories from brands see at least one direct message from a consumer. That’s a huge potential for engagement through a somewhat new medium. During the show, marketers often become so busy that they don’t post on social media. Before the show, identify someone responsible for ensuring that posts are uploaded to social media. Ensure that your social media feed is capturing the buzz during the show. If you don’t think that you’ll be able to post during the show, you can create content ahead of time and schedule it to be posted during the show. This can be extremely helpful for companies in regulated industries like healthcare. Just remember to have a community management protocol in place to answer comments and direct messages from users engaging with your brand. That engagement is where brands can deepen relationships with customers. Lesley Martin is a writer and digital producer working in San Francisco, Calif. Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/lesleymartin.

18 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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COLUMN The International Man

Experiential: An Old Concept Revisited

had a recent discussion Macy’s). Wanamakers was one with colleagues from of the first department stores Japan and Germany. in the U.S. This department The discussion was store with entertainabout exhibit design ment concept was trends. Both felt a groundbreaking strongly about the shift in the shopping concept of creating experience. Owner a visitor experience John Wanamaker By Larry Kulchawik within a tradeshow had wanted to create environment. At that moment an attraction to bring visitors it dawned on me how this to the store. He felt strongly “experiential” craze has gone that a musical experience global. The power of a positive would put buyers in a positive experience to encourage sales mood and they’d enjoy the has also been a focus of attenmusic and shop with a smile. tion within retail stores. After the 1904 World’s Fair The shift to buying on in St. Louis, he purchased a Amazon (and other online 2,500-pound bronze sculpe-tailers) has pushed retailers ture of an eagle and a huge to look at new ways to retain pipe organ with 10,000 pipes. buyer interest and loyalty He had purchased an abanand keep them willing to visit doned Pennsylvania Railroad the stores. It is said that 80 depot in 1876 and retrofit it to percent of retail purchases incorporate the eagle and the will continue to occur in the organ, creating a department stores thru 2020. As in retail, store with a unique attraction new experiential concepts as the Grand Depot became will unfold in tradeshow the Wanamaker Building. The design and the Amazons will Grand Court quickly became a continue to try and change Philadelphia favorite, highour habits regarding the lighted by the Wanamaker Eabuying experience. In 2004, a gle and the Wanamaker Grand group from EDPA (including Court Organ. People visited in myself) were looking at unidroves from throughout the versities interested in implenation. Among other things menting a degree program in of note, the Grand Court has exhibit design. We spoke with been featured in many major Auburn University in Montmotion pictures. The tag line gomery, Alabama; UNLV in “Meet me by the Eagle” beLas Vegas; and Drexel Unicame huge in Philadelphia. versity in Philadelphia. Wanamaker had changed While at Drexel we walked the entire nature of the shopacross the street and wanping experience. Many retail dered into Wanamakers (now stores across the nation then

picked up on the “Wanamaker” idea (playing music in the store), but no one came close to the grand investment of building in a famous pipe organ into their store to attract shoppers and create a shopping “experience.” Subliminally, music soothes one’s soul and changes one’s feelings. People buy from people they like within an environment they feel good about. This environmental experience we create to do this matters and holds true to a point if we are just shopping, but internet shoppers really don’t care about the emotional experience when buying a known commodity like paper clips, underwear, toothpaste or an airline ticket. I believe that human interaction and a pleasant environment does matter when buying personal items like clothing, specialty food and cosmetics. High-ticket items like a new house, machine tools and automobiles also prefer a human touch to influence a final buying decision.

So as tradeshows and retail environments continue to compete against the “Amazon” concept of buying, new and clever ways need to be found to stimulate the in-store (or tradeshow) buying experience, without being overbearing. The focus on “experiential” has our attention. But environments that push people to do something they don’t want to do can be a distraction instead of an attraction. People are not robots. We must be sensitive when developing what we consider to be an attraction when it comes to human behavior and a visitor’s willingness to participate. I anxiously stand by to see how creative minds will continue to change environments and create experiences that really serve to influence a decision to buy. Larry Kulchawik is the head of Larry Kulchwawik Consulting and author of “Trade Shows from One Country to the Next.” For more info, visit www.larrykulchawik.com

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COLUMN Ask The Expert

Hail Caesars Forum in Las Vegas! Caesars to Open New Conference Center in 2020

By Calanit Atia

aesars Entertainment is breaking ground on Caesars Forum Conference Center, scheduled to open in 2020. The 550,000-squarefoot conference facility will feature more than 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible conference space with the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world—100,000 sq. ft. each, equivalent to 27 tennis courts or three ice hockey rinks. In addition, the Forum Plaza will be the first 100,000-squarefoot outdoor meeting and event space in Las Vegas. Built on 20 acres, Caesars Forum will be located with direct access to the LINQ, Harrah’s, and Flamingo hotels, offering 8,500 hotel rooms, and will be close to all nine of Caesars properties. The Forum Plaza will adjoin the LINQ Promenade featuring shopping, dining and entertainment. The modern design with natural daylight and a neutral palette will feature endless branding opportunities. According to Michael Massari, chief sales officer of Caesars Entertainment, “The driving concept behind the design is biophilic design. It is about connecting the building to the environment—that is done through natural light, the connection from the indoors to the outside, through all the natural elements, the green that we are having—that is the way—plug into life.” Since the weather is beautiful most of the year, as an

event planner I prefer hosting as many functions as I can hold outside. The plaza area will be a great asset to the project. “The Plaza is the outdoor space connected to the conference center. It will be ideal for breakfast, lunches, receptions and even general sessions,” Massari adds. General contractors and exhibitors will appreciate the meeting space located on one level, making load-in simple and convenient. “Everyone will have driving access to all four ballrooms and have the ability to drive from any of the ballrooms to the others,” says Massari. “People will be able to bring in vehicles into each one of the spaces and then

move those vehicles around throughout the space. From that standpoint it makes load in and load out just immensely easier. No one will ever have to move all the gear up and down elevators.” There is a monorail stop at Harrah’s Las Vegas and it will be included in the overall master plan. Caesars Forum will have a sky bridge, fully enclosed and climate controlled, connecting the facility to Harrah’s and the LINQ hotels. The planners have designed it to be just a three-minute walk from the meeting space to the Harrah’s and LINQ hotel’s elevators, which—in comparison to other hotels in Las

Vegas—is the shortest of any comparable facility. Caesars Entertainment has already contracted more than $70 million in conference business, and I predict that this new project will be a great success. Links of Caesars Forum Groundbreaking Video and Construction Live Cam are posted online. For more info, visit CaesarsMeansBusiness.com and CaesarsForum.com. Calanit Atia is an Air Force veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events, an award-winning event planner, Las Vegas ambassador, social media maven, columnist and speaker. Contact her at Info@AtoZevents.com.

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Meet Our Columnists As The Saw Turns

International Focus

Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 35 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house owner. He is currently a vice president at Hamilton Exhibits and can be reached at jobermeyer@ hamilton-exhibits.com.

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

Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Apps F. Andrew Taylor is an award-winning journalist, artist, photographer, cartoonist and illustrator. He also works in film production, does local historical research and has been an amateur stunt driver and rodeo participant. Contact him at fandrewt@ exhibitcitynews.com.

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

The Digital Experience

Ask The Expert

Lesley Martin is a writer and digital producer working in San Francisco, Calif. Connect with her at www.linkedin.com/in/ lesleymartin.

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

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

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

Photo by Steven Brooke

AIRPORT SNAPSHOT

Miami International Airport (MIA) Location: 2100 NW 42nd Ave., Miami, Florida 33126 Year Opened: 1928 but it’s built on the location of several previous privately owned airports. The first was built in the early 1920s; the city purchased the airport in 1945 and it’s currently the property of Miami-Dade County government. Size: MIA covers 3,230 acres with four runways. It has six concourses, labeled D, E, F, G, H and J. There are 131 gates total with 104 international-capable gates and 26 domestic gates. In 2017, 21,747,189 people flew out of the airport, making it the 13th busiest in the country. Transportation: It has direct public transit service to Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail, Metrobus network, Greyhound bus lines and to the Tri-Rail commuter rail system. Downtown Miami is just 15 minutes away by metrorail and visitors can quickly and easily reach other popular spots, including Coconut Grove, South Beach and Wynwood. The Mia Mover, an automated short line train connects the terminals to a transportation hub which includes the rental car center. Taxis, charter services and ride shares also service it.

Photo by Steven Brooke

Fun Facts: Starting in 1936, National Airlines used a terminal on the opposite side of LeJeune Road from the airport, and would stop traffic on the road in order to taxi aircraft to and from its terminal. British Airways flew a Concorde SST between Miami and London via Washington, D.C. from 1984 to 1991. MIA is the second busiest airport for international passengers and offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport. It is the fourth busiest U.S. airport for cargo. Website: www.miami-airport.com ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 25

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INDUSTRY PROFILES

A Look at Exhibition Industry Sales Through the Eyes of Lifers BY CYNTHYA PORTER

The exhibition and event universe is a complex machine with an endless number of moving parts, all trying to advance clients, whether organizers or exhibitors or attendees, down a conveyor and through a perfect event. But at the core of the entire industry before a single ribbon is cut or badge is scanned are the promise makers–people who are on the front lines selling the space and the goods that give an exhibition life.

Whether selling venue space, general services or exhibit design, each has an integral role in the process of creating event nirvana. But even though their hats are all different, a sampling of professionals from each of those selling angles reveals that their philosophies, and in some ways their personalities, bear striking similarity. Unlike many who find themselves working in an exhibition and event field through roundabout means, Shannon Licygiewicz, director of sales for the

Albany Capital Center (ACC) in Albany, New York, more or less had her sights set on it since the time she was a young girl planning birthday parties for her friends and family. “I always had a flair for management, and in my brain at the time, I wondered if I could do it for a career,” Licygiewicz says. Her quest was answered by the Southern New Hampshire University hospitality degree program, where Licygiewicz found like-minded souls and a bevy of professors who all had time in

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Chuck Law

the trenches handling various aspects of actual events. With a newly minted degree in convention and event management and a minor in food and beverage, Licygiewicz landed squarely in her profession–snapping up a job at the Rhode Island Convention Center as an event manager as many of her classmates foraged for positions at various stations in the industry, many of them not directly tied to their degrees. It turns out, Licygiewicz says, that the management and planning side of hospitality is harder to break into than many realized. “I’m definitely one of the lucky ones who was able to start right away,” she says. Like Licygiewicz, Chris Casconi, vice president of sales for Teamwork Events, a general contracting services firm, knew exactly where he wanted to land with his hospitality management degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He says he loves the hospitality industry in general, but as he made the rounds through various possible vocations during school, Casconi knew he didn’t want to be on the hotel and restaurant side of the business. When he discovered the exhibition industry through a series of internships, his fate was sealed. Chuck Law, the manager of business development and a senior account executive at New York-based exhibit house Creatacor, found his way into the industry through a different route, but one that equipped him to understand the moving parts of the exhibition world better than most can. Law had a new engineering degree that he was not yet putting to use when a family member told him about a warehouse job at Creatacor. It was a @ExhibitCityNews

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blue-collar, entry-level position packing and shipping exhibits, but that turned out to be just a temporary station on Law’s rise through the ranks. He swayed the management to create a position managing the portable exhibits department, eventually working his way into account management and then leadership for the company. Taking that path, Law says, helped him understand the industry from the inside out and has given him unique perspectives on good processes and client needs. “I tell my clients that I’ve built it, packed it, set it up and torn it down,” says Law, “I’ve seen it all and I can assure them that I’ve got a team that can get it done.” Before joining ExCel London, Andrew Swanston had earned his stripes in event management working with the Marcus Evans Group to organize and promote events in Monte Carlo. But his time managing wine bars in London’s west end rounded him just as much, and he was a perfect fit for an account manager position at ExCel in 2007. Since then, a lot has happened around Swanston’s career, including the Olympics, the G20 Summit, and an expansion of the venue to include the International Convention Centre, with each new challenge vaulting him higher in the organization. Now Swanston is ExCel’s head of sales for North America and his focus is on paving the way for international exhibitions and events for companies looking to take advantage of London’s unique position in

Chris Casconi

Shannon Licygiewicz

the world. With more direct flights than any other city in Europe and an economy so strong that officials are willing to fix rates going out years into the future for those considering events, it is a city that sells itself in many ways, Swanston says. But to be sure, Swanston and his colleagues devote a significant amount of time finding ways to set ExCel and the city of London apart, including everything from creating complete packages of activities for off-site events to brainstorming with potential clients on how they can make the most of an event in the venue and the city. “The biggest change I’ve seen in the industry is that when I first started, we would get a call from a client –an inquiry about space and catering, then we’d send information, and they’d ask for an agreement,” Swanston says. “It was very transactional. Now it is a much more consultive sale; they are looking for ideas and recommendations and ways to cut costs. Clients want to know how they can stand out from competitors to attract attendees.” The path to success now, Swanston adds, is to figure out what is going to make that client tick and give them something that excites them. In her role at the Albany Capital Center, Licygiewicz agrees with Swanston that it is all about setting a venue and Continued on p. 28 ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 27

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INDUSTRY PROFILES Continued from p. 27 the city surrounding it apart because the force of competition is compounding every day. “How do you make the facility stand out, even if it’s just one thing?” she asks. Licygiewicz’s low-hanging fruit was the fact that ACC is a brand new building and as state-of-the-art as they come. The star of the facility is an LED ceiling that can be programmed to be anything from twinkling stars to massive logos, she says, and the fun fact is that everything in the building can be controlled from an iPad. Brought on two years before the center’s construction was completed, Licygiewicz was in the uniquely difficult position of selling a facility that did not exist yet. “We didn’t have anything but a dirt pile being pushed around,” she says. “I made a lot of promises, and it was a little stressful–I’m not going to lie,” she adds with a laugh. Renderings of floorplans early in the process helped, she says, and once completed, the venue rather effortlessly began to sell itself. Licygiewicz knows that ACC will only be the new kid on the block for a while longer, so she focuses on what besides the new wow factor will bring the business in the door. Like Swanston, she says they work closely with the city and the other convention facility in town to pitch larger events and ones that will be attractive to an event’s attendees. “People are not focused so much on the facility like they used to be,” she explains. “They are focused on, ‘What are my attendees going to do while they’re here?’ It’s become one of the most important factors, and Tier 2 cities trying to attract events need to give them that story.” Indeed, being in sales at any position in the industry is about being able to tell people a story about how what you have to offer will provide them with exactly what they need. Sometimes, Law says, that requires a bit of intuition, understanding just how overwhelmed a client is so you can offer them the help in the way they need it most. “When I started selling,” Law says, “I was working with tradeshow managers. Now they are also handling PR, marketing and social media–they’re not just focused on execut-

Andrew Swanston

ing an exhibit program, they are being expected to handle a lot more.” To set his company apart, Law says he focuses on being a resource for people who are overloaded, taking things off of their plate wherever possible. He also strives to respond immediately all the time when a client reaches out. “You need to be a quick replier or they will go find someone else,” he says. “There is a ton of competition out there–a lot of mid-size to large exhibit houses that do exactly the same thing. Standing out from the crowd can be a challenge.” Casconi said the same is true in the general contractor sector of the industry and that relationships are the primary tool he has for moving his company forward. “It can be tough to make inroads,” he says, referring to the long-time presence of a few general services giants and the relative difficulty for smaller but equally worthy competitors to carve out space for themselves. “We all have the same things–pipe and drape and such. It comes down to the services you can provide and the relationship.”

Relationships, each of the salespeople agreed, are bottom line for success in sales, but developing them can sometimes be difficult. For Licygiewicz, busy organizers sometimes don’t want to talk, preferring the more sterile communication of email. While it can sometimes be a quicker and more convenient interaction, she says, email is also something of a barrier to forming the kind of bonds that allow her to really give clients personal and customized service. Even so, respecting the preferences of a client is paramount, she says, so she works to deepen their relationship by being flexible and trying to understand the specific needs of each one. Another difficulty with relationship building, Law says, is the degree of turnover that can happen with tradeshow managers. “There is a ton of turnover in the industry, and when you’re in a relationship business, that’s a challenge,” he says. “When you have people moving around a lot, it’s like starting from scratch.” Building trust, Swanston agreed, is the cornerstone of his success, particularly

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as he is dealing with clients coming from outside of Great Britain who may have an abundance of questions. Something as simple as using Americanisms in language and imperial measurements for space, as well as being keenly aware of how concerns about world politics and security might affect clients, can help build confidence among them that he understands their issues and is truly interested in making the process as easy as possible for them. There are other challenges, Casconi adds–particularly with keeping abreast of the evolving technology available to planners. “I need to stay up to date and know what my clients know and what they see,” he says. “If my clients are doing it, I want to be doing it. If we don’t, someone else will.” Law echoes that sentiment. “Staying on top of technology and pop culture trends is huge,” he says. “Back when I started, a lot of conversations kicked off around

@ExhibitCityNews

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baseball. Now it’s what is the newest app. If you are not staying on top of it, you will not be considered an expert even if you’ve been in the business for 20 years.” Despite the challenges of navigating the exhibition and event industry, each says they wouldn’t trade their jobs for anything else. The fast pace, the constantly evolving trends, the creative process and the deep ties built by working so closely to other people are all among the rewards for people who find themselves as, most likely, lifers in their field. The highs can be really high and the lows can be really low, they say, particularly as the economy stumbles or their clients face budget cuts. But rolling with them and being something of a life raft for clients facing those issues is just part of being a good partner, Law says, adding that for someone good at sales, it can’t just be about dollars and cents. Having that client-first approach, however, is the one thing they all

agreed makes the dollars and cents flow for their companies, and it shows on their bottom lines. Persistence, humility, thick skin and enthusiasm help too, they say–especially enthusiasm. “My passion is that every day is different,” says Swanston. “No inquiry and no client is the same. I get off on hearing their vision–it makes me tick. I have to check myself and make sure I don’t sound like I’m trying to teach them how to suck eggs,” he says. The English euphemism means being so enthusiastic that you try to teach someone something they already know, he explains, apologizing for departing from Americanisms but adding that there is no American slang equivalent to adequately explain how exciting he thinks the industry is. Though they didn’t mention eggs in their replies, Licygiewicz, Casconi and Law all said they couldn’t agree more.

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INDUSTRY PROFILES

General Contractors — Champions of Workplace Culture BY HALEY WILSON FREEMAN

The surge of millennials in the workforce, along with social movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp, have brought fresh perspective to conversations about corporate culture and diversity. Laborers have increased expectations around company values, wage equality, community action, job flexibility, professional development and potential for advancement. Industry contractors are responding as champions of workplace culture—honoring workers and engaging communities while delivering better value to customers. Smart City Networks Smart City Networks is a leading provider of telecommunications services to major events and venues around the country, including Walt Disney World, 30 major convention centers and three NFL stadiums. Smart City has a set of business principles and “Daily Basics” that team members review each day to ensure that customers receive top-notch service. Internally, Smart City focuses on promoting growth, accountability and empowerment while standing for integrity, efficiency, problem solving, equity and character in all relationships and interactions. Meet Julia Slocombe, vice president of Western Region Operations. She has more

Julia Slocombe

than 27 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with a concentration in the telecommunications event industry. Smart City has been her professional home since 1997. Slocombe says that people are the main ingredient in Smart City’s extraordinary culture. “We have great people who want to do well, who are capable of doing

great things and who come to work fired up to achieve them. Great people flourish in an environment that liberates and amplifies their energy. We seek the best from all backgrounds to make Smart City a well-rounded place to work, and give all employees a stake in the company’s success.” Slocombe lights up when she speaks about her role

as chairperson of this year’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Women’s Leadership Forum, and she says that having the opportunity to participate in this and other industry organizations is in line with long-established company principles. “It’s not just IAEE, but all the other things I endeavor to participate in as a woman in leadership. From a budget standpoint, funds are there for me to attend because our company sees the value. These are our customers and industry partners. We feel it is essential for us to participate and be visible, and to support the industry.” She continues, “The 2018 program was an overwhelming success; the event was sold with over 220 attendees, and the overall feedback was positive. It was an experience and journey to remember, giving our industry women the opportunity to recharge, renew and reconnect!” Extending this spirit of service outside the industry also bolsters the employee experience. “Smart City stands for something beyond simply increasing profits,” explains Slocombe. “We provide services and serve causes that clearly add value in the world, making it possible for employees to derive a sense of meaning from their work, and to feel good about where they work.”

