Exhibit City News
THE LOGISTICS ISSUE
July 2015 • Vol. 21 • Issue 4
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Exhibit City News
20
THE LOGISTICS ISSUE
Features
July 2015 • Vol. 21 • Issue 4
26 A Culture of Safety
Cover Story
Protecting people and property
56-58
The Tradeshow Triangle
36 Lead retrieval central to exhibiting
Custom Crates Expert simplifies material handling
40
Columns
GSCs Run the Show…
As the Saw Turns
The ins and outs of marshalling yards
‘We don’t like their sound’
60
14
Balancing Act
The Green Piece
Shopping for a shipper
Green Take on a Great Lake
16
Contributing Writers
Employment Strategy Corner It’s Summer Intern Time Again Be Careful
10 The Snapshot 82 Tradeshow History 99 Regional Show Calendar 106 Classified Ads 110 Service Guide
Corporate Profiles 84 Experiencing Kingsmen 86 Rental Furnishings Trendsetter
6 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Mobile exhibits keep exhibits moving
52
12
In this issue
42 Imagine This…
70
34
5 Ways to Attract Big Crowds By Tessie Barnett
64
10 Reasons Your City Needs More Conventions By Rod Cameron
66
We Come from the Land Down Under By Kelli Steckbauer
68
First Impressions Matter By Crystal Chu
MASTHEAD
PUBLISHER’S WORDS
PUBLISHER Donald V. Svehla Jr. 702-309-8023 ext.102 dons@exhibitcitynews.com
Summer greetings to readers everywhere! W
elcome to our July print edition. We have plenty of riveting content for your summer reading pleasure! Highlights include a look at today’s world in Logistics – from crate building to transportation regulations. ECN takes you along on the journey traveled by new FIT exhibit design graduates as they pursue career starting points in the industry.
Reclaiming Glory
ECN’s Kristan Obeng looks into Sydney’s convention industry comeback with the highly anticipated ICC Sydney (p. 70) set to open its doors in December 2016. But it isn’t just the Australian city looking to make a name for itself – ECN reflects on how Canada’s National Meetings Industry Day (p. 18) influenced an entire continent to join in advocating the exhibition industry. Finally, we go back to the basics with how to use swag effectively (p. 32) in order to attract big crowds to your booth (p. 34).
ECN’s 4-Part Series on I&D and Event Labor
Join ECN as we take readers on a labor journey. This series will help educate everyone involved with ordering and using labor. What is built into the price you pay? What are the pitfalls of
going with discount providers? From the history of I&D and Event Labor straight through to what to expect over the next year and decade…follow along with our series…in print and digital.
ECN Staff Traveling Near and Far
ECN staff will be busy traveling to cover mid-year meetings and events. Some of our in-person coverage include International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), a global organization representing the international exhibition & event service industry, in Vienna; traveling with FAMAB, the German exhibition and events industry association, to Milan to evaluate and pay tribute to exhibits at the Expo Milano 2015; ESCA Summer Educational Conference in Lake Tahoe; and E2MA’s Red Diamond Congress in suburban Boston at the end of July. This is just a partial list of events we will be covering over the next month!
Have a Wonderful Start to Summer, Everyone!
Enjoy life, enjoy your families…be safe…be healthy! Until September… we will see you on the Internet and social media!!!
Editorial MANAGING EDITOR Zeenath Haniff 702-309-8023 ext.111 zeenathh@exhibitcitynews.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Kristan Obeng 702-309-8023 ext.103 krissyo@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak thomass@exhibitcitynews.com COLUMNISTS Haley Freeman Phillip H. Kemper Jim Obermeyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tessie Barnett Rod Cameron Crystal Chu Eric Dyson Andrew Nadel Soni Phillips Kelli Steckbauer Ariana Velazco
Sales DIRECTOR OF SALES Kathy Anaya 702-309-8023 ext.105 kathya@exhibitcitynews.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE John Harrison 702-309-8023 ext.104 johnh@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION 702-309-8023 ext.100 kathya@exhibitcitynews.com
Don Svehla | Publisher
8 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
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George R. Brown Convention Center Photo courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Location: Houston, Texas Year opened: 1987 Original square footage: 451,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space Current square footage: 893,590 sq. ft. of exhibition space (1.2 million sq. ft. of exhibition, meeting and registration space combined) Origin of name: George R. Brown, a Houstonian, civic leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist Largest show to date: International Quilt Market/International Quilt Festival with an average 60,000 attendees annually
PLUS!
Where to eat, sleep and play near GRB on p. 80
Fun Fact: The building features more than 60,000 yards of carpet, or enough to cover the floors in about 300 average-size homes.
Send in your Show Floor Snapshots to newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 11
COLUMN As the Saw Turns
‘We Don’t Like Their Sound’
W
e don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” Decca recording company rejecting the Beatles, 1962 Rejection is one of those things we all live with and we all deal with. It is also one of the basic motivators for innovation, creativity and progress. Every once in a while, someone survives all of the naysayers, all of the experts, all of the consultants, and actually creates a terrific product, starts a new company or builds a successful enterprise. So, to those of you who regard rejection as a stepping stone and have a never-saydie attitude despite the lack of initial support, here’s to you: • “This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a
12 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” Western Union internal memo, 1876 • “Who the hell wants actors to talk?” Harry Warner, Warner Bros., 1927
Yale University professor’s comments on thesis proposing an overnight delivery service by Fred Smith (eventual founder of Federal Express)
I suspect we’ve all been in these kinds of positions at By Jim Obermeyer one time or anoth• “There is no reason anyone er in our lives. Whether it would want a computer in was your parent, a teacher their home.” Ken Olsen, or professor, or a business founder and chairman of consultant, sometimes being Digital Equipment Corp., told not to do something – or 1977 that if you did do it, it would not succeed – is more of a • “I’m just glad it’ll be Clark motivation to go out and Gable who’s falling on his make it happen. How you face, and not Gary Cooper.” respond to the rejection says Gary Cooper on his decia lot about you. sion in not taking the role Our industry is rife with in “Gone with the Wind” folks who have started a • “The concept is interesting company and built successful and well-formed, but in orbusinesses – and industries der to earn better than a ‘C’ for that matter. Look at Jack the idea must be feasible.” McEntee, one of the founders of a company called I&D in 1979. Not only was he one of the first to break from using show labor when he created an independent labor company, his idea grew into a vast and far-reaching exhibitor-appointed contractor industry. I wonder how many times he was told it would never work. Just at the last show I worked, I ran into a guy I used to have on my crews who is now city manager for a labor company I had never heard of. Jack’s legacy lives on. And look what’s happened in the exhibit house world.
The last several decades have seen a tremendous number of start-ups, spin-offs, mergers and acquisitions. Someone is always looking for the next best way to do what we do. We seem to be an industry of would-be entrepreneurs. And it’s not just about starting or buying companies. Think of all the innovation we’ve seen just in the use of materials in exhibit design. Who was the first one to stretch a piece of fabric around an extrusion? Or to create lightweight modular wall panels? Think of all the creative uses of materials and the innovative use of technology that we have seen in our industry in recent years. From televisions to plasma monitors to monitor walls to touch screens to LED technology, and from business cards to badge scanners to RFID to iPads. Consider how many of those ideas may have been rejected when first presented; how many times they may have been told their idea would never work. It truly is the creativity, innovation and passion within us that drives us past those who would say, “We don’t like their sound.” See you on the show floor. Jim Obermeyer has been in the trade show industry over 30 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house executive. He is a partner at Reveal, a trade show marketing firm. He can be reached at jobermeyer@ revealexhibits.com.
COLUMN The Green Piece
Green Take on a Great Lake
W
hen people think major renovation to accomof the most desirmodate modern tradeshows. able convention Part of a city-wide renaiscities, they often think of sance, a plan was put into beachy destinations offering a action not only to modernize variety of visitor attracthe CCC, but to create a tions – places like LA themed convention and Orlando. It may destination. Cleveland surprise you to learn boasts two of the that Cleveland, Ohio, world’s leading health floating along the care institutions – Erie shore, is just Cleveland Clinic and By Haley Freeman such a place. It has University Hospitals. recently morphed into a According to local attorney stand-out convention destiand civic trailblazer, Frederick nation, with state-of-the-art, Nance, these institutions have eco-friendly facilities and an “developed cutting-edge techarray of cultural and enternology for the innovation and tainment choices for visitors. delivery of health care,” atIn recent years, civic and tracting an influx of talent and business leaders in Cleveland resources that have been vital have joined in transforming to the city’s redevelopment. their city from a rust-belt relic Nance and a group of to a newly-minted penny, with like-minded civic leaders modern infrastructure, a reviconceived a health care-themed talization of historic landmarks convention center, “based on and an innovative approach to what has been done at other economic development. Home convention centers for industo three major professional tries like furniture, jewelry sports franchises (Go Lebron!), and fashion, but a place where a world-class theater district people could experience the and the Rock and Roll Hall of latest medical devices, products Fame, this historic city was and supplies,” Nance said. “If the original hub of the auto we could put them together in a industry and a playground for single building, next to the conthe great industrialists. vention center, we believed it Cleveland’s original conwould drive medical meetings vention center, or Public and conventions to Cleveland.” Auditorium, was constructed And that is exactly what on Cleveland’s Mall in 1922, happened. Connected to the and over the years the site has facility’s 225,000 square feet played host to a panoply of of Class A exhibit space is the events. After several incarnaGlobal Center for Health Innotions, progressive city leaders vation, described as the mecca recognized the Cleveland Con- of “health and health care vention Center (CCC) needed innovation, technology, edu-
14 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
cation and commerce through town places it within walking state-of-the-art spaces, prodistance to convention hotels grams and virtual offerings.” and near RTA bus and rail lines. The sustainability of CleveNearly 300 bike racks are availland’s new convention center able throughout the campus, was a leading priority in a and water refill stations are city where sustainability has located throughout the building become a key element of urban to reduce use of plastic bottles. renewal. Nance explained, “In The CCC offers visitors a 2005, the City of Cleveland panoramic view of Cleveestablished the Office of Susland’s beautiful downtown tainability to reduce the City’s and lakefront. While much of ecological footprint as well as the building is below ground costs. The City is committed to to increase energy efficiency, building green and has adoptNance commented that the CCC ed a Sustainable Municipal “nevertheless utilizes natural Building Policy that requires light in a large portion of its LEED Silver certification for spaces. The block-wide glass new construction and efficiency building entrance is 16 feet tall, requirements for ‘fix it first’ permitting natural light to flow projects in existing buildings. freely throughout, minimizing Moreover, developers that that cavernous effect … that is receive financial support from commonly an issue in many the City are required to adopt large convention centers. The green building Grand Ballroom on the north principles.” end of the Green building has Green Connection: features floor-to-ceilFor CCC planning and have been ing windows exhibitor information, visit thoughtfuloverlooking clevelandconventions.com ly incorLake Erie, porated creating fabinto every ulous views. aspect of the facility and its Similarly, the four themed culture. Recycling is implefloors of the Global Center for mented throughout, and blue Health Innovation are flooded bins are made available to any with natural light from floor-toconvention group that wishes ceiling windows on the east side to use them. Strategies for of the building.” reduction of energy and water The Cleveland Convention use are effectively minimizing Center offers a unique forum the facility’s carbon footprint. for the exchange of commerce, The CCC also encouragideas and culture. es convention-goers to use For more information about alternative transportation. Its Cleveland’s attractions, location in the heart of downvisit thisiscleveland.com
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COLUMN Employment Strategy Corner
It’s Summer Intern Time Again---Be Careful
S
chool’s out for the individual were considered summer nearly everyincidental by management. where, and millions Over time, all this has of college students are changed---first in large flocking to a variety corporations, and of businesses, large then gradually into and small, for those smaller businesses. coveted summer Now, all interns internships. In By Philip H. Kemper are under governtimes gone by, those ment scrutiny, no internships were considered matter where employed or to be cheap or free tempowhen---since interns are now rary labor, designed simply employed all year round--to substitute the traditioneverywhere. al workforce with low and And interns themselves non-paid workers. Training have entered the legal arena. and career benefits for the Recently there have been
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several high-profile cases where individuals, classified as interns, have brought claims alleging that they were improperly paid and the U.S. Department of Labor and plaintiff attorneys have been aggressively pursuing cases where employees are improperly treated as exempt interns. In one important ruling, Fox Searchlight Pictures v. Glatt, the Southern District of New York ruled that unpaid interns working on the production of the movie “Black Swan” were in fact employees and should have received at least the minimum wage for their work. Other high-profile cases brought by, or on behalf of, interns involve such entities as Conde Nast Publications, Sirius XM Radio, Viacom and Warner Music Group. If you are considering hiring unpaid interns and want to avoid lawsuits, managers and human resources executives should make sure of the following: 1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training, which would be given in an educational environment. 2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern.
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16 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
3. The intern does not displace regular employees, but works under close supervision of existing staff.
4. The employer who provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern; and on occasion its operations may actually be impeded. 5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship. 6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages for the time spent in the internship. The Department of Labor has issued an opinion to the effect that if not all of the above mentioned six criteria are met, then the intern must be paid at least the minimum wage and for any overtime work. While the agency’s opinion is not itself law, it is recommend that employers carefully consider whether they meet the criteria before classifying individuals as unpaid interns. If you plan on employing paid interns, work carefully with your management team to ensure that the interns are being paid consistent with wage and hour laws--- this includes interns who receive alternative compensation such as stipends, housing allotments, etc. Philip Kemper is Founder/President of KemperAssociates, a 38-year-old Chicago-based national executive search firm. Contact Phil with questions or comments at kemperassociates.org or kemperassoc@hotmail.com.
INCENTIVE
A Meeting of the Minds CANADA’S MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY SPARKS #NAMID
When National Meetings Industry Day (NMID) in Canada launched nearly 20 years ago, it didn’t have the backing of a powerful marketing engine, such as Meetings Mean Business (MMB). Just like the MMB Council, which includes a number of meetings industry heavyweights, Canada’s meeting professionals also needed to prove the value of the
meetings sector. “The purpose of the early [NMID] founders was to gain recognition about the meetings industry from our local government and how important it was to the overall economy of the city, which then grew to a national level of recognition of the meetings industry,” explained Stuart Taylor, business manager for all Canadian chapters, Meeting Professionals International.
Representatives from each of the eight Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Canada chapters formed a council to bring widespread recognition of their meetings industry. NMID resulted from these advocacy efforts.
MPI’s Canada chapters formed the original NMID
18 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
“It has always been a struggle to get corporations and government involved in NMID. We do a good job within our own industry to recognize NMID, but for some reason, it doesn’t translate to other business or government entities even though those areas also use meetings to be successful,” he said. As of a 2012 Canadian Economic Impact Survey, Taylor cited, the country’s business events attracted 35.3 million visitors and contributed CAN $29 billion in direct spending. “Most of the chapters have been fortunate to receive proclamations from mayors in their respective cities each year for NMID, and we have been fortunate in the last three years to have received an acknowledgement letter from the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, recognizing NMID and the importance of our industry,” stated Taylor.
Photography by Jon Benjamin
BY KRISTAN OBENG
[Canada]’s business events attracted 35.3 million visitors and contributed CAN $29 billion in direct spending. MPI CEO Paul Van Deventer asked for Taylor’s assistance in researching how the NMID model could be organized across North America. With the help of MPI in Canada and the U.S., MMB Council and Convention Industry Council drove the launch of North American Meetings Industry Day (NAMID) on April 16, 2015.
Photography by Jon Benjamin
NAMID modeled Canada’s advocacy efforts for North American meetings
With 45 U.S. MPI chapters, a national meetings day across America has never occurred, probably due to the logistics involved, Taylor speculated. “Some of the MPI U.S. Chapters over the years have created their own industry day in their state based on previous discussions with Canadian chapter leaders at MPI conferences,” he added.
@ExhibitCityNews
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 19
EDUCATION
Budding Designers Chase Exhibit Careers after FIT THE INDUSTRY UNITES TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what 13 graduate exhibit design students from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) presented at their 2015 Thesis Capstone Event in New York City on May 15 expressed more than a single image could convey. These students have worked their entire FIT career for the moment to present their final thesis argument in the form of an exhibit designed with a client and target audience in mind. To do this, they utilized renderings, 3D models and other design materials and technology. Whether their overall message came across, these students were constructively critiqued or applauded by the more than 60 professionals who served as judges. Many judges were service providers to the exhibit and event industry like Stacy 20 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Barnes, who said it’s their responsibility to mentor and train the next generation of exhibit designers. Overall, the judges represented various industries, companies and experience levels, which informed the advice they offered students. “We try to impart on them our wisdom from our professional experiences. That is why there are CEOs, heads of design, sales, designers, alumni students, curators and vendors [at The Capstone],”
stated Stacy Barnes, vice president of sales and distribution, Nomadic Display. She added, “Each one of us looks at it from a different perspective, and [we] share that with the students. What a designer hears and sees is vastly different than what a sales manager hears, and they can be in the same group hearing the same presentation. That is why [The Capstone] works. We are trying to enlighten the students on what they will face in the real world and how important
Photo by Exposures LTD.
BY KRISTAN OBENG
FIT student defending her thesis to Capstone judges
it is that they tell a story -- a story that will sell their idea, designs and passion to a perspective employer or client.”
Photo by Exposures LTD.
Collaborative Contributions
Through its University Affiliations Program, Exhibit Designers + Producers Association (EDPA) has supported FIT students since the creation of the Graduate Exhibition Design program 10 years ago. “Our University Affiliations Program is truly a collaborative process. It attracts @ExhibitCityNews
many of our member company representatives to join and contribute and for all the right reasons too!” said Jeff Provost, executive director, EDPA. “I feel that this is one of EDPA’s most effective programs, and much of its success is due to the trust built and the working relationships formed with schools like FIT.” As a member of the University Affiliations Program Committee, Dana Esposito -- who is also creative director at ElevaContinued on p. 22 ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 21
EDUCATION Continued from p. 21 tion Exhibits and Events – helps exhibit design students find mentors. “Pauline Lu from FIT was mentored by one of my colleagues. Pauline presented a great thesis project about how museums will modernize constructive learning techniques for the evolved 21st century, media-driven audiences of the future,” added Esposito. Lu was just one of the 13 graduates who made an impact during the day-long Capstone Event, which also included an evening component and awards ceremony. Star Awards were given to Mark Johnson from Star Exhibits & Environments and John Henken on behalf of MG Design and its Vice President of Creative Rob Majerowski.
Thoughtful Theses
The judging process at The Capstone helps the exhibition design graduates refine their final projects, enhance their critical thinking skills upon learning how others view their projects and discover what it’s like to present their creative ideas among members of the industry in which they want to work. “As a designer, I love it when I get to watch someone present to me. That is the opposite of my daily life. It is always interesting to let someone else’s ideas wash over you, and I always learn something new that I can push myself to improve on as well,” added Dana Esposito. Esposito added that graduate student Nastya Lobova’s presentation highlighting the 2016 World Expo in Dubai particularly captivated her. “The [exhibit] fostered collaborative participatory activities engaging the bond between humans and the sun, plus humans and other humans. Her visual renderings were all executed beautifully and composed in a way that immersed the viewer into the specific engagement in each part of the journey throughout the space. She had a simple, yet effective 3D model, and her verbal presentation skills were great. Nastya was passionate about her project, and it came through in her work and storytelling skills; plus 22 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
she fielded a lot of questions from her judges without batting an eyelash,” explained Esposito. Many of the judges said they were impressed by the level of the students’ talent. MG Design Creative Director John Henken found he equally liked the work of three graduate students in
particular: Eileen J. Kang, Liliya Galyuk and Sergei Vasiley. “I find The Capstone Event re-energizes my own work and reminds me why I do what I do. It also gives me confidence that there are exciting and well-trained young designers entering the industry,” added Henken. Dave Flory, director of national accounts & exhibit house sales at CORT, also applauded the work of Sergei Vasiley, whose ‘Crew Camp’ exhibit focused on in-flight safety. “He proved his thesis. He had clean professional presentation materials and modeling. He provided a great solution for his client, JetBlue, and the FAA,” added Flory. Henken further explained why Vasiley’s final project resonated with himself and Flory. “This exhibit rewarded participants for their time and attention and benefits everyone who flies. In the context of the dangerous times we live (and fly) in -- this topic is really important. Sergei’s project was well-conceived and presented, and I believe very marketable,” said Henken. Overall, all of the projects were good, according to Stacy Barnes. She added, “Some of them needed a little work and tweaking.”
Photography by Exposures LTD.
From top to bottom: Nancy Drapeau (left) moderated an industry panel; Brenda Cowan presents Star Award to Mark Johnson; John Henken accepting the Star Award on behalf of Rob Majerowski
FIT Follow-ups
Photography by Exposures LTD.
Some could argue that few students come out of college with as many opportunities as the ones granted to FIT’s graduates. Students not only get to build connections with industry veterans at The Capstone and other events, but they also have the potential to find jobs soon after graduation. A 2007 graduate and a Capstone judge for the past few years, Katina Rigall is now a designer with Classic Exhibits. “I’ve been working in the field, specializing in tradeshow exhibition design,” stated Rigall. “I am proud to be a graduate of the program. The program changed the course of my career exactly as I hoped it would. It was the best investment of time and resources I’ve ever made.” A judge at The Capstone for the past five years, Debra Roth, creative/principal for The Originators, hired a FIT graduate last
No matter where these students may land after FIT, it seems they chose a great time to work in exhibition design… year and has brought on several interns. “I recommend them if I can’t hire them,” she added. No matter where these students may land after FIT, it seems they chose a great time to work in exhibition design as indicated by CEIR Director of Research Nancy Drapeau. “Time and again, the industry’s performance consistently parallels performance of the U.S. economy’s Gross Domestic Product. With the U.S. economy con-
tinuing its rebound, this is good news for the industry,” Drapeau commented. “In 2015, the overall CEIR Index is forecast to grow at a relatively robust rate of 2.8 percent, a full percentage point higher than the 2014 rate.” Drapeau moderated a six-person panel discussion during the evening reception for The Capstone. During this networking event, FIT graduates received additional advice to assist them in their career endeavors.
Continued on p. 20 @ExhibitCityNews
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 23
EDUCATION
FIT Alumni in the Field WHEN A STUDENT BECOMES A MASTER (OF ARTS) BY ZEENATH HANIFF
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Graduate Exhibition Design alumni accomplish much before they graduate – an intensive three semesters of lectures, class presentations and studio projects that draw on their prior experience in interior design, graphic design, industrial design, exhibit production, architecture and lighting; and a final capstone project to demonstrate to established industry leaders and trade organizations their readiness to enter the professional world. Once they’ve received their Master of Arts, FIT graduates get to work transforming museums, tradeshows and public spaces. Exhibit City News followed up with two alums who’ve applied their studies to the exhibition industry. the description for Exhibition Design from FIT, a light bulb went on! So, I turned my research to the exhibition industry. I knew I had found a career that would be more than just a job.
