Exhibit City News November/December 2017 - Digital Edition by Exhibit City News

DALLAS, DENVER, DETROIT Spotlight on The Tradeshow Industry’s Big Three D’s

November/December 2017 • VOL. 23 • ISSUE 6

COBO CENTER LEADS DETROIT’S RENAISSANCE

Keith Kirsten and Claude Molinari Share Must-Sees in Detroit

#VEGASSTRONG: LAS VEGANS AND TOURISTS PULL TOGETHER

Q&A: Imperial Events Security Services 2017 Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic US $6 CAN $8

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It is our honor to support this industry that thinks the difficult is the norm and that the impossible is simply another opportunity to succeed. All of us, those who work with us and those who do not, make the trade show industry one of the most exciting industries in the world. Thank you for your hard work to help make an opportunity for us all.

A Place To Be Grateful So we have come to the last issue of our “A Place To Be…” series at the same point we started with: GRATITUDE. The journey over the last 25 years has been incredible. We could not have done it without our amazing co-workers, their commitment, their innovation, and their spirit which has developed a culture here that in our opinion, is second to none. We remember those who have moved on to other opportunities while looking forward to the new faces and smiles that will make us better as the journey continues. Our gratitude goes to our customers who have stood with us and supported us over these many years. It is their willingness to help us try new things, to stretch and to meet their needs that has allowed us to be an extension of their businesses.

To say we feel blessed to be part of this doesn’t fully explain how we feel. Perhaps the word “calling” fits better. We believe we have a calling to do more than simply install your booths. We’re responsible for leaving every city we support better than we found it. (Jeremiah 29:4 – 7) With co-workers who feel valued, partners who feel supported and customers who have been treated in such a way that they look forward to returning to our cities knowing that we’re ready to serve them with all we have in us. (Romans 12:10) The journey continues. We believe the years to come will be the best ever. We look forward to continuing our journey up the mountain with you. Blessings, Randy Bott Romans 10:13

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TABLE OF CONTENTS DALLAS, DENVER, DETROIT Spotlight on The Tradeshow Industry’s Big Three D’s

22 #VEGASSTRONG

Industry Officials Speak Out on Las Vegas 1 October Tragedy

November/December 2017 • VOL. 23 • ISSUE 6

Plus: ECN Proves Its Resiliency

COBO CENTER LEADS DETROIT’S RENAISSANCE

Keith Kirsten and Claude Molinari Share Must-Sees in Detroit

Tension Fabric Heads to Future 25 Years of Fabric Architecture in Design

#VEGASSTRONG: LAS VEGANS AND TOURISTS PULL TOGETHER

Shop to Showfloor Section

Q&A: Imperial Events Security Services

I&D and Event Labor

2017 Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic US $6 CAN $8

EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

On our cover: Keith Kirsten, dir. of sales at the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Claude Molinari, Cobo Center’s GM, revel in Detroit’s renaissance. Cover Photo by: Jesse Barcega

Labor Rates Survey EDPA Steps Up To Fill Void

Hill & Partners Put Motto to Test Dynamic G2E Booth Brands IGT

Feature Story

24-29

The Pitfalls of Planning For I&D

The Big Three Tradeshow D’s: Dallas, Denver and Detroit

Avoiding Those “Blow the Budget” Costs

Industry Insiders Share the Selling Points and Best-Kept Secrets of their Cities

Who Said “Innovating” is Easy?

How HighMark Tackled the Challenge

Columns

WFSHE Turns 81

On The Showfloor at LACC: Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo

As the Saw Turns Distractions and Discourse

The Green Piece Convention Centers Become Centers of Humanity

Employment Strategy Corner How to Boost Interviewing Success Rate

The International Man I&D Expectations in the U.S.

Ask the Expert Puerto Rico is Taking Reservations

Departments 8 Publisher’s Words 10 The Snapshot 54 AIPC 56 International Focus 66 Convention Center Spotlight 76 People on the Move 80 The D.E.A.L. 84 Regional Show Calendar 91 Service Guide 100 Classified Ads 105 Advertiser Index 6 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Creative Directions, Part 3 Grow Your Team (Mates)

Q & A: Sandy Bragg, Imperial Events Security Services Providing Event Security on East Coast

Aluvision Continuous Innovation Paves the Way to Success

Can a Union Rep Your Workers Without Your Consent? Recent NLRB Decision Says Yes

Churn & SLAVE or Learn & SAVE Tradeshow Budget Cost-Cutting Ideas

The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic Jim Obermeyer Revisits Mike’s 2007 Dare

In Memoriam ECN’s Arthur Bloberger, Sho-Aids’ Joseph Onorato, and NewLeads’ John Hasbrouck

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PUBLISHER’S WORDS

Greetings to readers everywhere!

ere at ECN HQ a lot has happened since our Sept./Oct. print edition. Our beloved editor, Arthur Bloberger, passed away after a brief nine week bout with cancer. Then three days later on October 1, a Sunday evening, our office manager, Samanta “Sam” Arjune was shot and injured at the now infamous country music festival here in Las Vegas. The mass shooter from Mandalay Bay inflicted mass murder and carnage upon concertgoers across the street at the outdoor music venue. With a body count of 58 and over 500 injured, Las Vegas currently holds the record for the worst modern day shooting massacre. This has overshadowed all other news across the nation and internationally for many weeks. As all facts are analyzed in the aftermath, it will also produce many changes for outdoor events as well as events in general. Those horrific events of 1 October interrupted our grieving process for our editor. Arthur was dedicated, and took great pride in getting the news and industry features to our readers. We are so fortunate that once diagnosed, he personally trained our new editor, Jeanne Brei. Jeanne, a Medill graduate from Northwestern, has been writing for ECN for more than a year. Please welcome Jeanne

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

to the team in her new role and see our celebration of Arthur’s life on page 70. Meanwhile, Sam continues her rehabilitation at a hospital here in Las Vegas. Although sometimes progress is slow in learning how to walk again, she has hopes of continuing her rehab at home near the end of the month (see page 23). Also since last print edition, I had the privilege of attending the 23rd annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC) just north of Atlanta. Hats off to the many golfers and volunteers that made this year’s Randy another tremendous success. It is a privilege to be involved with such a great group of people who do so much good for our industry community. This year we were blessed to have our late editor, Arthur, as one of the 16 recipients. There are Randy events year-round, across the US. The need is year round. It only culminates each year in Atlanta. Please consider making a donation (see page 68). So, until our next print edition, see you digitally. Happy holidays!

EDITOR Jeanne Brei / Arthur Bloberger 702-309-8023 ext.103 JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com COLUMNISTS Calanit Atia Haley Freeman Philip H. Kemper Larry Kulchawik Jim Obermeyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kathy Anaya Brian Baker Wiliam Daniels Jim Erschik Pat Friedlander Amber Johnson Lesley Martin Jim Obermeyer Allison Pocewicz Cynthya Porter DIRECTOR OF SALES Kathy Anaya 702-309-8023 ext. 105 KathyA@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Samanta Arjune 702-309-8023 ext. 110 SamantaA@exhibitcitynews.com

Don Svehla | Publisher

CORRECTION:

Last issue, in the Project Credits for the JLG Booth at ConExpo (p. 42), two credits were inadvertently switched. Exhibit Design and Construction should have read Dimensional Communications and Exhibit Installation and Dismantle should have read Sho-Link, LLC. ECN apologizes for the error.

CSAL

CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION

AS VEGAS

8 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Vol. 23, issue 6, copyright 2017 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS, published six times a year by Mr. Tradeshow Communications, LLC, 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169. Editorial views presented within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and no liability is inherent. To subscribe, go to ExhibitCityNews.com or call (702)309-8023. Reproduction/reuse of this material may only be permitted with expressed permission of Exhibit City News. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to location listed above.

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THE SNAPSHOT

The Cobo Center Location: Detroit, Michigan Year Opened: 1960 Cost To Build: Originally $56 million and four years to complete; spent $225 million in 1989 for renovations and expansions and spent another $279 million in 2015 upgrading to a state-of-the -art facility. Ranking: 17th largest convention center in the U.S. Square Footage: Doubled in size in 1989 to 2.4 million total sq.ft. Today, the Center offers 723,000 sq.ft. of prime exhibit space in five exhibit halls ranging in size from 100,000 to 200,000 sq.ft. and boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America. First Show: The first convention was held in 1960 by the Florist Telegraph Delivery (FTD). The first event was the 43rd Auto Industry Dinner on October 17, 1960. President Eisenhower was the keynote speaker, and the ceremony aired live on WXYZ-TV. Largest Show to Date: Since 1965, the largest event is The North American International Auto Show, occurring PLUS! annually in January. It’s open to the Where to eat, public for ten days, drawing, on sleep and play average, 735,000 attendees. near Cobo on p. 66 Fun Fact: It is located on the site where Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French colonist, first set foot and landed on the banks of the river in July 1701 and claimed the area for France in the name of King Louis XIV. Fun Fact #2: Every sitting U.S. President since 1960 (Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama) has addressed a convention or attended an event at Cobo Center. ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 11