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Global Experience Specialists GES delivers comprehensive event services and experiential marketing experiences to companies around the world. Managing more than 4,000 live events annually from locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, GES maintains a workforce of thousands who share the values of honesty, passion, curiosity, service and team spirit. Trisha Fox, chief human resources officer, led human resources at several Fortune 500 companies before joining GES. She says the company’s core values influence culture across the industry because they “guide our behaviors every day in how we interact

with each other, as well as with customers, suppliers and industry contacts. We believe leading with our core values sets the right tone and contributes in a positive way to the industry as a whole.” According to Fox, it’s the people that make GES a great place to work, a sentiment echoed by employees. “Based on the results from a recent Employee Engagement Survey, the strongest aspect of our culture is the affiliation that our employees have that they are a family,” says Fox, adding that “having that strong sense of family

also is reflected in their high levels of commitment Trisha Fox to their teams, our organization, our clients and most importantly, each other.” Fox describes GES as a diverse and growing company that strives to provide all people with opportunities to learn new skills and advance in their careers, including providing alternative work arrangements to help them balance work and family. “We are continuously working hard every day to ensure that GES is a great place to work, provides a nurturing environment and reflects the diversity and inclusivity of a diverse marketplace. Through

our Management Associate programs, on-campus efforts and a robust Employee Referral Program, we look for great talent wherever we can.” Fox summed up well the far-reaching value of strong workplace culture: “We are fortunate to have an organization comprised of diverse and talented individuals who bring a wealth of creativity and knowledge to all that we do. This allows us to incorporate diverse and creative solutions into our services, our interactions and ultimately how we serve our customers. Using our global footprint enables us to approach the needs of our clients with a broad and fresh perspective, providing solutions that are specific to their needs.”

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

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TRADESHOW & EVENT SECURITY

Tradeshow & Event Security Goes High-Tech TECHNOVATION SOLUTIONS & EXPOCAD OFFER THE LATEST IN PROTECTION BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR

The world of events changed forever on October 1, 2017, with the addition of a slew of previously unexpected security concerns. Fortunately, there are companies trying to apply technology to the problem to make for safer and more

secure gatherings, but without adding onerous roadblocks to make meetings and special events more trouble than they’re worth. “I don’t think technology has changed since Oct. 1, but the interest level in the

existing technology has raised for obvious reasons,” says Peg McGregor, CEO of Las Vegas-based Technovation Solutions. “A lot of our clients are looking for ways to provide what seems to be appropriate levels of security for everybody. We can

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provide security from things as simple as panic buttons to facial recognition software. It’s a fully integrated system that sits on a biometric platform.” What that means in simple terms is that much of the company’s offerings provide more security and oversight without requiring the addition of a lot of hardware. Technovation Solutions’ Panic Button/Tracker One of the more basic setups starts with a panic button--a small device with a button not unlike a modern car key. Staff members keep the panic button on their person and when they find themselves threatened or attacked, they can push the button to trigger a silent alarm that can go to the individual’s supervisor, security, the authorities or anywhere else the business deems necessary. It can send a signal to a smartphone as well. The button sends out a signal that lasts for 30 minutes and can be tracked within three meters. “Historically, a loud alarm can scare the daylights out of a culprit and they can become more aggressive as a consequence,” McGregor explains. “The general consensus is that a silent alarm going to the right people is the way to go.” The panic button can also be used as a tracker and the company can also provide @ExhibitCityNews

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vendor trackers that keep track of how long an individual has been at a location, the direction they are traveling and it can let supervisors know if they wander into areas that are off-limits. “During the Oct. 1 incident they had a hard time finding all of their staff in the chaos,” McGregor says. “This is an immediate way to find out if they’re down, not down or if they aren’t even on the site.”

Communications System Integration The company also has a communications system that can integrate with the trackers and facial recognition. It provides the same sort of communication a traditional walkie talkie might, but with some bells and whistles for the modern age, like recording communications and allowing for broadcasting messages to all of the staff or specific staff teams. “It allows you to get the message out letting the staff know where they are supposed to be and what they should be doing in a crisis,” McGregor says. “You can pre-record messages or compose on the fly. You might have a pre-recorded message that says that there is an active shooter and remind people of the safety protocols that are in place for an emergency situation.” Security Cameras’ Virtual Trip Wires The company also has systems that allow the expansion of the functionality Continued on p. 34

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TRADESHOW & EVENT SECURITY Continued from p. 33 of existing security cameras. Alert box areas and virtual trip wires can be added to camera surveillance to trip when, for instance, someone loiters too long near a restricted doorway. At the company’s headquarters in southwest Las Vegas there are many examples of security setups. One demonstration shows a virtual line on the top of a fence. On the video, if a person climbs over the fence and breaks the line, the border of the view screen will turn red. All a security monitor has to do is watch for red borders to find out when someone has trespassed or participated in some sort of suspicious behavior. Facial Recognition Kiosks Facial recognition could also be connected to law enforcement databases, allowing security to know when a potential bad actor is on the premises. Technovation Solutions has facial recognition kiosks and readers that can be used to greet staff members by name at a door and unlock doors that they have permission to enter. Similarly, facial recognition units can be placed in VIP areas or check-in areas to greet guests and provide information for them. The company has a wide range of options that can be integrated into a system. Each business can decide how simple or how robust they want their system. “There are clearly privacy issues and each company has to look into how comfortable they are with the system,” McGregor says. “Everybody has to make their decision based on their own risk management and legal perspectives.” Expocad’s Event Location Interactive (ELI) The staff of Expocad (Exhibitor Marketing & Accurate Floorplan Management software), the widely used mapping program for tradeshows, has just released ELI, which stands for Event Location Interactive. The tool allows users to actively track and report trouble to an interactive detailed map of an event that is only available to those given access by the event staff. 34 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

The creation of ELI was driven not by the Oct. 1 incident, but rather by the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting three and a half months earlier. A crazed gunman shot House Majority Whip Steve Scalise while he was practicing for the annual charity Congressional baseball game. The gunman was then involved in a ten-minute stand off and gunfight with law enforcement before he was killed. What stood out to the Expocad staff was that a tactical squad from the Capitol Police Containment and Emergency Response Team was mistakenly directed to Nancy Pelosi’s house, delaying their arrival at the actual active shooter event. “It sure would have been nice for the authorities to know exactly where the shooter was at,” says Rich Stone, CEO of ACT Inc./Infocad. “We have leveraged our location-based knowledge and automation expertise into a tool for smartphones—a new and innovative tool to manage the unthinkable.” Since the majority of shows are laid out using the company’s software, for the most part ELI adds an interactive security tool with ease. The program allows the organizer of any event, indoor or outdoor, to add the interactive map and make it available to only those who need it. As an example, Stone cites the possibility of a medical emergency in a large booth at a large tradeshow. With ELI,

the person in need of assistance could be quickly marked on the map for paramedics to find, saving vital minutes of searching the tradeshow floor and then finding the right part of the booth. “Those minutes could mean the difference between life and death,” Stone explains, adding that, “it’s very easy to use. The Department of Homeland Security is very excited about it. We are in process for Dept. of Homeland Security approval and patent application.” ELI is not an app; it is a mobile website that can be used on any device by anyone with the password. The designers decided not to make it open to the public lest a bad actor makes use of it. In an active shooter situation, the soundless website could lead people away from the active situation, as those near the shooter mark the location as they move away. Currently the company is scaling the cost of ELI to the size of the event. “I hope that ELI is never used but if it is needed, it will be invaluable,” says Stone. Technovation Solutions is located at 5955 Edmond St., Las Vegas, NV 89118. For more info, visit www.technovationsolutions.com or call (702) 550-2921. Expocad’s corporate office is located at 69 S. LaSalle Street, Aurora, IL 60505. For more info, visit www.expocad.com or call (630) 896-2281.

Introducing the 1st Annual ECN I&D ACE Awards!

Call For Entries! Exhibit City News magazine, celebrating its 25th year in 2019, is proud to honor the men and women on your crew with the first national awards honoring I&D, contractors and laborers who make the tradeshows and events HAPPEN! The ACE Awards honor the “BEST of” Aces for those who bring excellence to the show floors and exhibit houses. I&D ACES will be recognized for their dedication to company, customer, facility and co-workers—for going above and beyond with their hard work, loyalty and dedication.

SUBMISSIONS FOR ACE AWARDS ARE DUE BY JAN. 1, 2019 The 1st annual ECN I&D ACE Awards will be presented in Las Vegas in February

Categories include: · ECN I&D ACE Regional awards · Firefighter of the Year ACE award · Best Traveling Lead ACE award (Best at Putting Out those Fires!) · William F. Nixon, Sr., Lifetime · Best City or Regional Achievement ACE award Manager ACE award (with 30+ years in the business) · Rookie of the Year ACE award · ECN’s Posthumous (less than 2 years in the business) Hall of Fame I&D ACE award · Seasoned Show Floor Veteran of the Year ACE award · For a complete list visit (with 20+ years in the business) ExhibitCityNews.com

For more info, visit www.ExhibitCityNews.com

CORPORATE PROFILE

Good Things Come with Great Service: The Crêpes à Latte Story BY CHRISTOPHER POLIS

“Success is best when it’s shared.” — Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks There is another story of shared success and great coffee right within the tradeshow industry: the story of Crêpes à Latte—the leading experiential hospitality provider serving the tradeshow industry nationwide. Based out of Vernon Hills, Ill., Crêpes à Latte employs 28 people who manage more than five hospitality events daily across the country. Starting with signature dessert crepes and cappuccinos, the menu has expanded to include nitrogen ice cream, right-out-of-the-oven cupcakes, freshly-squeezed lemonade, savory street tacos and sliders. The company now offers more than 200 unique flavors prepared with premium high-quality ingredients in each client’s booth. This variety is unusual for inbooth catering, and that’s why Crêpes à Latte, which supported 2,290 events in 2017, is so popular in an industry that thrives on innovation. A leader in experiential hospitality in the medical tradeshow industry, Crêpes à Latte has a diverse client portfolio including companies like Pfizer, Procter and Gamble, Nissan and Microsoft. Many clients utilize Crêpes à Latte

Hailey & Michael Rosenstein

for 15-plus services a year and collaborate with the company when designing new booths to incorporate a successful hospitality experience. More than just a caterer, Crêpes à Latte plays a crucial role in helping clients deliver their messages to customers by building traffic. Each client receives a custom hospitality experience aligned with their exhibit and product goals. According to Hailey Rosenstein, owner and chief marketing officer, who leads the business in partnership with her husband Michael, this is part of their collaborative strategy, to be “a client’s brand ambassador through excellent service and brand consistent giveaways.”

“We make it both seamless and memorable,” she says. “Often, in a tradeshow setting, you can have a lot of excellent content, visual designs and aesthetics. By providing an attendee with a delicious treat or refreshing beverage, we make their engagement with our client’s brand a positive and memorable experience. From an exhibitor perspective, it’s an opportunity for their sales reps to talk about their product or service as prospective clients wait for their beverage. It’s not just about the giveaway, it’s about the time our clients now have with a captive audience. By building traffic, we help our clients realize an ROI on their booth spend by creating

opportunities to engage with customers and prospects.” The Rosensteins’ story is one of hard work and grit, but also of love and passion. In 2001, Michael started the business utilizing his background in fine dining restaurant management, training and operations, and creativity with food R&D. Meanwhile, Hailey was managing event marketing for TAP Pharmaceuticals (Takeda Abbott Partnership)—gaining experience in logistics, advertising and tradeshow marketing in general. Growing up, she attended many tradeshows with her father—the tradeshow industry was in her blood. The Rosensteins met in 2003 when Hailey was one of Michael’s first clients. At that time, Michael had only one laptop computer, a dry erase board for scheduling and a 10 x 10 warehouse. He was doing everything himself, working all the events and doing all the sales—truly humble beginnings compared to today’s 28 employees, a 17,000-sq.ft. facility and 100plus cappuccino stations. They married in 2005 and she joined the business fulltime in 2008. Of the many things they have in common, like the entrepreneurial spirit they both inherited from parents who ran their own businesses, most importantly they

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share a passion for excellent service and people. Together, they focused on building a company dedicated to quality service and continued innovation. Clients have come to expect a high-touch hospitality partner that introduces new services each year, can custom color match food and beverages to their brand colors and ensures unlimited quantities for each of their services. Without a doubt, that passion is also shared by the employees who come from varying backgrounds as well. Across the senior management team, there’s a mix of skill sets and expertise—whether it be culinary training in Paris, management consulting, hospitality, entrepreneurship, training or general management. Some employees have known and worked with the Rosensteins for more than 25 years. Hailey credits much of the company’s success to the employees. “Systems and structures allow you to grow, but our people are our biggest differentiator,” she explains. “Our team is passionate about serving their clients. Being detail oriented is a natural trait. Everybody loves serving people and creating memorable experiences through food.” Another important aspect of the company’s success is their organic growth. “All of our growth has been natural,” says Hailey. “We have not sent email blasts out to our clients or potential clients, no cold calling, only a few networking events a year, and our website was only recently updated. Our growth is @ExhibitCityNews

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“S’mores Pops” build traffic in a client booth

based on word of mouth, satisfied clients returning each year and companies seeing our great service in action.” Adds Hailey, “That is something the team should be proud of. We didn’t plan for such ambitious goals. We got to this place by being diligent, always putting the customer experience first and having fun doing it. We exceeded our own expectations.” The Rosensteins now plan to share the value of their company with their employees through an “employee stock ownership plan” (ESOP). The company recently became 100 percent employee owned. Structurally, it will remain the same since the Rosensteins will continue to lead the company and serve as members of the board. What’s the inspiration for this change? Hailey explains,

“It supports our plan to build a long-term sustainable legacy that rewards employees. After thorough research, we knew that an ESOP provides a structure where Crêpes à Latte’s employees can benefit from the company’s long-term success. By giving our employees an ownership stake, we are incentivizing the team to continue our track record of innovation and award-winning service. We are proud of continuing to invest in an ownership culture that will serve our clients at tradeshows across the country.” Studies confirm the success of an ESOP. Some leading companies with ESOP programs are Herman Miller, Publix Super Markets, Clif Bar, Gore Tex, Medtronic and Paychex. Now, Crêpes à Latte will be joining that list. This news was first revealed

to employees August 22 at a party on the Chicago Elite Yacht. The Rosensteins rolled out a campaign called “Own It,” giving employees shirts with “I have a piece of the pie!” printed on the back. Multiple employees were recognized for their aboveand- beyond contributions with trophies, and everyone received gifts. Additionally, they announced the news of Crêpes à Latte being added to the Inc. 5000, the annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Crêpes à Latte is the leading experiential hospitality provider serving the tradeshow industry nationwide that excels in providing unique tradeshow booth hospitality services that build traffic and captivate the attention of attendees. For more info, visit www.crepesalatte.com.

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TRADESHOW/EVENTS PODCAST

The Don & Mike Show Celebrates Its One-Year Anniversary BY JEANNE BREI

The Don and Mike Show, a weekly podcast “highlighting tradeshows, events and experiential marketing in today’s world,” celebrated its one-year anniversary with the release of its 52nd weekly podcast in July. The duo—Don Svehla, publisher of Exhibit City News magazine, and Mike Morrison, national sales director for WS Displays—have announced six unique marketing sponsorship packages in conjunction with Exhibit City News magazine and website as well as a chance for a lucky listener/ participant to win $2,000. The winner will be selected from people who participate in the show, like and share the show on social media, call into the show or ultimately

participate in any way. The drawing will be held on Dec. 13 during their live broadcast at Expo Expo in New Orleans. “The show, which promotes the discussion of a myriad of industry topics, is becoming the ‘go-to source’ for those wanting to learn more and get involved with the industry associations including ESCA, IAEE, EDPA and EACA,” says Svehla. Co-host/producer Morrison says, “Over the last year … we’ve had nearly 3,000 listens to our shows … 10 percent of those coming in the last two weeks with the addition of the many podcasts platforms like iTunes and Google Play. We are gaining extensive momentum at the present.” As part of its push to record live from industry events and

A COMPLETE LIST OF SHOWS – HEAR THEIR TOP-RATED INTERVIEWS • Brian Moore and Canada Labor Disputes on The Don and Mike Show! • Georgia World Congress Center’s Joe Bocherer and Randy Smith events! • MGM to add WIS Program to Las Vegas Properties; Top Trends in our Industries! • MGM Sues Shooting Victims, Union updates and The Chicago Randy! • Jon Massimino joins The Don and Mike Show! • HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to The Don and Mike Show! Mark Zimmerman Joins The Don and Mike Show! • ESCA Conference and IFES Summit on The Don and Mike Show! • ESCA President Rich Curran joins The Don and Mike Show! • AMENDED SHOW for 6.15.2018 with Marc Wayshak! • Marc Wayshak joins The Don and Mike Show! • IAEE’s David Dubois joins The Don and Mike Show! • Tim Bookout Joins The Don and Mike Show! • ESCA’s Mitt Arnaudet joins The Don and Mike Show! • Rebecca Thompson and Mike Sunseri Join The Don and Mike Show! • Dan Greene joins The Don and Mike Show! • Guy Zwick joins The Don and Mike Show! • ESCA’s Julie Kagy Joins The Don and Mike Show! • EDPA’s Jeff Provost joins The Don and Mike Show! • Fred Zimmerman joins Don and Mike • Experiential Marketing at GlobalShop 2018 on The Don and Mike Show! • Happy Easter From The Don and Mike Show! • Mitt Arnaudet joins The Don and Mike Show! • Dave Kennedy Joins The Don and Mike Show! • Doug Rawady joins The Don and Mike Show! • EVENT SECURITY! Sam Arjune joins The Don and Mike Show! • Joe Bottone joins The Don and Mike Show! • EDPA’s Jeff Provost and Doug Rawady join Don and Mike! • Julie Kagy joins The Don and Mike Show! • Doug Young Joins The Don and Mike Show! • Mark Zuleski Joins The Don and Mike Show! • David Mihalik joins The Don and Mike Show! • Kevin Fett joins The Don and Mike Show! • Brian Baker joins The Don and Mike Show! • Dan Greene visits the Don and Mike Show! • Jay Burkette VP Expo Displays talks to Don and Mike! • Jackson Young - FIT Institute Professor on the Don and Mike Show! • EDPA Conference 2017 - On Location for the Don and Mike Show! • The Best Of The Don and Mike Show for 2017 - Happy Thanksgiving! • James Zacharias joins the Don and Mike Show! • Roman Moszkowicz talks about lighting in the industry! • Octanorm’s Norm Friedrich joins the Show! Final Gripe and Moan Segment! • Halloween Show - The Don and Mike Show! 10.27.2017 • Rich Curran from Expo Convention Contractors on ESCA, Show Trends and General Contractors! • RANDY SMITH MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC Special Edition! • Blake Herder from ATN Event Staffing on Experiential Marketing! 10.6.2017 • Michael McMahon joins the Don and Mike Show speaking on Access 2017! • Richard Erschik on ROI and Don Pounds Trade Show Food! • Joe Cascio from SMT Expo Interview on Changes! 9.15.2017 • Larry Kulchawik International Interview! 9.8.2017 • Glenn Diehl from Skyline Genesis NYC Interview! 9.1.2017 • Mark Burns from Spoon Exhibits Interview! 8.25.2017 • Jim Wurm from EACA on Industry Trends! 8.18.2017 • Calanit Atia from AtoZ Events Las Vegas Interview! 8.11.2017 • David Bishop from ShowNets interview on Internet Services! 8.4.2017 • Sandra Braun from EDPA Southeast interview! 7.21.2017 • Cathy Breden interview from CEIR on trends in the industry! 7.7.2017

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Hear Don and Mike at these locations! ExhibitCityNews.Com — tinyurl.com/y7x9tujh LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/groups/12096643 Facebook — www.facebook.com/dandmshow/ Twitter — twitter.com/DonAndMikeShow1 iTunes — itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-d…how/id1411548894 Google Play — play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#…5tgx36tsmz4tlitpa Stitcher — www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-don-and-mike-show Spreaker — www.spreaker.com/show/the-don-and-mike-show TuneIn.com — tunein.com/podcasts/Business--…Mike-Show-p1142098/

interact with their listeners— the many hard-working industry stakeholders—The Don and Mike Show has already done live event audio and/or videos at the ESCA Summer Educational Conferences in 2017 and 2018, EDPA Access 2017, Suntrust Park in Atlanta, Exhibitor Show 2018, EDPA Engage 2018 in Chicago, EDPA Las Vegas Charity Golf, @ExhibitCityNews

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The Randy Smith Golf Classic 2017, Get Out of the Gutter Randy Atlanta 2017 and they will be will be recording shows live this fall from the Randy Smith in Atlanta, from EDPA ACCESS in Naples and from the ESCA booth in New Orleans at IAEE’s Expo Expo. Morrison commends the key industry role ESCA plays in its many initiatives, including guiding the industry through its work concerning convention center security and nationwide badging efforts. “It’s all about content,” he explains, “and delivering it in a format that’s entertaining while always respecting the listeners time,” adding that “over the course of our first year we have increased the number of platforms in which we reach our diversified groups of listeners.” From their home base on ExhibitCityNews.com they also reach listeners through iTunes, Google Play Podcasts,

Soundcloud.com, YouTube, as well as popular social media streams such as Facebook (@dandmshow), Twitter (@ DonandMikeShow1), LinkedIn.com (www.linkedin.com/ groups/12096643), Stitcher. com, Podcast Addict, Reddit Podcasts, Spreaker.com and TuneIn.com.

tional sales director for WS Displays. Call-ins and texts are welcome; call toll free at (833) 366-2636 or text comments to (770) 298-0695. For a complete list of shows, visit https:// soundcloud.com/user-763433310.