Katina Rigall
Designer Extraordinaire, Classic Exhibits Class of 2007 How did you first learn about the exhibition industry? I have a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and was working as a professional kitchen designer when I began to re-evaluate my career path. What I was designing needed to match what I was passionate about. When I read 24 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
What was your first experience with the exhibition industry? After I graduated from FIT and finished my internship, I was anxious to find a full-time job as an Exhibit Designer, specifically in the tradeshow industry. The job I accepted was challenging. I was the sole Exhibit Designer at a small custom exhibit house. The learning curve was steep, and I worked long hours to get up to speed and meet deadlines. Having so much responsibility meant that my skills accelerated in a short amount of time. What motivated you to study exhibition design at FIT? I love art and its ability to impact the viewer. With ex-
hibit design, I can be the artist and orchestrate the experience of that art. My medium is large three-dimensional experiences that use colors, shapes, lighting and graphics. At their very best, tradeshow exhibits are large scale sculptures and functional branded experiences that inform and captivate people in a memorable way. When I chose to study exhibition design at FIT, I knew I wasn’t limiting my career to a small niche, but I was expanding my future opportunities. The program is incredibly multi-disciplinary. Another benefit of the FIT program is that it’s ideal for people who already have a background in design. Most other master’s programs in design are built for people who studied a completely different subject for their bachelor’s degree, and those programs are much longer and start at a more elementary level. FIT enabled me to build upon my knowledge and experience, so I was also able to reenter the workforce quickly and seamlessly. How has the program prepared you for your career? The program gave me exactly the skills I needed, including three-dimensional drawing, knowledge of graphic design, lighting design, designing within branding guidelines. But what has been the most valuable are the connections I made through
the FIT community, both with my fellow students and with the faculty. Brenda in particular has been instrumental with connections that resulted in great employment opportunities. What is your current position and how have you applied your studies? I am currently a Senior Designer at Classic Exhibits Inc. I’ve had the pleasure of introducing new designs to our ever-expanding online portfolio, which won the EDPA Eddie Award in 2015 for marketing excellence, and interacting with clients on custom solutions that fit their specific needs. Who are your mentors from within the industry? Many people have been generous with their time along my career path, but three in particular deserve a lot of credit. First and foremost, Brenda Cowan – my life is definitely on the track it is thanks to her. My first design mentor, Matt Hylkema, who spent a lot of time encouraging me, showing me the ropes, and telling me to go for it and just make really cool designs. My current colleague and friend Mike Swartout at Classic Exhibits who has given me tons of technical design lessons, insider industry info, and has been a great friend and support to me through a lot of twists and turns in life.
My background was architecture and interior design before attending FIT. I didn’t have much experience about the exhibition industry except visiting tradeshows or museums.
Jyun-Jie Ciou
Environmental Designer, Group Delphi Class of 2008 How did you first learn about the exhibition industry?
What was your first experience with the exhibition industry? My first experience with the exhibition industry was about museum visiting. It was environmental experiences full of content that inform, entertain and inspire. What motivated you to study exhibition design at FIT? I was amazed by a variety of graphic and lighting design projects. They can easily change the atmosphere of
environments and spaces. I always wondered if we can apply those fascinating ideas to architecture or interior spaces to evoke conversations between spaces and humans. How has the program prepared you for your career? At FIT, we learned both practical experiences and theories from professionals in the exhibition industry. We had chances to plan, design and execute real projects for clients. At the end of the program, all students participate in internships and work in design firms, museums, retail environments or event companies. These are all truly valuable experiences for us to prepare for the future.
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What is your current position and how have you applied your studies? My current position is an environmental designer at Group Delphi. I am responsible for the concept generation, design development and execution of interior architecture, tradeshow, event, museum and permanent installation projects. From the experience at FIT, I applied my studies to evaluate and develop design concepts based on factors such as appealing appearance, design function relationships, interior design principles, materials and construction feasibility for different kinds of projects.
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 25
SHOW SECURITY & SAFETY
In-house security monitor George R. Brown Convention Center 24/7
A Culture of Safety
By Kristan Obeng
Security & safety is the way of life at facilities
A
s convention centers expand their square footage and host more events, securing the venue and ensuring safety has become a top concern for venue management. Their goal is to avoid unexpected attacks, such as the shooting that occurred during an art exhibition at Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, on May 3, 2015. The two-person rampage was sparked by controversial Prophet Muhammad illustrations, which are prohibited 26 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
in Islam. The incident led to Curtis Culwell Center tightening its security measures for events thereafter. “Security and safety of guests is the No.1 priority for all facilities. It’s not just something we talk about -It’s the culture. Safety and security is part of what we do to make every event successful,” stated David Osterhout, director of operations, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston First. As part of security measures, facility managers often
inform their staff of venue procedures in case of emergency, install state-of-the-art surveillance equipment and contract in-house security companies to be their eyes, ears and enforcement. Many venue managers have demonstrated with their hiring decisions that the level of service and presence provided by experienced security guards can’t be mimicked by the un-uniformed average Joe. Houston First, manager of the George R. Brown Conven-
tion Center (GRBCC) in Texas, appointed Andy Frain Services as the venue’s in-house security company more than a year ago. The security company’s specializations in events, sports and entertainment, commercial and transportation demonstrated it could handle the duties required at GRBCC as its surroundings undergo a transformation that’s expected to be complete by fall 2016. For 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Andy Frain Services guards all receiving points, docks and personnel entrances at GRBCC. They also watch for incoming visitors or workers, investigate incidents or accidents, and
assist with emergencies. “Andy Frain Services is truly one of the most thorough security companies we have worked with,” added Osterhout. The company demonstrates this aptitude when collaborating with outside security firms hired by show organizers. After organizers lease space at GRBCC, they must choose a security company licensed by the Texas State Private Security Bureau to provide show security. Andy Frain Services assists and informs these preferred security companies of protocols in place at GRBCC. The company also provides back-up assistance in case of show floor emergencies, such as slips and falls.
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“If someone leases an exhibit hall, their show security is in charge of what happens with that hall, such as who can enter or exit. If an incident occurs inside the hall, the show security is required to investigate and write a report. Our [in-house] security could be involved, but we want the outside company to be responsible for keeping the show safe,” said Osterhout. GRBCC provides a preferred vendor list of security companies. Out-of-state or international show organizers can also work with a security coordinator who could help them find a licensed security company in Texas. Securing the venue also requires Andy Frain Services
personnel to monitor who is or isn’t allowed to work within GRBCC as well as emphasize what others can and can’t bring inside the building. An onsite security checkpoint is where contractors must show their Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) badges and go through metal detectors. “Contractors check their staff in, so contractors are the first to police their own employees. If they left [their ESCA badge] at home or are in the process of applying for a badge, we can issue a temporary badge for that day,” commented Osterhout. The in-house security company also makes sure contractors and other visitors aren’t
in unauthorized areas. Everyone coming to George R. Brown Convention Center must abide by the same rules: No alcohol, smoking, outside food not approved by the inhouse caterer, and perhaps most important of all in light of the shooting at Curtis Culwell Center -- no weapons. Osterhout explained that only individuals licensed in Texas can carry concealed handguns into any government-owned building. On the other hand, he added that high-profile events -- such as those involving presidential candidates or sports -- are exempt from this rule, and these events often have metal detectors for this reason.
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 27
SHOW SECURITY & SAFETY
A Costly Spring THIEVES COST JCK SHOW EXHIBITORS MILLIONS BY KRISTAN OBENG
Over the years, a number of thefts have been associated with the JCK Las Vegas Show. Thieves either plotted on the show floor or targeted jewelry dealers who didn’t follow the jewelry show’s guidelines regarding using discretion with their merchandise when outside the venue. Security and safety remains at the forefront of JCK Show. Every spring in Las Vegas, usually in late May or early June, JCK Show management hires an intimidating protective detail. This not only includes the usual show security, but also the fully armed Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro). The 28 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
eagle-eyed Metro officers carefully check that each attendee is wearing a badge. For those who wander within proximity of the exhibit hall without their badge, Metro has no problems questioning their intentions. For some who have attended tradeshows with minimum security, this may seem a little overzealous. When understanding the history of jewelry heists at JCK and the fact that the jewelry industry is one of the most targeted by thieves, it makes sense. The total dollar losses from crimes against jewelry firms in the U.S. increased from $66.5 million in 2013 to
$77.8 million in 2014, according to Jewelers’ Safety Alliance (JSA) Three jewelers were kidnapped within five months in 2013, according to The Retail Jeweler. That same year, jewelry stores were burglarized, and jewelers were held hostage at home. Many jewelers were forced at gunpoint to hand over their merchandise. In 2015, four suspects pled guilty to fatally shooting a Georgia-based jeweler in June 2013, according to JSA. From 2000 to 2014, JSA statistics also showed that 66 jewelry industry personnel were killed. For these reasons, JCK Show offers seminars to help jewelers protect themselves on the show floor, at home and at their stores. Show management also provides extensive security guidelines and offers in-booth vaults for exhibitors. The show has a list of pre-approved armored car services that exhibitors can hire in addition to the logistics company transporting their exhibit. Exhibitors who didn’t take every precaution suggested to them instantly became targets of professional jewel thieves whose carefully orchestrated maneuvers seemed like something out of an action-packed film. A group who stole a $1 million necklace from a luxury jewelry store at The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes in 2002 also targeted JCK Show in June 2003. Comprising of four men from Europe, the group had strong ties to a larger team of thieves who had cost the global jewelry industry $350 million in the last 15 years, according to Abigail Goldman for Las Vegas Weekly’s “Art of the Heist.” Profiling the crew and predicting they’d be tempted to target the 2003 JCK Show, undercover Metro officers were proved correct when they captured one of the thieves prowling around the Sands Expo and Convention Center. JCK Senior Editor William George Shuster also explained that a pendant costing more than $700,000 was also stolen at the 2003 show by thieves with Eastern European accents. This strongly pointed to the four men who had robbed the jewelry store at The Venetian and had
obviously staked out JCK Show. During that same show, a first-time exhibitor, ICE-Tek, was a victim of theft. This time, watches totaling more than $30,000 were stolen, added Shuster. This seemed to be an inside job. The police sought to question ICE-Tek’s personal security guard after he failed to show up for duty that day, according to Shuster. The incident with ICE-Tek illustrated the importance of thoroughly screening personal security guards and may have contributed to the show management’s current preference for exclusive security suppliers. Exhibitors are also advised to follow JCK’s rules about handling their merchandise offsite. If they don’t, they may run into a situation like a California-based diamond dealer who had nearly $4 million in jewelry stolen from him. While in Las Vegas for the JCK Show in June 2009, the diamond dealer took the expensive jewelry to The Spearmint Rhino, a topless bar, to show a potential customer -- as told by Steve Green of Vegas Inc. When the buyer didn’t arrive, the dealer left the club only to return a short while later upon realizing he was missing some of his merchandise. After shelling out money on investigators to piece together what happened to the jewelry, the diamond dealer and the
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Official JCK Las Vegas Show Onsite Tips STAFF - Educate your staff to be security conscious. A general rule of thumb is to have two people for every 100 square feet of exhibit space. SHOW SITE ARRIVAL - A secured unloading area will be provided in the front building. After you have secured your line in the vault, return to park your car and get your ID badge. Security will assist you in checking in your line. SHOWING MERCHANDISE - Do not show too much merchandise at one time. Do not show your lines to anyone without a badge. Lock your display case after each showing. VAULTS - Vaults are more secure than any showcase and a great deal safer than transporting your line back and forth to your hotel. A security camera in each vault will monitor activity while your merchandise is stored there. SAFES - Safes are also provided by the official safe contractor for your safety. PRIVATE GUARD SERVICE - Armed guard service and unarmed guard services are available through the official security supplier only. No outside guards are allowed. CAMERAS - Consider renting 24/7 surveillance cameras that record activity in your booth space. INSURANCE - Review your policy and make sure it covers your lines from the time they leave your place of business until the time they are returned. rest of the world soon discovered that a Spearmint Rhino security guard and the guard’s wife stole the jewelry to sell it. Both were indicted on charges related to the theft in 2010. At JCK Show, exhibitors are responsi-
ble for securing their merchandise and exhibit material, not the show management, sponsors, contractors or venue, according to the official show website. In preparation for the worst case scenario, exhibitors must have insurance.
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 29
SHOW SECURITY & SAFETY
Security Guard Q&A
Brennan O’Donnell, Imperial Security
by Exhibit City News
B
rennan O’Donnell has worked tradeshow security for a year as part of Imperial Security, one of the largest security guard companies in the U.S. What type of training did you have to undergo? A full orientation that included what security does and doesn’t do, what security is and isn’t, and professionalism. We also do a walk-through with instructions of what we do in each area and why. There’s also training on customer service, conflict resolution, report writing, emergency response and appearance. Are there any differences in the training programs offered? All of the training programs are specific to each type of event we service. What type of specialized training and licensing did you need to be successful at your job? The job doesn’t require any
30 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
specific licensing, but knowledge and practice of good customer service is very helpful. What’s the process like when collaborating with other security personnel, such as the in-house security of the venue and your colleagues at Imperial? We work very closely with the in-house security staff of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Considering we work a majority of the events there, we have lots of opportunities to collaborate with [the staff] and form great working relationships. We all work for the client, the show manager and staff, so our end goal is a common one --We want to ensure a successful, safe event. What are your typical duties when handling tradeshow security? Primarily, they involve controlling access to the show. We watch the exhibits or equipment during off hours and check attendee badges
during show hours. Sometimes, we are called to help move a VIP through the building for a keynote address. How are security guards treated or viewed on the tradeshow floor? Many times attendees don’t even realize we’re on the show floor. We are typically welcomed and thanked often by attendees and exhibitors. Why can certain security guards carry guns and some can’t? At the Pennsylvania
offer armed security officers for other locations outside of the convention center. These officers undergo specific state police-mandated training and certification. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve witnessed while working the show floor or the most unique experience you’ve ever had on the job? There have been so many. To be honest, a lot of the tradeshows blend together after a time. The public shows, [such as] the Phila-
Many times attendees don’t even realize we’re on the show floor. Convention Center, we are fortunate enough to have a Philadelphia Police Department substation with police officers dedicated to the building. The building only allows police officers to carry weapons inside. Our company does, however,
delphia Auto Show, Philadelphia Flower Show and the Wizard World Comic Con, give us a break from the monotony. We get to experience something different every day on shows like that. My co-workers and I always enjoy that.
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GIVEAWAYS
Using Swag Effectively BY ANDREW NADEL & ARIANA VELAZCO
Do you ever get frustrated manning a booth at a tradeshow because so many “trick or treaters” walk by, looking for what free giveaways they can get from you? Often they have absolutely no interest in your product or service. How about the department discussions about what to give away and the inability to reach consensus? Sometimes having too many chefs in the kitchen, each with their own “super idea,” can
32 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
make you just want to yell, “Pick something already!” And finally, are you frequently disappointed by the lack of quality visitors who come by your booth? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, read on. So how do we battle those browsers for free stuff? Be selective – start changing your strategy to giving out swag to those who spend time with you. In other words, if they truly have no interest
in your company, why should they get anything? Budgets are tight, so spend the money on someone who is willing to invest a few minutes. Under or behind your table should be a stash of items categorized from good to better to best. Distribute them judiciously to attendees based on time spent and qualifying the prospect. In all cases, be sure to get their business cards and provide the gift as a form of “thank you” for their invested time. Make sure to take notes about your conversation and place it in your follow-up box. For those who disagree and have the mindset of giving promotional items out to anyone who wants it, we certainly understand. The more people you distribute your items to, the greater the chances are for your company to increase brand awareness. However, we are assuming that there are limited resources on your end, and thus you need to be selective and qualify the prospects. Another idea could be to display a nicer item to be seen by all passersby, but unable to be grabbed as they walk by. Thus, they become curious and approach your table to
ask about the item. At this time, you are given the opportunity to qualify this person and decide if the attendee deserves the gift. Much of the selection of the right giveaway is driven by factors such as cost, theme and practical use. In terms of cost, we suggest a variety of gift levels by qualification. As for thematic versus practical, we feel tying to a theme is creative, yet the most valuable is one that will be kept and used so that your brand is always seen. While having an item like a light bulb-shaped stress reliever ties into an intellectual property theme,
we strongly feel that something like a cell phone holder would be a better option because it is functional and will be used, resulting in your brand being remembered. How about considering where you want your giveaway to end up or the size of the item? Do you want it kept in an office or brought home for the kids? Based on our experience, we found that our clients do both and it often comes down to personal taste. While we agree that both have positives, an item that ultimately goes back to the client’s office and desk is the @ExhibitCityNews
dream. As we would all acknowledge the importance of shelf space in a retail environment, we feel in the professional world the perfect spot for your branded swag is on the desk. As for item size, a smaller item would be more ideal. They cost less to ship and they take up less space, especially if giving away multiple gifts. And finally, a smaller item is more likely to be packed by a recipient and brought back to the home or office. To attract quality visitors, target those key prospects by inviting them to your booth or event. Advise them that if they stop by and spend a few minutes with you, they can receive a 2GB USB drive. If not, maybe tease them. Send them a cord to some device and tell them to come by and speak for a few minutes in order to receive a charger for that cord. The possibility of attracting key prospects is increased as who doesn’t want a free gift? In recap, don’t let the tradeshow shoppers take advantage of you – outsmart them. Reward them with a gift if they spend some time with you. Although cost is a key factor, remember that you get what you pay for. The item is a reflection of your
Much of the selection of the right giveaway is driven by factors such as cost, theme and practical use. brand. Practical items are much preferred than thematic, but if you are able to do both, now you are talking. The ideal item is smaller and ultimately lands on the desk. And finally, it is okay to tease your prospects to come to your booth.
Contributed by Pride Products Owner Andrew Nadel and Senior Intern Ariana Velazco. Pride Products is a distributor of promotional products and corporate gifts for over 17 years. Logos can be imprinted, embroidered or embossed on products to build market presence and brand awareness. For more information, visit pride-products.com
25 Years Producing Award Winning Design and Execution Visit DBarten.com for More Information ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 33
SHOW SERVICES
5 Ways to Attract Big Crowds to Your Booth BY TESSIE BARNETT
To establish yourself as an innovative commodity in the tradeshow industry, you must make your company stand out. The basics of a good exhibit are straightforward – offer some freebies, make your services clear, display visuals and have a knowledgeable staff. Tradeshow creativity is growing each year, so it’s essential to stay on top of the industry’s latest trends. Here are our proven methods for helping your service and your booth stand out.
memorable souvenir. Using an electronic photo booth is recommended for a contemporary approach. This new form of photo entertainment allows you to add quirky graphics and can instantly be shared on social media platforms. With green screen technology, you can place your company’s logo into every photo, transforming a fun experience for attendees into a unique opportunity to promote your brand.
Photo Booths
Creating a theme for your exhibit requires a bit of associative thinking. For example, if your company solves a customer’s problem, you could create a magic theme with the angle that those
Photo booths are a great way to entice visitors to stop at your exhibit. Offering to take a visitor’s photo can help initiate a fun conversation and leave them with a 34 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Themes
specific problems will magically disappear with the use of your product. Your theme could be incorporated into ornate and unique attire for your staff. Offer associated giveaways like pens with disappearing ink. And, of course, you can hire an entertainer, such as an illusionist, to draw in the crowd and keep them in awe.
Living Tables
Every veteran exhibitor comes prepared with the essentials in order to properly display their products. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to show your creativity? A living table consists of an entertainer, typically with elaborate makeup relating to your theme, wearing a costume designed to
provide a flat surface surrounding their form. Placing promotional materials, giveaways or even snacks on the table will create an exciting buzz. Not only will visitors remember your company, but they will also associate you with innovation and imagination.
Impersonators
Nothing is as eye-catching as a wellknown celebrity standing in your booth. Impersonators create a comical way of showing mock celebrity endorsement as well as adding some flair to an exhibit. The celebrity can offer their autographs on promotional materials to keep your brand in the visitor’s hand. Also, offering photo opportunities with the celebrity using an electronic photo booth will provide a lasting memory of that experience and your logo. Be sure to hire a well-known
Step outside of the ordinary tradeshow realm and wow your visitors. and well-liked figure to avoid any awkward or controversial situations.
Casino Games
With the lights, sounds and moving parts of casino games, it’s easy to see the benefits of providing this at your exhibit. Recreate the adrenaline-inducing casino atmosphere to draw in a crowd, and
likely the crowd will inspire more onlookers to stop out of curiosity. For prizes, offer your company’s giveaways, and for the grand prize, offer one of your products. You’ve created more value in your product by making it fun and challenging to acquire it. With these showcasing methods, your company can step outside of the ordinary tradeshow realm and wow your visitors. Attendees and competitors will be sure to remember your brand and associate your product with ingenuity. Tessie Barnett is the content strategist for GigSalad, the marketplace for booking bands, performers, speakers and services for events, parties and productions. GigSalad connects event planners in the U.S. and Canada with over 55,000 talented professionals for hire. For more information, visit GigSalad.com
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 35
Photo by Cory Margenau Fausz
SHOW SERVICES
36 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
The Tradeshow Triangle CDS MAKES EACH GROUP IT SERVES A PRIORITY BY KRISTAN OBENG
At the Heart of Everything Think of a tradeshow as an equilateral triangle, with the registration and lead retrieval services provider operating at its core. From this central position, it’s the responsibility of the registration company to deliver the same high-level service to the parties at each of the triangle’s three points – A, B and C. Before the show floor opens, the show producer rests at the highest peak of the triangle (At different points throughout the show, priority could shift to either attendees or exhibitors.) The show producer usually contracts the registration provider to create a good customer experience for exhibitors and attendees as well as improve its technology, capture data and help with its bottom line. Sharing the ground level of the triangle are the attendees at point B and the exhibitors at point C. It’s fitting these two groups are within reach of each other: Their need for face-toface interaction is constant, and it is the duty of the official registration and lead retrieval services company to provide technology that makes this back and forth as seamless as possible. For more than 200 annual tradeshows, Convention Data Services (CDS) has operated at the heart of this triangle, including during Digital Signage Expo (DSE) 2015 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 10-13.