COLUMN As the Saw Turns

Distraction and Public Discourse

I wouldn’t call it public speaking training. I’ve always said that the best training I got was as a Cubmaster for my son’s Cub Scout Pack. Keeping the attention of 75 By Jim Obermeyer elementary aged boys and their dads was quite the challenge. It forced me to open up and be more real and less ’m sitting in my local Panera having formal or rehearsed. It taught me to play breakfast and trying to concentrate off the audience, to be ready to adjust on my task at hand, but I am conmy agenda at any moment. It taught me stantly being distracted by a group to interact with the audience–to break across the room. Upon further investidown that imaginary “wall” between the gation I figure out that this is a group of stage and the crowd. And it taught me eight people from a local Toastmasters to be much more humble on stage–anyclub. They are each taking turns doing a thing can happen at any time that can short speech for those gathered and then distract the audience away from you, and critiquing each other. you have to be able to respond to that It makes me wonder how many people and then bring the audience back to what in business are ever formally trained you are there for. in public speaking. In all my years of Going through all of this, and prespeaking to groups; from employee senting to a wide variety of audiences teams to client meetings and presentaover the years–both in size and backtions, at industry events and teaching ground–builds a certain confidence for seminars, I have never had formal train- being in front of people. One of the old ing in this skill set. sayings about public speaking is that if The only thing that could be closely you don’t get butterflies in your stomconstrued to any kind of training ach before going on stage then you’re was a session I went to years ago prior not taking it seriously. to doing a seminar for Exhibitor Show. Not sure I agree with that 100 percent. But that was more about what we I do get a little nervous before some were going to be speaking about than speaking engagements, but the challenge how we were going to do it. It was a to me seems to be getting through the good session–and worth the time–but first few minutes until my nerves calm

12 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

down. I would sure rather have it not happen that way. I do watch other public speakers–politicians, pastors, performers–and imagine their level of preparation and their level of nerves prior to going on stage. To me, it’s always easier when I have a script and support material like a PowerPoint to keep me on topic and on course. The more formal the presentation, the easier it seems to be–just follow the script. The real tests of public speaking are the ad-lib conversations–where you have no prep time and need to respond immediately without a lot of time to formulate an answer. That is the real challenge to me–the ability to maintain your cool when you must respond and you don’t have the benefit of prepared material. In this regard, I have a lot more respect for those who can handle that type of public speaking very well. I often look at performers, live actors and musicians in particular, and wonder if they ever get bored with what they are doing. They set up a six-month tour, perform the same script or set of music every night on a stage that looks pretty much the same. While the audience at each stop is excited to be there, and have paid dearly for the privilege, I just wonder sometimes how excited the performer is. They’ve sung these same songs for years, most likely hundreds of times. Keeping it exciting for the audience has got to be one of the biggest challenges they face. On the other hand, once you learn the “script,” you’ve got that part down. Just do it over and over again. It would give you more time to focus on the audience to break down that wall and connect with them and make it a special moment for them. Much like these guys across the room are trying to do here at Panera. Now, what was it I came in here to work on? See you on the show floor. Jim Obermeyer has been in the tradeshow industry 35 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house owner. He is currently a Vice President at Hamilton Exhibits and can be reached at jobermeyer@hamilton-exhibits.com.

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Jennifer was an absolute treat to work with. I realize that she had a lot of other events going on during the same time as our event, however she still was able to make me feel like mine was most important. MONIQUE HENDERSON MICHIGAN CHRONICLE LEGACY IN MOTION AWARDS

7/24/17 3:53 PM

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 13

COLUMN The Green Piece

Convention Centers Become Centers of Humanity

14 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

tractions, or any organization that directly sells or promotes Houston as a destination. To donate or apply go to: visithouston.com/relieffund You can also contribute by check or money order by mail to: The Greater Houston Community Foundation, c/o: Houston Hospitality Employee Relief Fund, 5120 Woodway Dr., Ste. 6000, Houston, TX 77056. HF: Since these events, do you see yourself differently as an organization? MW: We know that we have the talent and ability to handle planned big events like the Super Bowl, but also catastrophic natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. We, too, are Houston Strong. We appreciate the good thoughts and support from around the nation, it helps strengthen us, but we also want to invite everyone to come to Houston and show the world that Houston is open and ready for business.

The last guests moved out of GRBCC on Sept. 17, and the Center resumed normal business operations on Sept. 24. The LVCC also became a key partner in assisting the families of shooting victims. LVCC Exhibit Hall S-2 houses the Family Assistance and Reunification centers, extensions of the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. These outreach agencies are providing families of victims with a safe place to obtain information, counseling and other vital services. As family members have faced the trauma of locating loved ones in local hospitals and identifying the deceased, they have been supported by professionals and volunteers who provide services from dining and childcare, to medical and lodging assistance. Thank you to our many industry colleagues who, in these dark times, have made their convention venues centers of humanity.

Photo courtesy of Visit Houston

ecently, we in America CC into a temporary shelhave awoken to many ter. Our staff immediately dark days. Repeated jumped into action, to serve severe storms have ravaged evacuees who poured into communities throughout the GRBCC during the the South and beyond, storm. The Houston and a vicious murderFirst team worked er decided to end the around the clock to lives of 58 people meet basic needs, and maim hundreds until help arrived more in Las Vegas. from the Red Cross. By Haley Freeman These events have HF: Is there any cast two of our nation’s largone story that stands out in est convention cities, Houston your mind? and Las Vegas, as unwilling MW: No, the sheer magleading players in unfornitude of the need, coupled tunate roles. But the cities’ with the scale of the volunconvention centers have been teer response was humbling beacons in the dark, providing and showcased the true shelter, essential services and heart of Houston during human kindness to neighbors difficult times. Our resilient and visitors in need. spirit defines Houston, and Mike Waterman is presiit is what we mean when we dent of the Greater Houston say, “Houston Strong.” We’d Convention and Visitors like to acknowledge the dozBureau and executive vice ens of employees and volpresident of Houston First unteers who left their own Corp., which joined forces homes and families to work in 2014 as“Visit Houston.” tirelessly taking on countHouston First owns the less tasks—big and small—to Hilton Americas-Houston make life a little easier for hotel, manages the George the storm survivors. R. Brown Convention Center HF: How can others in the and 11 city properties, and industry help Houston with is the driving force in develthe work ahead? oping the Avenida Houston MW: The hospitality comentertainment district. munity has come together to Waterman and his team help industry employees hurt mobilized in late August to by Hurricane Harvey. Visit shelter thousands at the GRB- Houston, Hotel & Lodging AsCC during Hurricane Harvey. soc. of Greater Houston, and Haley Freeman: I read the Greater Houston Restauthat you sheltered more than rant Assoc. have joined to10,000 people during Harvey. gether to create an emergency What did it take for your staff employee relief fund for those to support this effort? who perform services of any Mike Waterman: It took nature within the industry cooperation, dedication and including hotels, restaurants, sensitivity to turn the GRBtheaters, arenas, stadiums, at-

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COLUMN Employment Strategy Corner

say the same things to the candidate that you say to your prospective customers.”

How to Boost Your Interviewing Success Rate by Philip H. Kemper

ave you noticed in the past few first choice of candidates will be excited months that you aren’t attractabout your and accept your position. ing and interviewing as many Here’s how to do it: candidates as you would like? As jobs continue to be created, the Sell The Opportunity! pool of qualified candidates to fill Put on your best sales hat those jobs gets smaller. In many and be sure to impress on your positions today, the candidate is candidate: definitely “in the driver’s seat.” »» Why your company and your job More than ever, you need to be By Philip H. Kemper are better than the next guy’s. Take sure that the candidates you see the candidate on a tour of your office. are excited about your company—and acShow and explain your equipment, systems, cept your job. It is important we talk about plans, etc. selling the advantages of your company »» Why your employees are happy and stay longer and your position to the candidate–makthan the average. Introduce candidate to some ing sure you “land” the ones you want. key employees. There is one way to ensure that your »» Why it would be a smart career move for the 16 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

candidate to work for you. Explain how other employees have grown with your company– advanced in the industry. Explain some key elements of your benefits package. I am sure you get the point. Make sure you are saying the same things to the candidate that you say to your prospective customers. If you need to brush up on your sales presentation, do it! And here’s a strategy to help you do this during the interview. Make sure you weigh the time you spend selling the opportunity as heavily as the time you spend drilling down on the qualifications of the candidate. To save precious time, you can have your HR department “pre-qualify” the candidate so you can spend extra time talking about the tremendous opportunity that exists in your company. Or, “pre-qualify” the candidate yourself on the phone before the in-person interview. If you are using a recruiter–and this is where Kemper Associates comes in, the candidate will be pre-qualified for you already. If you do a good job selling, every candidate you interview will want your job when they walk out your door. And best of all, in the end, the choice will be yours. And won’t it feel nice to opt for the candidate who really wants the opportunity–and brings the most to your team! Philip Kemper is founder/president of KemperAssociates, a 40-year-old Chicago-based national executive search firm. He can be contacted online at kemperassociates.org or kemperassoc@hotmail.com.