The Don and Mike Show” is a weekly podcast “highlighting tradeshows, events and experiential marketing in today’s world,” co-hosted by Don Svehla, publisher of Exhibit City News magazine, and Mike Morrison, na-

THE DON & MIKE SHOW INTERACTIVE LUCKY LISTENER/PARTICIPANT CONTEST WIN $2,000 CASH! By participating and interacting with The Don & Mike Show podcast Just like and share the show on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc.), call in during a show on their toll-free number or leave comments on the tracks online between Aug. 1–Dec. 1 to receive entries for the drawing. The Lucky Listener/Participant will be announced on Dec. 13 during the live broadcast at Expo Expo in New Orleans. The more you participate—the more entries you earn!

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

Photo credit: Aluvision

Cutting extrusions at the Aluvision facility in Duluth, Georgia

The Refinement of Aluminum Frame Systems

Q&A Spotlight with “Big Al” Lichtman

Pp.42-44

Pp. 45

With Emphasis on Sustainability

Six Questions

The Wow Booth

MAGIC Photo Poll

Highmark Outdoor Launches EventMAX at World of Concrete

What do you like best about being a tradeshow manager?

Pp. 46-47

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This section is dedicated to all exhibit house professionals, as well as all exhibit managers and tradeshow coordinators worldwide. For advertising information and rates, please call our offices at 702-309-8023 and ask for sales. @ExhibitCityNews

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

THE REFINEMENT OF ALUMINUM FRAME SYSTEMS by Lesley Martin

n 1968, Hans Staeger introduced the extruded Octanorm Exhibition Stand System at EuroShop in DĂźsseldorf. At that time, most exhibits were heavy wooden structures, and set-up required a crew with carpentry skills and tools. In the 1990s, inspired by what he saw as a trend overseas, Mick Parrott, founder of Highmark TechSystems, a U.S.-based leader in modular properties and years ahead of itself in green practices, made a compelling and early case for modular

exhibit properties, multi-level exhibits and the practice of renting rather than owning exhibits. Since then, they have evolved to become versatile, modular systems that simplify set-up and enhance reusability.

No Metals Compare to Aluminum and Titanium

A lightweight, strong and malleable metal, aluminum is extremely versatile. It can be bent into shapes and maintain its shape in extreme conditions (such as being launched into

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space). Norm Friedrich, president/CEO of Octanorm says, “As an engineer, it’s the mechanical properties of extruded aluminum that continue to amaze me. Based on the weight to strength ratio, there is no other material that compares.” In the macroeconomy, aluminum is plentiful: soda cans, mobile devices, aircrafts and automobiles are some of the products that contain aluminum. In 2012, 1.9 million tons of aluminum were produced for containers and packaging alone, and another 1.7 million tons went to appliances, vehicle parts and other durable goods, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Aluminum’s Lightweight Benefits

In exhibitions, the costs of shipping and drayage services are directly correlated with the weight of exhibit properties. Those services can eat up a quarter of the exhibitor’s budget. Thus, lightweight solutions are prized. And when it comes to aluminum, the weight differences are significant. Stephan De Mulder, senior account director of Aluvision Inc., says, “Aluminum frame systems used to build walls are easily about five times lighter than wooden wall panels.” Robert Laarhoven, president, beMatrix USA, says that “Aluminum frames also have an advantage over wood in that putting them in a trailer from a warm warehouse during a Minneapolis winter, crossing the plains in a trailer that is below freezing, crossing the desert heat soaking it, and changing humidity in ways that would be a nightmare for someone with curly

hair would be devastating for the longevity of wooden framed panels, but aluminum takes it in stride.” Lightweight systems save on shipping and drayage and require fewer labor hours. One installer can handle a lightweight system, whereas heavy properties require more crew members and result in higher labor costs.

Malleability of Aluminum

Friedrich continues, “Aluminum is also malleable and ductile, which allows it to be formed into various shapes while maintaining its strength.” To create aluminum pieces that fit together into a system, forms are created by the aluminum extrusions process. According to Bonnell Aluminum’s website, “Extrusion is defined as the process of shaping material, such as aluminum, by forcing it to flow through a shaped opening in a die. Extruded material emerges as an elongated piece with the same profile as the die opening.” To witness a similar process, watch kids play with the Play-Doh Pumper Factory. First, they’ll take a solid chunk of soft Play-Doh and pump the Play-Doh through the toy. Out flows a continuous, elongated piece shaped by the opening’s profile. If the opening is a simple round hole, the Play-Doh “extrudes” as long, spaghetti-like Play-Doh. The aluminum extrusion process begins by heating the metal to 750-900 degrees Fahrenheit. Malleable but still solid, the material is transferred to a press that forces it into a container. Once in the container, pressure increases and forces the aluminum

through an opening. From the other side a length of consistently shaped aluminum extrusion emerges. In the tradeshow industry, extruded pieces are assembled to create frames and interior systems (such as shelving, displays, counters and more). Each company’s patented systems and quality output set them apart. Laarhoven says that another consideration for exhibiting companies is “each manufacturer’s engineering capabilities, innovations and R&D, support services and customer service,” adding, “Remember, when the iPod was introduced there were already 50 MP3 players on the market. It was partly the Apple magic, but mostly iTunes and the advantages that additional range of features and services provided that truly made the product valuable.”

Aluminum System Advancements

Although systems were revolutionary in the 20th century, the early iterations were unrefined. Shiny aluminum frames peeked through the graphics, giving the exhibit an unfinished look. The cookie cutter frames limited the creativity options for exhibit

design. And for installers, the systems were complicated to learn. That’s all changed in recent years as providers of aluminum extrusions are offering additional support and more sophisticated product lines. Debbie Parrott, president, Highmark TechSystems, points to her company’s recent innovation: extruded aluminum outdoor structures. “The idea of an extruded outdoor system initially seemed simple: just take our ExpoDeck outdoors. The amount of engineering that went into this new product was daunting, but we developed a structure that can withstand weather, support graphics, and can be a multi-story system with a standard footprint of 16’ x 16’ It can be completely enclosed and is totally customizable. Like our other Highmark products, the outdoor deck can be expanded to go up or to go out.” “Until about 10 years ago, the word ‘systems’ had a negative connotation because they were seen as bulky and not finished. Although we still see those systems out there, most other systems have developed a way to hide the system,” says De Mulder. “For everything we develop, we try to Continued on p. 44 September/October 2018 43

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor Continued from p. 43 hide the structure as much as possible so that the end user gets that custom look without seeing a lot of aluminum. This has modernized the concept of extrusions and aluminum exhibits in general.”

Reusability Reduces Waste

Companies have refined their own patented systems for reusability, modularity and versatility, prolonging the life of the design possibilities. Until recently, “custom” exhibits were defined as wood products with limited modularity. The design and layout of that type of “custom” build was basically limited to the original, with additional components built to extend usability. If the exhibiting company under-

went a rebrand, initiated a new campaign, or otherwise needed to refresh their exhibit properties, they built new. Today “custom” means that the exhibit structure delivers a unique message and experience. The modularity and versatility of frames allow them to be interchangeable like Legos. In addition to offering so many design possibilities and graphics-friendly features, extruded aluminum systems also offer sustainability as an advantage. A quality frame system that is properly maintained can last for decades while “built” exhibits eventually end up in the landfill. “Aluminum can be recycled over and over again without

loss of quality. In fact, recycled aluminum has the same quality as new aluminum. That already makes it more ecological,” explains Claire Wyckaert, sales manager west coast for Aluvision. According to the Aluminum Association, recycling has kept in use about 75 percent of all aluminum ever made. beMatrix USA is passionate about sustainability and respect for planet Earth. As co-owner Edwin Van der Vennet wrote last year after a beMatrix employee witnessed the aftermath of a build and burn show in China: “The solution is very obvious. ‘System Building Solutions’ are key. They favor our planet and our offspring.”

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Precision and consistency in the cut parts ensure that the pieces of the system fit together seamlessly. The ease of install reduces set-up time, which can lead to significant cost savings on labor. Says beMatrix’s Laarhoven, “The extreme reconfigurability of today’s systems also make them ideal for rental programs. An owned exhibit may go to several shows and spend the rest of the year in a warehouse, but rental properties are ‘on the road’ almost constantly, greatly reducing the amount of underutilization and reducing the overall waste of resources in yet another way. In fact, beMatrix b62 frames designed to function as walls, floors or ceilings, eliminating the need for dedicated flooring and overhead systems and even further reducing specialized, underused inventory.”

A quality frame system, properly maintained, can last for decades... Aluminum Tariffs

In June 2018, a 10 percent tariff on aluminum went into effect. In the news, the beer industry has earned the most attention, as this directly affects consumers. Colorado’s Oskar Blues Brewery told the Denver Post that the new tariff means every case of canned beer could cost them 20 to 24 cents more to produce, raising their annual expenses by $475,000 to $575,000. For the tradeshow aluminum systems providers, the potential impact of the tariffs is currently not an issue. Octanorm’s Friedrich says, “The recent tariff on aluminum pertains to the base metal or ingot, which only has minimal effect on us. Aluminum is a man-made alloy containing other metals, which are not subject to the tax.” The early iterations of extrusion systems were bulky and cookie cutter, not giving end-clients the impact of a custom exhibit. Over the years, aluminum frame systems have evolved to modular, versatile and reusable systems that offer significant benefits.

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Q & A SPOTLIGHT WITH “BIG AL” LICHTMAN

Big Al Lichtman with his mentor, John Starks

Six Questions for a “People Person” by Jeanne Brei

ig Al” Lichtman stands 6’6” and looms large in the tradeshow world in Miami. Although he grew up in “da Bronx,” he moved to Florida in 1972 as a teenager and he’s been a member of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades AFL-CIO (IUPAT), Sign & Display for 35 years. He spent 20 years working on the tradeshow floors at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Broward County, Orlando, Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., and another 17 years working in the office as the business rep for the union. He’s planning his retirement for later this year and says, “I have been blessed with two of the most beautiful granddaughters–I’m going to spend more time with them. I’m probably going to open up a consulting firm–I’m young enough to still help our industry grow, and play more golf.” ECN: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into tradeshows? AL: I was working at Ryder Truck lines years ago and all these crates were coming in for the car and other shows from the convention center. One of the guy’s brothers said he was working to set up the @ExhibitCityNews

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shows and they always needed help. So, I worked a couple of years as a B worker and then decided to make it a career. Back then there really wasn’t too much training–this was in 1981–you just worked until you got put into the union. It was all on-the-job training. ECN: What do you like best about your job? AL: I just love the people– you’re always meeting new and interesting people. You see the newest cars and boats as they’re coming in, you see the latest products like new medical and computer systems. it wasn’t like a 9-5 job sitting in a cubicle watching time pass. I’m a people person and I just loved being out there helping people. We were the first labor union to join ESCA about 25 years ago. I was the first union official to be asked to be on the board of ESCA back in 2008. I’m currently serving my second two-year term. ECN: How about a mentor? AL: My mentor was John Starks–he was our main steward, who took me under his wing. He had a gift in the way he approached and talked to exhibitors, members and contractors. His no-nonsense, stern, yet fair way of dealing

with people is what drew me to him. He helped me become president of the union (which is actually a working position) for 11 years before I was elected to business rep. ECN: Do you have something you wish you could tell exhibit managers to make your job easier? AL: “Read your kits!” It’s a tough thing because of all the different unions and rules in the many cities. The best advice that I can give a show mananger is to do your homework. Try and meet with the facility, contractor and union before your event, so you can ask the tough questions to make sure your event goes smooth without any hitches. ECN: Do you have a favorite tradeshow, tradeshow city and tradeshow memory? AL: Well my favorite tradeshows are the car shows and the boat shows–seeing the new cars and the new boats– and the friendships that you make because you see the same people year after year. I used to travel to do shows too–like the boat show in New York–I’m from there so I could spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square and visit my family and see all the new boats. At the tile/ flooring show in New Orleans, I worked 119 hours the first week and 112 hours the

following week–it’s a huge show, it’s a tough show–lots of containers to empty and lots of tiles to install…that’s what they call blood money–you make a lot but you work a lot. As for a favorite memory– we were the first union to exhibit on tradeshows which was the TS 2 show. My partner, Cliff Germano, (our director of training back then), and I won the first Showfloor Olympics put on by EACA in Chicago [in 1999]. We won $200 each and a medal. We had to set up, take down and move a pop up display, do a tape toss and answer industry questions. ECN: Any advice for those entering the industry? AL: It’s not a job you’re going to get rich at–it’s a job that you can feed your family with and meet plenty of people and make lifelong friends. There’s so many new products and new shows happening all the time–it’s always changing–it’s always exciting and I always enjoyed the people and the work. Things are constantly changing in the tradeshow industry, and the key is adapting to the changes. I’ve never been on a show that didn’t open on time–even if it meant working all night to open it at 8 a.m. I’ve been blessed with the many friends and associates I’ve met through the 37 years working in this industry.

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

PROJECT CREDITS Design: Skyline-Holt Exhibits + Events Fabrication: Highmark Outdoor/ Highmark TechSystems I&D: Nth Degree Project Mgmt.: Philip Foust, Skyline-Holt Exhibits + Events Photography: Exposures

»» Allow ample access and adhere to all ADA rules and regulations.

HIGHMARK OUTDOOR LAUNCHES EVENTMAX AT THE WORLD OF CONCRETE by Jeanne Brei and Pat Friedlander

here’s no rule that all exhibits need to be in the convention hall. Just ask Philip Foust, vice president of growth and development at Skyline-Holt Exhibits + Events. His company partnered with Highmark TechSystems at the January 2018 World of Concrete in

LasVegas with a 16’ x 16’ outdoor structure for client AMS-Merlo (Applied Machinery Sales, the official importer of Merlo telehandlers for North America). Foust’s company used EventMAX from the Highmark Outdoor line launched at the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS) in

»» Be modular so that whether rented 2017, and the World of Concrete marked the debut of the EventMAX product. According to Kurt Moore, vice president of research and development at Highmark TechSystems, the structure deployed at World of Concrete “evolved from the concept of taking an indoor deck and moving it outdoors.” As he explains, “While at first glance it might seem an easy task, there were, nevertheless, a number of issues to be resolved. We began by setting goals for the performance of any structure Highmark might field. We decided that any offering would need to meet the following requirements:

»» Have the ability to deliver secure, weather-tight and climatecontrolled zones in any fully enclosed area. »» Be able to withstand loads generated by 110-mph winds.

or purchased any structure can be added on to or reconfigured. »» Live up to standards created by its indoor predecessor. Fast to set-up, reliably solid and elegant. From that point we defined designs that would fit into one of five phases--from a Phase One project, comprised of little more than a weather resistant version of our legacy ExpoDeck product to a Phase Five version offering two floors of climate-controlled space complete with lighting and numerous finishes and graphic options.” Says Moore, “The property developed for Skyline-Holt was what we refer to as a Phase Four, consisting of a fully enclosed, weather-tight and secure first floor topped off by an observation platform upstairs. The entire second story featured a canopy designed to blow away at 50-60 mph winds for additional safety. Early in January

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at CES, we experienced the unpredictability of Las Vegas weather, so we wanted to be prepared.” Moore adds, “For this activation we outfitted our WeatherMax perimeter walls with clear polycarbonate and client-supplied custom graphics.” Numerous upgrades and improvements were necessary to take Highmark’s product outdoors. These included altering all components to tolerate exposure to wind, sun and rain while designing and adding more than 20 new extrusions to EventMAX inventory. A one-piece membrane protected the lower space from rain and snow, while all wall matting surfaces had integral weather seals assuring a snug

interior no matter the weather. And of course, all engineering standards were upgraded to include wind load calculations. Foust was on site at World of Concrete and was the project manager. He enthusiastically endorses Highmark Outdoor and wrote a note saying, “A huge thank you goes out to the Highmark TechSystems team! We are very happy with the outdoor double-deck solution that Highmark provided our mutual client for the World of Concrete 2018 show. The deck product looked amazing and went up and down super easy for being a 25-foot-tall outdoor deck with fully enclosed lower level. In addition to the top notch product,

...a fully enclosed, weathertight and secure first floor topped off by an observation platform upstairs...[with] a canopy designed to blow away at 50-60 mph winds... the Highmark team and the support they provided was second to none.” Foust added, “The exhibitor stated that we had ‘far exceeded their expectations,’ and there is no better outcome than that. We at Skyline-Holt Exhibits + Events

are thrilled to have a partner like Highmark and already have some other clients that are interested in several of their new outdoor solutions. We are looking forward to working with Highmark on many more projects in the future.”

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT BEING A TRADESHOW MANAGER? ECN visited MAGIC at the Las Vegas Convention Center just before the closing bell to ask a few tradeshow managers an easy question…What do you like best about being a tradeshow manager and what are some of the challenges?

by Jeanne Brei

Henry Peoples: “Flexibility is one of the main things I like best. As an independent contractor, I deal directly with the client on both the back end doing prep work and the front end managing the staff and running the team. I’d say that satisfying the staffing demands of the client, especially on the staff’s skill sets and appearances can be challenging. I got my start in Atlantic City and I also travel from city to city for my clients and it can be a challenge finding something to eat and drink after 9 p.m. outside of Las Vegas. I really appreciate Las Vegas being a 24-hour town. I spent 25 years working with hotels—I was manager of convention operations at Mandalay Bay and I opened up the Venetian working as the assistant meeting services manager—and I’ve spent 16 years in tradeshow management—this is not a hobby to me. This is what I do and I love what I do. I never ask my people to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”

Larry DeFrank:

“What I like best is the challenge of having a successful show—I thrive off of that. My biggest challenge is teaching customer service to the new hires—especially if they don’t show up for work—that’s definitely my biggest challenge.”

Emmanuel Acosta: “What I love best is the

people interaction and having happy, excited people at each show. Challenges can arise when we have new guests and new employees— they can be challenging but it’s a good challenge. I really like challenges.”

Erica Gradney: “I like the actual word, challenge! I love the challenge of working with the client to understand what their needs are and then empowering the team to do their very best to make the show a success. I love working with lots of different people all the time, especially the diversity of the people on the tradeshow floor. I really like the fact that every show is different and there’s so many different aspects—from tech issues, training, attendees. I love problem solving and putting out fires, whether it’s a technical issue or someone’s personal issues. I believe highly in customer service training and understanding each individual staff member’s needs.”