A) The Show Producer
Photo by Cory Margenau Fausz
Before partnering with CDS, Digital Signage Expo producer Exponation worked with two other registration companies that used barcode badging systems. During that time, attendees used tickets to gain entry into education sessions. Swapping to QR Codes after CDS came on the scene four years ago changed how the show operates, according to Exponation President and COO Chris Gibbs. He explained that QR Codes allow exhibitors to buy additional licenses for CDS’ lead retrieval mobile app, X-Press Connect, which is used complementary to and subsequently at a lower cost than CDS’ handheld device, X-Press Connect Plus. “A lot of people can have the apps on their phone, but it goes to the same database,” stated Becky Hansen, executive vice president Continued on p. 38 @ExhibitCityNews
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 37
SHOW SERVICES Continued from p. 37 of event services, CDS. “The QR Code only holds a small amount of information: name, badge number and company name. The added information goes to a cloud, so exhibitors won’t get all of the information unless they purchase access to this cloud. This protects show managers, making sure that not just anyone with a QR Code scanner could take this information, especially if someone loses their badge or chooses to recycle it.” QR Codes on attendee badges also allowed Exponation to track data about DSE in real-time. Using the CDS mobile app or desktop version, the show producer could view registration numbers, such as the moment when DSE 2015 set a new record with close to 4,100 attendees. Gibbs added that he used the CDS desktop version to track the attendance of educa-
Swapping to QR Codes after CDS came on the scene... changed how the show operates. tion sessions and to gauge the level of attrition. “We chose CDS due to ease of working with them from beginning to end, their customer service and we wanted to get attendees quickly through the system,” added Gibbs. “It’s more about seeing people 38 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
happy onsite.”
B) The Attendees
From the exterior of North Hall at Las Vegas Convention Center to the registration area inside, DSE 2015 was designed to quickly check-in attendees. Color-coded separate registration desks for different types of attendees (pre-registered, foreign nationals and new registration) and exhibitors awaited visitors as soon as the doors opened. Pre-show emails instructed attendees about which color station to use. Attendees stopped at registration desks to pick up their badges, which were hot off the press, folded by CDS employees and in the badge holder waiting for them, according to Jane Wedin, senior onsite services manager at CDS. This was made possible with CDS’ Onsite Wireless Will Call system, which saved an estimated 30 seconds per person, according to Hansen. Using the system, 12 CDS employees stationed outside the venue greeted attendees and scanned their badges after they exited shuttles. Overall, CDS staff said they printed 436 of 5,798 badges with Onsite Wireless Will Call. Attendees also self-scanned at registration desks set-up with 16 computers-scanners. “We put through thousands of people with no line,” said Wedin. Depending on the volume of people, Wedin added that CDS always tries to give the best customer service that is realistic at the time. With their badges in place, attendees traversed the 83,000 square-foot show
floor and spoke with more than 200 exhibitors.
C) The Exhibitors
CDS provided the 136 exhibitors who rented its lead retrieval devices and the more than 60 who purchased its mobile app licenses with pre-show and onsite training. Many of these exhibitors simultaneously used the apps and handheld devices, which contributed to overlapping data. Prior to the show, exhibitors viewed webinars and chatted with CDS exhibitor services account managers during conference calls. Ron Carey, president of Studio Squared, added that he downloaded the CDS app in advance to test it, so he knew what to expect prior to exhibiting. A common issue seen onsite, according to Kevin Zacaula, onsite exhibitor services manager for CDS, is the person who pre-trained with CDS isn’t always the one staffing the booth. Zacaula has trained exhibitors at 26 events a year to solve this problem.
“Ninety percent of exhibitors are trained onsite,” added Zacaula. “This is because they receive training when coming to the lead retrieval desk to pick up their equipment. The other 10 percent is due to people downloading the app on their smartphones, so they may not ask for training.” CDS’ technology helped exhibitors organize, access and secure their leads, according to exhibitors from NoviSign Ltd. and Installation Service Technologies. Before and during the show, CDS also assisted Omnivex Corp. with a task no client had previously requested -- using CDS’ Application Programming Interface (API) to highlight data that was relevant to each attendee. “Everyone says content is king, but context is king,” added Doug Bannister, CEO, Omnivex Corp. Each time an attendee’s badge was scanned at the Omnivex booth, their name, location and local news appeared on a flat screen monitor.
Ready? Engage. July 20–22, 2015
Boston Quincy Marriott | Quincy, MA The trade show industry is moving at warp speed. It’s time to determine where we’re going. The mission of the E2MA’s Red Diamond Congress is to engage the leaders, innovators and thought leaders among all industry segments to identify models, methods, and practices that measurably improve the value of face-to-face marketing. We invite you to join this effort and take part in: • KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS from industry and marketing thought leaders • INNOVATOR PANEL DISCUSSIONS with CEOs and industry leaders • FLIPPED SESSIONS – moderated discussions to promote active learning • CASE STUDIES – a thorough examination of new event models • WORKGROUP ROUNDTABLES – event pros collaborating on challenging issues
Our list of invited speakers, experts and industry leaders at RDC includes: • Jack Myers, MyersBizNet • David DuBois, IAEE • Lew Shomer & David Audrain, SISO • Jeff Provost, EDPA • Paul Vandeventer, MPI • Leonora Valvo, Insight XM
For complete program and registration info on how you can make a difference, visit e2ma.org/event/15RDC
ExCeL London acts as a city-wide partner for North American meeting planners
The London Welcome HOW TO ‘EXCEL’ AT OFFERING EVENT PLANNING SERVICES BY KRISTAN OBENG
London has become one of the hottest meetings destinations in the world as indicated by its No. 6 position on International Congress and Convention Association’s 2014 world rankings list. Nowhere is the flurry of event activity more prevalent than at ExCeL London, an ADNEC-owned exhibition venue. Poised to host more than 350 events and welcome 4 million visitors this year, ExCeL has played a major role in the city’s popularity among international meeting and event organizers, which have booked 40 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
events at the venue up to 2022. This past April at the annual Exhibition News Awards, ExCeL won the ‘Best Venue over 100,000m²’ for the second time. The venue was honored primarily because of the extensive support its staff provides meeting planners. One of the facility’s specialties is tailoring messages and services to different segments of event organizers. Meeting planners from North America represent 25 percent of ExCeL’s event business, and since 2010, this business
has increased by 15 percent. After these organizers inquired about leasing event space, ExCeL followed up – usually within 24 hours -- and began demystifying the event planning process in London. “For North American meeting planners, staging an event in London provides access not just to Europe but to markets globally. Geographically, London is one of the best connected cities in the world and can be reached by more people, in less time, than any other global city. On average, events that come to London see an 18 percent to 20 percent increase in delegate attendance,” stated Andrew Swanston, head of sales, Conferences & Events, ExCeL London. In the non-unionized environment of London, international organizers will find cultural and industry differences. With ExCeL being a privately owned facility -- as opposed to city- and government-owned institutions in North America -- the venue often provides many of the services offered by Convention Visitors Bureaus. Additionally, hotels in London don’t penalize meeting planners for guestrooms that aren’t used as they do in North America, according to Swanston. ExCeL spells out society, industry and facility differences in informational and marketing materials adapted for meeting planners from Canada and the U.S. “We recognize that we don’t always speak the same language! For example, in the UK, we talk about square meters, classroom styles, lifts, cloakrooms and car parks. We have, therefore, adapted our marketing materials so that they are relevant for North American meeting planners including creating a specific guide outlining the differences between staging events in London and North America,” Swanston added. The facility also aims to make sure meeting planners don’t feel abandoned after signing their leasing agreement. Each organizer is assigned a member of ExCeL’s event support team who acts as an extension of the planner’s team
Photo courtesy of ExCeL London
SHOW SERVICES
throughout the life of the event. “Our clients’ success is our success. We want to ensure that we deliver the best possible guest experience,” he stated. “ExCeL London’s brand promise is to ‘take every event to heart.’[This] is not just our brand statement but underpins how the venue operates and how we set ourselves apart from our competitors.” The venue also sets itself apart by continually investing into projects that benefit its clients. “Every year, ExCeL has a significant budget for capital expenditure, which enables us to listen to clients’ feedback and continue to invest. In 2014, ExCeL invested $6 million in the venue, with a further commitment of $22.5 million in 2015,” remarked Swanston. One event at ExCeL could comprise of several sub-events, such as internal staff briefings, external client or buyer
meetings, and media launches. With this came the demand from organizers to have flexible event space to tailor their corporate message to each group. ExCeL listened and spent $750,000 on a suite of six executive boardrooms. The venue also upgraded its free Wi-Fi to allow 16,000 concurrent users, and added The Sunborn Yacht, one of the seven onsite hotels. These hotels offer 1,600 guestrooms, and another 10,000 rooms are available nearby. “We have one-to-one relationships with all of the key decision-makers and general managers of both onsite and city-wide hotels. We work with all of our clients on negotiations with hotel rates and allocation, prior to a city announcement, to achieve desired room rates,” added Swanston. Additionally, ExCeL often acts as an intermediary between its clients and other
decision-makers and suppliers within the overall city, not just at the venue. “We have developed close working relationship[s] with our local stakeholders by creating a networking group called ‘The ExCeL London Supporters Club.’ This allows us to work with local partners to provide a ‘London welcome’ for events held at ExCeL,” he explained. “The Supporters Club includes over 120 bars, restaurants, transport providers, attractions, hotels and off-site venues. All supporters are sent a monthly newsletter, and then twice a year we stage an off-site networking event. This brings together ExCeL clients and supporters, providing them with an opportunity to network and discuss ways they can work together.” Whether meeting planners develop partnerships solo or with the help of ExCeL London, Swanston assured that their clients always have the venue’s full support.
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MOBILE EXHIBITS
Imagine This… STEEL SPACE CONCEPTS DISPENSES WITH TRADITION
When most people think of large shipping containers, images of hauling furnishings during a cross-country move come to mind whether they have taken on this endeavor or not. Steel Space Concepts took this traditional moving method and applied it to multiple industries across North America. Based in Quebec, Canada, the company began by demonstrating the endless possibilities for recycled steel shipping containers – an indoor or outdoor tradeshow booth, a mobile showroom, a pop-up retail store, a festival stage or a VIP area at an event, etc. What a steel container can become only requires imagination and the assistance of a partner like Steel Space Concepts. The company specializes in transforming modular containers into mobile turnkey environments for rent or purchase. Suppliers and agencies operating in the retail, tradeshow and event sectors have reached out to Steel Space Concepts on a project-by-project basis because they don’t have the resources to carry out a mobile exhibit concept in-house. Steel Space Concepts also outsources some of its services, such as transportation. So these 50/50 partnerships are beneficial to everyone involved.
Logistics
Brands and their suppliers can choose modular containers 42 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
ranging in size from 8 to 16 feet in the Steel Space Concepts LITE series and 10 to 40 feet in its original product line. The company provides pickup trucks to transport the LITE units, but larger containers require Steel Space to partner with transportation companies. “The 10’, 20’ and 40’ units require a 53’ step-deck truck. Using external transport companies allows costs to be reduced in many situations. They have their own dispatcher who can secure return loads when needed instead of the client having to support the cost related to the return of an empty truck,” explained Emmanuelle Auffray, MBA, marketing coordinator, Steel Space Concepts. Larger containers are inherently self-sufficient. Once they are loaded on a flatbed truck, no heavy weight lifting hydraulic machinery like forklifts or cranes are needed. Instead, the container itself has built-in hydraulic legs that deploy downward onsite. The flatbed then rolls out from underneath the unit, which stands on eight legs. As the container lowers to the ground, its legs retreat inside. “As Steel Space units have a very unique loading/unloading system, we are typically able to load/unload the unit exactly where it will be activated or set up. In such, related fees are spotting fees instead of per-pound fees which,
depending on the exhibit, can represent an important cost saving,” she added. Auffray added that union labor may not have the required knowledge to set up these modular containers. “Typically, the set-up can be performed by one technician, allowing savings on labor. Also, most of the unit configuration/construction/set-up is done prior to shipping. It,
therefore, avoids [the use of] onsite contractors, power tools use, etc., and our clients can avoid having to hire union labor,” she explained.
Modularity
Steel Space’s units have seen a range of locations due to their flexible, reusable nature. The company personalizes its rental units with branding, fixtures, furnishings and products. This
Photo courtesy of Steel Space Concepts
BY KRISTAN OBENG
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1. Tradeshow Booth During EXHIBITORLIVE 2015, Steel Space Concepts gave attendees a look into what it’s like to use a mobile container in place of a traditional exhibit on the show floor. At the forefront of the company’s message was the container’s modularity. “Mobile exhibits are more effective on many levels. They were designed to be easily transported from a location to another, allowing our clients to attend multiple locations in a very short period of time,” said Auffray. In this sense, clients can use the same mobile container to reach different groups at tradeshows (inside or outside) and a range of events.
Photo courtesy of Steel Space Concepts
Honda Fit activation at Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal
process usually takes two to four weeks. The design for its purchase option takes six to eight weeks. In most cases, added Auffray, Steel Space can accommodate clients’ timeline on a case-by-case basis. “We always try to understand the client’s brand image, goals and targeted people prior to scouting for locations. Based on the brand’s image and their objectives, we look @ExhibitCityNews
at different locations where the population, residents and attendees fit the brand image and match the targeted people. [We] then try to find a location with the highest foot traffic in that neighborhood,” remarked Auffray. Whatever the container’s size or where it is used, Auffray indicated that mobile environments increase faceto-face interactions.
2. Mobile Showroom Many exhibit, event and furnishing suppliers have onsite showrooms in which potential clients can browse. Rather than sticking with traditional methods, Steel Space Concepts can help companies take their showrooms on the road. “Imagine how you could reach all of the employees of a company by setting up your showroom directly in their parking lot. And imagine if your showroom was in their parking lot serving food and beverages on a nice a sunny day. The amount of people from the same company visiting your showroom would increase significantly,” stated Auffray. Steel Space Concepts brought this vision to life in 2013 for Kia Canada. Outside the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto, a 40-foot mobile showroom attracted visitors to discuss the
2013 Optima and Rio models with Kia representatives. 3. Pop-up Retail Store To diversify their business, some suppliers to the tradeshow and event industry also do semi-permanent retail installation. When working with Steel Space Concepts, retail installations can be as effective as the ones these companies do for big box retailers as indicated by Auffray. “Renting brick and mortar stores and adapting them for you needs can be pretty expensive, especially on a temporary basis. This is where Steel Space units come into to play. It allows you to move it from a location to the other while keeping it as is and, therefore, avoiding the expenses related to adapting the next brick and mortar store for your needs,” she explained. During the 2013 Fashion Week in New York City, Ford Motor Company, New York fashion designers and Steel Space Concepts partnered to create a 20-foot retail activation. Inside, visitors accessed various clothing styles and accessories as well as the 2013 Ford Fusion. 4. Event Stage or VIP Area Steel Space Concepts has also created mobile environments for clients at music festivals, such as Osheaga 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, and the Austin, Texas-based SXSW 2015, which was a project partnership with Czarnowski for Philips. The company has also created a mobile stage for a snowboarding event. With Steel Space, it seems the ideas never run dry. ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 43
TH
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MOBILE EXHIBITS
A mobile trailer is customized and transformed into a traveling showroom
Getting the Show on the Road
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to grips with the product as if they were at an event. “We were focused on providing Levitronix with a complete solution,” explained Chris Littlefield, operations manager, BlueHive. “So we first sourced a mobile trailer that could be fully customized in both appearance as well as interior content. We also made sure that the trailer was equipped with the latest technology, including a generator and a state-of-theart sound system.” Working in collaboration with Levitronix, BlueHive then produced a series of high-performance printed vinyl graphics to brand the truck’s external sidings. This included a complex water splash effect designed to give the trailer a three-dimensional element. Meanwhile, the company’s in-house millwork shop
built a series of cabinets and benches to serve as storage spaces and display surfaces. “The beauty of BlueHive is that we are blessed with a plethora of talents, allowing us to offer more industry-related services than many of our competitors. The Levitronix trailer is a prime example of that,” explained Paul Hanlon, CEO, BlueHive. Hanlon has long been able to see the bigger picture. When he added the millwork division to the business back in 2009, he did so in the knowledge that the skills that came with it would add value to the client experience. “BlueHive is all about pushing the boundaries,” continued Hanlon. “It is a dynamic can-do environment where everyone thrives on creative challenges. With this scope, all contained in-house, there
quite literally is nothing we can’t produce.” This is why the Levitronix trailer is so unique. From the printing of the vinyl graphics to the construction of the interior fittings, BlueHive is capable of bringing to life the vision of brands that may otherwise be an impossibility. “At the end of the day,” reflected Littlefield, “nothing we do can be considered a success until the client previews and accepts our work. With the Levitronix trailer, they couldn’t have been happier.” It is in light of this success that BlueHive is pleased to announce exclusively in Exhibit City News that they are now offering a mobile exhibiting service to add to their arsenal of client services. And with a figure like Paul Hanlon at the helm, the sky really is the limit.
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The exhibit world is all about providing innovative solutions to new and untested concepts. In a corner of New England, exhibit house BlueHive Strategic Environments is taking the lead. Driven by a culture of innovation, BlueHive’s latest project has seen them go beyond the tradeshow floor to help Levitronix, a worldwide leader in magnetically levitated bearingless motor technology, showcase their abilities on a coast-to-coast product demo tour. It all started when Levitronix was strategizing on how to capitalize on a successful tradeshow program by reaching those individuals who were unable to make it to the show floor. Their concept, the mobile exhibit, would allow for an intimate learning forum where a captive audience could get
Photo courtesy of BlueHive
CASE STUDY ON BLUEHIVE’S MOBILE TRAILER PROJECT WITH LEVITRONIX
TRANSPORTATION
Road Rules GOVERNMENT-ENACTED REGULATIONS ON THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY BY KRISTAN OBENG
Before partial deregulation of the trucking industry in 1980, regulations arising from the Motor Carrier Act of 1935 were mostly economic in nature. These regulations allowed competing trucking companies to inspect each other’s rates so that all rates would meet the federal government’s standards. The enforcer of the 1935 Act, the U.S. Congress’ Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) -- which was abolished in 1995 and replaced with another federal agency -also restricted who could work within the trucking industry. It wasn’t easy for new firms to set-up shop. Driving jobs were often dominated by those in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, according to Thomas Gale Moore in “Trucking Deregulation.” Additionally, the ICC heavily restricted which routes drivers could take and the type of material they could carry on the way to their destination and back. The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 partially deregulated the trucking industry. It rid trucking companies of the economic inefficiencies caused by the 1935 Act. The 46 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
1980 Act also boosted competition within the industry. Many trucking companies broadened their reach across the U.S. through mergers and acquisitions. They also expanded their routes to other states and eventually overseas. Increased competition did lead to a portion of the largest trucking companies closing. These companies couldn’t compete in the landscape that resulted from partial deregulation. Also, unions like the Teamsters no longer dominated trucking jobs. Therefore, non-union drivers and other trucking personnel entered the industry in masses. According to a 1988 Federal Trade Commission study, between 1980 and 1987, employment in the trucking industry rose from 1.368 million to 1.767 million. In recent years, regulations on the trucking industry have often centered on safety – safety for truck drivers and other motorists as well as the environment we all live in.
Driver and Motorist Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, a U.S. Department of Transportation agency that regulates the trucking industry, imposed a 14-hour driving limit on truckers. After reaching their destination and having 10 consecutive hours off duty, truckers can then only drive for 11 hours. These regulations are meant to ensure drivers don’t fall asleep behind the wheel and injure other motorists. On the other hand, these limitations have reduced the hours of operation for drivers, which might have also lessened their earnings potential. Earning less money than before may have led to a truck driver shortage, according to JOC.com -- a leading news source that analyzes the global maritime and logistics sectors. A smaller number of truck drivers on the road could also mean less staff available to transport exhibit freight to tradeshows. To be qualified to work at a trucking company, drivers cannot have a history of sleep apnea, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Once hired, drivers must follow federal
regulations regarding how to correctly strap freight to ensure it doesn’t come loose and injure anyone.
Protecting the Environment
To ensure that freight gets to a tradeshow on time and with no worries, some transportation companies have formed partnerships with other transportation companies. This may seem unusual for those outside the trucking industry – but these partnerships stem from some states restricting the types of vehicles that can enter their borders due to emissions concerns. These vehicles may be quality in some ways but would require trucking companies to invest tens of thousands of dollars to ensure their entire fleet is up to a state’s standards. Therefore, these companies partner with other transportation companies that meet these standards.
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California is often cited as having the most stringent regulations regarding emissions. Its government has already issued several ambitious executive orders to lower greenhouse gas emissions, with the most recent from Gov. Jerry Brown in April 2015. In 2013, the California Air Resources Board passed a diesel emissions standard that affected more than 1 million trucks, according to Katherine Timpf for The Washington Times. These vehicles were required to be retrofitted with new equipment to trap soot, ash and toxic metals as well as cut down on noxious emissions, according Forbes contributor Robert Bowman. Bowman added that the consensus among truckers was that these regulations were too costly or impossible to comply with. This year, President Barack Obama asked the Environmental Protection
[T]he ICC heavily restricted which routes drivers could take and the type of material they could carry on the way to their destination and back. Agency to develop regulations for large trucks in a plan to curb carbon dioxide emissions. This plan too involves trucking companies having to further invest in their fleet to meet standards.
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 47
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 49
Exhibit Services and You By Eric Dyson lanning for a tradeshow can be burdensome at times. With travel, staff training, exhibit design, preshow marketing and an endless list of show-related tasks, it can be difficult for event marketers to juggle everything at once. To make exhibiting as hassle-free as possible, exhibitors should familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of exhibit services.
Shipping an exhibit
Whether an event marketer has an existing tradeshow asset or has commissioned the building of a new exhibit, the need for shipping a display from the warehouse to the event venue quickly and without incident is extremely important. Before an exhibitor looks into freight carriers, they need to make sure that potential contractors specialize in moving tradeshow displays. This is important because freight carriers experienced in moving tradeshow displays will be more sensitive to the needs of an exhibitor. 50 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Questions to ask freight providers: • Whether they are licensed and insured, and if so, how much shipping insurance is available • Ask about material handling and drayage fees • How to track shipments • If they offer specialized transport options, i.e. air-ride suspension, temperature-controlled transport, air-freight, etc. • Time tables and estimated delivery times • How their billable weight is calculated • Ask providers if they offer installation and dismantling services Ways to make shipping easier: • Make sure crates and containers are in good condition • Have up-to-date shipping and carrier labels • Condense shipments as much as possible • Weigh and measure exhibit assets to make sure pricing is accurate • Color-coordinate crates/make them easily identifiable
Once an exhibit has been shipped to its destination, it will need to be installed and dismantled. Some exhibitors choose to install and dismantle exhibits themselves, especially if they have a smaller modular or portable display. But if the exhibit is more complex, like an island exhibit, custom display or larger double-deck design, it is best to seek out professional installers for the job. Freight companies may offer an installation service, but if they don’t, outside contractors are a smart investment in resources. Questions to ask an installation and dismantling contractor: • Ask the exhibit provider if they have recommended installers • Inquire about a contractor’s estimates in cost and labor times • Ask if they can provide union rules and codes for their particular jurisdiction
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• Make sure they understand the show regulations on exhibits and installation and dismantling • Check with I&D contractor on early, regular and on-site pricing Ways to make installation easier: • Keep a detailed, itemized inventory list • Provide crew with set-up instructions and booth renderings • Observe set-up and dismantling • Save money with “straight time” scheduling
Storage & after-event care
After a successful tradeshow, it’s time to pack it up and head home. Often overlooked by exhibitors, storage and exhibit maintenance are vitally important pieces to the event marketing
puzzle. Many exhibit houses provide their customers with storage and maintenance options, and some exhibitors are able to store their exhibits onsite. Depending on exhibit size, use and specialized needs, it may be best to contract a storage facility. Questions to ask storage providers: • Ask providers if they have climate-controlled facilities • How long it will take for an exhibit to come off the shelf and be ready for shipment • What their cubic foot billing is and whether they charge annually or monthto-month • How they handle inspection of assets and liability insurance • Whether they offer on-site repair services
Ways to make storage easier: • Meet with storage provider in-person or over the phone two weeks in advance • Keep track of when an exhibit has checked into or departed from the storage warehouse • Request exhibit previewing prior to shipment from storage warehouse • Pick a local provider or one close to venues where you frequently exhibit
Final thoughts
To make exhibiting easier, it is best to research and work with a tradeshow service vendor that offers shipping, installation/dismantling and storage services all under one roof. Having great service providers and building a long-lasting partnership with them will undoubtedly lead to less stressful exhibiting.