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COLUMN The International Man

I&D Expectations in the U.S.

n my book, Trade Shows from One Country to the Next, I address the differences when exhibiting from one country to the next. A point I fail to make strong enough for exhibit suppliers and exhibitors is that there are By Larry Kulchawik differences from city to city within the same country. This is especially critical for international suppliers to understand when doing shows in the U.S. Each U.S. city has different rates and regulations for carpenter labor, drayage (material handling), electric, rigging, catering, and AV/truss lighting. Working with, and trusting, a local exhibit supplier partner when doing a show abroad will really help to avoid surprises when installing an exhibit for any show in the world. The U.S.A. may be the land of the free, but things are not so free when it comes to organizing services and labor for trade shows compared to the service methods used throughout the rest of the world. Your exhibit supplier/partners do not control the rules, so trust their advice from venue to venue. The two major differences in the U.S. are material handling (drayage) and union labor. The majority of all major U.S. venues follow the general contractor/drayage model. Some venues are in “right to work” states and allow non union workers to install an exhibit. Few (if any) venues will allow you to unload your own truck and deliver materials to the stand site. Few will allow you to vacuum your own carpet. Learn the rules. This concept holds true for electric services and labor, as well as AV and truss lighting installation at the show site. As an exhibitor, or exhibit supplier, you may not agree with the rules (and I would agree with you on this), but it really wastes a lot of time arguing your

18 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

point, and the facilities will not change their rules. My advice: Stop being logical and the experience will be less painful. My second piece of advice: work with a local partner, and also speak directly with a local service expert at each venue. Each of the major facilities in the U.S. have full time employees in charge of the services they offer within their facility. In many cases, the assigned show contractor and your local exhibit partner can help to explain what is allowed, and what is not allowed for each show in their convention center. Do not assume what you did in Orlando will be allowed in Chicago. Or assume that the rules at the Chicago Restaurant Show are the same as at the IMTS show in McCormick Place. Both are at the same venue, but have different rules. The majority of world trade shows in the U.S. are held in three cities: Las Vegas, Orlando, and Chicago, so lean on your exhibit partner to help you fully understand the rules for each of these venues when planning your exhibit design and installation. For the past ten years, Chicago’s McCormick Place has reached out to help exhibitors understand what can and cannot be done within their convention center. Knowing who to contact for technical and regulation advice is key. For I&D labor issues at McCormick Place, you can reach out to Tom Cassell and Pat Allen directly. They work all the shows, regardless of who the show contractor is. Their role is to explain regulations and to pave the way for your exhibit install to run smoothly. They also represent show management to act as real-time problem solvers for on-site issues. Their advice and support during the install at any show can save time and money for exhibitor budgets. Contact: tcassell@mccormickplace.com For production lighting, audio, video and rigging at McCormick Place, reach

out to Don Garrity, technical director and union steward at McCormick Place. General sessions and breakout meetings have become a huge part of exhibit and corporate shows. Don will review floor plans, list of equipment, electric power requirements, fire safety, and labor requirements. In many cases carpenters, electricians, decorators, riggers, and stagehands must work together to complete a task. Planning here is an important step. Do not assume that your staff people will do all the work without them. Contact: donjg@4-td.com “The biggest problem is not violations but understanding the rules and regulations before a violation occurs. Safety is also a major concern.” In conclusion, do not assume that all rules are the same at all U.S. facilities. Mounting a truss with lighting from the ceiling of a facility will have different requirements from city to city. Many shows and facilities will not even allow hanging trusses or hanging signs. Many exhibits

Do not assume what you did in Orlando will be allowed in Chicago.” are designed for multi show applications. Designing an exhibit with truss lighting and a hanging sign might work for one city venue, but may not be allowed at another. Checking on the rules and facility regulations for the exhibit programs you manage in the world is a critical step. Know who to reach out to and double check your assumptions. Your customer depends on your advice and understanding of the regulations to guide the way for their success and budget.

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COLUMN Ask the Expert

Puerto Rico is Taking Reservations for January 2018

any have seen the either local or federal, and the devastation in hotels,” he stated. Puerto Rico report“It is important to undered in the news for the past stand that our hotels are open few weeks. Who can forget right now and not just for the people pleading for water tourists. The types of guests and food? During IMEX they are housing are first re2017 in Las Vegas, I had the sponders, FEMA government, honor to interview Milton employees and construction Segarra, the president and employees who came to help,” CEO of Meet Puerto Rico, the says Segarra. “The hotels have lead, nonprofit organization made projections that they will established in 1962 to bring have their properties in top meetings, conventions, shape, or at least in a level trade shows and to accept new reservaincentive groups to tions, by January.” Puerto Rico. Segarra adds, “By Segarra’s goal is to the time the hotels share the truth about decide to reopen to By Calanit Atia the current situation, new reservations, the but at the same time overall condition of the share the recovery plan and main tourism areas will be in a Puerto Rico’s bright future. position to accept clients and “All the information we are enjoy the facilities of the hotel presenting to the public, the and the nearby attractions and media and our clients have facilities. The overall San Juan two sources: government, metropolitan area experience

20 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

will be in a better shape to be experienced.” There are those who would ask how can the hotels be ready to accept guests when most of the island does not have electricity and communication and, in some cases, food and water? “The impact was equally devastating, all around. However, the recovery in the metropolitan area, where most of the hotels are located, is faster than the rest of the country, because the government center, the main medical center, the central police and banks are headquartered in San Juan, so all the resources went there first,” he answered. “Puerto Rico needed to strengthen their infrastructure first, in order to do all the logistics of the rescue of all Puerto Rico, as a consequence of that the

hotels in the bay area recovery was faster … due to all the resources. “Also each hotel has power generators and water reservoir. The hotels are also paying for their recovery faster, so they are not relying on the government. All restoration and reconstruction will have to be paid by each hotel.” I have faith that Puerto Rico will recover from this setback. The government has a clear mission on how to fix and then stimulate economic activity so the entire flow of dollars moves across the island. During IMEX America 2017 at the Puerto Rico booth, they asked attendees to give them ideas so they can rebuild their tourism better and stronger, demonstrating leadership and a great future. The destination plans to be in an excellent position to welcome clients starting Jan. 1, 2018. Tourism is a big part of the economic structure of Puerto Rico. They are relying on tourism. Be a part of the recovery … bring tourism to Puerto Rico. For updates visit www. meetpuertorico.com, http:// www.meetpuertorico.com/ nav/media/puerto-ricotravel-update. Calanit Atia, is an Air Force veteran, founder and president of A to Z Events, an award winning event planner, Las Vegas ambassador, social media maven, columnist, and speaker. She can be contacted at Info@AtoZevents.com, www. twitter.com/CalanitAtia, www. facebook.com/calanit, www. linkedin.com/in/calanit, www. instagram.com/calanitatia.

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Industry Officials Speak Out on Las Vegas 1 October Tragedy BY CYNTHYA PORTER

The world is reeling from the news that a gunman in Las Vegas mowed down attendees at an open-air concert from a sniper’s perch on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, but officials in the exhibitions, events, and hospitality industries have been quick to express not only shock and grief but also reassurance for those with plans to attend future events. Participant safety and emergency response preparedness have dominated industry conversations in recent years as acts of violence worldwide have at times put business travelers and those attending conferences and shows at risk. Though the conversation on event safety 22 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

started before the Las Vegas massacre, the incident highlights the ongoing need for additional focus, said International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ president and CEO David DuBois. “Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those negatively affected by this deplorable act of violence,” DuBois said in a statement. “As an exhibitions and events and hospitality industry we must continue to enhance our safety and security protocols and procedures and do our best to mitigate these types of tragic incidents.” “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of last night’s shooting, their families, and those still fighting for their lives,”

Exhibit City News Proves Its Resiliency Samanta Arjune, ECN’s office manager, was at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip when the shots rang out. Merely three days after our beloved editor-in-chief, Arthur Bloberger, passed away after a nine-week battle with cancer (see his memorial on page 70), Arjune was shot in the leg. The bone in her leg was shattered and since more than 500 people were injured (more than 25 were still in critical condition as of three weeks later), she had to wait nearly ten hours for surgery. After spending a week at University Medical Center, she was transferred to a physical rehab facility at Summerlin Hospital where just last week she had 12 stitches removed with another 14 stitches to go. She was featured on the front page of the Las Vegas Review-Journal on October 9, discussing how she was rolled to safety in a garbage can with assistance from her brother and complete strangers after being shot. See the complete story at: https:// www.reviewjournal.com/local/thestrip/wounded-las-vegas-woman-wasferried-to-safety-in-garbage-can/ Sam and the staff at ECN are very grateful for the prayers and beautiful flowers that have been sent to the office.

Strip photo by Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

Marquees along the Las Vegas Strip were dimmed Sunday, October 8, 2017, in tribute to the victims and first responders of the 1 October tragedy a week earlier.

#VEGASSTRONG

The iconic marquees of the Las Vegas Strip and throughout the Las Vegas Valley are displaying a message of strength, unity and gratitude in support of the destination.

#VegasStrong Sees Las Vegans and Tourists Pull Together During and After the Crisis There were many, many stories of heroics during the crisis as husbands would shield their wives with their bodies (and a few paid the ultimate price) and complete strangers would assist the wounded to make-shift triages and hospitals—one Marine veteran even “borrowed” a pick-up truck that had keys in its ignition to take about a dozen wounded to a hospital in two trips. Taylor Winston, an Iraqi war vet of two tours, was presented with a $20,000 Ford F-150 pickup a few days later by B5 Motors owner Shane Beus in Gilbert, Ariz., who wanted to thank him for his selflessness. Within 12 hours of the tragedy, EDPA Las Vegas sent out an

Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau

Strip photo by Sam Morris/Las Vegas News Bureau

said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, which owns Mandalay Bay. “We are working with law enforcement and will continue to do all we can to help all of those involved.” Immediately following the incident, all MGM properties on the Las Vegas Strip implemented emergency lockdown procedures for guest and staff safety, though they were lifted as soon as the crisis ended. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority president Rossi Ralenkotter expressed grief and gratitude in an official statement from the organization, extolling Las Vegas for banding together in an effort to recover. “The thoughts and prayers of all of Las Vegas go out to the @ExhibitCityNews

email urging their membership to donate blood at United Blood Services that day. The wait to give blood that day grew to more than eight hours as thousands rushed to assist. Designers created T-shirts, memes, logos and artwork that would help raise funds for the victims and in just the first few weeks, nearly $10 million had been raised through the Las Vegas GoFundMe account: www.gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund. In the Entertainment Capital of the World, performers bonded together to create benefits –Beasley Media Group and Boyd Gaming presented “Vegas Strong: A Night of Healing” on Oct. 19 at The Orleans Arena (with Boyd donating the arena and the labor and Beasley Media Group and the performing artists – including Big & Rich (who had been playing at the Highway 91 festival just hours before the shooting)—donating their services as well). Other benefits included Oct. 21’s ALL IN: A #VegasStrong Benefit with headliners Jeff Civilico, Zowie Bowie, and performers from Absinthe, at Downtown Container Park and Oct. 19’s Vegas Strong Local Tap Takeover Fund Raiser at Big Dog’s Brewing Company featuring craft brews for more than a dozen breweries. Businesses, too, looked for ways to contribute—from Port of Subs which offered free meals and food to first responders for a week as well as delivering and donating 1,500 sandwiches to those who were giving blood—to donated raffle items like Sky Combat Ace’s $499 Afterburner Experience. Zappos has offered to pay for the funerals of all 58 victims who died that night as all as matching all donations made on CrowdRise, up to $1 million, to help support victims and their families. https:// www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/supportlasvegas. For a list of businesses who donated, visit http://news3lv.com/ news/local/full-list-businesses-come-together-to-support-lasvegas-area-victims-first-responders #We are VegasStrong. And, as the billboards and casino neon signs say, “we thank you for being there for us now.”