Rosalind Anderson:

“I like that things are constantly changing—there’s no two shows that are ever the same. When I started in the industry someone told me, ‘It’s just like birthing a baby. Every show is different.’ I love figuring out each challenge.”

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TRADESHOW/EVENT SOLUTIONS

ALUVISION CASE STUDY

Equifax By Adcraft Inc.

Equifax Workforce Solutions booth photo by Exposures, Ltd. Photography

“Daunting… that was the first word that came to mind when I was charged with the task of sourcing a new 20x20 booth” says Kelly Naimo at Equifax Workforce Solutions. Luckily, she could count on the expertise of Shea Blanton at Adcraft, Inc., to guide her through the many possibilities and challenges of this project. In their search for a modern look, flexibility and new technology, they turned to Aluvision for a solution. Combining a wide range of Aluvision’s solutions resulted in a stunning 20 x 20 exhibit that was showcased for the first time at the SHRM Conference and will be reused and reconfigured for many shows to come!

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The heart of quality lies with our people who are invested in making your customer experience a memorable one. At Kingsmen, quality is in our DNA. Enrich your brand experience by visiting kingsmen-int.com

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Panama

Amador Convention Center to Open in December

New Venue Expected to Boost MICE in Panama by Cynthya Porter

fficials in Panama say the country is poised to dramatically increase the number of tradeshows and events there with the anticipated opening of the Amador Convention Center in Panama City later this year. The facility is part of a $193 million development project involving the Amador Causeway, a fourmile-long thoroughfare that separates the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean and contains a concentration of Panama City’s tourism attractions. Together the improvements are expected to draw millions of new visitors to Panama and position Panama City as a premier destination for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The Amador Convention Center was a necessity, government officials say, because the city’s Atlapa Convention Center has a maximum capacity of 10,500, a figure well short of the needs of many international expositions today. The new facility, which is expected to be completed in December, will span 624,000 sq.ft.

and include 323,000 sq.ft. of exhibition space, an outdoor amphitheater, a performing arts center, a grand ballroom, an atrium and more. The capacity will be 25,000, and tourism officials have been attending events for meeting planners around the world to attract interest in the new space. Rodolfo Del Valle, a director of sales for venue manager SMG, told investors that the expected revenues will be significant. “The Amador Convention Center will be a trigger for the Panamanian economy and it is expected that in 2019, the country will receive more than $18 million in association with the operation of this complex,” he says, noting that the figure represents revenue from only 100 meetings because the venue will not be fully operational until mid-year. Once established, the Panama Tourism Authority says it expects to host conventions and congresses with an attendance of more than 10,000 people every month. For 2017, Panama City was ranked sixth in Latin America for the number of interna-

tional meetings hosted annually, according to a report published by American Express Meetings and Events. The International Congress and Convention Association puts it in eighth place when compared to all of Latin America. Though it is a substantial improvement over previous years when Panama ranked as low as 19th, it is only a starting block for tourism officials who say they aim to put Panama on top. Panama is uniquely positioned to become a global destination, officials say, because it is geographically located in a place that can be reached with direct flights from all of North and South America and most of Europe. With an increase in air traffic looming as a result of the new convention center, the Panamanian government is also upgrading Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport and recently invested heavily in the city’s subway system. Those measures, as well as the convention center, are all part of the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development 2007-2020, which was minted in 2007. Among the plan’s main objectives is to promote sustainable tourism through the improvement of facility capacity, and the Amador Convention Center project puts the country on a trajectory to achieve that goal on schedule. The accomplishment of other goals, such as to strengthen the tourism industry by infusing it with new revenue and to fairly and evenly distribute the economic benefits that come from improvements, is expected to follow. “For more than a century, Panama has been the hub of the Americas and is the place where international commerce comes together,” says Gustavo Him, minister of the Panama Tourism Authority. “With our new convention centers, modern hotels, historic attractions and convenient air service, Panama is poised to become the destination of choice for international meetings and conventions.” Cynthya Porter is a 70-time award-winning journalist recognized by national and international associations for her journalistic expertise in tradeshow topics, travel writing, photography and news.

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Physical + Digital = â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phygitalâ&#x20AC;?: Bold Ideas to Bring Brands Closer to Their Audience BY SARAH CHEW

Blending the best elements of physical and digital creates a unique mix of creative and technological capabilities which will create new experiences that allow audiences to maximize their interactions with brands. In an increasingly saturated environment of content and communications, messages that are translated to the audience have to be impactful both to the senses and to the intellect. The objectives of exhibitions and events remain the same through the years: to make it a successful, impactful and engaging experience. With physical experiences, the tangible build and structure of the exhibition influences the space through which visitors can navigate. Engagement is determined through how the spatial design caters to the needs of visitors, and interaction can

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...Moving beyond physical spaces, the reach to audience group can be done through social media platforms... be expanded within the space with both objects on display and people. Moving beyond physical spaces, the reach to audience group can be done through social media platforms. Online engagement creates another form of interactive space for audiences. Apart from the online platforms, digital content marketing tools also influence people’s interest in an event or exhibition. Bridging the digital with the physical world, technology will become increas-

ingly integrated into our built environment. It is no secret that the physical and digital world has been converging extensively. From applications on our mobile phones to digital touchpoints throughout the day, the technologies are getting more intuitive and sophisticated, further blurring the lines between both. Largescale interactive exhibits have the ability to engage the presence of the visitors and capture the attention on sheer size. Bring in the use of holographic images and projection-mapped displays with the clever use of video and social media; it adds a new dimension to the exhibit. Brands should also consider integrating exciting, traffic-driving forms of engagement that can capture data which can be transformed into lead capture and aid in future business decisions. This form of “phygital” engagement creates interactivity that has digital measurability.

Often, brands need to explore the use of creating a strong narrative storytelling experience for heightened sensorial experiences. However, with visitors exposed to limitless varieties of technology at shows, it will get more difficult to keep up with their interests and keep things fresh and novel from their perspective. The exhibit floor requires exhibitors to be nimble with their strategy, by ensuring that booths are flexible, to be able to respond to the quick, fast pace that technology progresses, yet create strong audience engagement with visitors by combining the physical and digital space. This approach will help them stay current without compromising on sustainability in the long run. Sarah Chew is the executive director of Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd., a leading communication design and production group in Asia Pacific & the Middle East.

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AIPC

Public & Private Sector Collaboration: THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND BARCELONA’S MODEL BY MARC RODRIGUEZ, CENTRE DE CONVENCIONS INTERNACIONAL DE BARCELONA

In 2017, Barcelona headed the world ranks of the cities that host the most international congresses and conventions, according to the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association). This important statistic, reflecting joint efforts and dedication, serves to confirm Barcelona’s need to maintain its highly fruitful collaborative model, based on public and private sector cooperation—a successful formula closely observed by cities from all five continents. Through private management of public facilities, major examples of public infrastructure in Barcelona can be run more efficiently by optimizing the use of taxes, social input and suppliers. One clear example of this model’s success is Barcelona International Convention Centre (the CCIB according to its Spanish acronym), one of the biggest in southern Europe. For every euro invested in its construction and maintenance, Barcelona’s population has recovered 1.39 euros in direct form and another 8.50 euros in indirect ways, according to a 2017 study by Barcelona University. The CCIB also helps to decentralize the city’s tourism by promoting a new business area of Barcelona that has undergone spectacular urban change. This new area, which features the Torre Glòries skyscraper, is a magnet for start-ups and companies from the technological sector. Facebook has just announced that it plans to open an operational centre in Torre Glòries to combat fake news on its pages. Barcelona ranks fifth in importance as a European technological hub, beaten only by London, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam, according to the Start-up

Ecosystem Overview, drawn up by Mobile World Capital Barcelona. Congresses play a key role in combatting the seasonality of tourism, helping to ensure more rational use of hotel facilities and city services. Knowledge-based tourism and bleisure (which combines business with pleasure) are a good way of complementing holiday tourism, helping to redistribute visitor arrivals across the year. Most visitors and delegates to congresses also consume quality leisure, cultural and gastronomic services, in turn helping to generate skilled employment in the city. It is important to remember that congress and convention centres operate within a framework of sectors affected by medium and long-term business cycles. This makes them genuine barometers when it comes to predicting future economic activity. This invaluable information is fundamental for public policymakers, because it can be used to anticipate and assess the need to introduce measures to combat such cycles. We can proudly state that Barcelona shows no sign of any slowdown in its congress activities over the next five years. We see a very rosy future ahead of us. A strategic and social partner The CCIB, which acted as a venue in 2017 for a total of 122 events attended by some 476,910 delegates, is now one of the city’s strategic partners, helping to foster interaction with industry, the healthcare and biotechnological sectors, the university community and cultural world; all important aspects of the city. In addition, networking has proven itself to play a fundamental role in building loyalty in the organization

of corporative and scientific events, thus helping to attract talent to the city. The social component is also important. In 2014, the CCIB participated in a plucky municipal bid to reintegrate a largely neglected area lacking in cohesion into the city. The CCIB has incorporated social policies in its road map. Through the Barcelona Forum District Association (of which we are co-founder members, together with local hotels and businesses), more than 421 people at risk of social exclusion have found employment since 2011. In addition, in its capacity as the CCIB’s partner, the public administration receives income in the form of dividends that can be reinvested in improving the quality of life of Barcelona’s citizens. In short, this is a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone. Marc Rodriguez is general manager at the CCIB Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona, in addition to his role as a member of the AIPC board of directors. AIPC represents a global network of ore than 185 leading centres in 60 countries with the active involvement of more than 900 management-level professionals worldwide. It is committed to encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention center management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international representation, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs to achieve this. AIPC also celebrates and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry in supporting economic, academic and professional development and enhancing global relations amongst highly diverse business and cultural interests. For more info, visit www.aipc.org or contact marianne.de.raay@aipc.org.

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Experts Explain a Practical Approach to GDPR Compliance Regulations Follow Widespread Breaches of Data Privacy by Cynthya Porter

illed for the better part of a year as an impending calamity for every business with a customer database or even a drawer full of business cards, the official implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25 was met more with head-scratching than anything else—particularly for businesses outside of the European Union that were trying to decipher whether they needed to care about GDPR or not. After all, the new rules for handling personal data were not exactly a short read at 261 pages, 11 chapters and 99 Articles, and while virtually everyone in the free world had heard the GDPR acronym by the time it was enacted, comparatively few knew exactly what the new regulations meant. The short answer is that if

a company does no business with anyone residing in the EU, then it is not affected by GDPR, which is entirely constructed to protect the private information of EU citizens. However, if even one person on a company’s mailing list is an EU citizen, then the regulations are technically supposed to be followed. For exhibitors collecting attendee information on the show floor, the rules are almost certainly in effect due to the likelihood that residents of the EU will attend a show. And for companies from the United States who want to exhibit overseas, Rob Brazier adherence to the new policies is crucial. But what exactly are those regulations? For those still wondering, a handful of experts have broken it down into bite-sized bits.

Peter Gillett

According to Peter Gillett, CEO of Mobile Lead Capture app creator Zuante, the concepts of GDPR are simpler than the 261 pages would imply. “The whole idea behind GDPR is to ensure that contact data is retained and used in the way that individuals require, and also to make sure that their privacy is maintained and that information is not used by other third-party organizations for any purpose,” Gillett says. In practical application, GDPR regulations are multipronged, explains Rob Brazier in his blog for London-based event contractor Rapiergroup. “GDPR compliance is basically a three-stage process,” he says. “First, there’s data hygiene—checking to see what you’re holding, how you

got it and how you’re storing it.” Once that assessment is complete, a company must evaluate and justify what data it is collecting from individuals and it must create a storage architecture that keeps the information secure but easily accessible for those who request it be removed. “The way we collect data at events needs to become more secure–think less ‘let me take your card’ and more ‘let me put this on a tablet and screen-lock it.’ It’s going to be a little more cumbersome, but the point of GDPR is to make data handling a priority for businesses and ensure that we treat our contacts’ data with the same care we’d demand for our own,” Brazier writes. These regulations were adopted after widespread

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data breaches within large corporations put the personal information of millions at risk, and experts say they expect similar regulations to be adopted elsewhere around the globe to force better data security. “Really, it’s not the small- to medium-sized companies that have been using data incorrectly,” Gillett says. “It is the large corporations who have not been managing their data correctly and allowing it to fall into third-party hands. There are endless cases such as Facebook, Uber and UnderArmour, just to name a few. As a result, it is to be expected that there will be some significant, large fines issued when any of these big breaches happen again as

a way of showing that the new laws have teeth.” Those fines can go as high as $23 million or four percent of a company’s turnover—whichever is greater. As a result, the Events Industry Council reports that 77 percent of U.S. companies surveyed that have more than 500 people are planning to spend in excess of a million dollars implementing new systems to assure compliance with GDPR. But for smaller companies, following the law should be significantly less onerous. “There is certainly no need to purge records from your systems,” Gillett says of companies that have collected attendee data in the past. “But simply have in place a regular series of opportunities to re-engage and

confirm not only that they want to receive information, but also the type of information, channel and frequency is advisable.” Going forward, exhibitors will need to clearly communicate to attendees what information they want to collect and what they are going to do with it. Barcode scanners will likely go the way of the dinosaur, Gillett says, as each individual must give express, documented permission for their personal information to be collected and used for any purpose at all, including email communications and research. And what constitutes personal information? Basically everything, the Events Industry Council says, from IP addresses to food preferences

and all data points in between. For many companies, however, staying on the good side of GDPR laws will simply require some thoughtfulness about how data is collected, stored and used. The Events Industry Council and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events have both created clearinghouses of information for people still unsure of their status with GDPR compliance. But for most, Gillett adds, compliance–i.e., communicating openly with attendees about their personal information, protecting it, and only using it as originally promised—can usually be achieved with a change in mindset about data and a dose of common sense.

ADCRAFT, INC. STANDS OUT USING THE ALUVISION FRAME SYSTEM DESIGN: ADCRAFT, INC.

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SHOW: SHRM

SYSTEM: OMNI FRAME SYSTEM

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CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT

MBCC Gets More Than a Facelift For Its 60th Birthday by Celestia Ward

he Miami Beach Convention Center opened in 1958, situated just 12 miles east of Miami International Airport and within walking distance of sun-drenched beaches, designer boutiques on Lincoln Road, and the scenic Art Deco district. A massive, $620 million renovation and expansion is scheduled for completion in September, and this “reimagined” complex promises much more than a mere facelift to the 60-year-old MBCC. Thoughtful design has gone into every aspect of the new facilities and surrounding features, which include a 2.6-acre botanical garden and a family-friendly area called Soundscape Park, where symphony performances are projected onto a 7,000-sq.-ft. wall for visitors to enjoy free of charge. CEO Bill Talbert emphasizes, “What we’re doing is creating a sense of place.” The new project has earned a silver LEED certification, thanks to rain-fed cooling towers and high-efficiency LED lighting that helps reduce energy consumption by 20 percent. By putting sunlight and shade to strategic use, sustainability is carefully woven into the structure’s functionality and design. The facility will house public art installations valued at $7.4 million, and it has been designed around a giant strangler fig tree that has been preserved as a living centerpiece for the park space.

A new 60,000-sq.-ft. multipurpose ballroom, along with seven new breakout rooms (bringing the breakout space to 183,000 sq.ft.) are among the upgrades. The reimagined MBCC will have almost half a million square feet of renovated exhibit hall space, and the district, along with surrounding features, will encompass 52 acres. Freddie Peterson has recently been named the new general manager. Hailed as an innovative, entrepreneurial thinker who has a track record of working closely with the community, Peterson brings with him two decades of experience leading the Mass. Convention Center Authority. He will take the helm after Labor Day and oversee five big shows (AHIMA, Auto, Jewelry, CA World Computer & Art Basel) before the gala open house in January. Talbert and Peterson have reason to be optimistic. Tourism numbers in the region have been climbing, with a record-breaking 15.86 million overnight visitors to Miami and the Beaches in 2017. According to estimates from the Greater Miami CVB, those tourists spent nearly $26 billion during their stay. International tourism is also up for Miami. “The popularity of the destination, globally, is unbelievable,” Talbert states, adding, “Remember, it’s cold there and it’s warm here.”

Within walking distance of the MBCC, the restaurant choices include 13 Mediterranean, 12 American, nine Italian, nine Japanese, nine International, four French, four steakhouses, three seafood, two Spanish, two PanAsian as well as Argentinean, Brazilian, Chinese, Cuban, Korean, Peruvian, Southern, Thai, and vegetarian. Most are participating in Miami Spice—a restaurant promotion in Aug. and Sept. that features a three-course meal with signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs for $23/lunch or $39/ dinner. Best bets include Safron Mediterranean Grill, 1049 Washington Ave.; Pane & Vino (Italian) 1450 Washington Ave.; Osteria Del Teatro (seafood/Ital.), 1200 Collins Ave.; and Yardbird Southern Table (soul food), 1600 Lenox Ave.

SLEEP There’s 85 hotels within one mile of the MBCC—stylish and sophisticated, many are boutique hotels and Art Deco. But head two miles up to Millionaire’s Row for the storied Fountainbleu hotel. The former Firestone Mansion, bought for $2.3 million in 1952, became one of the most opulent and magnificent hotels in the world and was in Goldfinger, The Bellboy, Scarface, The Specialist, The Bodyguard, Midnight Cowboy, and Police Academy 5. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the owners spent $1 billion and two and a half years in renovations, reopening the 1,504-room property in 2008.

PLAY The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, a 2.6-acre urban greenspace, is right next door to the MBCC, while Jungle Island, an 18-acre zoological park, has some of the world’s rarest and most exotic animals. Or if water is more your style, there’s Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures at Bayside Marketplace, Island Queen Cruises or Ocean Force Adventures in a Zodiac RIB with six passengers. Or swim with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium.

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TRADESHOW MARKETING STRATEGIES Giveaways

Edible Selfies Bring Smartphones, Social Media & Food Together “SELFFEES” ARE MILLENNIAL-INSPIRED GIVEAWAYS BY HALEY WILSON FREEMAN

CONCERTS CONVENTIONS DINING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SHOPPING SPORTING EVENTS

ROSEMONT’S IMPACT FIELD

This is it—the answer to your tradeshow marketing angst: edible selfies. It’s your face, or that of several thousand of your potential new customers, printed on the edible items of your choice. Think about it. Nobody wants to spend their precious marketing dollars on worthless tchotchkes that get lost in the bottom of swag bags or thrown away as soon as showgoers step away from the booth. And everyone wants to wow potential customers with something they value while maximizing the number of brand impressions created. It would also be great to give potential customers something they can actually use and enjoy. Because nobody’s logo looks sexy in a landfill. But it does look sexy on food. Meet Farsh Kanji, co-founder of Selffee. He and his enterprising cohorts were looking to create a fresh business concept that included things Millennials crave. That meant their business-forward idea somehow had to bring smartphones, social media and food together with the Millennials’ favorite pastime: taking selfies. After seeing a face printed on a cake, it was a short leap to modify the concept for the events industry. Kanji and his team developed both software and hardware that make it possible to take a selfie and then print the image on food items using edible dyes, right in the show booth. Their first idea was to print on coffee foam or whipped cream, thus the company’s name, a hybrid of the words “selfie” and “coffee.” “Our machine uses edible

ink to print directly on food and beverages,” Kanji explained. “We don’t use any sugar paper—which is old technology—so our process doesn’t alter the taste or texture of the food. We specifically made our software work for crowds and events, and we developed it for that.” If lattes or cookies aren’t your thing, how about selfie marshmallows? Selfie popsicles? Selfie cocktails? “Since we’re in the experiential marketing niche, we continue to roll out new products to keep the idea fresh. We always want to be cutting edge,” says Kanji. Recently, a client asked to print selfies on top of foam-

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ing glasses of Guinness beer. Selffee was happy to accommodate. “A lot of clients will have ideas for us, and with a little lead time, we can do the R&D required to create what they want. The Guinness worked out great, and now we can offer it to anybody.” This isn’t just a gimmick. Kanji and his team are savvy marketers who designed their product to power your brand at the show and on the internet. “We’ve found that it’s a very enticing product to have in your booth. It attracts people and keeps them there, so your number of badge scans goes up. “People don’t just take this product home and throw it in @ExhibitCityNews

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the garbage,” Kanji continues. “Once they get their photo on something, the first thing they do is take a selfie with it, and then they get the pleasure of putting it up on social media. Then they eat or drink it. The cookie is our most popular product, and it becomes a takeaway. People love to show them to their friends and family. I think drinks have the biggest ‘wow’ factor, but they have to be consumed there.” Selffee has also supported brand activations for large clients, with winning results. “We get them more digital impressions because their image is being photographed so many times, and

it keeps showing up in all the hashtags. It creates more social media push organically. You don’t have to push your guests to post the images.” So, we know that Millennials are taking lots of selfies and posting to social media, but what about everyone else? It turns out Millennials aren’t the only ones who are influenced by social media or making regular use of it in their personal and business lives. A recent study conducted by Yes Lifecycle Marketing and reported by Retail Dive stated that buying decisions of the next generation, Gen Z, are even more influenced by social media than are

their predecessors. And while more than 80 percent of Gen Zers (or Centennials) and 74 percent of Millennials are influenced by social media to buy, older generations are surprisingly close behind, with numbers at 58 percent for Generation X and 41 percent for Baby Boomers. Each generation has its preferred social media platforms, and Selffee is a powerful tool for maximizing brand impressions across all of them. Selffee now has teams operating in seven U.S. cities, with a few more slated to launch before the end of the year. The company also recently expanded into Canada and is actively reaching into markets abroad. If you feel you must have edible selfies at your next event anywhere in the country (and of course you do), you can. Simply visit https://selff. ee and go to the “Book Us” tab to request a quote. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Food giveaways are always a draw at a tradeshow or conference. But once word gets out that you can have your image printed on something yummy, everybody will want a shot at breaking the internet with their face. Kanji sums up, “Driving reach and impressions, this is what all event planners are trying to accomplish. This is a powerful tool for communicating your brand. It says, ‘Hey, we’re upto-speed on things. Check out what we’re doing!’ ” Selffee is located in New York, New York, with teams operating in seven U.S. cities and Canada. For more info, visit www.Selff.ee or email them at sales@selff.ee.