Recognizing and celebrating the exhibit & event industry’s workers through our “Good Works” programs. Welcome to the Foundation’s new home @ Exhibit City News. Made possible through a generous gift from Don Svehla, founder and publisher of Exhibit City News. The Foundation now has a viable presence in one of the industry’s prime media outlets. In future editions we plan to share with you the results of our efforts and ignite your participation in the Foundation’s Good Works. We will raise your awareness of the opportunities and benefits we extend to our industry’s family members and share with you the help and support we offer in their time of need. A top goal for the Foundation is to better connect with every event industry worker. Creating greater awareness of our good works and enlisting a grass roots engagement from each of you to power those good works. Don, on behalf of the Foundation’s BOD and every one who works and benefits from this industry, a heart-felt thanks for your support.
Recognizing those that give. Bill Haney, Chairman Derse Exhibits Co-Chair, EDPAF
A little over a year ago, myself along with many other owners and leaders from the industry became founding Grantors, supporting the Foundation. Grantors pledge to provide sustaining support enabling the Foundation to make long term commitments, with the financial assuredness that those obligations can be met. I will invite these Grantors as well as individuals who have gone above and beyond in giving of themselves to share why they got involved and what they get back as a result of that involvement. I would like to add my personal thanks to Don for his generous act that will make it possible to promote the Foundation’s Good Works and hopefully inspire you to join us in this endeavor.
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Upcoming opportunities to get involved! Call for Industry Scholarships Submissions. Each year the Foundation provides financial aid to selected family members of our members’ employees to help them pursue their dreams. Sign up for EDPA LV Chapter Golf outing. This annual event held in June directs its proceeds towards benefitting the Foundation’s student scholarship initiatives.
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If you would like to become a part of this industry-wide effort please reach out to us by contacting:
EDPA Foundation Headquarters 10 Norden Place | Norwalk, CT 06855 Attn: Melissa Nemitz ( mnemitz@edpa.com ) 203-852-5698
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 51
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GSCs Run the Show... …but this is harder to do without a marshalling yard By Kristan Obeng
A
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bout 100 tradeshows and events annually take place across McCormick Place’s four buildings, which combined offer 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. In 2014, Chicago hosted 24 of the largest U.S. tradeshows. The bigger the show becomes, the more the venue’s 562,500 square-foot marshalling yard becomes integral to smoother show operations. Exhibitions often cause traffic congestion around venues. Additionally, trucks carrying exhibit freight could outnumber the docks a building provides. To lessen the physical toll of tradeshows coming to Chicagoland while increasing the economic impact, McCormick Place -- the largest convention center in North America -- built its marshalling yard within close proximity. Although the marshalling yard consists of 450 parking spaces, it has supported 650 trucks for Solar Power International, which has been handled by Shepard Exposition Services since 2004. “The marshalling yard is a necessity for any tradeshow that cannot ensure adequate dock space for inbound and outbound freight deliveries when a driver arrives on site. Procedures are in place to expedite truck traffic in and out of the docks in a manner that ensures all exhibitor freight is unloaded and loaded with minimal congestion in and around the dock loading areas,” explained Roger Phillips, freight operations manager, Shepard Exposition Services. Continued on p. 54
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Continued from p. 53
Driving In
Of all the motorists sharing the road, large truck drivers have the most difficulty finding parking spaces. They are not allowed to pull over to the side of the road like most car drivers. The marshalling yard not only gives truck drivers a place to wait until freight can be unloaded by the venue’s labor, but it also gives them a chance to safely relax before they are contacted by the general services contractor’s (GSC) traffic personnel. For the 2012 NATO Summit at McCormick Place, Hargrove checked in between 200-250 tractor-trailers. During the company’s most recent show at the venue for the National Science Teachers Association last March, Hargrove checked in more than 100 trucks. “We prefer to call [drivers] on the phone. Drivers can wait around the marshalling yard or in the office,” commented Doug Sheaffer, senior freight manager, Hargrove. Sheaffer added that some GSCs may choose to contact drivers differently, such as via text message. Shepard Exposition Services, on the other hand, also prefers to contact drivers by phone. “When the driver checks in at the marshalling yard, they will give the marshalling yard personnel their cell phone number. The yard personnel will then issue the driver a number written on a window card and instruct the driver to put the card in his windshield and wait for a phone call to send them to the docks. If the driver cannot be reached by cell phone, a traffic person will walk the yard and locate the truck and give the driver instructions to go to the dock,” stated Phillips.
Operating Onsite
Larger exhibitions may cause the most logistical challenges. Therefore, they require careful organization in regards to move-in and move-out. The GSC carries the weight of this responsibility. “The marshalling yard is a costly opera-
54 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
“The marshalling yard is a necessity for any tradeshow that cannot ensure adequate dock space...” tional necessity for the general contractor due mostly to staffing requirements as well as additional equipment, such as computers, copiers, printers, etc. The general contractor must also rent building space and, in some venues, portable restrooms and dumpsters,” said Phillips. GSCs that handle numerous shows at McCormick Place have permanent onsite offices, according to Sheaffer. For other GSCs, an onsite office comes along with their rental agreement. Hargrove too brings in additional staff and equipment to support an event at McCormick Place. Each time Sheaffer is onsite, he said he is often impressed with the venue. “The marshalling yard is in one spot. This is often not the case. You might have to go and rent an area somewhere [for other venues],” he explained. “No matter which building the show is in, this makes it easier.” He added that with tradeshows simultaneously taking place across McCormick Place’s four buildings, drivers may get confused about which building’s docking area they should take the freight. McCormick Place’s South Building, for example, has 65 docking spaces. Once there, freight is unloaded by the Teamsters. “The general contractor has contracts with unions in mostly all convention cities. The Teamsters have jurisdiction at McCormick Place to unload freight under the supervision of the general contractor,” added Phillips. Teamsters have unloaded millions of pounds of freight on behalf of GSCs. This has ranged from small packages to large crates or pad-wrapped material.
Show move-in and move-out dates are often specified in the GSC’s exhibitor services manual. These dates may be influenced by the size and type of show, according to Mary Kay Marquisos, senior director of communications at Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, which owns McCormick Place. “Trucks can park in marshalling for up to five days prior to the first official movein day,” stated Marquisos. Several factors help GSCs determine their show move-in and move-out dates. Phillips explained that Shepard considers how many days and how much time per day is allotted to move freight in and out of the show, the number of large booths and how many truckloads of freight for each booth and how many dock spaces are available. Hargrove, said Sheaffer, chooses its dates based on booth size and a booth’s location on the show floor. Once these dates are communicated, the onsite move-in process starts. “[Booths] farthest from the dock are unloaded first so that booths closer to the dock aren’t in the way of those further unloading,” Sheaffer said. Shepard too follows a similar move-in process. “We assign the largest booths farthest from the dock first and work ourselves out toward the docks,” stated Phillips. “This process is reversed on out bound, giving the larger booth more time to tear down while we are clearing the freight closest to the dock, which will clear the way to retrieve the larger shipments in the front of the show floor.”
Expert Labor When and Where You Need It!
WWW.COASTALINTL.COM info@coastalintl.com 800-235-9200
Condit Exhibits honors longtime craftsman By Kristan Obeng
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enver, Colorado-based Condit Exhibits takes great pride in the craftsmanship of its crates. The company also makes sure to hire employees who are just as passionate about a crate’s reliability and sturdiness. A more than 30-year employee, Scottie Ingvalson is a prime example of why loving what you do translates into a
Photo courtesy of Condit Exhibits
Crate Builder Simplifies Material Handling
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Photo courtesy of Condit Exhibits
better work ethic and greater results. Known as ‘Scottie Dog’ throughout the exhibit industry, Ingvalson is often complimented on his expert crate craftsmanship and dedication to clients. “When I tell people from the industry that I work for Condit, 70 percent of the time I hear, ‘Oh yeah, Condit. I’ve seen your crates on the show floor.’ That seems to be all that matters,” commented Richard Raedeke, vice president of operations, Condit Exhibits. “If you want someone to pack up your house and load it into the smallest moving van possible, Scottie’s your man. He plays a
[C]raftsmanship of crates is as important as that of the exhibit components they house. giant game of Tetris every day with booth properties as he finds ways to get every piece securely into a crate.” Many of Ingvalson’s crates are trademarked with a logo of a dog, which pays homage to his ‘Scottie Dog’ nickname. These days, he rarely uses the logo as he has become accustomed to sharing the work-
load with others. In the shop, Ingvalson only requires the assistance of one other person when carrying out Condit’s proprietary method for building crates. Since Ingvalson fully customizes the crates, he dispenses with blueprints. Therefore, he describes his crate-building style as working ‘from the
inside out.’ Ingvalson lines the crate’s interior with laminate flooring, so items can easily slide in and out. He also resizes and reshapes dividers and padding with the goal of protecting each item inside the crate. Then the outside of the crate Continued on p. 58
The designer/builder’s first choice for multi-functional double decks, wall systems, and architectural elements.
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Continued from p. 57
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I decided to come back and work at Condit [after a several-year hiatus]. Scottie sets the precedent for the type of co-workers I wanted to be around. Now that I manage the shop, he remains the prece-
dent for all new hires. He’s just the kind of guy you want to be around – he’s the guy you aspire to be,” added Harnois. An equally important member of the Condit team is Ingvalson’s dog, Duke. The
15-year-old Border Collie often tags along with his owner at the shop or ventures across Condit’s warehouse to explore. Duke is so loved that Condit’s warehouse crew named a rental structure ‘Duke Tower.’ “I love the people I work with. I feel like I’m surrounded with talent. I’m fortunate to be around such an amazing group of people,” stated Ingvalson. The Condit Exhibits team said they are just as fortunate to have worked with ‘Scottie Dog’ for more than 30 years. This employer-employee match seems destined to continue on for years to come.
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“Scottie Dog” stamps his custom crates with a trademark logo
Photography courtesy of Condit Exhibits
is router-edged and polished to ensure it’s gentler on the hands of the user. Ingvalson repeats this process every few days, with each crate requiring half a day to complete. Overall, Condit’s crates are designed to withstand potential damage, such as a fall from a truck. Ingvalson added that the design also ensures crates last from 15 to 20 years. Ingvalson developed his crate-building skills under the tutelage of two former Condit employees, Tim Rezabek and David Deeba. They taught him that the craftsmanship of crates is as important as that of the exhibit components they house. He now instills this lesson in others. Condit has been Ingvalson’s second home since 1984. The company is where he met his late wife and where he earned the respect of his colleagues for many reasons beyond his diverse skillset. “Scottie is the most genuine and kind-hearted person I’ve ever met. Scottie will do anything for anyone, and he has never had a negative thing to say about anyone since I’ve known him,” stated Spike Malecki, senior field services manager, Condit Exhibits. Upon learning that a client needed more foot forms for a booth display, Ingvalson – with no hesitation – took a last minute, 16-hour round trip from Denver to Salt Lake City, according to Larry Harnois, the manufacturing manager at Condit Exhibits. “Scottie is the main reason
• • •
• •
Balancing Act Reasons to use freight forwarders By Kristan Obeng and Zeenath Haniff
G
etting freight to a tradeshow is among the top priorities for any exhibitor. The question is how to get it there. Weighing the pros and cons can mean the difference between a beautiful booth and an empty exhibit space. We’ve all seen what happens when corners are cut. For freight that didn’t arrive directly at the show site or on time, this often requires an exhibit manager making a mad dash to the closest discount retailer to buy tables and chairs to try to exhibit without their marketing materials and giveaways. If you’re an exhibit manager, you’re probably thinking – please don’t let that be me. This scenario could, of course, be avoided. There are numerous transportation companies capable of delivering freight to tradeshows. To get the best quality, experience and expert help, exhibitors must make wise investments as well as do research on their options. Exhibitors may be familiar with the three big names in small package handling -- UPS, FEDEX and DHL. Exhibition freight forwarders, which are more expensive than small package handlers, usually offer customized and expanded services. Industry insiders talked to Exhibit City News about common problems that transportation companies specializing in tradeshows go out of their way to avoid.
Availability
CON: Most small package handlers operate Monday through Friday, with some Saturdays. PRO: Exhibition freight forwarders operate 24/7. When shipping freight to a show, every second leading up to the opening counts – as straight time, overtime, double time, etc. Having limited availability any day of the week works against the time-deprived exhibitor.
Customs
CON: When it comes to customs clearance, small package handlers can only do permanent entry. PRO: Exhibition freight forwarders can do permanent and temporary entry. Those exhibiting overseas may want to ship freight back across the ocean at the end of a tradeshow. Importing freight on a permanent entry would not allow for booth and marketing materials to be re-exported out of the country.
Receiving
CON: Small package handlers deliver packages to the convention center in general. PRO: Exhibition freight forwarders collaborate with agents who deliver directly to the show site 24/7. 60 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
If a convention center has multiple shows occurring, the deliverer must know the exact days, times and precise location to drop off the package to get to the correct show.
Pick up
CON: Small package handlers only provide inbound service at convention centers. PRO: Exhibition freight forwarders and their partners have authority to both drop off and pick up freight at convention center docks. Freight delivered to the show via small package handlers cannot be picked up again by the delivery companies. Instead, exhibitors must ship freight as mail from the storefront, which may or may not be have a service desk within the convention center itself.
Marshalling Yard
CON: Courier companies do not have access to marshalling yards. PRO: Freight forwarders have full access to marshalling yards
Waiting to be called for scheduled move-in and move-out of freight at a show can last hours longer than a wait at the DMV. Since small package handlers are unable to drop off freight at marshalling yards, they risk not getting shipment to the tradeshow on time versus exhibition freight forwarders who not only have access, but also formulate multiple back-up plans.
Bill of Lading
CON: Multiple packages delivered by small package handlers do not ship on a single bill of lading. PRO: Exhibition freight forwarders ship all freight simultaneously on a standard bill of lading or air waybill. Material handling fees can add up quickly without a proper bill of lading. Small package handlers who deliver packages separately could cause exhibitors to be billed separately as each item comes in. Alternatively, exhibition freight forwarders both transport and unload multiple packages all together on a single bill of lading, minimizing costs.
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 61
Champion Rolls Out Warehousing Hubs Seven U.S. facilities extend logistics provider’s reach By Kristan Obeng
A
cross the continental U.S., Champion Logistics Group, a full-service logistics provider, strategically operates several warehousing hubs to better serve its clients. With so much of Champion’s operations dedicated to retail and tradeshows, adding warehouse spaces around the country was not only imperative but strategic. In addition to its 400,000 squarefoot Chicago headquarters, Champion 62 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
strategically built warehouses in Atlanta, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Boston and Dallas. Also, the company recently added a 250,000 square-foot facility in North Las Vegas. “Champion’s network of national warehousing hubs allows us to better serve the needs of our larger clients. Having inventory space located around the country assists Champion in cross docking, national rollouts and large fulfillment
projects taking place in multiple cities,” commented CJ Berg, director of sales and marketing, Champion Logistics Group. These warehousing hubs, which range from 20,000 square feet in New Jersey to 400,000 square feet in Chicago, also allow Champion to provide next-day shipping. “Our nationwide coverage gives our clients cost-effective shipping solutions and the flexibility needed to ensure on-time delivery, which is critical,” he added. The company has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1980. Champion opened in the Chicagoland area with only a single truck. Starting as an air freight forwarder, Champion has expanded its services to include everything from event to retail transportation as well as warehousing/material handling and global logistics support. Within Champion’s operations division
is a team focused on retail operations. The company’s retail division constitutes a large part of its business. Champion’s leadership has prided itself on its experience in all facets of the retail sector, including its expertise in transporting athletic apparel and footwear. “The creation and continued growth of [the retail] division gives Champion several experts in this sector. Their knowledge and expertise grows with continued experience. Additionally, Champion continues to invest in stateof-the-art technology tools to deliver real-time information direct to our clients,” stated Berg. Champion’s technology allows its clients to keep track of their shipments each time the company handles large retail rollouts.
“[A]dding warehouse spaces around the country was not only imperative but strategic.” “We handle hundreds of rollouts each year for some of the largest branded retailers in the world. Those rollouts equate to thousands of individual shipments on an annual basis,” added Berg. “[We can] maneuver quickly when last minute rollouts arise. Although we prefer to have two weeks to prepare, especially on larger
rollouts, Champion is able to successfully complete last-minute requests as well.” Before bringing in new point-of-purchase displays, store fixtures or point-ofsale materials, for example, Champion can also remove older materials. The company offers reverse logistics, debris removal and recycling services as well.
(508) 870-1844 @ExhibitCityNews
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 63
INTERNATIONAL
10 Reasons Your City Needs More Meetings and Conventions By Rod Cameron, executive director, AIPC
A
s tourism numbers continue to grow and local resistance to the resulting impacts becomes more of a factor in many destinations, thoughts turn to how best to high-grade the visitor traffic in order to get the most benefit with the least pain. This is where meetings, conventions and exhibitions – collectively known as the meetings industry – may offer the best option for cities looking to optimize the revenue benefits while at the same time looking to their broader economic and social policy aspirations for the betterment of the local community. Here are 10 good reasons why these events are worth pursuing as a priority for your city. Delegates spend more: It’s simple; if it’s about optimizing economic returns, there’s little question about which travelers spend more. A variety of studies over many years have consistently shown that delegates outspend visitor averages, and for some very obvious reasons: They are more likely to be business or professional people than the average visitor; many are on expenses or being paid by employers, and this is reflected in where they 64 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
stay and how much they are prepared to spend. Use of established accommodation: In a time when there are growing (and often worrisome) alternatives for visitor accommodation, including the online rental of private lodging, delegates are much more likely to opt for traditional venues such as hotels than many other visitors in order to be closer to the action, part of the conference structure, and because they don’t have as much need to economize (see above). This is far more consistent with how the visitor economy is structured in most destinations, and far less disruptive than if they were scattered all over the city as are many forms of alternate lodging. Benefits are widespread – and impact much more than just one sector: When it comes to convention-related revenues, it’s not just about the hospitality sector as many claim. Recent economic studies have shown that over half of the revenues to a community arise from things like staging, organization, technology and event organization – areas far beyond what would traditionally be thought of as visitor
services. This is a much more diverse set of benefits, meaning lots more sectors share in the results. Bring new knowledge, experiences and expertise: When it comes to community benefits as a whole, the best of all is why delegates are there in the first place: They are attending in order to share and enhance experiences and expertise, which generally rubs off on the local community, leaving a legacy of knowledge and creative experience that both reflects well on the host destination and advances the contacts and knowledge of the local business, academic and professional communities. Consistent with the concerns (and aspirations) of local residents: Few people like to see “their” city seen as simply a playground for non-resident partiers, but that’s the unfortunate reputation a few heavily visited cities have secured for themselves. How much better to have your home regarded as a venue for events that bring together global expertise for serious deliberations – particularly when these complement your own aspirations for future economic and social development!
Enhance city exposure and image: Major events attract global attention – whether within a specialized audience or when the world as a whole is watching what’s going on. This raises city profile and prestige, particularly when the achievements of a hosted group relate to the policy objectives of local government. Spread the hospitality season: Many kinds of visitors tend to “clump” into the high season – intensifying the disruptions and not really helping support infrastructure when they need it the most. Meetings, conventions and conferences, on the other hand, have much more flexibility and often seek out “off” seasons specifically to get better deals on accommodation and to avoid the chaos of peak periods. In the end, this is just what most hospitality suppliers need in order to sustain them through the more challenging times until the next peak arrives. Generate future tourism: Delegates are people who might otherwise never have come to a conference destination – and thus a whole new market for future visits. Many
studies have shown that the experience they have while attending their event can and does result in repeat visits, often with the family in tow, not to mention the pre - and post - conference travel that accompanies many conventions themselves. Support economic policy in priority areas: Conferences and conventions focus global attention on the host community and associate it with the topics being addressed. When those areas are related to local priorities for economic and social development, the host city has an opportunity to position itself and its related industries and institutions on a global stage – and to make a statement about its own commitments and intentions in key sectors to an audience
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of potential supporters and investors. Valuable source of new talent: Many savvy cities are realizing that a major conference can be one of the best available tools for attracting and accessing the global expertise that represent the future of key sectors – and an opportunity to encourage them to relocate to that community! This can be one of the most effective (and cost effective) ways of reinforcing other economic development initiatives. The “more is better” approach to the visitor economy is being questioned in many quarters these days, and with good (and growing) reasons. When it comes to securing the most benefit from any given category of visitor, event delegates have a lot to recommend
When it comes to convention-related revenues, it’s not just about the hospitality sector… them – and smart cites are beginning to figure that out and use it to their advantage. AIPC represents a global network of more than 170 leading centres in 57 countries with the active involvement of over 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 further information, please contact marianne.de.raay@aipc.org or visit www.aipc.org
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 65
INTERNATIONAL
We Come from the Land Down Under: A glimpse of Australia
A
few fun facts about Australia: The Tasmanian Devil actually exists and it has the jaw strength of a crocodile, no part of Australia is more than 1,000 kilometers from the ocean and a beach, Melbourne has the second largest Greek population in the world after Athens, and The Great Barrier Reef is the largest organic construction on Earth. What does this have to do with tradeshows? Nothing, but if you are going to travel somewhere, it’s always great to have a few fun facts to fall back on! Heading to Australia, other than the long flight, is pretty easy. Yes, you do need a visa. However, it’s a simple electronic process – you don’t even need to send in your passport! It just electronically tags to your passport number. If all countries were
66 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
that easy… Currency is the Australian Dollar with 1 AUD equivalent to about 77 U.S. cents currently. There is plenty of public transportation in the major cities of Australia – from taxis to buses, trains and even water taxis/ferries. Don’t fret if you don’t have a driver lined up for your trip. It’s not really necessary here. Designing and building an exhibit in Australia is very similar to the U.S. Plan to budget as you would for a U.S. tradeshow. Custom, system or hybrid displays are all possible ways of building an exhibit. Typically, exhibits are one-time use; however, you will see that companies do opt to build and store for a couple of years. Standard U.S. materials and offerings like laminate, different types of systems, lighting, AV, etc., are all available in Australia.