victims and their families,” Ralenkotter said. “This was a horrific, yet isolated, incident. At this time, it is important to allow the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigation into the incident and to attend to the needs of the victims and their families. Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident. We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.” “The entire Las Vegas community is saddened by the events that occurred on the Strip on Sunday evening, but touched by the overwhelming support

and strength of our first responders and the Las Vegas community. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the entire Las Vegas community thanks you for your support as we continue to heal and help those in need in the wake of this horrible tragedy.” R&R Partners are the agency of record for Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and are most noted for creating the slogan “What Happens Here Stays Here.” They were quick to put up billboards around the city stating, “We’ve been there for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now.” Casinos up and down the Las Vegas Strip echoed those billboards after the shooting. ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 23

Spotlight on Dallas, Denver & Detroit from the Tradeshow Industry Perspective Industry Insiders Share The Best-Kept Secrets of Their Cities… BY JEANNE BREI

Exhibit City News thought we’d go out on the town in Dallas, Denver and Detroit and talk to tradeshow industry insiders about what makes their destination unique for meeting planners and ask for some advice about some off-the-beaten path must-sees in their hometown.

DALLAS: THE ORIGINAL BIG ‘D’ IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL TEXAS CITY... When asked what sets Dallas apart from other convention cities, Randy Pekowski (right), president & COO of The Expo Group, said, “Dallas residents are friendly and welcoming, the Texas hospitality is not a myth. Our city’s affordability and access to major corporate brands – AT&T, Toyota, GameStop, Frito Lay-are major selling points for exhibitions and meetings.” Zane Harrington from Visit Dallas, agreed about their wellknown friendliness, and said, “Obviously, Dallas is a city known for southern hospitality, but it is worth noting that Dallas has something to offer people of all ages, look-

ing for a wide array of experiences. Whether you’re in town for a family getaway or weekend out on the town, Dallas’ attractions, hotels and restaurants provide a wonderful experience. Additionally, Dallas is a very inexpensive place to visit, and visitors can receive a luxury experience that in other cities would cost a lot more.” John Britton, Sho-Link Dallas city manager, and Stephanie Chavez (below right), marketing director for The Trade Group, both noted the diversity in Dallas as Britton said, “Dallas is not your typical Texas city.

24 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Most Texans believe Texas starts south of Dallas. It’s very much a melting pot of America and not pure Texas. Most people in Dallas were not born in Texas. To that point it is a very diversified city with many cultures and has a more metropolitan and contemporary feel than the rest of the state,” and Chavez agreed, saying, “The DFW metroplex, as it’s known, is greatly diverse. Dallas and Fort Worth both have the big city offerings with pockets of suburban neighborhoods mixed throughout. On the Fort Worth side, there is more the “cowboy/laid back”

lifestyle with the Fort Worth Stockyards and downtown Fort Worth, while Dallas is full of trendy bars and great retail shopping venues. One thing is for sure, the residents of DFW are loyal sports fans and love their country Texas.” As for what to do when you have four hours to spare, Pekowski says he suggests “a walk down Katy Trail--it’s an urban recreational space cutting through downtown and uptown Dallas offering great views, but my wife would say shopping,” adding that if you wanted to go off the beaten path, “I recommend experiencing some of the smaller, different neighborhoods that make up Dallas like

Convention Center photo by Justin Terveen

Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville and Bishop Arts District. Those are all neighborhoods to explore for food, drinks, music and cultural events.” For those who prefer life-long learning when traveling, Britton mentions that “there is a lot of history in Dallas. Obviously, the JFK site and tours are a large draw in the city but there is also Bonnie and Clyde as well as others. The Fort Worth stockyards are also a fun experience. From a personal perspective, there are a large number of golf courses in Dallas and surrounding areas. Tours of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, also has an appeal for the world’s most popular @ExhibitCityNews

sports franchise.” He continues, “The only thing that’s over rated might be the South Fork ranch from the television series Dallas. Fans of the show report that it was something they wanted to see but were less than wowed by the reality of the site. I recommend the tours of AT&T stadium or the JFK tours that take you through all the locations relating to that day in history. There is also the recently opened Irving Music Factory. Still developing and under construction; this property has new restaurants opening every month and the concert facility seats over 7,000 with several concerts and live performances every week.” Another lover of culture and history, Harrington’s advice is that “the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a place that all first-time Dallas visitors should experience. And while you are there, you should have enough time to stop by Reunion Tower for some amazing views of the city” while Cree and Chavez both agreed that if it was nice weather, they would urge visitors to go to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Chavez continues, “If weather does not permit, I would either recommend the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or the Reunion Tower to get a bird’s eye view of Dallas,” adding, “In my opinion AT&T Stadium is overrated. Although it is huge and you can see it from space, it’s too big. When attending, unless you’ve got REALLY good seats, you just stare at a huge Jumbotron. The experience is really better at home in the comfort of your sofa and friends.” Lastly, we asked about hip and trendy restaurants as well

as the best-kept secrets, and The Expo Group’s Pekowski told us to “check out Stock & Barrel for something off the beaten path. The hottest areas for new restaurants and nightlife in Dallas are Deep Ellum and the Design District, two neighborhoods with a lot of character” while Sho-Link’s city manager Britton, said, “Trinity Groves is a very interesting concept in restaurants. Located just west of downtown with a great view of the city, the property is owned by a group of restaurant professionals and is home to numerous restaurants with unique ideas. Independent chefs present their vision to the owners and, if accepted, are funded to develop these ideas on the property. The result is a wide variety of foods in over a dozen different restaurants.” He adds, “I have a great off the beaten path restaurant: Blues Burgers near Love Field Airport. If you are flying in or out of Love Field that burger joint is a must stop place to eat.” VisitDallas’ Harrington recommends, “Mirador, on top of the Forty-Five Ten department store, is a new bright face in Dallas’ culinary scene. And if you are a fan of off-the-beaten-path street tacos, be sure to

check out Fuel City, a convenience store serving up some of the best tacos in Dallas,” adding that “over-rated is never a word I would use to describe it, but there is always a line wrapped around Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum and for a good reason – the barbecue is fantastic! That being said, Pecan Lodge does receive a lot of attention and there are numerous joints in Dallas’ barbecue scene that deserve some praise – Lockhart, Cattleack, Slow Bone, Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ and 18th and Vine.” The Trade Group’s Chavez says, that the “best restaurant in terms of experience would be the restaurant at the top of Reunion Tower called Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. It slowly rotates 360 degrees while you have an elegant dinner.” Meanwhile, CEO Southwest Displays & Events’ CEO Cree heartily endorses Inca’s Peruvian Cafe in Carrollton. “Inca’s,” he recommends. “Start with chips and salsa verde. Finish with the carne asada. It’ll be the best meal you’ll ever have” adding that he thinks that the Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is over-rated saying, “I’d rather go to Dakota’s in downtown.” Continued on p. 26

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 25

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Continued from p. 25

THE MILE HIGH CITY FROM THE TRADESHOW INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE When asked how Denver is unique among convention cities, Anabelle McLean (right), marketing manager at Condit Exhibits, said, “Denver attracts people who lead an active lifestyle. In Denver we are privileged to bike out front doors, kayak the Platte River in downtown, or drive a short 15 minutes to get on the hiking trails. The temperate weather also bodes well for year-round outdoor activity, but if you seek the snow, come winter there’s also obviously world-class skiing within an hour’s drive. Denver has also been in a boom in recent years, attracting young professionals and business start-ups. This recent revitalization and expansion is an exciting part of living in Denver.” Kelly Hughes Kastelic,

senior account manager at USA-Expo, summarizes the same points when she says, “health conscious, outdoorsy, and close to mountains” are what make it special. Rachel Benedick (above right), vice president of sales and services at Visit Denver, expounded on those same ideas by saying “We have numerous year-round draws, including exceptional arts and culture and chef driven culinary scenes and 300 days of sunshine, as well as our proximity to the Rocky Mountains for pre/post trips. Our Rocky Mountain hospitality is unmatched, and Denver is able to provide 100 percent of the services and support needed to host a successful meeting – including hotel sourcing, connecting meeting professionals with local partners and marketing support. Since today’s meeting attendees are often focused on destination appeal as much as continuing education oppor-