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TRADESHOW MARKETING STRATEGIES Technology

How to Use Technology to Generate Leads in Your Booth BY KARIN ROBERTS

Walk any tradeshow floor these days and you are likely to be struck by how much technology is now a part of the most effective exhibits. From giant video walls to digital kiosks to touchscreens, the latest technology is now a must for marketers. Although leading-edge technology is always expensive at the outset, exhibitors can stretch their dollars by renting the latest technology for their most important shows and by following up on leads to deliver a real return on investment. Grab Their Attention How do you make tradeshow visitors stop in their tracks? Deliver an engaging high-tech presentation. When the venerable mapmaker Rand McNally wanted to demonstrate their evolution into electronic navigation and travel products, they added a video wall to their exhibit at the Consumer Electronics Show. The company’s marketing team developed a video

presentation to showcase their high-tech consumer electronics, featuring connected tablets for cars, trucks and RVs, which combine hands-free messaging, calling, entertainment, cameras and monitoring with navigation, of course. The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group worked with strategic partner ABCOMRENTS to choose the best equipment to fit in their existing exhibit and to provide the technology support needed to make everything run smoothly. The exhibit firm selected a 3 x 4 monitor stack of 12 NEC ultra-narrow LED video monitors, which linked together in a wall, all run by one computer with speakers. The giant video wall required calibration of each individual screen so ABCOMRENTS provided a technician to monitor the system during exhibit hours. By running presentations several times an hour on the video wall, the Rand McNally team was able to attract more

visitors and then capture their contact information for follow-up after the show. Go Big by Renting According to Sonny Goyal, managing director of ABCOMRENTS, video technology and digital signage in tradeshow exhibits are growing bigger every year—both in terms of the overall market for technology as well as in the size and functionality of the equipment. “Our company philosophy is being first to market with new technology,” he explains. “There is a lot more demand for larger video walls or LED screens as large as 100 inches and touchscreen

technology. The expectation of attendees is that everything is digital and more interactive.” Because the latest technology comes with a high price tag, renting equipment rather than buying it can ensure that your exhibit technology stays up to date without a big upfront investment. A high-impact option is the beMatrix LEDskin system of tiles that easily fit into existing modular frames and work with both Mac and PC operating systems as well as all popular video standards. In addition, the easier-to-install technology saves money on labor and rigging. Goyal estimates that using an older LED

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in 2018,” asserts the article on digital signage trends for 2018 at digitalsignagetoday. com. “While there are still challenges in creating a truly individualized experience at the screen, there will certainly be advances made as data flows improve to influence the point of customer contact. 2018 will see a huge increase in responsive and automated content. Sensors on the actual displays, as well as data feeds from computers and the web, will adjust content according to real-world conditions.” Goyal of ABCOMRENTS credits smartphones for prompting the demand for interactivity, which can be programmed into digital kiosks and other electronic exhibit components. He also foresees the advent of digital signage that will be able to use such technology as facial recognition to identify visitors to the booth.

screen product might have cost $10,000 in installation, while the newer technology costs only $2,000 for labor. How fast is digital signage growing? Orbis Research estimates the global market to expand from almost $21 billion in 2017 to nearly $32 billion in 2023. Their report states, “The enhanced innovations in the display technology such as OLED, electronic paper display (EPD), and quantum dot LED (QLED) are some of the factors driving the market.” Make It Interactive “The trend of increased personalization and interactivity we saw this year will continue @ExhibitCityNews

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Try Something Different Every exhibitor wants to stand out from their competitors, so it can pay to introduce technology that amazes attendees and presents products and services in a different light. One such technology is the HYPEBOX—a transparent box that displays your physical product along with digital content that appears in front of the product. The interactive version has a ten-point touchscreen to allow visitors to choose what information they want to see. “The HYPEBOX can be effective for products all kinds,” explains Karin Roberts, director of marketing for The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group. “It ranges in size from 21.5 to 55 inches

to fit your display space. It also offers a huge opportunity to save on costs for manufacturers of equipment and large industrial items, which are expensive to ship to the tradeshow and take up a great deal of floor space. Instead, they can display a model of their product physically and virtually through the HYPEBOX.” The technology is built into the HYPEBOX so no special programming is required. All an exhibitor needs is a media player or laptop to display their custom presentation. Connect with Prospects With all the emphasis on making an impression at a tradeshow, it’s equally important to make a lasting connection. Technology can help you gather the information you need to follow up on leads, but your staff needs to build the relationships by responding quickly to interested prospects. In their blog, marketing firm Launch Team Inc. states, “The most foolproof method of lead collection is using the official scanner provided at the event; however, due to the cost, many professionals are now relying on their phones to collect leads. Just be sure to test out any app you plan on using to work out any technical issues and make sure it will serve your needs.” They describe how dedicated lead capture applications and services work, as well as how you can use tools like Google Drive and Adobe Scan to capture documents and data. Although lead capture technology can do a lot of the work, your team will need to make sure to follow up on leads when the show is over.

Five Ways to Use New Technology to Generate Leads 1. Grab Their Attention 2. Go Big by Renting 3. Make It Interactive 4. Try Something Different 5. Connect with Prospects For more on that topic, see their blog, “You Care What Happens After the Show?” The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group is a full-service tradeshow display company, based in Chicago, which serves clients nationally and internationally. Products include custom exhibit designs, modular exhibit displays, island exhibits and other tradeshow supply accessories. They also offer a rental display inventory depot with a variety of choices to fit all budgets and tradeshow display booth space sizes. They provide comprehensive show services including AV rental, video walls, booth installation and dismantle, tradeshow logistics, exhibit storage, exhibit management and tradeshow marketing services. For more info, visit www.thetradeshownetwork. com/avrentals.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move

he EDPA Foundation again named David Walens (right) as chair of the foundation. Walens succeeds Ray Montague, who served for two years. In addition to his previous work as EDPAF chair from 2005-2013, Walens is president of Exploring, Inc., the parent of several companies in the exhibit and event industry, including Brumark and ID3 Group. He has more than 30 years of exhibit industry leadership experience and is a strong advocate within the industry through membership and involvement with associations and local and national charities. AV Images is proud to welcome Taryn Gavagan Bozzo (right) as CEO overseeing operations, sales and general management of the family-owned, full-service AV firm. Gavagan Bozzo has more than a dozen years experience in project management, marketing, event planning and budgeting. Most recently she worked in local government administration, as management analyst with the Dublin City manager’s office. Gavagan Bozzo says, “I am so excited for this opportunity to provide leadership and support to AV Images. This company, founded by my father, has been providing outstanding service to a wide range of businesses and clients for decades, and I look forward to carrying on the tradition and ensuring the company continues to grow.” Chad McNeal resigned his position as president and chief innovation officer of Dimension Design July 20 to become a GM at MC2. Dimension Design owner and founder Mike Rogers announced additional leadership changes, including John Hernandez, director of operations: With 10-plus years of industry experience, Hernandez will expand his

by Exhibit City News

focus to include innovation and process design for the Chicago, Jacksonville and Las Vegas production facilities; Larry Roberts, director of engineering: With 20-plus years of industry experience, Roberts will shift his attention to elevating the company’s engineering capabilities and project solution consulting; Adam Klyber, director of fabrication: With 15 years of industry experience, Klyber will assume a greater role in project solution consulting; Chris Grant, director of project management: With 10-plus years of industry experience, Grant will lead and re-shape Dimension Design’s project management team and processes; and Paul Kloeckner, director of graphics: With 10 years of industry experience, Kloeckner will elevate the company’s industry-leading graphic process and output. The Events Industry Council announced Tina Wehmeir (right), CEO of the AMC Institute, as the new chair of the board of directors, effective until Dec. 2019. She also serves on the executive committee of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the board of the U.S. Travel Association and is involved in the American Society for Association Executives (The Center for Association Leadership). The board of the ICCA announced that CEO Martin Sirk is set to step down from his position with the association at the end of July. Sirk joined ICCA as CEO in 2002 and has led the association as it grew from 600 to more than 1,100 member companies and organizations in 97 countries. “16 years is an exceptionally long period in any role, and I’m

immensely proud of the team in Amsterdam and our regional offices around the world,” says Sirk. Brumark is pleased to welcome Alec Pierson to the team as client experience manager in the Northeast region. He consults with clients across New England and the Mid-Atlantic states on their tradeshow and event flooring needs and provides expert consultation and assistance. He previously served as an exhibit consultant at Skyline Exhibits Chicago. Sho-Link Inc. named Jim Genzano regional & division director and Steve Dubois (left) as Orlando assistant manager. Genzano joined Sho-Link as a lead man in Nov. 2006; he was promoted to Southern California city manager in Jan. 2007 and regional ops manager in 2014. During his 19 years in the industry he has worked as a runner, warehouse man, traveling lead man, show floor coordinator and spent time working with an exhibit builder. Dubois started working part time with Sho-Link in 2007 and quickly grew to a traveling supervisor. “Dubois has been a traveling supervisor for many years with Sho-Link and I know his attention to detail and quality of servicing our members will be a great benefit for our Orlando team,” says Jerry Regep, ShoLink regional ops manager. Orbus has added four sales reps to its Las Vegas display and graphic manufacturing/supply facility since January, and expects to add more in response to growth demands. Las Vegas staff includes Ryan Gregg, business development rep; Alex Nunez, senior sales consultant; Bill Roman, sales rep; and Daniel Wolfe, business development rep. Kaitlin Kennedy, business Continued on p. 68

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Continued from p. 66 development representative, is scheduled to transfer from Woodridge to Las Vegas later in the year. Also moving to Las Vegas, Doug Savini will be Momentum Management’s Las Vegas floor manager. Savini has worked for seven years in the D.C./ Baltimore region as a traveling lead man for Momentum and has relocated permanently to Las Vegas to continue his career with them. Well known industry veteran Ron Jordan joins Branded Area as a client service expert. Jordan has more than 20 years experience in the tradeshow exhibit and environments industry. He started his career with Giltspur Expo Services, before transitioning to the client side, managing 50 plus shows annually, both domestic and international. He then spent the last 20 years in various roles at some of the industry’s leading firms such as Sparks Environments, Displayworks and most recently, Impact XM. Convention Data Services promoted Dave Wuethrich to COO, a new position within CDS. Wuethrich, an 18year veteran with CDS, is set to oversee product and service delivery of events. They also are increasing their sales presence in Chicago and Washington, D.C. David Lawton has been promoted to chief sales officer. Previously, he was executive VP of sales and has nearly 20 years of sales leadership experience in the tradeshow industry. Mike Dickinson joins CDS as an account executive and is opening the Washington, D.C., office where he is very active in industry events. Amanda Gustafson (right) has been promoted to account executive and is opening the Chicago office. In her previous role as an onsite services manager, Amanda was very successful in creating outstanding relationships with clients, executing onsite strategies and meeting client objectives.

GES is pleased to add Chip Carman, Lori Chester (right) and Taina Wolters to their award-winning team. Carman joins GES as director of business development with nearly 30 years of experience in the exhibit and event space. He brings a significant background in healthcare, high-tech and manufacturing in the U.S. and internationally. Chester rejoins GES as director of business development, and she brings more than 20 years of industry experience. She has an extensive background as a senior-level account exec. A 10year industry veteran, Wolters joins GES as an account exec having held previous positions with CORT and mg, Experience Marketing. Core-apps welcomes Scott Andryk (left) as senior manager, national corporate sales. Andryk is a meetings management, sales and event technology professional with more than 20 years experience as both an organizer and supplier. He is also rejoining the company and his former role, as sales executive to the expanding corporate event market. Andryk most recently served as director of business development for Bucom International, an incentive and meeting management firm headquartered in Chicago. Ion Exhibits has grown the exhibit design team by hiring Angie Bertelsman (right) as senior exhibit designer and Tricia Fox as graphic designer. Bertelsman has been designing and branding environments for 20 years. She studied industrial design and began in the tradeshow industry. After working projects related to large retail store design, marketing and branding, she has returned to the industry. Fox has worked in the industry since 1992. Her 25-years-plus

career started in a darkroom developing film and handling graphic design. Her knowledge spans from pre-digital graphic programs to digital design, including using graphic programs such as Illustrator. Before Ion, she worked for Freeman as a graphic layout specialist. Ion Exhibits also welcomes Tim Artz to the Ion team as a senior account executive and has grown the graphic production department with the addition of Becky Rovik as graphic production manager and Brandon Petersen as print operator. Both Rovik and Brandon come from mg Design. Artz has more than 10 years of experience in the tradeshow industry. Prior to joining Ion Exhibits, he handled U.S. sales and business development for Duo Display, a French company. As a native French speaker, he also worked as a trade advisor with the French Consulate in Chicago. Rovik brings a rare talent of fabrication production. She has been a sewing and design professional for 15 years and built the fabrication department at mg Design six years ago. Petersen also brings a unique talent to the organization. With 15 years as a mechanic, he’s able to handle nearly all maintenance/repairs on graphic printers. LMG welcomes Mindy Johnson to the LMG Show Services team as the senior manager for LMG’s national accounts and convention center business. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the event industry, starting her career as a stage manager and later moving into corporate event technology managing production contracts for large events on international cruises including Norwegian, Oceania and Celebrity. ProGlobalEvents welcomes Jody White to their team as a Silicon Valley-based account strategy manager. White’s background includes leading Continued on p. 70

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@ExhibitCityNews

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Continued from p. 68 projects with major clients such as Cisco, Gigamon, Tesla, and Intuitive Surgical. Rita Moore joins ConferenceDirect as director of conference management operations. Circle TPR recently announced several new management hires including General Manager Alicia Rosen, Shop Foreman Mark Moden, Traffic Manager Shayla Allen and Senior Project Manager Howert Collins. “As a young company, we are very encouraged by the quality of talent we’ve been fortunate enough to attract due in no small part to the varied nature of our business mix and the clients we work with,” says Shawn Garrity, CEO at Circle TPR. Steelcase Event Experiences, a strategic space design partner, has hired Jay Marsh as a business development consultant, where he is charged with driving new business nationwide with a focus on the East Coast. Marsh joins Steelcase Event Experiences from VisitDallas where he spent the last 13 years as the Mid-Atlantic regional director of sales. In European news, Simon Mills (right) joined ExCeL London in the role of executive director, with commercial responsibility for exhibitions, media and food and beverage, on July 2. Mills has spent the past 17 years at UBM. His most recent role was group director of the brand, design and protection portfolio, overseeing a portfolio of 17 products. During that time, he has moved and run several market leading events to ExCeL, including the Protection & Management Series (IFSEC, Facilities Show, SHE and Firex) and Black Hat. ExCeL London has also strengthened its marketing and communications team with the appointment of Emma Charter as marketing manager. Charter’s role will focus on conferences and events across the U.K., Europe and North America. She will also have marketing responsibility for CentrEd at ExCeL. Charter brings with her more than 10 years of

experience, having worked for organizations including Clarion Events, Ocean Media Group and Upper Street Events. The IMEX Group, which organizes industry-leading tradeshows IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America, has promoted Nalan Emre (left) from organizing director to the newly created position of COO, with the responsibility for managing the operations (formerly the organizing team), office management, event tech and HR teams at the company, headquartered in Hove, U.K. She will plan and direct IMEX’s operational policies, structures, procedures and initiatives and collaborate with the chairman, CEO and FD to set company strategy, forecasts and plans. Her new appointment will support and direct the future of the IMEX Group, a privately owned company which has grown to 60 employees. Emre has worked for the company for more than 16 years, since the first IMEX in Frankfurt show, and was a key member of the launch team for IMEX America in 2012. In news from Down Under, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre appointed Carolyn Johnson as director of marketing and communications and Celeste Johnston (right) as director of information technology. Johnson worked most recently at Hostplus, where she was head of marketing. Prior to joining Hostplus, she held a number of senior marketing positions with premium brands including Pacific Brands and Crown Resorts. Johnston joins MCEC from AGL where she was head of digital technology quality assurance digital transformation capability leader. Prior to joining AGL, Johnston was head of quality assurance, project governance and release management at Latitude Financial/GE Capital. She has

held a number of senior positions with organizations including Credit Suisse, Telstra and Coles Myer. Jason Fulvi, CDME, executive vice president of VisitPITTSBURGH, has been named chairman of the Destinations International (DI) Foundation Board of Trustees for the 2018-2019 term. The appointment was made at the annual DI conference recently held in Anaheim, Calif. Fulvi served two consecutive terms as the chair of DI’s Sales and Marketing Committee and has worked in the hospitality industry for more than three decades. He began his tenure at VisitPITTSBURGH as a senior national sales director 16 years ago. Fulvi was promoted to executive director of convention sales and most recently, to the position of executive VP in 2012. Spectra, the providers of venue management, food services and hospitality to the Owensboro Convention Center and the Owensboro Sportscenter have promoted Laura Alexander (above left) general manager. Alexander, a graduate of Western Kentucky Univ., started her career with Spectra as director of sales and marketing in 2012 at the Owensboro CC prior to its opening. Since January 2017, she has held dual roles of asst. GM and director of sales & marketing and has lead the staff as interim GM since March. In her new role, she will be responsible for the management and staff of both facilities. Atlanta’s CVB has promoted Brandy Hudgins to sales manager, small meetings; the Greater Palm Springs CVB has named Mark Crabb as VP of convention sales & services; SMG recently appointed Jennifer Strum as marketing manager; Visit San Antonio has promoted Néstor Núñez to senior sales manager; and Ellen Schwartz has been promoted to LACC’s GM and Brad Gessner, who has been GM since AEG Facilities was awarded the contract in Oct. 2013, has been promoted to LACC’s senior VP.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

From The Randys to Alleys, From Ballparks to Blood Banks, EDPA is Doin’ Good Across the U.S.A. Top left: Midwest chapter’s Randy turnout; above, beMatrix’s Emma Christen winning the poker tournament at the NorCal chapter; bottom right, ECN editor Jeanne Brei with Cosmo at the Las Vegas Chapter’s 51’s baseball game; below, NorCal EDPA Golf /Poker Tournament crowd; bottom left, Vince Battaglia, Doug Young, Steve Riches bowling at SoCal event; left, more bowlers from EDPA NE chapter; up left, Midwest’s Empowering Designers event and Chicago Randy golfers.