Flooring tends to be raised and one-time use, and they use more melamine than carpet. If you are doing a white floor, it definitely makes cleaning easier! Australia does have a number of laws to keep in mind when working there. Non-Australian residents have restrictions as to what they can do. Now, most of you reading this will not be staying to work more than the tradeshow, but if you are, it’s best to check with the government for up-to-date regulations. Keep in mind that your exhibit builder will also have many health and safety laws to abide by. Installation crews need appropriate documentation to work in each state of Australia, much like union members here – just because you are in a Chicago union doesn’t mean you can work
in Las Vegas. While there are a few reciprocal work laws between states, it is important that proper documentation is obtained or there will be strict penalties. Design and all appropriate worker documentation usually need to be submitted to the venue and the event organizer by your stand builder so that all can be approved before build up. When possible, it’s best to use local labor. If you have a bit of time before you leave the beautiful country of Australia, do a bit of sightseeing. Scuba/snorkel in the ocean, visit the Great Barrier Reef, see an opera at the Sydney Opera House or do the Uluru base walk in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – note that climbing is NOT permitted there. There is a lot of great history in Australia, so see it – learn it. You won’t be disappointed!
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By Kelli Steckbauer, VP of global & client services, MG Design
The I&D Series Exhibit City News Presents
SERIES BEGINNING AUGUST 2015 Taking an in-depth look at tradeshow and event labor
Topics include: · International Labor Directory · National Labor Rate Survey · Ethics issues · International exhibit builders · Show floor supervision
· Specialized services · Impact of technology · Health & Wellness · Personal interest stories · Gone But Not Forgotten
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INTERNATIONAL
First Impressions Matter: Creating a visual impact
By Crystal Chu
W
hen it comes to tradeshow displays, the first impression is a lasting one. The design of a booth is critical for any exhibitor, and every little detail counts. Successful tradeshow displays should be able to capture the attention of visitors by creating a visually stunning yet interactive experience – the perfect mix of functionality and style. Beyond just an aesthetic impression, a booth must connect with visitors by 68 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
telling a compelling brand story. After all, tradeshows are excellent opportunities for exhibitors to reach out to potential customers and stand out among competitors. From large bold graphics and multimedia displays right down to the exhibit space layout, these elements should be seamlessly woven together to reflect the brand’s identity
Less is More
Exhibition booths in Asia have also moved towards
more open, de-cluttered spaces with clean geometrical and angular lines. For Asian exhibitors in particular, booths are clearly distinctive with its signature color palette easily recognizable from afar. Samsung’s ‘blue band’ is representative of the brand and is consistently reflected in all its exhibition booths. Recent trends in the Asian exhibition floor have shown the popularity of cooler-toned colors as well as solid colors that pop.
Samsung at Marine Tech Korea 2014
The key is to strike a balance between creating a simple, clean design while communicating the brand’s message. At the end of the day, the look and feel of the display booth should be able to clearly reflect the brand’s positioning and image.
Graphics
The use of graphics, when done well, can dramatically affect the number of visitors to a booth. In recent years, tradeshows have become more graphic than structural with exhibit graphic trends geared towards large bold graphics spread across expanse spaces to create a presence on the tradeshow floor. “Flat design,” an international design trend that uses
flat shapes and icons, is an emerging graphic design style in Asia. Favoring a simplified interface, it features the use of sleek 2D web design elements – rectangles, triangles and circles, without the use of gradients, strokes and shadows or anything else that implies three-dimensionality. It focuses on two main principles: simplicity and legibility – adding depth to design elements without causing a visual overload for the viewer. This minimalist style allows marketing messages to be effectively conveyed while still maintaining its visual appeal.
Making a Statement
Ensuring that your booth
is visually prominent on the tradeshow floor is more than just an upsize. It involves creating a physical environment that brings a brand story to life. A largely content-driven approach can reach out to visitors and enable them to understand the intended brand message. Apart from stunning visuals, the booth has to include elements of surprise and artistry to keep visitors engaged. Replacing the typical booth with a structure that resembles an artistic installation is bound to draw visitors in while offering them a unique experience of the brand. This experience can be enriched by leveraging technology to enhance the brand story.
Multimedia Technology
Today’s tradeshows are a digital multi-sensory experience with an array of elements such as touchscreen tablets, video walls and multimedia displays. In order to succeed, exhibitors have to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to current trends of digital interaction at exhibitions. Although not completely new, digital interactive technology is now a key feature at tradeshows. To draw traffic, many exhibition booths feature attention grabbing high definition (HD) video walls and multi-user touchscreen interfaces. Merging technologies such as 3D projection mapping and augmented reality are ways
to drive the consumer experience. By creatively employing a variety of digital interactive technology, brands can achieve visibility while creating a tactile experience for visitors. Ultimately, the booth should be viewed as a medium to highlight the brand and engage visitors. This goes beyond simply putting items on display and filling it with technological gadgets. The aim is to allow visitors to touch, explore and engage with the brand and leave with a memorable experience. The contributor is the Design Director of Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd, a leading communication design & production group in Asia Pacific & the Middle East.
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 69
INTERNATIONAL
Reclaiming Glory
By Kristan Obeng
Sydney’s Conventions Industry Makes a Comeback You Lose Some…
For those with a stake in Sydney, Australia’s business events industry, watching as Melbourne and Brisbane won competitive bids for international conventions over the years probably seemed like a heavy blow. On the country-continent, Sydney was considered a top meetings and events destination for more than 20 years. Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre – originally built in 1988 – could no longer accommodate the needs of show organizers. This led to the facility lagging behind newly modernized venues in other Australian cities. Over the last five years, more than 170 conventions and 12 tradeshows turned away from Sydney, which cost the city AU$150 million in direct conference Geoff Donaghy revenue, according to Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. “Sydney’s challenge was that it had two very important market segments -- major international conventions and large trade exhibitions -competing for space in an aging building,” stated Geoff Donaghy, CEO, ICC Sydney. “[The] government wanted to ensure that Sydney remained the No. 1 choice for these important clients with a facility that offered the increased flexibility demanded by today’s major event organizers, supported by robust technology infrastructure.” 70 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Upon the closing of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, the New South Wales (NSW) government implemented a global RFP process. NSW sought to create its dream team – a line-up of experienced facilities management professionals and developers who would transform Sydney’s western harbor with the proposed new venue as the centerpiece. This seemed like a tall order, but the RFP proved successful upon the formation of Darling Harbour Live to manage and develop International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. The AU$1.1 billion venue is expected to open in December 2016. Named in honor of their AU$3 billion transformative project along Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the group of companies forming Darling Harbour Live was also appointed to develop a 600-room hotel, and a retail and residential district.
…Covering All Bases…
One of the five companies comprising Darling Harbour Live is facilities management company AEG Ogden. A partnership between Australian-based interests and AEG Facilities, AEG Ogden is also where ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy serves as director of convention centers. This allowed Donaghy
to become a direct link between AEG Ogden and ICC Sydney. “AEG Ogden operates on an international scale and is constantly reviewing global best practice design and operational improvements. The group’s learnings and corporate knowledge were part of the proposition that informed the capacity and flexibility for ICC Sydney,” Donaghy explained. The Asia-Pacific venues managed by AEG Ogden also shared advice with Donaghy and the rest of Darling Harbour Live. “Each AEG Ogden venue provides intelligence and advice on design and operational practices through to the group’s senior management, ensuring AEG Ogden managed venues provide the
Sydney’s challenge was that it had two very important market segments -- major international conventions and large trade exhibitions…
Rendering of ICC Sydney, expected to open in 2016
world’s best practice service and operation,” Donaghy said. He added, “These experiences are shared across the network. Where appropriate, event case studies can be passed on to venues in relation to the rotation of an international event. Whilst in many cases, our venues remain competitive. Our ultimate belief is that the client matters most. If we are able to share event learnings with new venues to ensure the best event outcomes, then we most certainly will.”
…You Win Some
To be located 8 kilometers away from the airport and near 4,500 hotel rooms, ICC Sydney will house the amenities @ExhibitCityNews
needed to compete at home and globally. “With 70 meeting rooms, four plenary theatres, 35,000 square meters of exhibition space, Australia’s largest ballroom and an open-air event deck, ICC Sydney’s multipurpose spaces provide endless possibilities for creating events and meetings,” he added. Exhibition space at ICC Sydney was increased by 30 percent in comparison to Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. The facility will also provide an 8,000-seat theater to host large plenary sessions for associations. Fourteen restaurants, cafes and bars in addition to in-house catering will be onsite. “The increased capacity of ICC Sydney can facilitate three major conventions
concurrently, each with their own dedicated plenary, meeting and catering spaces,” remarked Donaghy. According to Business Events Sydney, ICC Sydney will host more than 20 events that will take place from 2017 to 2022. These events include the International Association of Restructuring Insolvency Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL) World Quadrennial Congress in 2017 to the 32nd International Congress of Actuaries in 2022. “With a broad market mix of global, national and local events, we anticipate enjoying strong year-round demand, albeit with fluctuating and varying seasonality for the various major segments,” commented Donaghy. “We target a broad mix of events. International conventions are our first priority due to their economic value and their role in enhancing knowledge hubs and the intellectual capital of the host city. National business, covering exhibitions and conventions, is also a priority for ICC Sydney.” In addition to AEG Ogden, Darling Harbour Live includes Lend Lease, Hostplus, Capella Capital and Spotless. Their revitalization of the 20-hectare Darling Harbour is expected to generate an AU$200 million annual economic impact and provide between 3,700 and 4,000 jobs at various stages of the project. ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 71
NATIONAL Northeast
May 5
Philly Laborers Rack up RICO Charges By Zeenath Haniff
O
n May 1, 2014, Carpenters Union Local 8 and Teamsters Local 107 picketed outside SMG-managed Pennsylvania Convention Center (PACC) over failed contract renegotiations. This shakedown would shake up the exhibition industry, leading to an ensuing legal battle that over a year later continues to draw fire between the two labor groups and the Philadelphia-based venue. Union leaders refused to sign a new Customer Satisfaction agreement put forth by facility manager Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (Authority), who in turn refused work to the labor groups. Representatives from the union, PACC and facility management
72 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
collectively added liberties for exhibitors, such as use of power tools and doubling the space in which an exhibitor could erect a booth without assistance. The labor groups had argued that the new terms would take away work from their crews, compelling the two unions to strike and the Customer Satisfaction committee, part of the convention center’s board of directors, to reject the tentative agreement. Carpenters Secretary-treasurer Edward Coryell Sr. stated his workers “would lose 40 percent of man hours or higher.” “We will try to cooperate, but we can’t give up half our jobs,” he explained. “I have no intention of doing that.” Ousted from the show floor
on May 2 by the Authority, the protesting Carpenters and Teamsters were forcibly removed. They then were locked out of the facility during the dismantle of the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, held one week earlier from April 26-May 3, 2014. Over the next few days, union leaders for the Carpenters and Teamsters continued to dispute the added work-rules. PACC and SMG pushed for the updated agreement, maintaining that relaxed rules would help attract more tradeshows to Philadelphia and thereby provide more work for union members. Issuing a “May Day” ultimatum to all six trade unions to sign the collective bargaining agreement by May 5 at 11:59 p.m., the Authority firmed its decision with an open letter reasoning that the facility needed to “modernize” the “arcane limitations upon Exhibitors’ rights” to compete with convention cities in the surrounding Midwest and Northeast U.S. regions. Four of the six unions – Laborers’ International Local 332; Stagehands Local 8; IBEW Local 98; and Iron Workers Local 405 – agreed to the proposed work-rule changes. Neither Carpenters Local 8 nor Teamsters Local 107 put pen to paper by the established deadline. Although union contracts with the facility did not expire until May 10, the refusal of leaders for the Teamsters and Carpenters to accept work-rule changes caused its workers to lose all convention center work when the agreement was ratified on May 6, according to Pennsylvania
Convention Center officials. Work normally performed by the Carpenters and Teamsters were divided among the four remaining signatories, tasked with dismantling the 2014 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology conference on May 15. Exhibiting in Philadelphia for the first time in its 11-year run, the annual conference was the first group to operate under the new Customer Satisfaction Agreement. Despite union groups picketing outside on opening day, show officials commended the smooth move-out at the close, which was completed nearly three hours ahead of schedule. “There didn’t seem to be any issues whatsoever,” said Paul Winters, spokesperson for show producer Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). “The success of this week gives us high expectations for next year.” Union leaders who signed the agreement showed support for the new work rules in a group letter on May 15 addressed to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and other political leaders. “While we did make some concessions, in the long run enabling the Center to compete more effectively for convention and tradeshow business in a very competitive industry market will bring in additional customers, creating more work hours for our members,” the letter stated. Barred from working at the Convention Center, Carpenters and Teamsters rebutted by filing unfair labor charges with the National Labor Relations Board and the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB). Both filings were dismissed
Improve Your Image...
for lack of jurisdiction in July 2014 and February 2015 respectively, citing that the public Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority was not a joint employer with private, unionized labor supplier Elliott-Lewis, therefore disallowing the boards from hearing the claims. In April 2015, however, a small victory was granted when the PLRB reversed its prior dismissal of the unfair labor charges. Hearing Examiner Jack E. Marino, who originally denied the unions’ charges, now stated that the authority held the power to determine whether the ousted groups would be permitted to return to work. Marino also denied the facility’s motion to dismiss the charges.
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[T]he facility needed to ‘modernize’ the ‘arcane limitations upon Exhibitors’ rights’ to compete… On May 7, 2015, just over one year since the labor groups began their protests, Pennsylvania Convention Center filed a federal civil lawsuit under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act against the Carpenters Local 8, several shop stewards and other individuals, namely union leader Edward Coryell Sr. Stating the Carpenters’ “pro-
...call
longed and coordinated violent, illegal, and extortionate conduct” disrupted facility operations, the Authority applied the RICO Act, typically used for the prosecution of organized crime. The organization claimed it holds a “fiduciary duty to Pennsylvania taxpayers to pursue the recovery of these damages from the Carpenters as a result of their unlawful acts.”
More than $1 million is being sought in damages for alleged unlawful activity at the facility including “illegal and disruptive mass picketing and protests; physical intimidation, harassment, stalking, and assault and battery; verbal intimidation, harassment, race-baiting, and threats; and the destruction of property.” While tensions remain high, Philadelphia has experienced an increase in business since the new Customer Satisfaction Agreement eased work-rules for exhibitors. As of April 2015, according to officials, PACC has booked 28 major new show and conventions that will bring in more than $872 million in economic impact.
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NATIONAL Northwest
ProExhibits Increases Capabilities in New Facility By Zeenath Haniff
P
showroom and tripled its manufacturing capacity, adding even more state-of-the art equipment. The bigger facility also allows for substantial increase in exhibit rental inventory and dedicated preview areas. In addition, ProExhibits leased a new, larger storage facility outside the Bay Area to help clients reduce costs of storing event and exhibit materials. The release of a new logo coincides with the debut of ProExhibits’ new facility. The design will be integrated into the new facility as well as its website and communication materials. ProExhibits is best known for superior marketing solutions that enable clients to enjoy unique brand and sales advantages in today’s highly competitive marketplace. As a team, ProExhibits specializes in exceeding expectations, exemplified by a 99.7 percent customer satisfaction rating year after year.
Photo by
roExhibits, an award-winning design and production team of exhibit, event and environment experts, moved to its new 65,000 square-foot manufacturing facility, located in Silicon Valley. The custom structure, designed by Mauk Design Principal Mitchell Mauk, will house ProExhibits’ expanded manufacturing facility in addition to its corporate headquarters. “In the highly competitive event marketplace, optimizing clients’ marketing success is dependent on a combination of ideal resources coming together,” said Dick Wheeler, president, ProExhibits. “Our level of knowledge, breadth of skills and innovative thinking, supported by state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, equates to the competitive edge our customers need to conquer its challenges successfully.” With the new facility, ProExhibits has doubled the size of its
74 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Southwest
PLUS Studios Adds Size and Function
F
ounded in 2013 as a design and project management agency, S[+] UDIOS, also known as PLUS Studios, has grown in size and function since Matt Naert started the company. When PLUS Studios acquired Elements Exhibits in November 2013, the agency also took over a 65,000 square-foot production facility and storage space. Growing client demand during the past two years prompted PLUS Studios to expand even more in April 2015. Moving its stored client-owned exhibit booths into a new 30,000 square-foot freestanding building behind its existing facility allowed PLUS Studios to increase the size of its production facility.
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Relocating its storage inventory gave the agency the green light to incorporate automotive paint finishing capabilities to be used for exhibit components and custom rental components. Planned cosmetic changes to the main facility, including repainting in corporate colors, will enhance and transform the interior of the building to PLUS Studios branding from Elements Exhibits’ original facility. Outside of PLUS Studios is a two-acre lot where the agency will be able to stage large outdoor exhibits. Taking on more than just show floor exhibits, PLUS Studios also boasts a mobile exhibits division. According to Founder
NATIONAL
By Zeenath Haniff
Matt Naert, retail is beginning to undergo a comeback since the recession. “We started doing a lot of retail spaces in the last two months,” he noted. “Companies are now re-fixturing and rebranding stores again for the first time since 2008, as part of the economic recovery.” Also adding several to its roster, PLUS Studios welcomed four staff members. Steve Schaff was named vice president of new business development, Michael Laskowitz was announced as operations manager, Amanda Lovelady joined as account manager and Dave Jeffries came on as engineering manager.
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 75
NATIONAL Southwest
Sunset Transportation Expands to North Las Vegas By Exhibit City News
New Facility Opens To Meet Client Demand
S
unset Transportation has chosen North Las Vegas as the location of its latest expansion project. Situated on five acres of land, with an 11,000 square-foot, two-story building, this site will provide ample parking space for the company’s pool of 150 specialized trailers and power equipment. All this was made necessary by Sunset’s 76 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
growth in equipment inventory to meet its customers growing demand for service. In just a few years, the trailer pool grew from 30 to 150. Finding places to park them was becoming very difficult. “The new facility makes it easy,” said Mike Montgomery, director of operations, Sunset Transportation. Located at 3741 Civic Center Dr.,
North Las Vegas, the new site will be the headquarters for both the Operations and Maintenance departments. The Operations Center has floor-to-ceiling window views and plenty of natural light. “Our operations can get pretty stressful during show season, and having a space like this makes things much easier on the mind and body,” explained Dave Turner, safety manager, Sunset Transportation. Mechanics enjoy both indoor and covered outdoor maintenance areas. There is enough room to service multiple tractors and trailers, which ensures that Sunset’s fleet is always running in top condition. With a fully enclosed yard and security surveillance equipment monitoring the
Photography by Kristan Obeng
Safety Manager Dave Turner at new North Las Vegas facility
An indoor maintenance area services tractors and trailers
Tantara-Sunset Transportation. “The only way to achieve this was to expand.” This site is a statement to that expan-
sion effort, and Sunset is looking forward to the years ahead servicing Las Vegas and the remainder of the U.S.
Photography by Kristan Obeng
site 24/7, company leaders believe this facility will keep their fleet safe and sound. Drivers are also pleased with the new expansion. They are provided with not only a break area, but also have use of a full-service kitchen, laundry and showers. “They can also come to the new terminal and save the time and hassle of going to truck stops for fuel and a full-service public scale, which are now onsite,” explained Rick Watts, Las Vegas operations manager, Sunset Transportation. Sunset’s other location, 4120 West Windmill Ln. in Southwest Las Vegas, still serves as the company’s primary warehousing and cross-docking facility. It is fully staffed and open 24/7 with over 116,000 square feet of capacity to service its customers’ needs. “Our goal is to be the premier exhibit and tradeshow carrier in the Las Vegas market,” explained Al Fisher, owner,
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 77
NATIONAL Southwest
Left to Rright: Mandalay Bay VP of Sales Stephanie Glanzer, President & COO Chuck Bowling, VP of Catering and Convention Services Martie Sparks
Mandalay Bay Convention Center Expansion on Track
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nnounced April 7, expansion of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas is on time, adding 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, more carpeted ballroom space and 900 underground parking spaces for a total of more than 2 million square feet. The foundation has been laid, and the underground garage, construction footings and columns all have been completed. The $66 million project is on schedule 78 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
to welcome its first attendees in August 2015, with the anticipated completion of the entire expansion and renovation in January 2016. “Construction on our convention center expansion is on track and we look forward to welcoming our first groups in August,” said Stephanie Glanzer, vice president of sales, Mandalay Bay. “The addition of this new space will allow us even more flexibility to accommodate groups of all sizes
and strengthen our position as one of the top meeting resorts in the country.” Construction began in October 2014, and since then 88,000 cubic yards of dirt have been excavated, 29,115 cubic yards of concrete poured and 200 construction jobs created. Forming the framework of the expansion’s Phase I is 335 tons of joists, 650 tons of trusses, 1,600 tons of structural steel and 548 tons of decking. With the Mandalay Bay Convention
Photography courtesy of MGM Resorts International
By Exhibit City News
Center expansion, Mandalay Bay can accommodate growing tradeshows as well as attract new shows with over 900,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. The added carpeted space will allow for more corporate groups and associations. “With business volume increasing, this change provides us with more flexibility to host a wider variety of groups,” Glanzer added. “Whether hosting a small corporate group, midsize association or large tradeshow, each group will have their own dedicated area within our convention center along with a dedicated team to assist in every detail.” The project represents the continued commitment Mandalay Bay is making to the meetings and convention industry and to Las Vegas, the No. 1 tradeshow destination. For more information, visit newsroom.mandalaybay.com/mandalay-bay/latest-news
A rendering of the 350,000 square feet of exhibit space to be added by August 2015
FULL SERVICE GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Photography courtesy of MGM Resorts International
events.teamwork-inc.com
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 79
CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT
EAT The best eateries are always packed! The same could be said for The Breakfast Klub in Midtown Houston. Individuals from all walks of life and at different levels of their career head to the Southern cuisine breakfast spot, which is known for its signature chicken and waffles. Casual wear is welcomed, but interested convention attendees should be prepared for a wait in line to try other favorite dishes, such as the green eggs and ham – Dr. Seuss, anyone?