26 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

tunities, Denver’s authenticity makes it a great place to hold a meeting. The city’s downtown and other diverse neighborhoods have attracted more and more businesses to an already thriving entrepreneurial culture; this, in turn, has led to chef-driven dining, the country’s top craft beer scene and a myriad of cultural experiences, from world-class exhibitions to a rapidly growing and wildly popular street art scene,” adding “We are also very accessible – Denver is less than a three and a half hour flight from almost anywhere in the country; and with the new University of Colorado A Line (which opened in April 2016) we now have an efficient, cost effective way to take attendees directly from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station located in the downtown city center. Downtown Denver offers an expanding, state-of-the-art Colorado Convention Center and we’ll have more than 10,000 hotel rooms by the end of 2017 within walking distance of the center – this

all just underscores Denver’s accessibility, especially as it relates to meetings.” As for what to do with your free time in Denver, McLean recommends,” A bike brewery tour is a must. No matter what part of town you’re on, there’s going to be at least a half dozen (or more!) microbreweries within a bike-able circumference. Bike paths run like veins throughout the city, so I recommended making an afternoon of touring the city by bike and stopping off for “hydration” breaks throughout town,” adding that “many people who travel to Denver for business and/ or conventions end up staying on or near the 16th Street Mall. While this is a vibrant pedestrian mall right downtown, don’t let the convenience factor fool you. Instead, venture toward the RiNo (River North) or LoHi (Lower Highland) neighborhoods for more authentic and interesting bars, breweries, restaurants, art galleries, music venues and other attractions.“ Kastelic advocates “hiking, sporting events, a Clocktower show, and a visit to Red Rocks” for Denver visitors and thinks that the 16th Street Mall is overrated, recommending a visit to the Cherry Creek neighborhood instead. Benedick adds, “There is so much to see and do in Denver, and one of the best ways to really explore the city is by heading out in to our unique neighborhoods. In our arts districts, historic downtown, dining and shopping neighborhoods, visitors can get to know Denver’s attractions, restaurants, boutique stores and interesting places. Depending on an attendee’s interests, they could visit several worldclass museums; shop high-end

City Photo by Scott Dressler-Martin/VISIT DENVER

SPOTLIGHT ON DALLAS, DENVER & DETROIT

Industry Insiders Share The Best-Kept Secrets of Their Cities… exposed ducting and metal, wood and leather accents give the space an urban loft aesthetic. As for an off-the-beatenpath yet fabulous restaurant,” McLean continues, “I recommend heading to The Plimoth. Located in a still “transitioning” neighborhood means this place isn’t swarming with crowds of hipsters. I still suggest a reservation because you don’t want to miss out on the spectacular, European rustic menu. The Plimoth is an unpretentious and comfy neighborhood gem that serves the kind of oh-so-right comfort food you could eat on both a casual Tuesday night or for a wedding anniversary.” Visit Denver’s Benedick went into even greater detail, when she noted that “more than 220 restaurants opened in Denver in 2016, and two Denver

chefs were semifinalists for the prestigious 2017 James Beard Awards, including Fruitions’s Alex Seidel and Acorn’s Steven Redzikowski, who was further honored as a nominee. Denver has seen explosive growth in dining options, with new chef-driven restaurants, brew-houses, gastro pubs and farm-to-table fine dining springing up in a series of neighborhoods; and renowned culinary guide, Zagat, named Denver the third “Hottest Food City” of 2016. Additionally, renowned culinary competition show, “Top Chef,” chose to film its upcoming season in Denver and Colorado. Choosing one restaurant as the “hottest” is pretty close to impossible!” adding that, “one of the more interesting culinary trends today is the modern day food

hall – and Denver is really leading the charge on this with several of these concepts all around the city. The Source in RiNo Arts District is home to one of Denver’s top restaurants, Acorn, as well as a baker, art gallery, brewery tasting room and more. Avanti F&B features seven different international cuisine options housed in shipping containers; and the newly opened Denver Central Market is a fusion of new and established local vendors selling everything from fresh fish and meat to pizza to ice cream. These spaces provide unique settings for group dinners, offsite meetings and more.” Meanwhile, USA-Expo’s Kastelic restaurant recommendations include Guard and Grace, Tokio, and Sams. Continued on p. 28

City Photo by Scott Dressler-Martin/VISIT DENVER

designers and boutiques; take in some exceptional street art; walk the mile-long 16th Street Pedestrian Mall; or experience many other things around the city.” She continues, “Many attendees are looking for a sense of authenticity when they visit a new city, and they are really going to find that in The Mile High City’s various districts. “ But it’s the restaurant recommendations that seem endless in Denver. Condit Exhibits’ McLean says, “Gosh there are so many new, great restaurants it’s hard to call out just one. Il Posto stands out as a fabulous new Italian trattoria in the RiNo arts district. The cuisine takes a modern approach to Northern Italian classics, and the space is as spectacular as the food. A dramatic light installation sweeps across the ceiling while

@ExhibitCityNews

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 27

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SPOTLIGHT ON DALLAS, DENVER & DETROIT Continued from p. 27

Finally, we head to the last city of our three D’s feature and spotlight the resurgence of Detroit. Claude Molinari (below right), general manager of Cobo Center, says “Detroit is an amazingly diverse city with a great, never-quit attitude. The downtown is booming with new construction and Detroit is the only place in North America where all four major sports teams are located in the city center integrated within office buildings, restaurants, clubs, parks and a new streetcar system. The turnaround and change in perception of Detroit has been remarkable.” And Keith Kirsten, director of sales at the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, seconds that motion and says that downtown Detroit’s best selling point has been the transformation since private investors like Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans and owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Monsters (minor league hockey), and Gladiators (arena football) and the late Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars pizza and owner of the Detroit Tigers (MLB) and Red Wings (NHL), Fox Theatre and Olympia Entertainment started the metamorphosis with their private investments in downtown infrastructure and buildings.

Kirsten explained that Gilbert moved Quicken Loans’ headquarters to downtown Detroit in 2010 and now Gilbert’s companies employ 17,000, including his wife. Says Kirsten, “you can see the changes in the city and the services and the attitudes of the people. Detroit folks are really proud of their city now. We offer site trips for meeting planners so they can touch and see the difference—the Q-Line, the Riverwalk and Little Caesars Arena (home of the Red Wings and Pistons) within the District Detroit. People are pleased and surprised. We really raised their expectations and they leave totally wowed,” adding “We’re attracting more meetings here now, as well as leisure visi-

28 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

tors.” He thinks the Q-Line and Detroit being “the only city in the country where all four sports teams are within a five minute walk of each other” is a really big selling point too. Steve Kernohan (left), account manager Nimlok Michigan, said that Nimlok’s Detroit office thought the city’s best selling points included Motown and Techno music, it’s diversity, it’s gorgeous Art Deco architecture, and it being the capital of America’s automotive manufacturing. Kristin Urbas, vice president of client services for MC2, agrees with all of them saying, “Detroit is in the middle of a great comeback. Retail, restaurants, city services and markets are finally returning to the city and the residents who had to endure without for

so long are being rewarded for their loyalty and resilience.” Speaking of restaurants and retail that are returning to the city in a dramatic fashion, Molinari says that, “The Apparatus Room at the newly opened Foundation Hotel is a stunner. Amazing food served by a Michelin 2 Star chef in a converted fire department headquarters—it’s taking the city by storm. Off the beaten path is Wright & Company, which has a cool speakeasy vibe from back in the day and a “secret” entrance down the street. Wonderful small plates and specialty cocktails. “ Adds Kirsten, “Many of the restaurants in downtown Detroit are family-owned and use fresh produce out of our local farmers’ markets. We don’t have a lot of chain restaurants. For off-thebeaten path, I recommend Giovanni’s Italian restaurant. It’s about 15 minutes west of

City photo by Vito Palmisano

DETROIT, THE COME BACK KID, THE INDUSTRY INSIDERS’ VIEW

City photo by Vito Palmisano

Industry Insiders Share The Best-Kept Secrets of Their Cities…

the downtown in an industrial area and is still family-owned. The food is outstanding and the pictures of the Rat Pack and stars from the ‘50s and ‘60s are everywhere. It’s the Detroit version of Sardis. I also recommend Grey Ghost, which opened in Detroit’s Midtown just over a year ago. We take a lot of our top customers there for dinner. As for off-the-beaten path restaurant recommendations, Urbas suggests “Selden Standard in the Cass Corridor is hot right now. It offers a unique spin on American cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. For me, the best part is the location. Just three years ago, Detroiters, let alone tourists, were not safe on the corridor. Now it is a must see destination,” adding that “Mario’s on Second Street is an Italian staple in Detroit since 1948. It survived the economic downturn because loyal pa@ExhibitCityNews

trons kept coming back for the old school traditional service that you can only get at a true supper club.” Kernohan seconds the recommendation for Selden Standard as well and endorses The Roast, The Roostertail, and Mable Gray as well, adding a historical fun fact about his town, “Detroiters like their spirits. During Prohibition it’s estimated some 75 percent of illegal liquor supplied to the U.S. was smuggled through the city’s waterways.” When asked how he would spend a free afternoon, the Cobo Center’s Molinari says, “The Detroit Institute of Art is world class with works from all the masters, a self-guided architectural bicycle tour of downtown and mid-town, shopping on the revitalized Woodward Avenue, checking out Campus Martius square for food truck eats and treats, and partying at The Belt, a street

art lined alley with outdoor bars that draw lively crowds,” and he adds that “the Motown Museum is underrated. It’s a true treasure that is low tech, high touch and very moving.” DMCVB’s Kirsten says that there’s “two things that I like to do with four hours of free time. We live in a downtown high-rise right on the river. We look out on Belle Isle— which is larger than Central Park. I can see Canada out my window and the large 800foot cargo ships going from the Detroit River into Lake St. Clair. The Riverwalk is so pristine that now everyone bikes and runs along the river looking across at Windsor, Canada—it’s very unique. I also love to visit Campus Martius Park, located in the center of downtown. In the summer there’s bands and orchestras performing and you can relax in a beach area and enjoy cocktails from the beach bar. In the winter it’s transformed into a winter wonderland with an ice rink. And it’s only a ten minute walk to the convention center. There’s so much foot traffic—from families to business professionals—making downtown an exciting place to be,” adding that he urges visitors to check out the Motown Museum as well. There’s a long list of things to do that the Nimlok Detroit office recommends: the Motown Historical Museum, Campus Martius ice skating, Belle Isle Park, fowling (a Detroit original, which is bowling that is done with a football instead of a bowling ball; It uses special lanes, but the same pins and a football that is thrown from ten yards) in DHAM (colloquially speaking Detroit Ham-town or Polish-