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Get in there, You Son of a B*tch! Golf can be frustrating, but supporting our industry is always rewarding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost tee time again for the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC), which raises funds to aid industry members and their families in need. More than 150 families have been provided with financial and emotional support to date. Join us for a day of fund raising and fun! Register at www.rsmgc.org The EDPA Foundation gives back to the industry in many ways, from scholarships and university programs to the RSMGC. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a gimme, but our goal of raising one million dollars is so close. And we can tap it in with your help! See how you can help us reach our million-dollar goal at www.edpa.com/edpafoundation

Join us at the 24th annual RSMGC October 5, 2018 Chateau Elan Braselton, GA Sponsorships are available.

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IN MEMORIAM

Lynn A. Strocchia April 9, 1939 – June 25, 2018

ynn was born in Chicago and spent her later years in Henderson, Nev., where she and her late husband, Frank, founded Special Operations Associates, a security company that continues to operate today. Jim and Helen Brown remember her fondly: “Lynn grew up two blocks from me in the St. Carthage neighborhood and we were the same age. We never met until I went to work for Special Operations in Las Vegas in 1992. We were friends for the next 27 years with Frank and Lynn.” More tributes from her guest book include Tom Wolf who wrote, “I am saddened at the news of Lynn’s passing.

Over the years, it was always a pleasure to work with her and see her smiling face in the security office at many Pittcon venues. She was one classy lady who will be missed.” And Kitty and Lee Freidheim who wrote, “We were so very saddened to learn of Lynn’s passing. We first met at the Department of Aviation and then she and Frank were our neighbors at Campus Green. What a wonderful person she was—a great mother and grandmother, a tireless

worker, full of fun and spunk and always so very generous. We hope all of you are taking comfort in the many happy memories we know you have.” Joan and Tim Bayard also remember, “You and Frank will always be remembered for your kindness and friendship. Our hilarious times together in New Orleans and Vegas will last forever. The picture of the four of us at JCK still sits on my desk. I know you’re in heaven after all those years putting up with Frank. God Bless!” Lynn passed away, surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 2012; and brothers, Michael (Maryann), John and Robert Schrage. She is survived by her children, Vicki Howe, Pam (Bill) Togher, Jeff (Eileen) Kerrigan, Jennifer Kerrigan and Christine Kerrigan; adored Nana to Laura Leyden, Ray Howe,

Elizabeth (Kevin) Fitzgerald, David Togher, Michael Togher, Matthew Kerrigan and Daniel Kerrigan. She was loving “great nana” to Tommy, Clara and Quinlan Leyden and Teghan, Camden and William Fitzgerald; step-children, Lawrence, Michael, Frank, Maryann, Deborah, Laurel, Thomas, Timmy and Richard Strocchia; and fond aunt to many nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, Ill., the University of Chicago Medicine Cancer Treatment Center at Silver Cross Hospital, or Families Uniting Families in Long Beach, Calif. To share condolences and memories in her online memory book, visit https://www.legacy.com/ guestbooks/chicagotribune/ lynn-a-strocchia-condolences/189441541?cid=full or her online tribute wall at https:// www.maherfuneralservices. com/notices/LynnA-Strocchia.

Anthony L. Lucafo

December 11, 1962 - July 25, 2018

proud member of Carpenter’s Union Local #54 in the Chicago area, Anthony was the beloved husband of Laura, nee Borowski; the devoted and loving father of Vincenzo and Annelise; cherished son of Rosemarie Martin and the late Louis Lucafo; dear brother of Jeanie Lucafo, Linda (Adam) Schoenwald, Paul, Joseph and the late Frank and the late baby Donna Lucafo; dear son-in-law of Ray and Carol Borowski; fond brother-in-law of Catherine Borowski, Joanne (Kenneth) Steichmann and Steven (Kimberlee) Borowski; dear uncle of Marina and Gianna Schoenwald; Jacob and Nicholas Steichmann and Emilee and Alexander Borowski; loved nephew, cousin and friend to many. Lynwood and Greg Moffett wrote in his guestbook that “Tony was a dear friend who kept total control of everything and fought daily to be his best. Telling me every day how it’s to be done his way, the right way! So talented, brave and humble—a great person to all. We will always watch over everyone for you do not worry. I will make sure your tools are put away correctly. We are going to miss you.” Donations may be made to Lungevity.org or to the family for the future educational needs of Vincenzo and Annelise. To share condolences and memories in his online memory book, visit https:// www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/anthony-l-lucafo-condolences/189715142?cid=full

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Carl R. Fawcett

December 16, 1938 – July 20, 2018

arl grew up in Henderson, Nev., and graduated from Basic High School in 1957. After serving two years in the Army in Germany, he opened Las Vegas Copy Products. In 1978, he married Judy and then entered a long career in the convention industry. He began as a terminal manager for a major convention freight line, followed by working for United Expositions, and then the Freeman Company in Dallas. Returning to Las Vegas, Carl, along with his wife Judy, partnered with Norman Davies to open Exhibit Fair International. A few years later they founded Expo Pros, which provided labor for installing exhibits at convention sites. Many in the convention business looked up to Carl. Cecil Spurgeon Jr., CAD/Design/Estimating, recalls, “I became acquainted with Carl Fawcett in 1998. We developed a good business relationship, along with the EFI staff, thru participating in various projects together. As time went on I was invited to sign up full time with the company and I was very glad I made that choice. Carl was a consummate gentleman, that rare kind I have always admired in my career in the industry. A plain talking, straight shooting, honorable fellow that I got on with so very well. I shall always miss him.“ Accounting manager Yvonne Sands credits Carl as a valuable mentor: “I first met Carl Fawcett in 1998 when I joined the EFI family. He was a man that spoke his mind and the weak did not survive. When it came to his work ethics he always pushed you to the very end. It took many years to realize that this was an asset instead of a fault. He was very genuine because he believed in hard work and there were no sugar-coating things. His ability to sway a room full of no nonsense business individuals was something to be seen. I realize now that every time he

pushed me to my limits, was only to have me strive to be my best. This has helped me to become a successful businesswoman, and for that I will always be grateful.” Georgia Rahas remembers, “I have had the privilege of working with Exhibit Fair Int’l. for 11 and a half years. In all those years I have never heard anyone speak of Carl Fawcett with anything other than dignity and respect. He was a teacher, a mentor and an inspiration to all those who worked with him in the industry. He will be missed.” In 2007, Carl and Judy were able to retire and spend time traveling in their beloved motorcoach, making frequent stops to play golf at the many beautiful courses across the nation. Carl is survived by his loving wife Judy, five step-children, nine step-grandchildren, and four great-step-grandchildren. To share condolences and memories in his online memory book, visit http://www. tributes.com/condolences/leave_memory/106283516

Brenda Turvey

August 19, 1950 - August 7, 2018

renda was born in Kentucky but spent most of her adult life in Nevada. In 2015, she and her husband of 35 years, Bob Turvey, retired to Tipp City, Ohio. Dalene Threeton, of Structure Exhibits, remembers Brenda “for her witty commentary and her outspoken nature. Brenda was a fellow Cowboys fan—through thick and thin, as I have been, so we shared that bond as well as being in this crazy industry we love so much.” She passed away on August 7 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. To honor her, donations may be made to the Hospice of Dayton. To share condolences and memories in her online memory book, visit www.fringsandbayliff.com

ECN will be writing a memorial story in our next issue for former Toronto Leaf enforcer and tradeshow industry icon Kurt Walker who passed away August 17. Please email newsdesk@ exhibitcitynews.com if you’d like to share a remembrance or pictures of him.

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EVENTS & VENUES

The von Hagen Jazz Festival On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, von Hagen Design organized its second Blomberg Jazz Festival. For three days in July, jazz lovers gathered in Blomberg, Germany, to hear a mix of outstanding German musicians and international jazz greats including exhibit builder/jazz musician/festival producer Axel von Hagen. Pictured clockwise (top left): Axel and Ulrike von Hagen and their daughter, son, daughter-in-law and her parents; (top right) Fritz Krisseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Spaces; (bottom right) pre-festival BBQ at the Wantrups Hof farm, (bottom left) trumpeter Nils WĂźlker & Band, and (far left) Axel von Hagen autographing; (inside left) the Blomberg countryside and Mike Boone, Coastal International, Drew Powers, Willwork, Inc., and Don Svehla, ECN publisher, enjoying the festival.

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EVENTS & VENUES

Lumberjacks Restaurant: Where the Big Boys Eat by Jeanne Brei

umberjacks Restaurant, the number one spot when it comes to “big portions of country-style home cooked meals” has a new owner at its North Las Vegas location who welcomes large groups and large appetites to enjoy a log cabin dining experience. The restaurant has been dubbed “where the big boys eat,” and its “big portions of country-style, home-cooked meals at affordable prices” philosophy has propelled Lumberjacks to success by serving quality food made from scratch, and better than any other restaurant chain. Founded in 2004 by Jeff and Susan Garrett in Redding, Calif., there’s now 10 locations (most are in central and northern Calif.) of the “cabin-themed eatery” known as the friendly place, where the servers know the locals by name and where strangers are treated like family. Toronto native Mario Vascotto liked Las Vegas weather and the restaurant so much that he bought the North Las Vegas @ExhibitCityNews

franchise and moved his family to the U.S. He improved the store by removing the old carpet, replacing it with a hardwood look, reupholstering the booth seating surfaces and adding more rustic decor throughout. The former engineer at Panasonic hired friendly hostesses and wait staff to make it feel more like home, and his wife Monika greets customers on the weekends. As he explains, “it’s not cold or cookie-cutter food—we’re more like you’re eating at home.” He likes the location being convenient to Nellis Air Force Base, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the Teamsters 631 Training Facility and the “big boys” who work at the industrial parks nearby. And he offers discounts for the military and seniors. Popular breakfast items include Big John’s Biscuit, the Logger’s Breakfast Burrito and the Sequoia Breakfast Club—a towering club sandwich stuffed with eggs, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and cheddar cheese. Their

lunch menu includes the One Pound Redwood Burger—the biggest burger around! It’s one full pound burger with Swiss and American cheese, topped off with three strips of bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and their special dressing on a grilled bun. And there’s Jack’s Melt, which is a triple decker of ham, sliced turkey breast, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss and American cheese with Ranch dressing served on grilled sourdough bread. The Las Vegas location is hoping to start opening for dinner this fall serving steaks, hickory baby back ribs, beef stroganoff and the log shoot pot roast, among others—all with a home-style touch that would make Paul Bunyan smile from ear to ear. Currently, there are nine locations of Lumberjacks in Calif.; the Nevada restaurant is located at 965 W. Craig Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89032, (702) 487-5007. Hours: Sun.-Sat. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info, visit www.lumberjacksrestaurant.com. ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 77

EVENTS & VENUES

SpeedVegas Offers Thrills South of the Strip by Celestia Ward

s getting behind the wheel of a shiny new Lamborghini on your bucket list? Everyone loves a gleaming, fast muscle car—but how many actually get to push their limits in one? Visitors seeking a unique and memorable Las Vegas experience are able to taste life in the fast lane at SpeedVegas, a $30 million private racing complex just ten minutes south of the Strip. Why rent a performance vehicle only to waste its potential on the stopand-go crawl of the congested Las Vegas Strip? Here you can choose a Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari or other exotic car from the pit area and open up the throttle free from the confines of speed limits and traffic. Even those with a fear of manual transmissions need not worry, as each car comes equipped with new “E-Gear technology,” which allows a computer to take over the gear selection for those preferring automatic.

All experiences include insurance and range from a full day sampling five different dream vehicles over 50 white-knuckle laps to simply choosing a vehicle and paying by the lap. In the ride-along drifting experience, riders don their helmets and strap into a muscle car with a professional driver in what’s billed as Las Vegas’ fastest thrill ride. You and your fearless driver will drift sideways through all 12 turns of the SpeedVegas racetrack as you make your way around two laps of pure adrenaline. Though it’s only a short shuttle or limo ride from major resorts, the complex seems a world away, perfect for creating an event atmosphere. SpeedVegas boasts more than 20,000 square feet of hospitality space as well as indoor and outdoor viewing terraces and a first-floor “Party Pit.” Private meeting rooms can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and management services such as WiFi, projector and

table rental, and a wide variety of catering options are available. A team of four seasoned hospitality professionals are on hand to help shape a company event or executive getaway to suit your needs. The M Hotel & Casino, sitting at the southernmost edge of Las Vegas Boulevard, is only two miles away, offering luxury rooms and more than a dozen fine dining, casual dining and bar options. SpeedVegas prides itself on adding horsepower to teambuilding retreats, executive adventures and bachelor parties. Check out the flood of tweets and social media posts tagged with #SpeedVegas to see the latest round of racers gushing about their life-changing adventure at 130 mph! SpeedVegas is located at 14200 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89054, (702) 789-0568. For more info, visit www.speedvegas.com.

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EVENTS & VENUES

Charlie Palmer Group’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Private Events Are Just One of Their Specialties by F. Andrew Taylor

pecial events have been a part of the Charlie Palmer Group from nearly the beginning of the company when Chef Charlie Palmer opened the group’s first location, Aureole, in a townhouse on Manhattan’s East 61st Street. “Early on we started doing events in people’s homes because we just didn’t have the space,” says Richard Femenella, CFO at Charlie Palmer Group. “We did a lot of catering up and down Park Avenue in private homes. Then, when we started the Charlie Palmer Group in 1997, we opened our first events space.” The space is still there at the original Aureole location. Originally called “Astra” it is now “Upper Story.” Currently, the Group has nine restaurants in New York City along with eight more spread out between Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Calif., Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Reno and each one has private rooms for meetings and events. Each venue is different and spaces range from those capable of handling 10 people to those that can accommodate 150. “Every venue does private events,” says Femenella. “It’s a big part of our business. @ExhibitCityNews

About a third of our revenue is from it. We have six fulltime events sales coordinators and about 10 strategic partners in the hotel world, so we also work with hotel staff and coordinators.” Over the years the group has handled events for big awards ceremonies, including the Oscars, corporate events, network parties and simpler affairs, such as wedding and wedding rehearsal dinners. The largest event they’ve handled was for 5,000 staff members of the Bureau of Land Management. The group took over the entire Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas for the catered event. One of the other kinds of special events the group does are partnership events with companies that handle highend products. “For instance, we’ve done events with high-profile brands, like Parmigiani watches, which start at around $200,000 and go up to the millions,” Femenella says. “We’ve been able to bring some of our high-profile guests to these dinners and it’s a chance for us to show the partner company’s brand to our clients while

showing our brand to their clients. It’s win/win.” In celebration of the group’s 30th anniversary a variety of events are planned starting in mid-October. “We’re bringing in some of Charlie’s alumni chefs, including Michael Mina and the Voltaggio brothers,” says Sarah McLellan, a spokeswoman for the company. “We’re also doing a larger scale event in partnership with Michelin and City Meals on Wheels where we’re bringing in Daniel Boulud and Michael White. A lot is happening with the brand and celebrating 30 years of service.” Femenella feels that some of the most interesting meetings the group hosts are also some of the ones that go off without much fanfare. “We have numerous private rooms at our Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant in Washington D.C., which is literally across the street from the Capitol,” he says. “It’s the only restaurant you can walk from and back to the Capitol in a timely manner. They call our restaurant ‘Congress’ dining room.’ It’s the

place to go for a quiet meeting outside of the Capitol Building.” He says that the rooms are active Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner, despite the fact the restaurant isn’t open for breakfast. “We’ve got breakfast groups scheduled every day, having meetings,” explains Femenella. “I’d like to think that a lot of the big decisions made about the country and the world are done in our restaurant,” adding, “I like to think that if we can put them in a good mood, the world is a better place.” Since the beginning of his celebrated career, master chef and hospitality entrepreneur Charlie Palmer has received critical acclaim for his signature Progressive American Cuisine: bold, dynamic flavors and unexpected combinations built on the foundation of classical French technique. Palmer was an early advocate of farm over factory food and the authentic American cuisine it inspired, and he is a frequent guest on NBC’s Today Show. He is also the author of six cookbooks. For more info, visit www. charliepalmersteak.com.

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EVENTS & VENUES

Design To Print’s SEG Warehouse Grand Opening On July 19th from noon to 2 p.m., the industry turned out in force to tour Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) Warehouse’s new 30,000-sq.ft. facility, have some lunch, network and meet owners Josh and Stefanie Bevans. Sales rep Ed Mato’s wife Stella made lots of great Italian food, Dapper Doughnuts were busy making custom doughnuts by request (mine was s’more flavored!), there was a photography “booth” with lots of fun props, beautiful gift baskets raffled off and there were even putt-putt “holes” by the mini-tradeshow booth area set up for the event (with booths from Co-Star Events and Design To Print).

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

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

DINING

ADDiKT, a “Re-imagined” Restaurant A Miami Spice Participant Seems as if the buzz word in Miami is “re-imagined.” Not only has the Miami Beach Convention Center been “re-imagined” (with a $620 million renovation) so has ADDiKT, a “new, re-imagined restaurant that breaks with tradition, and offers diners an unexpected take on popular dishes and stunning skyline views.” ADDiKT just opened August 9 in downtown Brickell’s hottest hotel, the W Miami, with award-winning Executive Chef Christian Quiñones, a Puerto Rico native, at the helm. ADDiKT is “reimagined from the long standing 15th & Vine Kitchen and Bar,” and it is “an immersive, multi-sensory experience, where proactive and playful meet, pushing the boundaries on traditional dishes,” says the press release. Upon arrival to the 15th floor, guests are greeted with nearly 360-de82 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

gree views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline and inventive cocktails that bellow with smoke. “We are so excited to finally share ADDiKT with locals, visitors, and guests,” says Gregory Polino, general manager, W Miami. “The restaurant is truly representative of the hotel’s pioneering spirit, most notably with Chef’s inventive use of sauces, spices, and more to deliver new and unexpected flavors to the dining experience.” Food fanatics can prepare to feast on cuisine inspired by the farthest points of Asia, South America and Europe and the culinary delights of Miami and South Florida. Chef Quinones has incorporated international flavors and techniques into signature dishes including:

»» Benedict Conspiracy that pairs surf and turf (crab and pork belly) to put a spin on the classic breakfast favorite »» Mexican Standoff, where the traditional “red” and “green” sauces of Chilaquiles are paired for a mouth-watering battle »» Octopus Aficionada where Peru meets Cali in a

fresh take on your not-so-ordinary octopus using seasoning techniques most often used for pork »» Locals Only, a play on the little-known secret among Floridians, golden tile fish--move over mahi and grouper »» Protein Booster, a classic New York style in-bone steak but with a little chimichurri, seared bok choy and skinny fries to give it a Miami twist. ADDiKT is participating in Miami Spice, a mouth-watering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine that runs in August and September each year. There’s no membership or sign-up required; just visit the restaurant’s webpage to check the days of the week that the restaurant offers the Miami Spice special—a three-course meal featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs for $23 at lunch/ brunch or $39 at dinner. ADDiKT is located on the 15th floor of the W Miami at 485 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL 33131, (305) 5030373. For more info about Miami Spice, visit www. miamitemptations.com/miami-spice-month or email MiamiSpice@gmcvb.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

South Beach Will Satiate Your Senses Soak up the sounds and sights of sand, surf and sensual pleasures as the high-energy vibe of South Beach satiates your senses. When seeking entertainment in Miami Beach, all you really need is a pair of comfortable shoes to head out for some sightseeing and people watching on Ocean Drive (where you can see the world’s biggest collection of preserved Art Deco buildings, all beautifully maintained as they were almost 100 years ago on one side and the promenade and beach on the other), Collins Avenue (the main shopping and hotel street in Miami Beach that runs parallel to the beach), Lincoln Road (an iconic pedestrian district that serves as a hub for modern culture seekers, anchored by the New World Symphony, Arts Center South Florida and the Colony Theater), Miami Beach Boardwalk (the mid-beach boardwalk runs from 21st to 46th streets

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and is more family orientated), Espanola Way, Little Havana, etc. Who knew that thongs would be considered outerwear by so many beautiful people—and that it would look so hot? Or that sidewalks full of Cuban men urging you to eat in their restaurant could be so entertaining? South Beach pulses neon and is ultra crowded with the flamboyant, the rich, the poor, the beautiful and the sensuous—but it’s an experience not to be missed. With its Latin rhythms, flashing lights and glitzy bars and clubs, South Beach is a nightlife haven for the party crowd. From top dance clubs to cocktail lounges and dive bars, SoBe’s diverse nightlife scene promises something for everyone over 21. Take a bar-hopping tour or club crawl to show you the hottest, most popular parties in town via a limo with an open bar and you can usually skip the line at the door. Or dance on the decks of an evening cruise with onboard DJs and drinks. You’ll sail the waters of Biscayne Bay, get sweeping views of the skyline and enjoy the cooling ocean breeze while dancing at sunset or after dark. On South Beach, there’s no dance club

more popular that LIV at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. A popular hangout for world-renowned DJs and A-list celebrities, this multi-level, 18,000-sq. ft. spot is where the likes of Paris Hilton, the Kardashians and more can be seen dancing the night away. For something a little different, Basement at the Edition is a disco in disguise—complete with a glowing bar, bowling alley, ice skating rink and of course, dancing. South Beach also has a few iconic dive bars to choose from. Lost Weekend, on Española Way, features 1980s video games and happy hour well drinks for just $3.50. Ted’s Hideaway, the area’s most popular dive bar, is an Old English-style spot with two daily happy hours. Around since 1926, Mac’s Club Deuce bills itself as the oldest bar in Miami and is known for its Miami Vice cameos in the ‘80s; it has an 11-hour happy hour and constant regulars including a handful of A-list fans, including Cameron Diaz. For more info, visit www. fontainebleau.com; www. lostweekendmiami.com; www.tedshideaway-hub.com and www.macsclubdeuce.com.