George R. Brown Convention Center
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TRAVEL TIP: Ride the rails through Houston on the METRORail. Sign up for the Q Star Program to enjoy discounts at selected businesses.
By Kristan Obeng
uring a past trip to Houston, Texas, I witnessed George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) Director of Operations David Osterhout proudly proclaim “Flexibility is our theme.” The venue has been operating by this code ever since it opened in September 1987. This theme is currently seen in the ongoing expansion taking place across the downtown Houston Convention Center District, in which the 1,600 foot-long GRBCC holds a prominent position across multiple blocks. The area comprising the convention center is longer than the football fields of NRG Stadium, the Astrodome, TDECU Stadium and Rice Stadium combined. In time for summer 2016, convention delegates will have more onsite restaurant and retail options. Additionally, a new grand entrance will be constructed at GRBCC. Also scheduled for completion during this time is a 1,900-space parking garage and office building. Both structures will be connected with GRBCC via a new skyway on the venue’s north end, a transformation estimated to cost $175 million. To be completed in fall 2016, a second interconnected convention hotel, the Marriott Marquis Houston, will be added to the venue at a cost of $350 million. The new property will complement GRBCC’s other convention hotel, the Hilton Americas-Houston, which is connected to the venue on two floors. A covered skyway between the two facilities will allow attendees to escape the ever-changing elements. 80 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Other than the Hilton Americas-Houston, downtown Houston has many other hotel options. On 18 acres of land lies the 175,000 square-foot Houstonian Hotel in downtown Houston. While the venue is not as close as the official convention hotel, it has a storied past that may intrigue those who closely follow politics. Some of the hotel’s most famous residents included President George H.W. Bush, his wife, Barbara, and their Secret Service detail. They all lived there from 1981-1992. It’s no secret that the Bush family has roots in Texas, but not everyone knows they previously lived in the space that is now the hotel’s restaurant. History aside, the property also provides many amenities to keep guests active. This includes a rock climbing wall, a boxing ring, tennis courts, fitness centers and group exercise classes.
CRUISE Outdoorsy types may rejoice upon learning about Buffalo Bayou Boat Cruises. A quick escape from city life, these boat cruises provide an option for winding down after spending hours in the flurry of activity on the show floor. Passengers just need to choose their mode of travel – a kayak, canoe or a pontoon boat. Either way, cruisers will get to see area’s wildlife, such as alligators, jumping fish and bats.
Photo courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
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HISTORY
A Glimpse of Tradeshow History BY EXHIBIT CITY NEWS
1882
CREATING LABOR DAY
Although Labor Day officially came into existence as a major holiday in the U.S. in 1887, its roots go back much further. Living from 1852 to 1906, Peter J. McGuire was a co-founder for The United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He also advocated for the eight-hour work day and increased salaries. The world at large may know McGuire for becoming the first to propose the creation of Labor Day in 1882. Others, such as the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, too helped promote the idea of Labor Day. Now the holiday is celebrated every first Monday in September.
1935
REGULATING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY
Imagine what it would be like if the federal government’s Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) continued enforcing the same regulations on the trucking industry as it did in 1935. The ICC would probably have their version of a ‘pick and pack’ program declaring what type of exhibit material could be moved along a certain route and which couldn’t. They’d no doubt allow competing trucking companies to inspect and influence each other’s freight rates. This would in turn further limit the authority of trucking companies and minimize competition. In 1980, the trucking industry was partially de-regulated to rid the industry of inefficiencies caused by these practices.
2014
ICC BERLIN CLOSES; A CUBE IS BORN
‘Closed until further notice’ is what the official ICC Berlin website has declared since 2014. It’s doubtful the convention center will ever open again, considering the millions of euros needed to remove widespread asbestos. Even if venue manager Messe Berlin does spend the 259 million euros to correct this problem, it could take time before show organizers can trust that the venue is safe. There’s also the fact that the same year ICC Berlin shuttered, CityCube Berlin was born. Also managed by Messe Berlin, CityCube has hosted many of the events that originally booked with ICC Berlin. Prior to its closing, ICC Berlin had been in operation since 1979. 82 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 83
CORPORATE PROFILE: Special Advertising Section
Experiencing Kingsmen
“W
e do not just build. We provide total solutions for our clients.” – A practice that Kingsmen has stuck unwaveringly to for the past 39 years amidst changing industry dynamics. Translating design and innovation into reality, Kingsmen’s multi-disciplinary expertise enables it to offer services beyond the tradeshow floor. Providing seamless end-to-end solutions from Exhibitions & Events, Retail & Corporate Interiors, to Thematic & Museums and Alternative Marketing, Kingsmen continuously enhances its integrated capabilities and 84 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
prides itself on its comprehensive range of service offerings that are rendered to international clients from diverse sectors. The company’s integrated suite of value-added services span an entire supply chain; from ideation, research and design, consultancy, project management and prototyping to fabrication, implementation and installation, logistics support and after-sales service. Today, Kingsmen has a strategic network of 18 offices across 10 countries, with more than 1,700 staff and over 870,000 square feet of production facilities across Asia Pacific and the
Enchanted Garden at Singapore Changi Airport
Middle East. Its steadfast commitment to outstanding design, exceptional quality and service has enabled the company to work with clients such as BMW, Chanel, Gastech, LVMH, TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference, Universal Studios Singapore and Walt Disney Imagineering. We look forward to partnering U.S. and European exhibit houses for projects in the Asia Pacific region. For more information about Kingsmen, visit kingsmen-int.com or contact at (65) 688 000 88 or info@kingsmen-int.com
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847.671.5494
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furniture rental | tradeshows | meetings | events SW_STM_9x5_Ad_01-2015.pdf 1 1/19/2015 11:23:51 AM
"Our business experience with your facility has been fantastic and has saved us thousands of dollars. Our ability to ship literature and supplies to your office has truly made STORAGEWEST an extension of our corporate offices In NH. We would not be able to manage our trade show business nearly as effectively if we did not have STORAGE WEST as a business partner in Las Vegas.�
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 85
CORPORATE PROFILE: Special Advertising Section
Rental Furnishings Trendsetter
By Kristan Obeng
How CORT Trade Show & Event Furnishings Stays No. 1
O
ne of the fastest growing of the six CORT Business Services Corp. divisions – all part of multinational conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway – CORT Trade Show & Event Furnishings has become the longest-operating exhibit and event rental furnishings provider. As indicated by Director of Marketing and Product Development Kevin Dana, this leading position and the company’s longevity are well-earned. “We are the only company that has created our own product brands that are well-known and developed with tradeshows and events in mind. We lead the industry with products and trends. We stay ahead of what’s happening in the tradeshow and furniture industries,” explained Dana. When Mid-Century Modern furnishings became all the rage within the furniture industry, CORT executives -- including Dana -- carefully watched the trend to apply it to the exhibits and events industry. “Trends mirror what happens in the overall furniture industry. We think ahead and translate that for the [events] industry. We travel internationally to find out what’s going on and to come up with concepts and then work with designers to create them. For some other companies, it’s easier and cheaper to copy what we do,” he added. Along with designers and manufacturers, CORT tailors popular styles to
86 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
be rental-friendly, durable and provide storage. “We think about how the furnishings will be cared for and stored,” explained Dana. “We were also the first to offer charging capabilities embedded within soft seating. Everyone has mobile devices with them. They can network and charge them at the same time.” CORT’s popular Endless and Lounge 22 Collections are just two of its seven product brands specially crafted for tradeshows and events. The modular Endless Collection can be reconfigured for large and small spaces as well as have high- and low-back chairs. A high-end brand made in Los Angeles, Lounge 22 was the first collection to offer lit tables 10 years ago. The company also offers patented designs, such as Glo Chairs – LED-lit acrylic back chairs. In some instances, CORT may purchase products off-shelf. “Because our product lines are so large, we can offer many styles, colors and solutions,” added Dana. One of the company’s solutions is available for free on its official website. A space planning 2D drawing tool allows users to bring their designs to life. Additionally, CORT gives exhibit designers CAD files of its products in 3D to use when planning the layout of a booth. Over the years, CORT Trade Show & Event Furnishings developed into two departments to keep up with client demand
and expand its presence from convention centers to diverse events. Starting with the Trade Show division in the mid-90s and then the Events division in the 2000s, CORT now provides rental furnishings for more than 15,000 events and tradeshows a year within the continental U.S. The company also developed worldwide partnerships to benefit clients taking their events overseas. “We do what it takes to make sure customers are satisfied with their events. If you call this morning and have an event this afternoon, we make it happen,” stated Dana. “We’re known for our 24/7/365 model. We never say ‘no’.” CORT also prides itself on hiring professional employees who closely collaborate with clients throughout an event. This includes account executives working at the venue and drivers transporting materials onsite from CORT’s well-stocked inventory, which Dana called the largest in the furniture industry. The company is also the first among rental furnishing providers to own a branded truck fleet operated by uniformed drivers, according to Dana. Full-time CORT employees support and are heavily involved in trade associations such as EDPA, MPI, NACE and ISES. Fostering connections through these organizations and on the show floor has led to CORT having a better informed staff, stronger partnerships and plenty of opportunities to boost its growth.
ICONIC. MODERN. NOW. Elevate your exhibit to the next level with classic designs that reflect today’s style. CORT’s rental collection includes iconic new furnishings and an array of fully powered seating and table options to charge up your next meeting, conference or exhibit.
Call 1.855.ONE.CORT (663-2678) or visit us at cortexhibithouse.com © 2015 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.
STAY CONNECTED
PEOPLE
People on the Move
G
o big or go home! MC2 chose the former by hiring seven employees across its Northeast division. They will support MC2’s client base as well as its administrative functions. Congrats new employees! All eyes focused on Sally Shankland after she announced leaving UBM Americas for McGraw-Hill Education. On June 29, Simon Foster took over Shankland’s former role as CEO. GES expanded its line-up by one and promoted three employees. Dan Hilbert (above) joined the company as senior vice president for the U.S. Events team while Doug Shockley, Vin Saia and Terry Campanaro all received promotions. Many know Matt Fortney as the EDPA Midwest president. At his day job, they now know him by a new title. Group Delphi promoted Fortney from vice president & general manager to chief financial officer. Tradition continues at EXHIBITTRADER.COM. The company brought in a fourth-generation family member, Lindsey Raye Rogowicz, to be vice president of marketing. She joins relatives Ray, Gene and Chad in growing 88 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
By Kristan Obeng
this family business. Not only did Employco upgrade Jason Eisenhut to vice president of Human Resources, but it also hired Elizabeth Rogowski as a recruiter who will lead the company’s new division. Pat Friedlander gave ECN readers a glimpse into “Life after LIVE” for Elaine Cohen (below). After selling Live Marketing to Anne Trompeter in 2014, Cohen had a Chicago tap studio named in her honor on May 13, 2015. Lloyd van Meter has brought significant freight experience to The Expo Group’s Las Vegas Distribution Center. He will run the facility as Las Vegas general manager. IAEE celebrated another one of the industry’s great contributors at IMEX in Frankfurt. Edward Liu, managing director of
Conference & Exhibition Management Services in Singapore, received this year’s SCHOLARSHIP HONORS LATE EARL C. HARGROVE JR. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation awarded a scholarship after the late Earl C. Hargrove Jr., a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Hargrove Inc. Carla Hargrove McGill, daughter of the late Mr. Hargrove and president of Hargrove Inc., alongside her husband and Hargrove CEO Tim McGill, presented the Earl C. Hargrove Memorial Scholarship to Jessica Yount of Frederick, Md.
IAEE International Excellence Award. Debbie Parrott, the president of Highmark TechSystems, gave a warm welcome to the company’s new sales and marketing coordinator. Jennifer French said she is a huge supporter of face-to-face marketing and has developed an appreciation for exhibitions. Continually adding to its busy roster, MG Design announced it selected Lee Jacobia (far right) for its new business development
team. Jacobia has more than 20 years of experience in the exhibit industry. All is well at SPARGO. The company appointed Camille Stern as senior vice president of strategic account management on June 30. Steelhead Productions brought on Jimmy Bastille (below left) as account director and Mike Hesse (below right) as graphic designer. Congrats to the new “Steelheaders!”
Left to Right: Jimmy Bastille, Mike Hesse, Lee Jacobia
Delight Your Customers with a DesignLine® Wall System Solution Frameless Finish Tool Free Assembly Modular Flexibility Lower Exhibiting Costs
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 89
IN MEMORY
EAC Community Loses an Advocate E2MA to honor George Wurm at The Boston Randy By Kristan Obeng
90 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
International service companies also benefited from George’s assistance. He helped them understand the operations of U.S. tradeshows in comparison to those overseas, such as different insurance requirements. “In fact, through his efforts in partnership with the E2MA Affinity Partner, Employco, [George] helped develop a general liability policy that international service companies could purchase for the show in question,” Jim added. Prior to the formation of E2MA, George started with Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association in 2003. Once the association merged with Trade Show Exhibitors Association to create E2MA in April 2012, George became a known face of the new organization. Not only was George a leader who served more than a dozen of the top 200 annual tradeshows for nearly 12 years, but he was also Jim’s older brother. “George was not only my big brother, and all that conveys to me and my siblings, but he was the kind of person that many looked up to in that fashion. He was often the center of attention and commanded a real presence in any room he entered,” stated Jim. “There was no better evidence of how much and how widely he was loved and appreciated than the many comments and tributes that were posted on Facebook and emails sent to his family on the news of his passing.”
Jim provided a sampling of the messages shared with him and his family: “The memories I have of George are the best and that says a lot about the man he was.” “Just the best…so full of life….so funny…so loving…I miss him so much already.” “He had so many great stories….the room would brighten with his presence….and the light he brought, and openly shared, will be sorely missed.” A lover of golf and music, George was also described by Jim as often “telling tall tales in the company of his family and friends.” George was born on June 17, 1950 to his late parents, George Sr. and Mary Jane. He received a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. and his MBA from University of Chicago. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Rick. He is survived by his daughters Erika (Kevin) and Krista. He also leaves behind his sister, Sue (Wally), and brothers, Jim (CJ), Bill (Jane) and Tom (Jill). Additionally, he is survived by 17 nieces and nephews who loved him and miss him dearly.
Photo courtesy of Wurm family
E
xhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA) staff and members gave a sad farewell to their director of EAC registration who passed away from congestive heart failure on April 30. Gone, but George Wurm will always be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and the EAC community. The Randy Smith Memorial Classic in Boston on July 20 will also keep his memory alive by designating him a recipient. The exhibit services community especially will never forget George’s commitment to simplifying the process for Exhibitor Appointed Contractor (EAC) registration. George often acted as the intermediary between show management and EACs. For many of the tradeshows he served, George reviewed and vetted up to 125 EACs. The EACs who passed his online review process received credentials to carry out move-in and move-out on behalf of exhibitors. Additionally, the fact that George handled the notifications acknowledging exhibitors’ intent to hire an EAC saved show management from what E2MA Executive Director Jim Wurm called a “sometimes arduous administrative process.” “George was ever the educator, and problem solver, in discharging his responsibilities to vet and credential EACs for E2MA’s client shows. He had great patience in explaining the registration requirements to exhibitors and EACs alike,” added Jim.
Photo courtesy of Wurm family
@ExhibitCityNews
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 91
ASSOCIATION
EDPA LAS VEGAS Mix & Mingle Happy Hour, May 12
Gathered at TaylorMade Golf Experience Las Vegas, EDPA Las Vegas Chapter members hit a few golf balls to practice for their 13th Annual Tradeshow Industry Education Scholarship Golf Classic, which raised over $16,000 on June 10.
EDPA NORTHEAST
The Northeast chapter of EDPA hosted a “Brainfood” dinner at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City where “left brain” Mark Johnson, CEO of Star Exhibits, and “right brain” Jackson Young, experiential designer of Centric Digital NYC, ‘fed’ presentations. 92 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Photography by Exposures LTD.
Spring Chapter Meeting, May 14
SAVE THE DATE
EDPA NorCal Summer Events EDPA NorCal Golf Tournament August 6, 2015 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Registration 10:45 a.m. Tee time (18 holes) Crystal Springs Golf Course 6650 Golf Course Drive Burlingame, CA 94010 For more information, contact rick@tvbekins or rossana@ bigpicturecreative.com
Tradeshow Family Reunion August 8, 2015 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Swiss Park Picnic Grounds 5911 Mowry Avenue Newark, CA 94560
Photography by Exposures LTD.
Greetings fellow exhibitionists! The tradeshow industry is like no other. We meet do-or-die deadlines daily, develop and present cutting edge design with integrated marketing, ship on time even with impossible production schedules, incorporate custom details and wild client requests, creatively manage installation challenges and live through freight delays and frazzled clients…yet our tight knit group of talented professionals “make it happen” time after time, no matter what. As a community, we are some of the most incredible, hardworking, dependable and @ExhibitCityNews
creative people around. This spontaneous “Tradeshow Family Reunion” is a unique opportunity to catch up and reconnect with the people you have walked through the fire with. See your old friends and their families; meet some new crazy tradeshow people. Come hang with heroes. This is one event you don’t have to design, build or install. You are the guest, and your job is to just sit back and enjoy! Do you know of a great band? We have an outdoor stage in our space! Please email jeffreylowe@comcast.net
Tri-Tip and Chicken Lunch No Host Bar $25 per person To register, visit event. celebrations.com/ TradeshowReunion To RSVP, contact Jeff Lowe, jeffreylowe@comcast.net RSVP by July 25, 2015 For more information, contact melinda@exhibitorservice.com or kmerkin@sbcglobal.net ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 93
PRODUCT REVIEW
ImageMate Reader/Writer By Soni Phillips
T
he ImageMate Reader/Writer is a great accessory for professional photographers on the go. The slender design of the USB makes it both portable and easy to use. Add to it a 500 MB/s interface speed, the ImageMate Reader/Writer can read SD cards 10 times faster for quicker uploads and transfers of photos and videos. Compatible with USB 2.0 enabled devices with detachable magnet metal base stand to hold the reader. Prices range from $29.99 - $49.96
94 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
A four-card slot fits most popular memory card formats, including: • SDHC/SDXC • miniSD/miniSDHC • microSDHC/microSDXC • UHS-1 SDHC/SDXC • Memory Stick and Memory Stick PRO • CompactFlash For more information, visit sandisk.com Products provided by manufacturers for review in no way influences reviews, comments or opinions.