Town, officially Hamtramck, home of a GM assembly plant), Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit Zoo, Heidelberg Project, Walk Detroit Riverfront/ Riverboat tours, Fox Theatre, Masonic Theatre, Magic Stick (a pool hall/small concert venue with lots of history and where lots of Detroit originals got their start) concerts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Market (an old style “farmers” market that happens every morning in Greektown that’s like an old movie--step into an open air market that is hustling and bustling with all the smells of fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits, meats and an extensive collection of spices, which is why it’s called Eastern Market), and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. When it comes to what’s over-rated, they said Lions football, the Hard Rock Café and Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. MC2’s Urbas also recommended that “within Detroit, I would say visit Belle Isle. It has rich history and many activities to keep all ages entertained. Because of the close proximity, I would also recommend a day trip to Canada. It is a 15 minute drive by bridge or tunnel and you can snag some great deals with the exchange rate and duty free items.” When asked if anything in Detroit is over-rated, Urbas summed up the feelings of all three when she emphatically insisted, “No! We are relishing everything that is happening in the city right now and embracing all the positive changes. Whether it’s the new stadium, renovated riverfront, concerts or the emerging food scene that is driving your visit, we are happy to welcome you to Detroit. Enjoy!”

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 29

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INSPIRATION

Taking Tension Fabric to the Future BY ALLISON POCEWICZ, MARKETING COORDINATOR, FABRIC IMAGES, INC.

The tradeshow floor has seen its fair share of trends over the years. The market has continuously morphed to accommodate the latest developments in materials and technology that will speak to an evolving demographic of attendees. Advancements have taken place so rapidly that it is easy to lose sight of the strides made in years past. Take, for example, fabric architecture—25 years ago this solution for tradeshow environments was barely a thought. Jump ahead to current day and you can’t turn a corner without experiencing fabric. The journey of fabric within the tradeshow industry took the dedication and drive of pioneering companies, one of whom is Fabric Images, Inc. For the past 25 years Fabric Images, Inc., has been dedicated to advancing the integration of fabric based architecture within environments to enrich brand identity and attendee experience. This passion to lead and impact the industry in the realm of printed and non-printed tension fabric architecture has introduced the following:

»» In 1996, Fabric Images, Inc., became the first company to offer printing, sewing and metal fabrication under one roof. »» In 1999, Fabric Images began promoting the environmental attributes of fabric architecture, including education in modular and re-usable design and recycling. »» 2001 brought the introduction of Superwide, 10 ft. wide dye sublimation printing on textiles, a technology that Fabric Images, Inc., fought to develop and was the first in the world to launch. »» In 2004, Fabric Images, Inc., showcased a fully immersive, entirely self-supported, fabric experience, bridging design with the personality of textiles. »» In 2009, Fabric Images, Inc. introduced the FreeStyle custom rental program. 32 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

»» 2010 launched 15 foot seamless dye sublimation printing.

»» In 2013, Fabric Images, Inc., successfully completed the fabrication of the Volvo PURE Tension Pavilion, a tension fabric structure with solar power integration. (see image) »» In 2014, Fabric Images, Inc., launched the ReLife Recycling program, a complementary recycling program extended to customers promoting the recycling of out-of-use frames and polyester fabric skins. In 25 years, tension fabric has gone from being an infant in development to a commodity within the exhibit industry. It has been shaped by a generation. And now that it has been shaped, to the future generations it is the norm. As an industry we are on the verge of a generational cross-over that will be highly significant to the industry. Those who shaped and nurtured the last 25 years will begin seeing influences from the younger generations; Generations who value experience over accumulation, crave sustainability and who will continue to push the limits as well as develop new materials and technologies, making today’s norm part of our history. While fabric is a staple in our industry, we have barely scratched the surface of what can be achieved. When looking at the role of textiles and fabric architecture in design in the next 25 years, we first need to understand the influencers. There is a Rising Need for Experience There is a shift taking place in how consumers see and interact with brands, from physical spaces to digital presence. Beginning with the millennial generation, digital has become a norm, so brands are now expanding their efforts beyond digital to create memorable experiences that will connect with the audience, not only dig-

itally, but within physical spaces as well. In retail, for example, new models are forming where we are being introduced to showrooms and lifestyle experiences. Brands and stores are creating environments, not simply for shopping, but for experiencing, interacting and engaging. Next, consider the changing dynamics in hospitality. As the arts of describing, showing, or performing that represent the traditions or the way of life of a particular people or group; literature, art, music, dance, theater, etc., new generations of travelers demand authenticity, and as we venture over to an economy focused on experience, hoteliers are redefining hotel environments. Where hotel design is trending is toward a lifestyle promise and a broad cultural experience. Hoteliers are changing layouts while creating culturally vibrant experiences and escapism for guests. Much more attention is being paid to the design and details within the environment. Why is this important for us to understand? The design of a space goes beyond what it looks like, to the feeling it creates and how it engages and connects with the attendee. Recent studies show that the average attention span has decreased to eight seconds. That is four seconds fewer than 15 years ago and less than that

of light. While these traits are physical ones which may enhance the abilities and usage within tension fabric solutions and environments, an evolution is happening that will push the limits of what textiles can do in the future. According to the article “Nanotechnology in Textiles – the new Black” (http:// www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=42713.php), in the future we can expect to see textiles further embrace technology through characteristics such as,

While we have seen digital and augmented reality change the brand conversation, the advancements taking place in textiles will begin to redirect attendee attention to surfaces that are unexpected, smarter and multi-sensory.

offer a surprising and memorable experience. Beyond the few common fabrics most utilized within the industry, is a vault consisting of thousands of textiles. If this sounds overwhelming, simply remember that only a handful of fabrics speak to an individual brand. And the message offered is experiential value. The tactile value of fabric also crosses over to the complexity of form. The form is the structure which holds the fabric and is every bit as important to the experience as the covering. It acts as the base to the brand’s visual language and culture. As we move into the future, creating complex forms will become easier to design, easier to produce, and more cost effective as a result of advancements that are being made in software and manufacturing implementation. For example, a fluid brand will no longer have to succumb to a flat form due to budget restraints, keeping the brand image intact. The combination of form and tactile sensation will represent brand value, brand personality and will offer an immersive storytelling experience when accurately conveyed within a brand environment.

The Experiential Element of Fabric While textile technology is advancing, there is a pure appeal to fabric that involves multi-sensory characteristics. Consider the saying “touching materials visually”. With the average attention span at only eight seconds, the more senses that are engaged within the brand story, the faster and deeper the brand connection will form. Today’s exhibit landscape is graphically heavy, but very flat, limiting sensory engagement. The expectation for storytelling to marketing and brand environments of the future demands the integration of unique, multi-sensory materials and applications. Textiles have a distinctive ability to connect on multiple levels and can take the most stimulated sense of sight and trigger other senses, like that of touch. Although this can sometimes be achieved with a creative use of graphics, texture and visually unique textile surfaces can

What does the future hold? Twenty five years ago the market was saturated with wood. Today, with fabric in the forefront, it is heavy with systems and simplicity. With generational shifts and experience-heavy expectations, design of tomorrow will push the limits in branded spaces, placing focus on the expression of brand and culture. It is time to prepare for further advancement and better integration of the use of textiles and tension fabric structures within environments to accommodate to the upcoming generations of brands and attendees on the show floor. The future is affording us the opportunity to create an emotionally charged outlet for brand engagement, which is crucial to brand connection and storytelling success. While the past 25 years has shaped the industry, in the next 25 there will continue to be an evolution of textiles and tension fabric structures within environments.

»» Energy saving fabrics that can lead to “smart”

Designed by Synthesis Design + Architecture, The PURE Tension Pavilion made its debut in Milan, Italy for the Volvo Italia press event launching the V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

of a gold fish! This is especially prominent with Generation Z (born mid-late ‘90s), our future attendees. The design of branded spaces in the future will rely on smarter solutions to counteract a limited attention span and an overload of technology. This is where fabric comes in. An Evolution for Fabric Technology We hear a lot about the advances in technology as it relates to digital, which has led to a fast paced digital transformation. But, what we are missing out on is the transformation of textiles and what that will do for the industry. There are two directions to the future regarding textiles. One is the technological advancements, and the other is the experiential incorporation. Textile advancement already includes nanotechnology. This has allowed the properties of textiles to be altered to include entirely new properties and functions, including traits such as water repellence, wrinkle resistance, strength enhancement, and antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities. In addition, color changing, or “photonic” technology allows textiles to change color based on ambient heat, while optical technology in fabric is altering the appearance by controlling the intensity, color, and pattern @ExhibitCityNews

solutions which can power integrated electronics and sensors through movement. »» Interwoven solar cells »» Textile batteries that can be recharged by sunlight »» Nanoelectronics at the tip of a gloved finger »» Graphene yarns that facilitate energy storage in textiles

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 33

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

Hill & Partners brands IGT at G2E with a booth that says “Confident, Customer-Focused and Dynamic!”