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

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ATTRACTIONS

Miami is a Walk on the Vibrant Side of Cultural Diversity Just walking in South Beach between 10th and 15th streets, you’ll see the rise of Art Deco architecture, the influence of the mob and Hollywood and the transformation of Miami’s swampland to a tropical paradise. There’s the Versace mansion and Art Deco classics such as the Carlyle Hotel, the Tudor hotel, the 11th Street Diner and the Wolfsonian. Some of these buildings were backdrops for Miami Vice

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scenes and movies like The Birdcage with Robin Williams. Legend has it Capone ran his gambling syndicate from the second floor of a small hotel also used in The Specalist, starring Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone. If you venture to Little Havana to experience the best in Cuban food, to play dominos at Domino Park or to go salsa dancing, the historical district stretch of Calle Ocho from SW 12th to 16th Avenues is particularly vibrant, the chimneys and porch piers of single-family bungalows made of native coral limestone, the aroma of tobacco wafting from cigar shops, Cuban music coming from the open doors of record stores and lively Cuban

bars. Ball & Chain, the historic jazz club that has been restored into one of the best bars in Miami, hosts more than 80 hours a week of free concerts in its back patio bandshell—which is constructed to look like half of a cut-open pineapple. To the north, you can sample Little Haiti’s island heritage at the Caribbean Marketplace, an award-winning, brilliantly colored building inspired by the Iron Marketplace of Port-au-Prince. The marketplace is filled with shops that offer Caribbean arts and crafts, African-inspired clothing and exotic ice creams and juices. Miami also has a strong Jewish community and is home to one of the world’s largest Holocaust survivor populations as well as the inspiring Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach. Another site with deep historical roots is the Miccosukee Indian Village. Thirty miles west of Miami, the bustle of the city yields to the Everglades, where native Miccosukee Indians share their heritage with visitors by making and selling crafts, relating folklore tales, wrestling alligators and conducting airboat tours of the delicate Everglades ecosystem. For more info, visit www.ballandchainmiami.com; www.littlehaiticulturalcenter.com ; www.holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org; www.miccosukee. com/indian-village/

LODGING

Jules’ Undersea Lodge The World’s Only Underwater Hotel Only 70 miles south of Miami, Jules’ Undersea Lodge in the lagoon at Key Largo Undersea Park is the world’s only underwater hotel. The Lodge was formerly the La Chalupa Research Lab and served as the site of the historic 1995 sea-space link-up in which ocean pioneers Scott Carpenter and Ian Koblick spoke with astronaut Mike Gernhardt aboard the space shuttle Endeavour. The lagoon also has a marine archaeology exhibit and a MarineLab underwater research and education habitat—and both the Lodge and the MarineLab have been used in research on extended space travel. Just to enter the Lodge, one must actually scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea. Jules’ really is underwater. Diving through the tropical mangrove habitat of the Emerald Lagoon and approaching the world’s only under-

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water hotel is quite an experience. Jules’ big 42-inch round windows cast a warm invitation to come in and stay a while, relax and get to know the underwater world. Entering through an opening in the bottom of the habitat, the feeling is much like discovering a secret underwater clubhouse. The cottage-sized building isn’t short on creature comforts: hot showers, a well-stocked kitchen (complete with refrigerator and microwave), books, and an Amazon FireStick which offers music and movies on demand. And of course there are cozy beds, where guests snuggle up and watch the fish visit the windows of their favorite underwater “terrarium.” Jules’ Undersea Lodge manages to reach a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. To get into Jules’ Undersea Lodge, you must be a certified SCUBA diver or take the Discover SCUBA course ($95) upon arrival.

They accept all current agency certifications but you must show proof of certification. You can enjoy a three-hour visit to Jules’ Undersea Lodge and have a pizza lunch for $150/ per person with a two-person minimum (which includes the lagoon fee but not dive gear). The Jul for Two package is $800 and includes their pizza delivery dinner. Breakfast includes coffee or tea, orange juice and your choice of cereal. There’s plenty of water, soda and snacks as well. Dive gear is included in the package. Total privacy in the Lodge is an additional $175 (the Lodge has two rooms) so no other guests will be booked in the Lodge during your stay. Single occupancy is $675 and there are group economy packages of $350 per person (for groups of 3-4) or $300 per person (for groups of 5-6). Jules’ Undersea Lodge is located at 51 Shoreland Dr., Key Largo, FL 33037, (305) 451-2353. For more info, email info@jul.com.

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

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

US CENTRAL Show Islamic Society of North America - ISNA Southwest Dental Conference Western & English Sales Market - WESA BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition National Assoc. of Insurance & Financial Advisors - NAIFA National Rural Water Association - NRWA - WaterPro Int. Pump Users Symposium & Turbomachinery Symposium - TurboLab DUG Eagle Ford - Developing Unconventional Gas Southwest Veterinary Symposium - SWVS Nat. Society for Histotechnology Symposium/Conv. - NSH SPE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition - ATCE Imprinted Sportswear Fort Worth - ISS Texas Assoc. of School Boards - TASA/TASB Convention Fall Toy Preview - TIA OilComm American Society for Reproductive Medicine - ASRM Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo Texas Municipal League - TML Roofing Contractors Association of Texas - RCAT National Minority Supplier Development Council - NMSDC Industrial Fabrics Assoc. International - IFAI Expo Americas CAMX - Composites and Advanced Materials Expo Minnesota Educator Academy - MEA American Society for Radiation Oncology - ASTRO National Safety Council - NSC American Nurses Credentialing Center Nat. Magnet Conference - ANCC International Foodservice Distributors Association - IFDA ISSA/Interclean - North America Medical Design & Manufacturing - MD&M Minneapolis

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 08/31 09/06 09/07 09/09 09/13 09/17 09/18 09/19 09/20 09/21 09/24 09/27 09/28 10/02 10/03 10/06 10/08 10/10 10/10 10/14 10/15 10/15 10/18 10/21 10/22 10/24 10/28 10/29 10/31

View Complete Calendar Online

End 09/03 09/08 09/09 09/13 09/16 09/19 09/20 09/21 09/23 09/26 09/26 09/29 09/30 10/04 10/04 10/10 10/10 10/12 10/12 10/17 10/18 10/18 10/18 10/24 10/24 10/26 10/30 11/01 11/01

Venue George R. Brown CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC DenverMart Henry B. Gonzalez CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Ft. Worth CC George R. Brown CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC America’s CC Complex Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Ft. Worth CC Austin CC Dallas Market Center Houston Marriott Westchase

City Houston Dallas Denver San Antonio San Antonio Ft. Worth Houston San Antonio San Antonio St. Louis Dallas Ft. Worth Austin Dallas Houston Denver Austin CC Austin Ft. Worth Gaylord Texan Dallas Austin Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Dallas St. Paul Rivercentre St. Paul Henry B. Gonzalez CC San Antonio George R. Brown CC Houston Denver Henry B. Gonzalez CC San Antonio Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Dallas Minneapolis CC Minneapolis

St TX TX CO TX TX TX TX TX TX MO TX TX TX TX TX CO TX TX TX TX TX TX MN TX TX CO TX TX MN

Att 20K 11K 4500 3800 1700 2200 5500 5912 2675 1500 7500 5300 8000 2637 2000 8000 2008 4050 1000 7000 5488 8500 10K 7427 13K 7797 1200 16K 5915

Exh 350 335 250 220 130 360 476 225 100 300 240 400 292 135 206 190 350 94 550 409 500 300 202 895 276 154 623 572

Nsf Industry 150K Religious 42000 Medical & Healthcare 109K Apparel 28000 Electrical & Electronics 148K Insurance 28000 Water 48300 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 54120 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 42600 Medical & Healthcare 65000 Medical & Healthcare 93000 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 49100 Apparel 60000 Education 94144 Toys and Hobbies 20000 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 52000 Medical & Healthcare 19000 Medical & Healthcare 68600 Government 20000 Building & Construction 85000 Government 103K Textiles 40200 Manufacturing 33000 Education 115K Medical & Healthcare 176K Medical & Healthcare 44700 Medical & Healthcare Proc. & Distribution 30200CityFood Exhibit News’ best-read section! 263K Laundry & Dry Cleaning 79990 Medical & Healthcare

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

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

087_Tradeshow_Calendar_0918.indd 1

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Trade Show Calendar US MIDWEST

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

Show GlassCon Global American Urological Association - AUA North Central North American Trailer Dealers Association - NATDA The Battery Show & Battery Technology Expo International Tire Exhibition & Conference - ITEC National League for Nursing - NLN Intellectual Property Owners Association - IPO Annual Meeting IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference International Society of Plastic & Aesthetic Nurses - ISPAN International Transplant Nurses Society - ITNS World Beef Expo CWIEME Chicago - Coil Winding, Insulation & Electrical Manufacturing Financial Planning Association - FPA Business & Education Conference College & University Professional Association for Human Resources - CUPA Furnaces North America - FNA American Urogynecologic Society - AUGS PFD Week Pri-Med Midwest Annual Conference Women of Color STEM Conference SMTA International - Surface Mount Technology Association International Die Casting Congress & Expo Die Casting Congress & Exposition - NADCA International Association of Emergency Managers - IAEM American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians - ACOEP Scientific Assembly Automotive Testing Expo - Engine Expo BCMC - Building Component Manufacturing Conference National Council of Strucural Engineers Associations - NCSEA Design-2-Part Show American Psychiatric Nurses Association - APNA Midwest Healthcare Engineering Conf. & Trade Show - MWHCEC

Start 09/05 09/05 09/06 09/11 09/11 09/12 09/23 09/24 09/27 09/28 09/28 10/02 10/03 10/07 10/08 10/09 10/10 10/11 10/14 10/15 10/15 10/19 10/21 10/23 10/23 10/24 10/24 10/24 10/29

End 09/07 09/08 09/08 09/13 09/13 09/14 09/25 09/27 10/01 09/30 09/30 10/04 10/05 10/09 10/10 10/13 10/13 10/13 10/18 10/17 10/17 10/24 10/25 10/25 10/26 10/27 10/25 10/27 10/31

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Venue Holiday Inn Mart Plaza Fairmont Chicago Indiana CC Suburban Collection Showplace John S. Knight Center Hyatt Regency Chicago Hyatt Regency Chicago Duke Energy CC Westin River North Hotel Wisconsin State Fair Park Donald E. Stephens CC Hyatt Regency Chicago JW Marriott Indiana CC Hyatt Regency Chicago Donald E. Stephens CC Detroit Marriott Donald E. Stephens CC Indiana CC

Suburban Collection Showplace

John S. Knight Center Greater Columbus CC Indiana CC

City Chicago Chicago Indianapolis Novi Akron Chicago Chicago Cincinnati Chicago Rosemont West Allis Rosemont Chicago Indianapolis Indianapolis Chicago Rosemont Detroit Rosemont Indianapolis Indianapolis Grand Rapids Chicago Novi Milwaukee Chicago Akron Columbus Indianapolis

St Att IL 450 IL IN MI OH IL IL OH IL IL WI IL IL IN IN IL IL MI IL IN IN MI IL 300 MI WI IL OH OH IN

Exh 10

Nsf

Industry Ceramics & Glass Medical & Healthcare Renewable Energy Automotive & Trucking Medical & Healthcare

150

Petroleum, Oil & Plastics Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Agriculture & Farming Electrical & Electronics Financial & Legal Education Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Science Manufacturing

25 350

Medical & Healthcare Automotive & Trucking Building & Construction Manufacturing Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare

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

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

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

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

88 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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

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

US NORTHEAST Show American Political Science Association - APSA Natural Products Expo East American Society for Surgery of the Hand - ASSH Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates - ACFSA American Association of Nurse Anesthetists - AANA International City/County Management Association - ICMA National Association of Elevator Contractors - NAEC Emergency Nurses Association Annual Meeting - ENA Design-2-Part Show National Electrical Contractors Association - NECA American Fire Sprinkler Association - AFSA National Community Pharmacists Association - NCPA Association of the US Army Annual Meeting - AUSA Remodeling Show & DeckExpo Channel Partners Evolution American Association of Blood Banks - AABB Annual Meeting Green Industry and Equipment Expo - GIE+Expo National Association of Broadcasters - NAB Show New York Audio Engineering Society Convention - AES American Society of Landscape Architects - ASLA American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress New Jersey School Boards Association - NJSBA Workshop National Defense Transportion Association - NDTA Fall Meeting SMX - Search Marketing Expo East PDN Photoplus International Conference + Expo JA New York Special Delivery - Jewelry American Association for Laboratory Animal Science - AALAS American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual - AIChE New York Xpo for Business

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 08/30 09/13 09/13 09/16 09/21 09/23 09/24 09/26 09/26 09/29 09/30 10/06 10/08 10/09 10/09 10/13 10/17 10/17 10/17 10/19 10/21 10/22 10/22 10/23 10/25 10/28 10/28 10/28 10/30

End 09/02 09/15 09/15 09/19 09/25 09/26 09/27 09/29 09/27 10/02 10/03 10/09 10/10 10/11 10/12 10/16 10/19 10/18 10/20 10/22 10/25 10/25 10/25 10/25 10/27 10/30 11/01 11/02 10/30

Venue Hynes CC Baltimore CC Hynes CC Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hynes CC Baltimore CC Atlantic City CC David L. Lawrence CC Royal Plaza Trade Center Pennsylvania CC Gaylord National Hynes CC Walter E. Washington CC Baltimore CC Pennsylvania CC Boston Conv. & Expo Center Kentucky Expo Center Javits Center Javits Center Pennsylvania CC Boston Conv. & Expo Center

City Boston Baltimore Boston Norfolk Boston Baltimore Atlantic City Pittsburgh Marlborough Philadelphia Washington Boston Washington Baltimore Philadelphia Boston Louisville New York New York Philadelphia Boston Atlantic City Washington New York Javits Center New York Javits Center New York Baltimore CC Baltimore David L. Lawrence CC Pittsburgh Javits Center New York

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

Att 6000 21.5K 3500 450 2400 2819 2500 3500 1400 10K 1300 3000 29.1K 6170 2500 5000 18K 15.4K 16K 5000 13K 5000 1500 2000 18K 4496 4500 4000 15K

Exh 120 1.1K 130 150 200 200 175 245 150 300 125 231 682 325 100 155 615 362 311 450 228 550 150 70 221 274 250 100 300

Nsf 34000 154K 25000 15000 20000 27500 50000 33900 15000 55000 12500 36700 330K 88951 15000 55300 706K 63011 34000 86000 71200 90000 27000 12000 78985 54655 25000 10000 81000

Industry Government Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Government Building & Construction Medical & Healthcare Manufacturing Electrical & Electronics Fire & Fire Protection Medical & Healthcare Military Building & Construction Communications Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Communications Electrical & Electronics Building & Construction Medical & Healthcare Education Military Computers & Apps Printing Jewelry Science Chemical Business

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

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

087_Tradeshow_Calendar_0918.indd 3

ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 89

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Trade Show Calendar US NORTHWEST

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

Show California Dental Association - CDA Fall Scientific Session American Society of Nuclear Cardiology - ASNC NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum PCB Design Conference West Photomask Technology - SPIE Interbike - Bicycle Industry Exhibition California Physical Therapy Association Annual - CPTA Association of Zoos & Aquariums - AZA Society for Clinical Data Management - SCDM Dreamforce - Cloud Expo National Association for College Admission Counseling - NACAC OUT & EQUAL Workplace Summit ID Week - Infectious Diseases Society of America Society of American Foresters National Convention - SAF Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development - SHSMD National Science Teachers Association - NSTA Anesthesiology - American Society of Anesthesiologists - ASA National Funeral Directors Association - NFDA ARM Techcon - ARM Technology Conference Internet Librarian Utah Education Association Convention - UEA Sacramento International Auto Show American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting - ACCP Oracle Code One American Academy of Child & Adolescent Pyschiatry - AACAP Oracle OpenWorld IWLPC - Int’l Wafer-Level Packaging Conference International Association of Forensic Nurses Annual - IAFN Abilities Expo - Bay Area

Start 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/11 09/17 09/18 09/22 09/23 09/23 09/25 09/27 10/01 10/03 10/03 10/07 10/11 10/13 10/14 10/16 10/16 10/18 10/19 10/20 10/22 10/22 10/22 10/23 10/24 10/26

View Complete Calendar Online

End 09/08 09/09 09/06 09/13 09/20 09/20 09/23 09/27 09/26 09/28 09/29 10/04 10/07 10/07 10/10 10/13 10/17 10/17 10/18 10/18 10/19 10/21 10/23 10/25 10/27 10/25 10/25 10/27 10/28

Venue Moscone Center Marriott Marquis

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City San Francisco San Francisco San Jose Santa Clara CC Santa Clara Monterey CC Monterey Reno Sparks CC Reno Santa Clara CC Santa Clara Washington State CC Seattle Hyatt Regency Bellevue Seattle San Francisco Salt Palace CC Salt Lake City Seattle San Francisco Moscone Center Oregon CC Portland Washington State CC Seattle Reno Sparks CC Reno San Francisco Moscone Center Salt Lake City San Jose CC San Jose Monterey Marriott Monterey South Towne Expo Center Sandy Cal Expo Sacramento Washington State CC Seattle San Francisco Washington State CC Seattle San Francisco Doubletree by Hilton San Jose San Jose Peppermill Resort Reno San Mateo County Event Ctr. San Mateo

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

Att Exh Nsf Industry 12.1K 370 80000 Medical & Healthcare 1800 70 13000 Medical & Healthcare Aerospace & Aviation Engineering 1200 55 Science 24.2K 810 320K Sporting Goods & Rec. 1100 100 10000 Medical & Healthcare 2500 180 Medical & Healthcare 700 75 350 Computers & Apps 5000 200 50000 Education 4000 4000 84 14900 Medical & Healthcare 2000 100 10000 Forest Products Medical & Healthcare 1100 79 3000 150 30000 Education 9902 297 73200 Medical & Healthcare 5831 392 96300 Funeral Industry 4500 150 75000 Computers & Apps Computers & Apps 8000 200 Education Automotive & Trucking Medical & Healthcare 1700 65 15000 Computers & Apps Medical & Healthcare 5000 Computers & Apps Mat. Handl., Pkg & Logistics

Exhibit City News’ best-read section!