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EXHIBIT CITY PUZZLER
A Custom Crossword by Gail Beckman CustomCrosswords.com
ACROSS
1. Trade show manager: Show _____ 5. The movement of show materials from shipping dock to booth and back again 10. Display with aisles on four sides: ______ Exhibit 12. Night before 14. Location guides 16. Common link between positive and crossword 17. Power follower 19. Precedes lane or exit 21. Materials shipped for an exhibit 23. Artificial intelligence, shortened 24. The V in VA 26. Las Vegas, for short 28. Booth giveaways, often 29. Crating or packing follower 30. Certain air mover 31. Amount on the tag 34. That thing over there 35. Morning initials 36. Smarts meas. 38. Piece of paperwork 39. Type of projection 41. Day of the wk. 42. Symbol for scandium 43. Too ____ for my blood 44. Established, shortened 46. Short for radio frequency 48. I see... 49. Beginning 51. Ending for trade or land 53. Front of the plane 55. Possess 56. ___ and improved! 58. Assistant 59. Clock increment (abbr) 60. Walla Walla state (abbr) 61. What’s the going ____? 63. Appointment, for one 66. What plantain and sailing have in common 68. The I in IRS 71. Graph, for example 73. Certain signage 96 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
75. Type of profit or gain 77. Short for good or guard 78. State, shortened 79. Network of structural members, electrical conduits, etc. (2 wds) 80. Estimate, for short
DOWN
1. Exhibit ready for installation 2. Above 3. Skilled worker at an exposition 4. Platform for people or materials 5. Small amount 6. MD associate 7. Paid notices 8. The A in AC 9. Company that buys directly from manufacturers: ______ Merchant 11. Specific symbol chosen to represent a company 13. Seven, Roman style 15. Public relations, shortened 18. Towering 20. Promotional experiences between customers and companies (2 wds) 22. Expo relating to a specific industry or group (2 wds) 25. Em follower 27. Clear plastic sheeting 28. Couple 32. It can be common 33. Dorothy’s aunt 36. Exists 37. Short for hundred weight 38. Pro _____ Invoice 40. Reverberate
45. Show floor bosses 47. Reasonable 50. No news, for short 52. Recommended Daily Allowance, for short 54. Tells about oneself, for example 55. Place for a plug 57. Hurry up and ____ 62. Short for energy 64. Master of Ceremonies, shortened 65. What’s that you say? 67. Public Broadcasting Station, for short 69. Beginning for angle or pod
70. Ques. result, hopefully 72. Years old 74. Already there 76. Symbol for tellurium
May 2015 Answer Key
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 97
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Trade Show Calendar US CENTRAL
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
Finance National Institute of Governmental Purchasing - NIGP Association of Diesel Specialists - ADS National Sales Network Battery Power Conference Texas Osteopathic Medical Association Annual - TOMA Texas Association of Broadcasters - TAB Southwest Dental Conference eWomen Network International St. Louis Gift Show - August SAGE Show Nursery & Landscape Expo - TNLA National Hemophilia Foundation Tow Expo NAPE Expo Houston - North American Prospect Expo National Association of Chain Drug Stores - NACDS Total Store Expo Rocky Mountain EnergySummit - COGA - Colorado Oil & Gas Association Texas Jail Association - TJA Jail Management Issues Conference The Great American Trucking Show - GATS CVC Central - Central Veterinary Conference OSP Expo - The Broadband Development Marketplace Omaha Products Show for Business & Industry Oklahoma Restaurant Association HIDA Steamlining Healthcare Conference Colorado Hospital Association Annual Meeting - CHA International Pump Users Symposium & Turbomachinery Symposium - TurboLab HVAC Comfortech SecureWorld Expo Roofing Contractors Association of Texas - RCAT MUFSO - Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference Texas Health Care Association Annual Convention - THCA Southwest Veterinary Symposium - SWVS Association for Vascular Access - AVA American Academy of Otolaryngology - OTO Expo Radiology Business Management Assoc. - RBMA Fall Educational Conf. Texas Self Storage Association Annual Conference SPE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition - ATCE National Rural Water Association - NRWA - WaterPro American Academy of Family Physicians - AAFP CONSTRUCT American Bankers Association - Marketing Conference - ABA @ExhibitCityNews
Start End 8/4 8/5 8/4 8/7 8/5 8/8 8/5 8/6 8/5 8/9 8/5 8/6 8/6 8/8 8/6 8/9 8/9 8/10 8/12 8/13 8/13 8/15 8/13 8/15 8/13 8/15 8/19 8/20 8/22 8/25 8/24 8/27 8/24 8/27 8/27 8/29 8/28 8/31 9/1 9/3 9/2 9/3 9/2 9/3 9/8 9/10 9/9 9/11 9/14 9/17 9/15 9/18 9/16 9/17 9/16 9/18 9/20 9/22 9/21 9/24 9/24 9/27 9/26 9/29 9/27 9/30 9/27 9/29 9/27 9/29 9/28 9/30 9/28 9/30 9/29 10/3 9/30 10/3 10/4 10/6
Venue Kansas City CC Grand Hyatt San Antonio Hilton Americas-Houston Hyatt Denver Tech Center Omni Bayfront Hotel Renaissance Austin Hotel Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Not available St. Charles CC Irving CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Gaylord Texan Resort Henry B. Gonzalez CC George R. Brown CC Colorado CC Colorado CC The San Luis Resort Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Kansas City CC Colorado CC CenturyLink Center Cox CC Gaylord Texan Vail Marriott Mountain Resort George R. Brown CC America’s Center Plano Centre Ft. Worth CC Hyatt Regency Reunion Gaylord Texan Ft. Worth CC Gaylord Texan Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Hilton Austin Grand Hyatt George R. Brown CC Cox CC Colorado CC America’s Center Hyatt Regency Denver
All Information is Subject to Change*
City Kansas City San Antonio Houston Denver Corpus Christi Austin Dallas Dallas St. Louis Irving Dallas Dallas San Antonio Houston Denver Denver Galveston Dallas Kansas City Denver Omaha Oklahoma City Grapevine Vail Houston St. Louis Detroit Ft. Worth Dallas Grapevine Ft. Worth Dallas Dallas Austin San Antonio Houston Oklahoma City Denver St. Louis Denver
St MO TX TX CO TX TX TX TX MO TX TX TX TX TX CO CO TX TX MO CO NE OK TX CO TX MO MI TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX TX OK CO MO CO
Att 1,550 700 1,500 400 300
Exh 200 50 30 50
11K 335 3,000 100 2,500 100 5,531 520 60 100 7,000 700 3,000 475 3,000 180 124 48.6K 507 6,500 275 250 7,500 357 6,000 3,500 300 4,500 95 4,089 237 4,000 200 525 55 350 80 750 750 130 225 1,300 70 5,500 300 70 96 11K 300 2,200 130 10.9K 359 3,500 244 700 60
Nsf Industry 28K Government 14.5K Gas, Oil, Energy Finances 3,000 Gas, Oil, Energy Health & Medical Media 42K Dentistry Community 20K Retail Retail 113K Horiculture Health & Medical Automotive 70K Gas, Oil, Energy 97.2K Retail 32K Gas, Oil, Energy Law Enforcement 188k Automotive 48K Veterinary Telecommunications 100K Business Food & Beverage 40K Health & Medical 10K Health & Medical 48.3K Technology 35K Technology 5,500 Safety & Security 20K Contractors Food & Beverage 11.6K Health & Medical 42.6K Veterinary Health & Medical 71K Health & Medical 10.6K Health & Medical Storage 93K Gas, Oil, Energy 28K Water 58.5K Health & Medical 35.3K Construction 8,000 Finance
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 99
Trade Show Calendar US MIDWEST
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
Show American Bar Association Annual Meeting - ABA National Medical Association - NMA Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers - APPA American Accounting Association - AAA ASAE & The Center Annual Meeting Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management - AHRMM American Correctional Association Annual - ACA Indiana Long Term Care Convention & Expo Independent Garden Center Show - IGC Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo American Sociological Association Annual Meeting - ASA HR Indiana Annual Conference - Human Resources American Association of Motor Vehicle Admin - AAMVA Midwest Accounting & Finance Showcase - ICPAS Windy City Shoe Travelers Market American Society of Clinical Oncology - Best of ASCO Chicago Michigan Shoe Market EPIC Users Group Meeting National Brownfields Training Conference Islamic Society of North America - ISNA Graph Expo - GASC International Association of Assessing Officers - IAAO International Dairy Show Process Expo - FPSA InterBev Process Ohio Dental Association - ODA Farm Science Review Backer’s Total Pet Expo World Beef Expo Weftec - Water Environment Federation American Neurological Association - ANA Annual Meeting National Bridal Market SMTA International - Surface Mount Technology Association BusCon Resource Recycling Conference World Dairy Expo Remodeling Show & DeckExpo Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society - CPCU American College of Osteopathic Surgeons - ACOS International Die Casting Congress & Expo 100 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Start 7/30 8/1 8/4 8/8 8/8 8/9 8/14 8/17 8/18 8/18 8/22 8/24 8/25 8/26 8/26 8/28 8/30 8/31 9/2 9/4 9/13 9/13 9/15 9/15 9/15 9/17 9/22 9/25 9/25 9/26 9/27 9/27 9/27 9/28 9/28 9/29 9/30 10/3 10/4 10/5
End 8/4 8/5 8/6 8/12 8/11 8/12 8/19 8/19 8/20 8/19 8/25 8/26 8/27 8/27 8/27 8/29 8/31 9/3 9/4 9/7 9/16 9/16 9/18 9/18 9/18 9/20 9/24 9/27 9/27 9/30 9/29 9/30 10/1 9/30 9/30 10/3 10/2 10/6 10/7 10/7
Venue Multiple venues Not available Sheraton Chi. Hotel & Towers Multiple venues Cobo Center Indiana CC Indiana CC Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel Navy Pier Tinley Park CC Hilton Chicago Indiana CC Iowa Events Center Donald E. Stephens CC Renaissance Schaumburg CC Swissotel Chicago Embassy Suites Hotel Epicenter Hilton Chicago Donald E. Stephens CC McCormick Place JW Marriott McCormick Place McCormick Place McCormick Place Greater Columbus CC Ohio State University Donald E. Stephens CC Wisconsin State Fair Park McCormick Place Chicago Marriott Downtown Merchandise Mart Donald E. Stephens CC Indiana CC Indianapolis Marriott Downtown Alliant Energy Center Navy Pier JW Marriott Indianapolis Chicago Marriott Downtown Indianapolis CC
All Information is Subject to Change*
City Chicago Detroit Chicago Chicago Detroit Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Chicago Tinley Park Chicago Indianapolis Des Moines Rosemont Schaumberg Chicago Livonia Verona Chicago Rosemont Chicago Indianapolis Chicago Chicago Chicago Columbus London Rosemont West Allis Chicago Chicago Chicago Rosemont Indianapolis Indianapolis Madison Chicago Indianapolis Chicago Indianapolis
St IL MI IL IL MI IN IN IN IL IL IL IN IA IL IL IL MI WI IL IL IL IN IL IL IL OH OH IL WI IL IL IL IL IN IN WI IL IN IL IN
Att Exh 9,000 125 5,000 150 500 5,975 1,016 3,000 426
441 189 400 65 600 2,300 175 6,700 66 650 90 2,100 70
6,000 20K 21K 1,000 3,600 20K 2,000 4,972 130K 10.2K
350 468 36 280 3.3K 150 200 600 502
17k 981 1,200 30
1,785 132 71.7K 6,170 2,000 1,300
863 325 50 50
Nsf Industry 10K Law 37.6K Health & Medical Education Finances 70.7K Association 29.8K Health & Medical 175K Law Enforcement 20K Health & Medical Horiculture 28K Safety & Security 5,280 Health & Medical Employment 9,000 Automotive 18.8K Finances Apparel Health & Medical Apparel Health & Medical Environment 150K Community 252K Graphics 4,200 Taxes 61.5K Agriculture 100K Manufacturing Food & Beverage 31.7K Dentistry Agriculture 110K Animals Food & Beverage 297K Water 2,400 Health & Medical Bridal Technology 56.4K Automotive Sustainability 561K Food & Beverage 88.9K Construction 18.4K Insurance 5,000 Health & Medical Manufacturing
See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar
US NORTHEAST Show National Court Reporters Association Annual Conv - NCRA Int. Association of Assembly Managers - IAAM VenueConnect AccessoriesTheShow - New York FAME The Children’s Club Moda Las Vegas Society for Industrial Microbiology Annual - SIM FFANY New York Shoe Expo Fraternal Order of Police National Conference American Chemical Society Fall - ACS SpeechTEK & CRM Evolution Ag Progress Days American Academy of Dermatology - Summer Meeting - AAD American Massage Therapy Association - AMTA Association of Correctional Food Service Affiliates - ACFSA The American Legion National Convention THE NBM SHOW Northeastern Society of Orthodontists Cloud Partners - Fall Conference & Expo New England Produce Council Produce & Floral Expo Design-2-Part Show Natural Products Expo East Assoc. of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses-APHON LMT Lab Day East SOLE COMMERCE - The WomenÕs Luxury Footwear Show within Fashion Coterie New England Water Works Assoc. - NEWWA Annual Conf. Discovery on Target - Pharmaceutical Financial Planning Assoc. - FPA Business & Education Conf. eMetrics Market Optimization Summit Federation of Analytical Chemistry & Spectroscopy - FACSS SciX National Association of Personnel Services Annual - NAPS SMX - Search Marketing Expo East Design-2-Part Show American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - AAPM&R Direct Marketing Association - DMA American Society of Human Genetics - ASHG National Conf. on Health, Productivity and Human Capital American Land Title Association - ALTA Small Business Expo New York Comic-Con @ExhibitCityNews
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet All Information is Subject to Change*
Start End Venue 7/30 8/2 Hilton New York Midtown 8/1 8/4 Baltimore CC 8/2 8/4 Jacob K. Javits Center 8/2 8/4 Jacob K. Javits Center 8/2 8/4 Jacob K. Javits Center 8/2 8/4 Jacob K. Javits Center 8/2 8/6 Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown 8/4 8/6 Hilton New York Midtown 8/9 8/13 David L. Lawrence CC 8/16 8/20 Not available 8/17 8/19 Marriott Marquis 8/18 8/20 Russell E. Larson Agricultural 8/19 8/23 Hilton New York Midtown 8/19 8/22 David L. Lawrence CC 8/23 8/27 The Conf. & Event Center N. Falls 8/28 9/3 Baltimore CC 8/28 8/30 Pennsylvania CC 9/10 9/13 Rhode Island CC 9/16 9/18 Hynes CC 9/16 9/17 Chatham Bars Inn 9/16 9/17 Pittsburgh-Monroeville CC 9/17 9/19 Baltimore CC 9/17 9/19 Rhode Island CC 9/19 9/19 Atlantic City CC 9/19 9/21 Jacob K. Javits Center 9/20 9/23 Mt. Washington Resort 9/21 9/24 Westin Boston Waterfront 9/26 9/28 Boston Conv. & Expo Center 9/27 10/1 Seaport World Trade Center 9/27 10/2 Rhode Island CC 9/28 9/30 Boston Park Plaza 9/29 10/1 Jacob K. Javits Center 9/30 10/1 Royal Plaza Trade Center 10/1 10/4 Hynes CC 10/4 10/6 Boston CC 10/6 10/10 Baltimore CC 10/6 10/8 Boston Marriott Copley Place 10/7 10/10 Westin Copley Place 10/8 10/8 Hynes CC 10/8 0/11 Jacob K. Javits Center
City New York Baltimore New York New York New York New York Philadelphia New York Pittsburgh Boston New York Rock Springs New York Pittsburgh Niagra Falls Baltimore Philadelphia Providence Boston Chathem Pittsburgh Baltimore Providence Atlantic City New York Bretton Woods Boston Boston Boston Providence Boston New York Marlborough Boston Boston Baltimore Boston Boston Boston New York
St NY MD NY NY NY NY PA NY PA MA NY PA NY PA NY MD PA RI MA MA PA MD RI NJ NY NH MA MA MA RI MA NY MA MA MA MD MA MA MA NY
Att Exh 1,500 60 1,659 213
6,000 850 14K 700 40 3,000 200 13.3K 3,000 46K 4,341 1,400 450 10K
500 100 493 250
22K 750
1.1K
800
50
800 2,000 1,400 2,000 8,500 5,000
40 70 150 100 352 200
500
40
150 110 100 1,700 100 2,500 100 750 230
306
Nsf Industry 5,000 Law 221K Manufacturing Apparel Apparel Apparel Apparel 4,000 Sciences Apparel Law Enforcement 50K Sciences 12K Technology Agriculture 17.7K Dermatology Beauty & Cosmetics 15K Food & Beverage 80K Travel Fine Arts 13K Orthodontics 15K IT Produce Engineering 154K Retail Health & Medical Dentistry Apparel Water Health & Medical Finances 4,000 Marketing Sciences 4,000 Employment 12K Marketing 15K Engineering Health & Medical 59.2K Marketing 20K Health & Medical Health & Medical 4,000 Real Estate Business Hobby
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 101
Trade Show Calendar US NORTHWEST
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
Show Meeting Professionals International - MPI - WEC Microscopy & Microanalysis - MSA Nat. Conf. of State Legislatures - NCSL Legislative Summit Assoc. for Education in Journalism & Mass Comm. - AEJMC Joint Statistical Meeting - JSM Washington Assoc. for Career & Technical Ed - WA-ACTE Flash Memory Summit Int. Congress of Oral Implantologists - ICOI Summer Implant Symposium Seattle Gift Show - Summer California Dental Association - CDA Fall Scientific Session Face & Body Spa & Healthy Aging Conf.& Expo Farwest Show VMworld American Society for Surgery of the Hand - ASSH WaterReuse Symposium Northwest Event Show - NWES AeroTech Congress & Exhibition - SAE Washington State Medical Association - WSMA International City/County Management Association - ICMA APEX - Airline Passenger Experience Association Photomask Technology - SPIE Natural Products Northwest California Science Education Conference - CSTA National Association Medical Staff Services - NAMSS National Electrical Contractors Association - NECA Northwest Human Resource Management Assoc. - NHRMA California REALTOR EXPO American Society for Bone and Mineral Research - ASBMR TCT - Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Symposium Deep Foundations
Start 8/1 8/2 8/3 8/6 8/8 8/9 8/11 8/14 8/15 8/20 8/22 8/27 8/30 9/10 9/13 9/16 9/22 9/26 9/27 9/28 9/29 10/2 10/2 10/3 10/3 10/5 10/6 10/9 10/11 10/12
View Complete Calendar Online
End 8/4 8/06 8/06 8/9 8/13 8/12 8/13 8/16 8/18 8/22 8/24 8/29 9/2 9/12 9/16 9/16 9/24 9/27 9/30 10/1 10/1 10/4 10/4 10/7 10/6 10/7 10/8 10/12 10/15 10/15
All Information is Subject to Change*
Venue Moscone Center Oregon CC Washington State CC Marriott Marquis Washington State CC Yakima CC Santa Clara CC Marriott Marquis Washington State CC Moscone Center San Jose CC Oregon CC Moscone Center Washington State CC Sheraton Seattle Washington State CC Washington State CC Daveport Hotel Washington State CC Oregon CC Monterey Conf. Center Washington State CC Sacramento CC Washington State CC Moscone Center Oregon CC San Jose CC Washington State CC Not available Oakland Marriott City Center
City San Francisco Portland Seattle San Francisco Seattle Yakima Santa Clara San Francisco Seattle San Francisco San Jose Portland San Francisco Seattle Seattle Seattle Seattle Spokane Seattle Portland Monterey Seattle Sacramento Seattle San Francisco Portland San Jose Seattle San Francisco Oakland
St CA OR WA CA WA WA CA CA WA CA CA OR CA WA WA WA WA WA WA OR CA WA CA WA CA OR CA WA CA CA
Att 4,000 1,800 11.5K 2,000 6,000 800
Exh
10K 16K 8K 20K 23K 3.5K 700
800 400 250 1K 185 130
110 300 50 46
66 3,000 160 1,200 55 2,500 160 10K
300
8K
200
11.8K 149 600 85
Nsf 77.3K 36.5K 84K 6,000
Industry MICE Sciences Government Education Mathematics 3,680 Education Technology Health & Medical Retail 85K Dentistry 50K Beauty & Cosmetics Sustainability 188K Technology 25K Health & Medical Water Events Technology Health & Medical 20K Government Aviation Crafts Retail 21.6K Education Health & Medical 55K Electrical Employment 40K CityRealty Exhibit News’ best-read section! Health & Medical 69.4K Health & Medical 8,500 Engineering
SEE YOUR AD HERE! Sponsor your region in the Trade Show Calendar.
ExhibitCityNews.com/Tradeshow-Calendar Exhibit City News’ best-read section! 102 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
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 Institute of Transportation Engineers - Annual - ITE RetailNow - Retail Solutions Providers Association - RSPA Florida Health Care Association Annual Convention - FHCA American Association of Diabetes Educators - AADE Florida Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists - FSHP Louisiana Foodservice Expo - LRA Orlando Gift Show International Society of Arboriculture - ISA SHARE Summer Technology Exchange New Orleans Gift & Jewelry Show - Summer APCO Int. Conf. & Expo - Assn of Public-Safety Communications Officials Memphis Gift and Jewelry Show - Summer Gentlemen’s Club Expo The Louisville Gift Show Community Health Institute & Expo - NACHC Fire-Rescue International - IAFC Florida Chiropractic Association - National Conv. & Expo Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Assn - FPMA National Society for Histotechnology Symposium/Conv. - NSH The Ft. Lauderdale Gift Show - August HSMAI MEET National Event Surf Expo Imprinted Sportswear Orlando - ISS Air & Space Conference & Technology Exposition International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference - IBEX 21st Century Building Expo - NCHBA Glassbuild America HD Americas - A Hospitality Design Event American Society of Nuclear Cardiology - ASNC Modern Day Marine National Black MBA Association Global Identity Summit - Biometric Consortium Conf. & Technology Expo American Health Information Management Assn - AHIMA National Safety Council - NSC American Assoc. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons - AAOMS Emergency Nurses Association Annual Meeting - ENA International Construction & Utility Equipment Expo - ICUEE Southern Association of Orthodontists - SAO Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors Assn - PHCC Connect World Energy Engineering Congress - WEEC @ExhibitCityNews
All Information is Subject to Change*
Start End 8/2 8/5 8/2 8/5 8/2 8/6 8/5 8/8 8/7 8/9 8/8 8/10 8/8 8/10 8/8 8/12 8/9 8/14 8/14 8/17 8/16 8/19 8/21 8/23 8/23 8/26 8/23 8/24 8/23 8/25 8/26 8/29 8/27 8/30 8/28 8/31 8/28 9/2 8/29 9/1 9/9 9/10 9/10 9/12 9/10 9/12 9/14 9/16 9/15 9/17 9/15 9/17 9/16 9/18 9/16 9/17 9/17 9/20 9/22 9/24 9/22 9/26 9/22 9/24 9/26 9/30 9/28 9/30 9/28 10/3 9/28 10/3 9/29 10/1 9/30 10/4 9/30 10/2 9/30 10/1
Venue Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa Gaylord Palms Resort Rosen Shingle Creek Resort Ernest N. Morial CC Hilton Bonnet Creek Ernest N. Morial CC Orange County CC Gaylord Palms Resort Disney World Swan & Dolphin Ernest N. Morial CC Walter E. Washington CC Memphis-Cook CC Hilton Paroquet Conf. Center Hyatt Regency Orlando Georgia World Congress Center Hyatt Regency Orlando Disney’s Coronado Springs Gaylord National Broward County CC Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Orange County CC Orange County CC Gaylord National Kentucky Expo Center Charlotte CC Georgia World Congress Center Miami Beach CC Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Marine Corps Base Orange County CC Tampa CC Ernest N. Morial CC Georgia World Congress Center Walter E. Washington CC Orange County CC Kentucky Expo Center Marriott World Center Diplomat Resort & Spa Orange County CC
City Hollywood Orlando Orlando New Orleans Orlando New Orleans Orlando Orlando Orlando New Orleans Washington Memphis New Orleans Louisville Orlando Atlanta Orlando Orlando Washington Ft. Lauderdale Washington Orlando Orlando Washington Louisville Charlotte Atlanta Miami Washington Quantico Orlando Tampa New Orleans Atlanta Washington Orlando Louisville Orlando Hollywood Orlando
St FL FL FL LA FL LA FL FL FL LA DC TN LA KY FL GA FL FL DC FL DC FL FL DC KY NC GA FL DC VA FL FL LA GA DC FL KY FL FL FL
Att 2,000 1.4K 1,000 6,570 1,100 9,000 6,000 2,211 2,000 27K 3,000 5,889 4,000 2,100 2,000 14K 2,600 1.5K 1.5K 5,000 2,297 27K 7,084 6,000 6,900 2,137 6,669 5,900 1,800 11.2K 8,861 2,000 4,000 13K 5,000 5,000 16.6K 1,594
Exh 120 134 275 285 100 420 600 121 68 350 300 101 500 100 100 500 500 183 100 500 208 1K 140 91 558 98 338 388 70 475 284 150 225 895 200 450 801 80
3,800 250
Nsf 16.5K 17.5K 27.5K 87.4K 10K 40K 60K 36.4K 10.7K 95K 70K 18.1K 100K 20K 22K 180K 60K 31.2K 65K 50K 25.3K 250K 24.5K 35.5K 88.6K 15.3K 104K 67.7K 13K 101K 113K 15.9K 60K 176K 54.2K 50K 1.1M 6,400
Industry Engineering Retail Health & Medical Health & Medical Health & Medical Food & Beverage Retail Arboriculture Technology Retail Safety & Security Retail Entertainment Retail Health & Medical Safety & Security Health & Medical Retail Technology Retail Events Sports Apparel Aeronautics Marine Construction Manufacturing Hospitality Health & Medical Armed Forces Business Technology Health & Medical Safety & Security Health & Medical Health & Medical Construction Orthodontics HVAC Engineering
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 103
Trade Show Calendar US SOUTHWEST
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
Show Black Hat USA American Phytopathological Society Annual - APS Las Vegas Market/Summer (Furniture) Restaurant Loss Prevention & Security Association - RLPSA Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Specialty Advertising Association of California - SAAC International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo - BCA Siggraph Optics & Photonics - SPIE MAGIC - Business of Fashion WSA@MAGIC - Fast Fashion Footwear KIDShow Las Vegas PGA Fashion & Demo Experience - Professional Golfers’ Assoc. National Pharmacy Purchasing Association - NPPA Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo American Association of Nurse Anesthetists - AANA Public Works Congress & Exposition - APWA Tactical Operations Conference & Vendor Show Las Vegas International Lingerie Show SPACE - AIAA Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles PAINWEEK Super Mobility Week by CTIA THE EXPERIENCE Conference & Trade Show Industry Summit - F&I and Showroom Oasis Gift Show EMS World Expo & Firehouse Central National Recreation & Park Association - NRPA Interbike - Bicycle Industry Exhibition International Vision Expo West Association of Zoos & Aquariums - AZA Lamaze International BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition IDN Summit & Expo TRI-STATE Seminar - Water IMEX - International Mining Conference & Expo Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses Annual Conf - AMSN Pack Expo Las Vegas AML & Financial Crime Conference - ACAMS G2E - Global Gaming Expo 104 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Start End 8/1 8/6 8/1 8/5 8/2 8/6 8/2 8/5 8/5 8/8 8/5 8/6 8/5 8/7 8/9 8/13 8/9 8/13 8/16 8/19 8/17 8/19 8/17 8/19 8/17 8/19 8/17 8/20 8/23 8/25 8/29 9/1 8/30 9/2 8/30 9/4 8/31 9/2 8/31 9/2 9/3 9/6 9/8 9/12 9/9 9/11 9/9 9/11 9/9 9/11 9/11 9/12 9/15 9/19 9/15 9/17 9/16 9/18 9/17 9/19 9/17 9/21 9/17 9/20 9/20 9/24 9/21 9/23 9/22 9/24 9/22 9/24 9/24 9/27 9/28 9/30 9/28 9/30 9/29 10/1
Venue Mandalay Bay Pasadena CC Las Vegas Market M Resort Salt Palace CC Long Beach CC South Point Los Angeles CC San Diego CC Las Vegas CC Las Vegas CC Planet Hollywood The Venetian Bally’s Las Vegas Los Angeles CC Salt Palace CC Phoenix CC Not available Rio Hotel Pasadena CC Wynn Las Vegas The Cosmopolitan Sands Expo The Mirage Paris Las Vegas Phoenix CC Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay CC Mandalay Bay CC Sands Expo Hilton Salt Lake City Center Planet Hollywood Mandalay Bay CC Arizona Biltmore South Point Hotel Las Vegas CC Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas CC Aria Sands Expo
All Information is Subject to Change*
City St Las Vegas NV Pasadena CA Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Salt Lake City UT Long Beach CA Las Vegas NV Los Angeles CA San Diego CA Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Los Angeles CA Salt Lake City UT Phoenix AZ Salt Lake City UT Las Vegas NV Pasadena CA Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Phoenix AZ Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Salt Lake City UT Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Phoenix AZ Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV Las Vegas NV
Att 6,500 1,800 50K 225 43K 2,100 2,047 225K 5,000 66.1K 28.7K 4,000 2,803 300 10.8K 2,400 8,500 1,200 3,000 1,200 2,000 1,800 40K 3,300 1,300 2,500 10K 8,000 24.2K 16K 3,049 600 3,800 700 2,500 1,000 1,100 39.2K 2,000 24.1K
Exh 150 50 450 55 1.1K 410 132 153 280 4.3K 1.6K 1K 200 87 315 200 650 207 250 40 100 85 1.1K 190 80 150 450 385 810 451 179 50 220
Nsf 60K 550K 492K 54K 46.5K 46.5K 30K 951K 80K 25.3K 50.3K 20K 105K 38K
11.9K 298K 29.6K 19K 50K 120K 200K 320K 179K 5,000 28K 10K
300 250 100 1.5K
10K 628K
408
260K
Industry IT Health & Medical Furniture Safety & Security Retail Marketing Recreation Graphics Sciences Apparel Apparel Apparel Apparel Health & Medical Hospitality Health & Medical Public Works Law Enforcement Apparel Aeronautics Law Health & Medical Health & Medical Restoration Finances Retail Safety & Security Public Works Sports Optometry Zoology Health & Medical IT Health & Medical Water Mining Health & Medical Manufacturing Finances Gaming
See complete listing of shows online at ExhibitCityNews.com/tradeshow-calendar
Att = Attendance | CC=Convention Center | Exh = Exhibitors | Nsf = Net Square Feet
CANADA Show American Psychological Association - APA Academy of Management Annual Meeting - AOM MODE Accessories Canadian Gift Association - CanGift IncentiveWorks ExpoZoo - PIJAC Canadian Dental Association - CDA National Conference Montreal Gift Show CanWest - Horticulture Trade Show The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Oil Sands Trade Show & Conference Security Canada Atlantic - CANASA Canadian Health Food Association - Expo East - CHFA Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society - CHES National Pet Industry Trade Show Utilities Telecom Council of Canada - UTCC Interior Design West - IDSWest Consac Imagemakers - Sign Industry Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery - CSVS IMATS - International Make-up Artists Trade Show Esthetic and Spa Trade Show Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show - CMTS Grocery Innovations Canada - GIC The Canadian Coffee & Tea Show FIGO World Congress of Gynecology & Obstetrics
All Information is Subject to Change*
Start End 8/6 8/9 8/7 8/11 8/9 8/11 8/9 8/12 8/18 8/19 8/23 8/24 8/26 8/29 8/30 9/2 9/9 9/10 9/12 9/13 9/15 9/16 9/15 9/15 9/19 9/20 9/20 9/22 9/20 9/21 9/23 9/25 9/24 9/27 9/25 9/26 9/25 9/26 9/26 9/27 9/27 9/28 9/28 10/1 9/28 9/29 10/4 10/5 10/4 10/9
Venue Metro Toronto CC Vancouver CC Int. Plaza Hotel The International Centre Metro Toronto CC Centrexpo Drummondville Delta Hotel Place Bonaventure Fraser Valley Trade & Expo Centre The International Centre Suncor Community Leisure Centre Holiday Inn Harbourview Metro Toronto CC Shaw Conf. Centre International Centre Shaw Conf. Centre Vancouver CC International Centre Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Vancouver CC Palais des Congres de Montreal International Centre Toronto Congress Centre Vancouver CC Vancouver CC
City Toronto Vancouver Toronto Toronto Toronto Drummondville St. John’s Montreal Vancouver Toronto Ft. McMurray Halifax Toronto Edmonton Mississauga Otawa Vancouver Toronto Victoria Toronto Montreal Mississauga Toronto Vancouver Vancouver
St ON BC ON ON ON QC NL QC BC ON AB NS ON AB ON ON BC ON BC ON QC ON ON BC BC
Att Exh 10.7K 148 8,000 20K 2,400 977 10K 15K 4,000 5,000 5.7K 200 3.8K 300 1,811
1K 700 98
20K
300
400 265 150 464 40 800 160 230
6,875 6,120 500 6,000 280 1,300 135 7,000
Nsf Industry 20.6K Health & Medical 10K Management Retail 421K Retail 52K MICE 17.9K Veterinary Dentistry 130K Retail 45K Horiculture 21K Business 89.1K Gas, Oil, Energy 5.8K Safety & Security 73K Food & Beverage 15K Health & Medical 40.8K Animals Telecommunications Interior Design Graphics Health & Medical Beauty & Cosmetics Beauty & Cosmetics 130K Technology 55.5K Retail Food & Beverage Health & Medical
*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.