Labor Rates Survey Aids Industry EDPA Steps Up To Fill Void

Pp. 36-37

Hill & Partners Wows Navigating The Pitfalls with IGT Booth at G2E Of Planning For I&D 27,000 sq.ft. “Small Casino” with 250 ft. LED Ribbon Wall

Avoiding Those “Blow The Budget” Costs

Pp. 38-40

Pp. 42-43

Who Said

“Innovating Is Easy?” How HighMark TechSystems Tackled The Challenge

Pp. 44

This section is dedicated to all exhibit house professionals, as well as all exhibit managers and tradeshow coordinators worldwide. For advertising information and rates, please call Kathy Anaya at 702-309-8023, ext. 105. @ExhibitCityNews

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 35

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

LABOR RATES SURVEY PROMOTES A HEALTHY TRADESHOW INDUSTRY By Lesley Martin

hen the E2MA (Exhibit & Event Marketers Association) closed last year, it left a void for representation of the brand-side exhibitor in the trade show industry associations. Recognizing the gap, the EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association) stepped up. “While our membership is limited to trade show industry professionals, we recognize that the brand-side exhibit manager is the client of our members,” says Jeff Provost, executive director of the EDPA. “They are the buyers and end-users of our products, but they are under-represented among industry associations.” Under the leadership of Gwen Hill, president of EDPA and senior vice president of ExhibitForce, the EDPA formed an advisory committee of brand-side exhibitors. Representing the interests of the brand-side exhibitor, this

committee voiced its opinion on the industry and what they need to be successful.

Answering the Requests of Exhibitors

“In our first meeting with the committee, we asked for their priority for this year,” says Hill. “Of all the initiatives in 2017, the committee said that we should prioritize updating the Labor Rates Survey.” The Labor Rates Survey lists the average event labor and material handling rates for 48 cities across North America. When exhibitors are advocating for budgets internally or deciding whether or not to exhibit in a given city, the survey is an essential tool for preparing ballpark estimates. “Exhibitors rely on this data when budgeting and deciding which trade shows to attend,” says Hill. For the last two decades, the survey was conducted every two years. With the previous

36 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

survey being published in 2015, the study was quickly becoming outdated. Working with a third-party consultant, the EDPA sponsored and published the survey last August.

Helpful Tool for Exhibitors Today’s exhibitors must internally advocate for their budgets and justify every

dollar spent. Of the line items that go into trade show exhibitions, on-site labor is one of the most difficult to predict. For each trade show, the labor rates are published in the general contractor’s show kit. However, the kit might not be published when exhibitors are preparing their yearly budgets. If a trade show is in a

new location, for example. the exhibitor might not have the historical data to predict the labor costs for that city. “This survey is very helpful in terms of budgeting,” says Provost. “If you have historical data from a city, you can benchmark your city against others. If the trade show you attend every year has moved

to a new city, or if you’re exhibiting at a show with similar square footage, fewer attendees, etc., you can take the rates from a different city and gauge the costs.” The survey is free to download on the EDPA website, so the data is accessible to anyone and easily shared. “The more information we

can give to exhibitors to help them advocate internally, the more likely they are to secure increased budgets and grow their trade show participation,” says Hill.

Transparency Holds the Industry Accountable

In years past, the labor rates were increasing at an unsus-

tainable rate. Referencing the 2011 survey, the rates increased at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 percent between 2009 and 2011. The average hourly rate in the U.S. for general decorator labor also increased by 5.7 percent annually in those two years. Many factors determine the final labor rate for a given show. While the city’s cost of living, union labor laws, and other factors add layers to the rate, the final rate for a show is determined by the show organizer and general contractor. Those two parties might add their own layer to the rate, which is ultimately published in the general contractor’s show kit. When the exhibitor signs the contract securing the booth, the labor rates are not published. This leaves the exhibitor at the whim of the general contractor and show organizer. Fortunately, the 2017 survey indicates a healthy stabilization of the labor rates. Since 2015, the study shows that the average hourly rate in the U.S. for general display labor increased by only one percent annually. Also, the average hourly rate increased from $101.75 to $103.50. The research was conducted by a third-party consultant who referenced over 200 published show kits and rate sheets. With continued efforts that answer exhibitor needs, continued transparency and ethical business practices can promote the health of the trade show industry. The survey is free and accessible to anyone at: www.edpa.com/news.

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 37

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

HILL & PARTNERS PUT MOTTO TO TEST AT G2E Booth Brands IGT as Confident, Customer-Focused and Dynamic by Jeanne Brei

ill & Partners’ trademarked motto “Our People Become Your People” was put to the ultimate test at last month’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas when they joined forces with gaming industry leader, International Game Technology (IGT), to create the largest and most impressive booth at the show. At 27,000 sq. ft. (215’ x 160’), the IGT booth was ex-

ceptional in every way--from the 400+ gaming machines and solutions being displayed to the 1,035 LED panels; from the 3,000 sq. ft. of graphic vinyl to the hundreds of CAT5, HDMI and power drops; from 29 trucks (12 H&P /17 IGT) to the celebrity appearance from Sex in the City’s Kristin Davis. The booth had 50 additional LED monitors throughout the space with 84 half-ton to one-

38 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

ton motors used for all of the rigging, as well as 24 rooms that were fully functional and included internet, telephony, charging stations and AC units. The rooms were used for future product demos, internal planning and meeting spaces for IGT employees, Tier One customer meeting spaces, and two executive boardrooms. The IGT staff even leveraged the gorgeous

backdrop to capture video and take branded individual headshots before the show opened. According to the H&P design team, the IGT booth was a turnkey rental branded environment system - not a custom exhibit, and its most profound design feature was the serpentine double sided LED ribbon wall approximately 6’ x 250’ and a large ribbon header. Mark Holme, H&P creative director explains, “These ribbon structures facilitated a dynamic movement and color of content that reflected all messaging outside and inside the space in a dramatic way. The tube and fabric header unified the products and acted as way finding for each product group from wherever you were in the booth.” He continues, “Way finding

elements were embedded throughout all aspects of the exhibit. A multi-color custom carpet pattern was installed to impact way finding and traffic flow through the exhibit. The dynamic weaving in and out structure addressed the space not only from inside the space but reinforced IGT’s dynamic brand presence on the aisle.” “Let’s Play” was IGT’s brand focus and theme for this impressive booth showcasing gaming innovation. The goal was to improve on the overall brand presence having the focus from the aisle and inside the space with maximum brand opportunities. Three large LED chandeliers wrapped the columns and reinforced additional digital content throughout the space. The 30’ high overall structure had a prominent product stage 30’ x 60’ with full ADA compliance which featured three key product groupings that demonstrated new 4-D gaming technology along with two stations featuring virtual reality gaming introductions. It had two 8’ x 20’ inter-

nally back lit LED logos and a large 20’ x 100’ deck featuring a hidden fire suppression system along with HDMI, CAT5 and power redundancy, so that with two lines run for every drop, it eliminated the need to go back and fix any bad lines. As Holme describes, “There was something for everyone within this property, public space, private space, hospitality, VIP service, entertainment, immersive interactive and shared experience. ‘Experiential’ comes to mind, and the attendee audience responded.” Michael McMahon, H&P’s president & CEO says, “I was astonished at the quality, sophistication and ‘fun’ that radiated from the IGT product offering this year. We are so fortunate to have teams that connect with such a common culture around the work that we do. These people work hard, with a laser-like focus, allowing them to create industry leading products and solutions. That’s exactly what our intentions are here at Hill & Partners, Inc. And Liette Hebert, IGT senior

Pre-show gathering of entire IGT team at G2E

…to erect, for all intents and purposes, a small casino in five days.” tradeshow manager, completely agrees, explaining, “We really had a good idea of what we wanted our booth to look like. We liked what we did last year, but wanted it taken to the next level; they did that and more,” adding, “I have worked with several different booth companies over the years, and what sets Hill & Partners apart is that they really do foster a partnership. Our people worked with their people seamlessly, to erect, for all intents and purposes, a small casino (we had over 400 gaming machines and solutions) in five days.” Logistical planning for this project was approximately 16 weeks with the first site visit in June. Planning consisted of hundreds of meetings and exchanges with the clients, vendors and partners and, according to Joe Brosnan, H&P director of accounts, the planning and executing with multiple partners provided a challenge but was well orchestrated, stating that the “complex group of subject matter experts with a variety of responsibilities working in unison was quite impressive,” including the integrated sprinkler system, the compre-

hensive AV lighting installation, and the around the clock installation; 24 hours/day for the first three days followed by two 12 hour shifts. As he notes, “With an exhibit of this size and the magnitude of the AV installation there was a balance between providing our partners with the time they needed to do their job while not impacting the clients install expectations.” More than a dozen partners, including The Sands Expo Center–SES, Freeman, Nick’s Exhibit Service, Collabric, Color Gamut Digital Imaging, Angles on Design, Exhibit Technologies, Hartlauer Signs, Highmark Tech Systems, Eagle Management Group, Harmony Fire, and Scotia Woodworking, worked together as Hill & Partners provided a single point of contact for IGT by managing the multiple vendor and partnership relationships seamlessly. He continues, “The movein schedule for this show was a bit complex. In addition to exhibit freight, IGT product, A/V (lots of A/V), electrical, internet, and rigging, and quite a few firsts, including fire suppression–this was the first time we have executed a fully plumbed fire system in Las Vegas. And then there was the 6 MM plastic flooring diagram print. We worked with Freeman to print our electrical floor plan and truss diagram on thin plastic flooring as an alternative to Visqueen. This helped to speed up the process for both of these install steps. This enabled us to move onto our carpet & padding install quicker than normal. After Continued on p. 40