600

3280

Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare

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

ExhibitCityNews.com/Tradeshow-Calendar Exhibit City News’ best-read section! 90 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

087_Tradeshow_Calendar_0918.indd 4

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

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

US SOUTHEAST Show Surf Expo Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show - FRA - PMQ’s Pizza Show Imprinted Sportswear Orlando - ISS OR Manager Conference American Health Information Management Assn - AHIMA FinCon - Financial Content Expo American Society of Plumbing Engineers - ASPE Airports Council International - North America - ACI-NA Weftec - Water Environment Federation Americas Food & Beverage Trade Show & Conference - IFE International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference - IBEX The Landscape Show - FNGLA Florida School Nutrition Assn Food & Equip Expo - FSNA Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography - SDMS International Association of Chiefs of Police - IACP American Academy of Otolaryngology - OTO Expo Industry Summit - F&I and Showroom Travel Industry Exchange American Academy of Family Physicians - AAFP FMX Metalcon International Medtrade Nat. Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - NBAA Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Firehouse Expo Orthopaedic Trauma Association - OTA Produce Marketing Association - Fresh Summit - PMA Premier Birmingham - Beauty Show Association for Middle Level Education - AMLE EMS World Expo

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 09/06 09/06 09/06 09/17 09/22 09/26 09/28 09/30 10/01 10/01 10/02 10/04 10/04 10/04 10/06 10/07 10/08 10/09 10/09 10/10 10/15 10/16 10/16 10/16 10/17 10/18 10/21 10/25 10/29

End 09/08 09/08 09/08 09/19 09/26 09/29 10/03 10/02 10/03 10/02 10/04 10/06 10/06 10/07 10/09 10/10 10/10 10/11 10/13 10/12 10/17 10/18 10/18 10/20 10/20 10/20 10/22 10/27 11/02

Venue Orange County CC Orange County CC Orange County CC Music City Center Rosen Shingle Creek Music City Center Morial CC Miami Beach CC Tampa CC Orange County CC Gaylord Palms Hyatt Regency Orlando Georgia World Congress Ctr. Caribe Royale Hilton West Palm Beach Morial CC Charlotte CC Georgia World Congress Ctr. Orange County CC Spence Field Music City Center Gaylord Palms Orange County CC Birmingham Jefferson Complex Music City Center

City Orlando Orlando Orlando Nashville Miami Orlando Atlanta Nashville New Orleans Miami Tampa Orlando Orlando Orlando Orlando Atlanta Orlando Palm Beach New Orleans Charlotte Atlanta Orlando Moultrie Nashville Orlando Orlando Birmingham Orlando Nashville

St FL FL FL TN FL FL GA TN LA FL FL FL FL FL FL GA FL FL LA NC GA FL GA TN FL FL AL FL TN

Att 27K 15K 7084 2200 4000 1259 3000 1750 17K 6284 2122 7000 1800 1700 14.2K 5500 1300 3000 10.9K 5525 3281 25.1K 80K 13.1K 1400 21.1K 11.5K 4600 5700

Exh 1K 600 140 150 225 65 275 129 981 306 544 450 205 60 783 300 80 294 359 300 350 1.1K 1.2K 347 60 673 202 280 360

Nsf 250K 90000 24500 27000 60000 20001 65000 21800 297K 44000 106K 75500 60000 35000 172K 71000 19000 70000 58500 70200 85509 1M 117K 90400 25000 252K 50658 47000 120K

Industry Sporting Goods & Rec. Hotels & Resorts Apparel Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Financial & Legal Building & Construction Aerospace & Aviation Water Food & Beverage Sporting Goods & Rec. Agriculture & Farming Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Fire & Fire Protection Medical & Healthcare Financial & Legal Travel Industry Medical & Healthcare Metalworking Medical & Healthcare Aerospace & Aviation Agriculture & Farming Fire & Fire Protection Medical & Healthcare Food & Beverage Beauty & Healthcare Education Medical & Healthcare

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

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Sign up for six stunning, full-color issues of ECN and get our very special 20th anniversary edition, 52 weekly digital updates and free stuff to wear proudly! GO TO EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL 702.309.8023

@ExhibitCityNews

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ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 91

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Trade Show Calendar US SOUTHWEST

Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet All Information Is Subject to Change*

Show CEDIA - Custom Electronic Design & Installation Assoc. GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas Glassbuild America TCT - Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Symposium GSX - Global Security Exchange Solar Power International - SPI International Vision Expo West North American Spine Society - NASS American College of Emergency Physicians - ACEP GSE Expo Worldwide NACS Show - National Association of Convenience Stores American Health Care Association - AHCA Direct Marketing Association - DMA ABC Kids Expo Global Gaming Expo - G2E

Start 09/04 09/12 09/12 09/21 09/23 09/24 09/26 09/26 10/01 10/02 10/07 10/07 10/07 10/09 10/09

End 09/08 09/14 09/14 09/25 09/27 09/27 09/29 09/29 10/04 10/04 10/10 10/10 10/09 10/11 10/11

Venue San Diego CC Los Angeles CC Las Vegas CC San Diego CC Las Vegas CC Anaheim CC Sands Expo Los Angeles CC San Diego CC Rio All-Suite Hotel Las Vegas CC San Diego CC MGM Grand Las Vegas CC Sands Expo Center

City San Diego Los Angeles Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Anaheim Las Vegas Los Angeles San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas

St CA CA NV CA NV CA NV CA CA NV NV CA NV NV NV

AIMExpo - American International Motocycle Expo Society of Exploration Geophysicists - SEG IMEX America Specialty Graphic Imaging Association - SGIA Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dental Meeting - ADA LDI - The Entertainment Technology Show American Vacuum Society - AVS Association of Records Managers & Administrators - ARMA Association of Air Medical Services - AMTC Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributers Assn - STAFDA SEMA Show AAPEX - Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo International Fastener Expo International Pool Spa Patio Expo - PSP

10/13 10/14 10/16 10/18 10/18 10/19 10/21 10/22 10/22 10/28 10/30 10/30 10/30 10/31

10/14 10/19 10/18 10/20 10/22 10/21 10/26 10/24 10/24 10/30 11/02 11/01 11/01 11/02

Mandalay Bay Anaheim CC Sands Expo Center Las Vegas CC

Las Vegas Anaheim Las Vegas Las Vegas Honolulu Las Vegas Long Beach Anaheim Phoenix Phoenix Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas

NV CA NV NV HI NV CA CA AZ AZ NV NV NV NV

Las Vegas CC Long Beach CC Phoenix CC Phoenix CC Las Vegas CC Sands Expo Center Mandalay Bay Mandalay Bay

Att 17K 25K 7634 11.7K 18.3K 20K 16K 3322 7550 2500 24K 2500 8500 12K 24K 6488 4500 23K 35K 13K 3300 2500 2330 4240 135K 175K 2044 10K

Exh 457 1K 364 149 708 850 451 341 414 200 1.2K 354 352 761 408

Nsf 376K 298K 112K 69400 227K 285K 179K 92000 89000 65000 381K 63480 59250 323K 260K

Industry Electrical & Electronics Communications Ceramics & Glass Medical & Healthcare Security Renewable Energy Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Aerospace & Aviation Stores & Store Fittings Medical & Healthcare Advertising & Marketing Apparel Gaming & Entertainment

370 1.8K 541 379 365 200 200 120 700 2.2K 2.3K 634 548

182K 123K 140K 203K 88900 125K 90000 100K 60000 79600 998K 501K 82900 155K

Automotive & Trucking Energy Printing Medical & Healthcare Lighting Science Business Aerospace & Aviation Building & Construction Automotive & Trucking Automotive & Trucking Building & Construction Building & Construction

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92 September/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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

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

CANADA Show The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference Security Canada Atlantic - CANASA CanWeld Expo Canadian Health Food Association - Expo East - CHFA International Society of Hematology The FranchiseCanada Show - CFA National Pet Industry Trade Show Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society - CHES Interior Design West - IDSWest The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show The Canadian Coffee & Tea Show International Pipeline Exposition CanWest - Horticulture Trade Show American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association - AOPA National Hardwood Lumber Association - NHLA Franchise Canada Show - CFA CanWest Veterinary Conference TIACA’S Air Cargo Forum & Exhibition - TIACA ACF The Convenience U CARWACS Show Thompson Okanagon Dental Society

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 09/08 09/11 09/12 09/12 09/13 09/13 09/15 09/16 09/16 09/20 09/22 09/23 09/25 09/26 09/26 10/02 10/13 10/13 10/16 10/17 10/18

End 09/09 09/12 09/12 09/13 09/16 09/16 09/16 09/17 09/18 09/23 09/23 09/24 09/27 09/27 09/29 10/04 10/14 10/16 10/18 10/18 10/20

Venue The International Centre Suncor Comm. Leisure Centre Casino New Brunswick RBC CC Metro Toronto CC Vancouver CC Place Bonaventure International Centre St. John’s CC Vancouver CC Shaw Conference Centre Toronto Congress Centre Telus CC TRADEX Vancouver CC Sheraton Centre Hotel Enercare Centre Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Metro Toronto CC BMO Centre Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

City Toronto Ft. McMurray Moncton Winnipeg Toronto Vancouver Montreal Mississauga St. John’s Vancouver Edmonton Toronto Calgary Abbotsford Vancouver Toronto Toronto Banff Toronto Calgary Kelowna

St ON AB NB MB ON BC QC ON NL BC AB ON AB BC BC ON ON AB ON AB BC

Att 5000 5700 200 2500 3800

Exh 150 400 40 100 800

3150 1811 300 20K 1600 1300 3000 4000 2500 800 4000

100 230 160 300 50 135 225 265 160 70 80

3000

200

1000

Nsf 21000 85000 5800

Industry Business Petroleum, Oil & Plastics Security

73000 Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Business 40800 15000 Medical & Healthcare Home Furn. & Int. Design 20000 Business Food & Beverage 27000 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 45000 Home Furn. & Int. Design 40000 Medical & Healthcare 7000 Building & Construction Business Medical & Healthcare Aerospace & Aviation Stores & Store Fittings 7000 Medical & Healthcare

*DISCLAIMER: Please note that tradeshow information is provided as a resource only. All show information is subject to change. Please check show dates and venues with official show organizers and producers. For updated show and event listings, visit www.exhibitcitynews.com/tradeshow-calendar.

@ExhibitCityNews

087_Tradeshow_Calendar_0918.indd 7

ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 93

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Section

NEW! Shop to Showfloor Section: Sharpening Soft Skills in I&D Exhibit City News

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(March/April)

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KEEP CALM AND

TWEET ON Join the conversation

@ExhibitCityNews 94 Steptember/October 2018 Exhibit City News

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE Where to Find Professional Services, Products and Supplies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Companion Directory to our www.ExhibitCityNews.com/Service-Guide

Aadvantaged Displays 99 BWC Visual Technologies 96 CDS 100 CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) 97 Champion Logistics 100 Collazo Expo Services 97 Corey Johnson Photography 100 Corporate Communications 96 Corporate Events 96

CoStar Exhibits Equip, Inc. Exhibitor Training MasterClass Exhibitrac Direct Marketing Expoquarzo Exhibitions FWR Horizon Print Solutions KB Lines King Size LED Displays

98 101 97 101 97 98 101 99 99

KKOM Larry Kulchwik Consulting Last Minute Venues LipSmacking Foodie Tours Prism Lighting TWI Group YOR Design

98 96 101 98 99 100 98

For Service Guide information and rates, call sales at (702) 309-8023. Inclusive categories are available for all your company advertising needs. ExhibitCityNews.com Steptember/October 2018 95

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

BWC Visual Technologies BWC is the leading supplier of Science On a Sphere technology and an authorized distributor for Topobox, Inside Explorer, Liquid Galaxy and backlit trade show exhibits. At BWC, we also offer personal signage, pop-up displays, banners, and much more. Do you have a new store opening up? Or your first tradeshow? Take a look through exhibitor catalog and let us know how we can help with the displays at your next event. For more info, visit www.bwcviz.com.

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Exhibit Production

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

CEP â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc. CEP has been transforming our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sales and marketing objectives into award-winning, three-dimensional environments for over 30 years. We tell your story, by focusing on your needs, strategy and objectives. CEP provides full service production and storage facilities in the three largest tradeshow venues in the U.S.: Chicago, Las Vegas & Orlando. CEP is positioned to provide cost effective and unique solutions from start to finish for any exhibit challenge, from design & fabrication to on-site installation & dismantle services, and complete program management. For more information, visit www.cepexhibits.com or call to speak to a team member at 1-800-626-0579..

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Exhibitor Training

Question: Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff? Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

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

SUBSCRIBE@EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM OR CALL:

702.309.8023

Exhibits

@ExhibitCityNews

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Exhibits

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

KKOM Our marketing services provide an integrated approach which allows us to build responsive and effective programs that combine our in-house digital, print, web, video, and creative capabilities. With user experience (UX) at the forefront of our strategy, we offer integrated marketing that works: Digital Marketing (a combination of SEO, pay-per-click, social media, display advertising and email marketing), Creative Services (graphic design, photography, and video), Website Development (online presence for your business that displays beautifully on any device) and Printing Services (our in-house design and print team will distribute your companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message from business cards to banners). Visit https://milwaukeemarketingservices.com.

Enhance your look. BOOTH DESIGN & RENTALS PORTABLE SIGNAGE & HARDWARE BRANDED PREMIUMS VIDEOS & PRESENTIONS SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS PRINT & DESIGN SERVICES 262-250-2060 EXT 232 | RKOHL@KKOMINC.COM

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

King Size LED Displays Our passion gives us the vision to create the experience of your dreams and make it a reality! No matter how small or King Size your vision is—we will make it happen! We provide the highest quality LED Video Walls that the world desires! Our services range from Rentals, Sales and Custom Installations to full on turnkey productions. We can provide you with amazing LED walls along with high-quality sound systems and awesome lighting packages. All the services you need for creating an extraordinary experience with one call at King Size LED. For more info, visit http://www.kingsizeled.com.

Graphics

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Lighting

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Logistics

@ExhibitCityNews

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

Champion Logistics Founded in 1980 with the commitment to give our clients the best possible service, Champion Logistics Group has grown to become a global logistics leader. Champion provides integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage and import and export services. Our extensive experience and industry expertise gives our clients peace of mind when using any of Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services. For more info, visit www.champlog.com

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Attention Exhibit and Event Companies Local Service for Trade Shows and Events In: Washington D.C. - Baltimore - Atlantic City Philly - NYC - Hartford - Boston All in same-day driving distance from us.

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We Can Provide You A Local Presence

Question: Where Can You Find Industry Features, Maps, Insider Information, Shop Talk And Free Stuff? Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

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

SUBSCRIBE@EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM OR CALL:

702.309.8023

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Exhibitrac Direct Marketing The Exhibitrac tradeshow exhibitor database is updated daily by our staff of researchers. This list of over 750,000 tradeshow exhibitors and over 10,000 shows is one of the most comprehensive, up-to-date B2B lists available anywhere. If you supply products or services to companies that exhibit in tradeshows, you cannot find a more targeted list of prospects! Our lists may be tailored exactly to your needs. Exhibitor records may be selected and sorted to your exact specifications: by show, by exhibiting frequency, by zip code, area code, even by booth size. For more info, visit https://exhibitrac.com

Printing

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

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

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

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Venues

1 Issue: $500 per month 3 Issues: $400 per month 6 Issues: $300 per month 12 Issues: $200 per month Contact sales for details: 702-309-8023 or sales@exhibitcitynews.com @ExhibitCityNews

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Classifieds

Equity Partner Wanted

Exhibitrac is Hiring

Exhibitrac needs new show guides for its database, and will pay $10 - $20 per accepted guide. If you are an industry supplier, exhibitor, union or other employee who regularly attends or works at shows in major convention cities such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Orlando, etc. Please contact us for details: klandrum@exhibitrac.com or call 702-824-9651 ext. 700

Well established exhibit builder, centrally located, with a CNC based shop and a large storage warehouse, is looking for an equity partner to grow into full ownership. Company has steady clientele, no debt and quality employees. Email blindbox1234@exhibitcitynews.com

Experienced Exhibit Account Executive Want to Get fired Up? Tired of the same old same? Need a new outlook? Need to exhibit your talents? Think you are too old to start new with a company? Think again! We loved “SEASONED” professionals to bring experience and good old fashioned “know how to our organization. Negotiable compensation packages and great benefits offered. We also

About SourceOne Events SourceOne Events is a nationwide leader in the events & expo industry, defined by our innovation and client experience. Whether the need is for a trade show, special event, or corporate meeting, SourceOne Events delivers an unparalleled experience from beginning to end.

JOB SUMMARY: SourceOne Events seeks an experienced full-time sales representative in Lombard, IL and Orlando, FL who understands how to develop and maintain relationships with current and new clients. The sales representative is expected to build & maintain business through the use of phone, e-mail, live presentations, demos and client engagement.

hire AE’s with at least 5 years exhibit sales experience. We are a 50 year old family-owned company and we’re looking for some new family members. Located in Chicago, IL just minutes from McCormick Place. Send Resumes to : juliem@stevensexhibits.com.

• Focuses on new business • Researches future event schedules of clients and prospects • Quotes projects • Manages client projects on-site • Addresses problems quickly to achieve successful outcomes • Responds immediately to customer grievances • Manages expenses • Attends Lombard industry events • Develops positive working relationship with the SourceOne operations team • Ability to achieve annual sales goals. A Goal Buster! • Working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Software applications • Exceptional new business and customer service skills • Outstanding organizational skills

REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• 3-5 years experience • Sales Goal of $300,000 – $500,000 first year • Sells SourceOne Event services: Expo management, furnishings, exhibit services, graphic production and branding

• High School Diploma or GED • Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree

REQUIRED LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION: Driver’s License

Resume Submission: Please send resume and salary requirements to ruthi@sourceoneevents.com. “SourceOne Events, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to race, color, religion, sex national origin, disability status, and protected veteran status. We conduct background checks and drug testing on all applicants.” We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, 401K plan, company match and one of the largest privately held Employee Stock Ownership Plans in the US. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with SourceOne Events, please call (877) SOE-EXPO.

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QA Question: Where can you find industry features, maps, insider information, shop talk and free stuff?

Answer: Exhibit City News, of course!

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

Call 702.309.8023

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2018 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* *Content is subject to change

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

MARCH-APRIL

January (print & digital)

March (print & digital):

February (digital only)

April (digital only):

• Feature: Year in Review • Transportation/Warehousing/Material Handling • Vendors International Focus: Argentina

• Feature: Exhibitor Live Preview • Furnishings • Event Organizers International Focus: Belgium

• Technology Show/Products • AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Southwest US

• Exhibit Building & Design • Show Management/Kits • Extrusions Regional Focus: Northeast US

MAY-JUNE

JULY-AUGUST

May (print & digital):

July (print & digital):

June (digital only):

August (digital only):

• Feature: Museums/Exhibits • Exhibit Design • Exhibitor Live Post International Focus: Brazil

• Feature: Women in the Industry • Show Security/Safety • Show Services International Focus: Singapore

• Mobile Exhibits • Warehousing/Material Handling • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Central US

• Insurance/Legal/Contracts • Industry Salespeople • Tension Fabric Regional Focus: Midwest US

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

September (print & digital):

November (print & digital):

October (digital only):

December (digital only):

• Feature: Giveaways/Incentives • General Contractors • Flooring International Focus: Costa Rica/Panama

• Feature: Labor/Unions • Associations • Booth Staff/Talent/Brand Ambassadors International Focus: Germany

• Lead Retrieval v. Data Matching/CRM • Tradeshow Marketing/Traffic • Social Media Regional Focus: Northwest US

Content covered digitally and in print Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. Other months, digital coverage only.

• Special/Corporate Events • Hybrid/Co-location Events • Corporate Social Sustainability Regional Focus: Southeast US

Deadline / Space reservation: 8th day, or closest business day, of month prior to print issue. We would love to hear from you! Share the coverage you would like to see in future issues at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com 3

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ADVERTISERS

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Angles On Design

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Horizon Print Solution

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Hill & Partners

ShowNets, LLC ShowNets.net

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FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Contact sales: 702-309-8023 ext. 105, sales@exhibitcitynews.com @ExhibitCityNews

ExhibitCityNews.com September/October 2018 105

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

As a unique Las Vegas based carrier, we are dedicated to one thing - trade shows. With over 30 years of experience we are highly trained, skilled and focused on providing you with flawless service handling your exhibit materials in and out of Las Vegas convention venues.

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