Making YOU Stand Out exposystems.com
1.800.263.3976
E x poS y s tem s is a L eading Modular S y s tem s Manuf ac tur er
Continued on p.98
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 105
Classifieds
Motif Events Inc. is passionately committed to helping our clients as they continue to define their brands through the strategic design, world class fabrication and seamless execution of impactful, compelling & efficient dimensional & event marketing experiences. We are seeking a Project Manager for our Elk Grove Village location.
THE PROJECT MANAGER WILL BE EXPECTED TO: • Create and execute project plans, revise as necessary to meet changing needs, while adhering to the agreed upon timelines, design intent and budgets • Estimate rental projects. Including,but not limited to; providing costs for Motif owned properties, pull/prep/load out/receive costs, graphic estimates, small new build items and costs for repairs. • Source and provide specialty material needs per project, as needed • Provide mutliple quotes for materials when applicable. Produce purchase orders and expense reports to track job costs. Insure that we are providing the highest quality at the best possible price, per the alotted budget • Maintain a resource file, per job, to store quotes, POs. expense reports, etc. • Coordinate with graphic designers to produce graphic elevations, with reference images in PDF format. Have knowledge of graphic mediums, printing tecniques and their applications • Determine what internal and/or external support may be required to complete a project • Work with the shop and warehouse personnel to effectively communicate the project needs • Enforce shop standards in-house and with out sourced vendors • Produce and manage work orders for the preparing, shipping and receiving of exhibt materials • Maintain a working inventory and knowledge of Motif rental properties • Have a working knowledge of construction materials and techniques in the exhibit industry • Keep appraised of new technologies and materials. • Attend a weekly production meeting. Be prepared to discuss the current state of projects in production, identify needs and request additional information as needed • Maintain and update a schedule of assigned projects • Produce construction details, set up instruction drawings, graphic elevations and any other 2D and 3D drawings that may be requested • AutoCAD profiency required. Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design skills are a plus • 3-5 years Project Management experience with tradeshows is required Compensation based on experience. Benefit package available; includes Medical and Life Insurance, vacation, sick time and paid holidays. Please visit our website at www.motifevents.com. Send resumes to – peter.husby@motifevents.com
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Project Manager Las Vegas, NV The project manager is the main driver of internal production projects. The individual in this position will schedule and oversee all assigned projects. He or she will also assume responsibility for successful and accurate production completion- and profitability. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: estimating; writing of production COMS orders; participation in kickoff meetings; production scheduling; management and coordination of sub-contractors; management of internal departments involving new production- CAD, purchasing, graphics, production and warehouse. Project Managers are also responsible for change order tracking, reporting of change orders to the internal team, and overall project profitability tracking on assigned production jobs. In addition to this job description, the person in this position is responsible for operating within and managing to Czarnowski’s standard operating procedures.
REQUIREMENTS • Travel is minimally required and will be evaluated in regard to specific production projects. • Strong written and verbal communication skills are a prerequisite, along with appropriate computer skills (Excel, Word, Lotus Notes, COMS, Business Portal). • A College degree is preferred, but not required. • This position is technical in nature and requires knowledge of industry fabrication methods, carpentry, metal work, paint production, tension fabric, graphic production and other techniques. Send Resumes to: bbratton@czarnowski.com or fax to 702-727-8146.
Classifieds
Outside Sales Account Representative Orbus, a leading and highly successful manufacturer and trade distributor of products and services to the tradeshow and display industries selling Business to Business headquartered in Illinois, is seeking an Outside Sales Account Representative. We are looking for a “hunter” that is driven, self-motivated, goal-oriented, and willing to receive guidance and direction, as you will be the primary link to our current and prospective clients on the west coast.
personality. This is a tremendous opportunity for the right candidate who is willing to work hard and put in the effort. Travel is over 50%
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION ARE:
You will be responsible for maintaining, prospecting and calling on businesses within your territory. You will be in the business of meeting owners and decision makers and introducing them to our tradeshow/display products and services. You will be part of a Team Environment and play a part in the Sales Team Success. Your main focus will be selling our services/products to tradeshow/display businesses and assist them in identifying product strengths and weaknesses and then recommend ways to eliminate those problems by offering our services and products to increase sales growth.
• 3+yrs outside sales experience, intangible product sale success a plus • Positive, high energy sales-oriented personality • Must have experience in prospecting, cold calling, then qualify prospects and motivating them to purchase from you • Highest degree of honesty, integrity and professionalism • Ability to accomplish monthly, quarterly sales targets and goals independently • Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills • Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines • Consistent attention to detail and strong organizational skills • Keen desire to learn, improve and succeed • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Our sales professionals are responsible for helping our clients increase their exhibit/display presence in the tradeshow industry. If you are a hungry, resilient, organized, sales quota buster and a risk-taker who has the ability and desire to be a successful sales person, then we want to hear from you. We are looking for self starters with a high energy
We have been on an aggressive growth path and are continuing to look to expand our Field Sales coverage throughout the US market. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive health and benefits package. Please include salary requirements when applying online or mail your resume to Orbus Inc. 9033 Murphy Rd., Woodridge, IL 60517.
SALES MANAGER WEST COAST Aluvision Inc., developer and manufacturer of a leading modular aluminum system for the international exhibit, trade show and event industry is searching for a Sales Manager West Coast.
REQUIREMENTS: Outstanding written and oral communications skills – Strong people interaction skills - Effective time management skills with strong organization abilities – Ability to travel on a regular basis - A positive, can-do attitude to continually @ExhibitCityNews
improve performance - Tradeshow or event industry experience preferred
RESPONSIBILITIES: Preserve and foster relations with existing clients - Prospecting and adequate follow-up to develop new business – Travel to visit trade shows – Prepare and give product presentations and trainings to potential and existing customers – Cold calling and face-to-face visits – Achieve established targets - Report directly to upper management Visit us at www.aluvision.com To apply, please email your resume to info@aluvision.com
Exhibitrac is Hiring Exhibitrac needs new show guides for 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
To place a classified ad, contact Kathy Anaya:
Call (702) 309-8023 or Email KathyA@ExhibitCityNews.com
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 107
Classifieds ARE YOU A SALES MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL WHO THRIVES ON EXCEEDING SALES GOALS AS WELL AS MANAGING, MENTORING AND COACHING A SALES TEAM? If so, BA Exhibits is looking for a Director of Sales – Trade Show Exhibits and Graphics who will be responsible for achieving sales/financial goals that include building business opportunities and market share, retaining and increasing customer base and expanding sales opportunities to realize substantial growth in revenue and business base. You will also be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and motivating a team of sales professionals; developing and implementing sales plans; managing the sales process; strategizing approaches to sales proposals; creating bidding opportunities; cultivating industry contacts and client relationships to maximize business opportunities and to ensure top performance by sales professionals. The successful candidate will also have experience developing and implementing sales administration processes and systems to ensure a proactive sales environment and efficient sales prospecting.
tunities and manage target prospects • Develop and manage lead distribution and tracking systems • Develop and implement sales plans and budgets in conjunction with the ownership • Develop one year and three year strategic plans and goals; specific activities and action plans/road map for one year plan. • Establish business/client targets and develop strategic plans to achieve targets. • Create sales processes and procedures and manage the proposal process • Manage participation in trade shows and event to drive sales • Recruit, select, train, manage and motivate sales professionals. Make appropriate sales assignments and develop/manage individual sales goals and plans. • With ownership, develop marketing plans/activities to support sales plans and goals – i.e. mailings to Salesforce database; unique selling positioning, sales proposals and templates, industry marketing events, advertisements and editorial coverage in industry publications, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
• Drive sales and financial goals established for the sales team • Develop and manage the sales processes to include: • Develop and maintain sales forecasts • Develop system to identify sales oppor-
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or related degree from an accredited university. • Three (3) to Five (5)+ years experience working in a sales role in the trade show, audio visual or event industry
• Two (2) years of prior management experience • Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as HYPERLINK “http://Salesforce.com” Salesforce.com • Detail-oriented, possessing exceptional organizational skills • Must be willing to work both independently and participate as a team player for achieving departmental and company goals • Must have ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, competently handling demanding deadlines • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interface with clients • Excellent written and verbal communications skills • Ability to analyze and interpret general business contracts, as well as proficiently write reports, proposals, and other business correspondence • Resourcefulness and possess innovative problem-solving and decision-making skills. • Experience managing budgets, the ability to participate in budget meetings and the ability to discuss and communicate changes that impact the bottom line for the client and BAE. • Strong leadership skills, work ethic, and possessing an enthusiastic and positive attitude • Previous consistent sales volume required of 750K or more annually Competitive Wage and benefits offered
Stevens Exhibits EXPERIENCED EXHIBIT & SERVICES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Want to Get Fired Up? Tired of the same old same? Need a new outlook? Need to exhibit your talents? Hate your boss? Bored with your current condition? Think you are too old to get hired? Think again! We love “SEASONED” professionals to bring experience and good old fashioned “know how” to our organization. Negotiable compensation packages
108 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
and great benefits offered. We also hire AE’s with at least 5 years exhibit sales experience. We are a 48 year old, family owned company and we are looking for some new family members. Located in Chicago, IL just minutes from McCormick Place. Interested applicants should email their resumes to juliem@stevensexhibits.com
Classifieds
Atlanta, Georgia TRADE SHOW DISPLAY PROJECT MANAGER Moose Exhibits, a full service, trade show and events exhibit house located in Norcross, Georgia, has an immediate opening for an Trade Show Display Project Manager. Our ideal candidate will have a min of 3 yrs. experience in project managing trade show exhibit fabrication for purchase and rental and be familiar with most major domestic venues and their union regulations. Qualifications include the ability to manage a project in all facets from concept to completion. The ideal candidate should be organized, exhibit strong leadership and team management traits, possess excellent communication skills - both verbal
and written - as well as being adept in customer service.
ponentry within budgeted cost and timeframe limits.
With our busy schedule, the candidate should be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and must be proficient in Word and Excel. The ability to review CAD and various graphics and AV file formats is a definite plus.
Qualifications include the ability to dictate and manage a schedule, outlining the flow of projects from concept to completion and all phases in between. The ideal candidate should be organized, exhibit strong leadership and team management traits, possess excellent communication skills - both verbal and written - as well as being adept in the interpretation of working drawings and the use of various work order, cost and time management modules.
TRADE SHOW WAREHOUSE MANAGER Moose Exhibits, a full service, trade show and events exhibit house located in Norcross, Georgia, has an immediate opening for an Trade Show Warehouse Manager to join our growing team. Our ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing personnel dedicated to the fabrication of exhibit properties for purchase and rental, the overall organization and maintenance of the warehouse inventory and to direct the pull, prep, assembly and pack of exhibit com-
With our busy schedule, the candidate should be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and must be proficient in Word and Excel. This job may require the candidate to work weekends and engage in limited travel. Please send your resume and salary requirements to: Lydia@mooseexhibits.com
Trade Show Shipping / Account Executive WORK FROM ANYWHERE! National Exhibit Transportation company is seeking high energy individuals to generate new business. We have been in business for over 25 years. Our core competency is in trade show shipping services. We are interested in hiring experienced sales reps with a background in trade show shipping sales. Work from home office fully connected to our corporate office. Strong telemarketing skills needed. Competitive salary and commission program. Please send resume in confidence to jimh@elitexpo.com
Director of Design and Graphic Services – Fern Exposition & Events Fern Exposition and Events Services is a leading national service contractor serving more than 1,100 expositions and events held annually throughout the US and Canada for more than 100 years. Fern is seeking a talented
@ExhibitCityNews
designer with management experience to join the team. This position will manage and coordinate all design services enterprise-wide including workflow management, quality standards, SOP development and creative development. Fern is looking for a candidate with a minimum of 5 years experience as a
designer preferably in the trade show industry as well as at least 2 years management experience. A bachelor’s degree in a design related field is preferred. Candidate must have excellent skills in AutoCAD, 3D StudioMax, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Please email Neil McMullin, VP of Shared Services, with a resume if interested at nmcmullin@fernexpo.com
ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 109
Industry Service Guide
Photographika
Photographika, Inc. is a Las Vegas based Corporate Event Photography & Video Production Company. Established by a 15 year Corporate Event Photographer Sammy Vassilev and Iva Vassilev with experience in wide range of corporate event photography and video production in Europe and USA, Photographika, Inc. specializes in Corporate Event Photography and Video. Photographika, Inc. provides general event coverage, awards, green screen, on-site printing, booth photography, general sessions, keynote speakers, red carpets, step & repeat, expo, convention, sales meetings, private corporate events photography and video. Our video production services range from general event coverage & video production to LIVE event LIVE web or TV broadcasts.
Event Management
Exhibits & Events
Exhibit / Trade Show Displays | Event Planning | Sporting Event DĂŠcor
Exhibits
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Exhibit Software
Industry Service Guide
John Alexander’s Hypnosis Show
John Alexander provides a fun and exciting comedy stage hypnosis show that will leave your audience laughing and make your company event something to remember. The show always includes the company or event theme/ message. Audience volunteers are hypnotized on stage. The volunteers end up dancing, doing famous impersonations and riding imaginary motorcycles, among other hilarious routines. Alexander lives in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and has done shows throughout the U.S. His 60 - 90 minute shows can be set up anywhere, such as a ballroom, theater, nightclub or even outdoors. For booking information, call 954-600-3037, or visit www.johnalexander-hypnosis.com
Exhibit Production
Exhibit Production
Upstate NY
Montpelier, VT
Concord, NH
Lighting Design and Produciton Management Sales Rentals Service
760-480-9100 dave@dbarten.com Fabrication
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Boston, MA Worcester, MA SpringďŹ eld, MA
Hartford, CT
(508) 366-8594 info@corp-eventsne.com
Providence, RI
Furniture
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Industry Service Guide
Main Place Lighting Main Place Lighting offers diverse lighting solutions, distributing for major Lighting Manufacturers. We specialize in L.E.D. lighting, including but not limited to, under counter, over head, arm lights and custom lighting solutions. We are also proud to be the West Coast Distributor of ShowBattery™. Bringing an Industry first: Fully contained, Rechargeable Battery Units for LED Lighting.
Hardward/Supplies
Hotel
Logistics
Logistics
112 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
Industry Service Guide
Armodilo Display Solutions
Armodilo™ designs premium tablet display stands for iPad & Android devices for a wide variety of industries including trade shows and events. Our award-winning Armodilo(ex) Tablet Display Stand is a highly versatile 3-in-1, multi-tablet capable solution that comes in a lightweight carrying case for easy storage and transportation. Our patent-pending Tablet Fit Kits™ allow the use of a variety of tablet devices, making all Armodilo products a future proof investment for creating digitally interactive experiences. For more information visit www.Armodilo.com or Call 1.800.975.5946 today!
Printing
Security
Tradeshow List
Your Category Here
BOOK BUSINESS WITH YOUR AD HERE Contact sales for details: 702-309-8023 ext. 105 Sales@exhibitcitynews.com
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ExhibitCityNews.com JULY 2015 113
ADVERTISER INDEX
Advertiser Index A-Z 253 Inc. 13
Groupo Omega 65
AFR 4
Highmark TechSystems 57
Angles on Design 85
Hill & Partners 27
Barten Production Services 33
in4Med
beMatrix 2
Joe’s NY Pizza 97
BlueHive 45
King & I 97
Brumark 25
Kingsmen 116
Champion Logistics 47
Momentum Management 3
Charlie Palmer 95
Nolan Advisory 69
Coastal International 55
Nomadic Display 89
Color Reflections 9
Octanorm 23, 32
CorpEvents 41
OnSite Exhibitor Service
Corporate Communications 63
Orbus 7
CORT 87
Prism Lighting 31
DE McNabb 115
RES 12
Dolomite 29
Slim Furniture 91
Duo Display 74
SRS Fabrication 19
E2MA 39
Step 1 Dezigns 61
EDPA 51
Storage West 85
Eggworks 94
Sunset Transportation 59
Employco USA 16
Super Bright LED 21
Expolinc 77
Swisstrax 75
Exposures 73
Teamwork 79
Flooring Exhibits 17
Triga USA 35
5, 91
Group Delphi 15
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Contact sales: 702-309-8023 ext. 105 sales@exhibitcitynews.com 114 JULY 2015 Exhibit City News
83
D. E. McNabb Co. Flooring Providing You Flooring For Over 60 Years!
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