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 39

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

PROJECT CREDITS

Continued from p. 39 carpeting we applied a second Freeman flooring print with IGT product and exhibit component locations printed. This helped speed up the product and exhibit install as well,” concluding, “In an exhibit of this size, the time frame was a critical component to successful execution. All partners met with us and agreed on an installation schedule that was aggressive, but everyone stayed on schedule.” Paul Cunningham, H&P estimator/project manager, “The sheer size and scope of this project makes it exceptional all its own, but to have so many partners execute within a complex logistical time frame is really impressive. Lots of people and organizations talk about teamwork, but it was

hard to tell where the lines were between the teams that joined forces with us to create this exhibit for IGT.” H&P’s McMahon says, “We are truly proud of the full scope of collaboration that took place on this project under Joe Brosnan’s guidance. As our director of accounts here at Hill & Partners, Joe brings a unique balance of order and flexibility to program activities, allowing our partner companies to shine.” And the most important part was not only was the client satisfied, their customers and competitors were also wowed. As IGT’s Hebert says, “We were very happy with our booth this year, the dual-sided LCD ribbon was a show-stopper. Our executive team, customers and even some of our competitors commented on how great our

40 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

booth looked and flowed. “The opportunity to team up with IGT this year at G2E was especially sweet, as they have been a legacy client with Hill & Partners dating back to 1996,” says McMahon, adding “we feel honored to have worked with our clients at IGT. They have enabled us and given us the privilege of bringing their brand to life on their behalf. We could not ask for a better partnership.” Hill & Partners deliver high-level design, production, and account management services as a complete Branded Environment. Since 1995, their teams have produced and installed thousands of unique environments throughout the U.S. and on six continents and they believe this approach elevates the client experience within the face-toface marketing space. For more info, visit www.hillpartners.com.

Client Team: Liette Hebert, Staci Behnke, IGT Production Design & Execution: Hill & Partners Exhibit Design & Construction: Hill & Partners Photography: Josh Terceira, Hill & Partners Additional Partners: The Sands Expo Center - SES Freeman Nick’s Exhibit Service Collabric Color Gamut Digital Imaging Angles on Design Exhibit Technologies Hartlauer Signs Highmark Tech Systems Eagle Management Group Harmony Fire Scotia Woodworking

FOUNDING GRANTOR

FOUNDATION

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

NAVIGATING THE PITFALLS OF PLANNING FOR I&D by Cynthya Porter

or exhibit managers trying to control a trade show budget–which is essentially all of them– calculating costs for shows in different cities can be an exercise in frustration. Exhibit design costs, shipping, even staff travel to a certain degree can be reasonably stable line items in a budget. But once an exhibit lands in the marshalling yard for a show, all bets are off on what it will cost to unload, install, dismantle, and reload a trade show display. The charges for installation and dismantle (I&D) along with

material handling for trade shows are a wild spread from one city or show to the next, and I&D is rife with ways an exhibitor can blow their budget completely out of the water. It is, many exhibitors lament, the most stressful part of running a trade show program. To demystify budgeting for I&D, the Experiential Designers + Producers Association has compiled extensive research outlining average costs in 38 U.S. cities for things such as general labor, riggers, forklift operators, and material handling. And to help exhibitors

42 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

keep their budgets tight, a host of industry experts are offering words of wisdom for navigating around the pitfalls in I&D. The unfortunate truth is that a single misstep in planning or execution can send an I&D budget into a tailspin, especially when you’re paying labor rates of more than $100 an hour. And in some cities, $100 an hour would be a bargain. In New York City, for instance, general display labor averages $197 per hour, though that amount jumps to $264 for overtime and $319 for Sundays or holidays. In comparison, the average hourly rate is just over $70 in Orlando, increasing to $111 and $141 for overtime and Sundays or holidays respectively. For other labor categories, the disparity in average rates between cities is sometimes far greater. If you need a forklift on a Sunday in New York City, you will be spending on average more than $900 an hour according to the report. Philadelphia is not far behind

at $844. The exact same service would cost an average of $175 per hour in Houston and $164 in New Orleans. It will cost you $304 per hundred pounds (CWT) for the material handling of advance shipments to a service contractor in Honolulu, but just $70 per CWT for the same handling in Atlanta. Straight time per hour for an electrician in Nashville is $70 while the same work goes for $148 per hour in San Jose. Riggers cost $170 an hour in Los Angeles but only about half that amount in Dallas. In fact, from one coast to the other and beyond to the Hawaiian Islands, material handling and I&D rates can vary so dramatically that it prompts one to wonder how the figures can be from the same industry. It also makes it particularly difficult to come up with an average dollar figure that exhibitors can use when laying out a budget for the year. The EDPA does include a U.S. average in the report for the various labor categories it surveyed, primarily for the purpose of comparison to years past. On average, general labor rates have increased by just under one percent annually for each of the past two years. That puts the U.S. average at $103.50, up from $101.75 in 2015. Pay for riggers, on the other hand, has decreased by two percent over the same period, down from $113.70 to $109.23. But EDPA researchers warn that, though an exhaustive process was used to collect current data, labor rates in the exhibition industry are a moving target. For the report, analysts collected information from multiple events at a city’s main convention venues as well

as large hotel facilities. They used show manuals and rate forms obtained from general service contractor websites, and crunched the data from a group of randomly selected shows to arrive at an average. While the EDPA report gives exhibitors a good guidepost to ballpark from, the reality is that rates for a particular show may be nowhere near the average, for better or for worse, and they can change substantially from one year to the next even for the same show in the same venue. “I’ve seen too many exhibit managers fall into the trap of thinking they understand Vegas because they have worked there a number of times,” said Amanda Helgemoe, president and founder of Nuvista, an event and trade show labor services company. “Overall, it’s important to understand that every show is different, and every organizer has different rules. If you hire a professional contractor, they will know the rules in any given city. You should be able to lean on them to guide you through the show kit, which can be very misleading at times and even contain rules that conflict with the actual union contracts in that city.” While it might be tempting to blame the facility, unions, municipalities, or even state laws for a show’s labor rates, the reality is that the agreement between a show organizer and the general services contractor (GSC) dictates to a large part what the rates charged to exhibitors will be, Helgemoe said. Even at venues where there are no unions or in-house exclusive providers, the show organizer and GSC can create guidelines for that show that put exclusive providers they choose in place.

The renegotiation of those contracts from one show to the next is what causes labor rates to be entirely unpredictable. Whether required to use labor supplied by the show or your own exhibitor-appointed contractor, all of the experts surveyed agree that meticulous planning is the only way to sidestep some of the more common problems that arise on the show floor to drain your I&D budget. In fact, you really can’t plan too much. “The biggest pitfall is coming to the show and expecting everything to be okay,” said Tom Pernicone, vice president at mg I+D Exhibit + Event Services, a full-service exhibit house. “Think of all the options and possibilities that could happen. Prepare, plan, and have patience.” Pernicone advises exhibit managers to meet with anyone who will oversee I&D for the exhibit ahead of the show. “An hour of conversation can save you thousands on the show floor,” he said. If you can’t choose your own labor team because you are working with union rules or a GSCs exclusive provider, an

...a single misstep in planning or execution can send an I&D budget into a tailspin...

exhibitor can still provide I&D oversight to the process on the show floor no matter where the show is taking place. Ronald Bailey, the national operations manager for exhibit labor management firm On Location Inc., says a good I&D supervisor will be worth their weight in gold. “An experienced supervisor will ask the right questions and extract the information needed to avoid any delays and offer up advice needed,” he said. Bailey also suggests that, if an exhibit manager can’t be on the show floor during installation, he or she ask the supervisor to send progress photos and final photos. Well before a show kicks off, an exhibit manager should have photos and detailed drawings or renderings of the exhibit, checklists of every bolt, bracket, and cord needed, service orders, graphic layouts, labor orders, booth orientation guidelines, and any other information they have compiled and prepared to share, Bailey said. Booth orientation, experts say, is a relatively common gaffe that sneaks up on exhibitors who arrive to find their booth assembled to face the wrong direction because they weren’t explicit about it in instructions. Another is the waterfall of delays that come from service orders that have been placed at the last minute or forgotten, or that aren’t scheduled to occur in a time-appropriate fashion. “It’s important to manage all services so you avoid delays,” Helgemoe said. “Meaning, if you hire your I&D labor to set your exhibit before the electrical is down and checked for accuracy, then you will be paying a lot of addition-

al money to not only fix the electrical but more than likely to also rebuild the exhibit.” Another issue that ends up burning precious labor dollars is exhibit components that haven’t been delivered to the show floor by the time there is a crew standing around waiting to install them. “Take advantage of using the advance warehouse for items like flooring and hanging signs, thus avoiding labor delays waiting for freight delivery,” Bailey said. He also noted that damage to exhibits during transit is, for the most part, avoidable if exhibitors prepared better. “A good pack job goes a long way,” he said. A good I&D team can always recover, says Karen Dakis, project management director at Evo Exhibits. “Problems can range from the exhibit not arriving in time to get it installed to missing parts and pieces on the booth, damaged graphics, no electric or flooring ordered for the exhibit, the entire exhibit being built and then the client realizes it is facing the wrong direction, and on and on,” she said. “But most I&D issues can be worked through or avoided entirely by choosing a really good labor team for the work. Good planning closes many of the pitfalls a program can fall into, though even the best-prepared exhibitors will find themselves dealing with show floor disasters. In those situations, all they can do is take a deep breath and dive in to fix it. “There are no rules,” Pernicone said. “That is what makes I&D awesome! The only thing you can count on is change. You have to be ready to adapt in this industry.”

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 43

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

WHO SAID “INNOVATING IS EASY?” How One Company Tackled the Challenge By Pat Friedlander

oming from the book publishing industry where two, sometimes three, times a year, publishers announce a list of new products, Debbie Parrott is not limited by the assumption that there is not much room for innovation in exhibit design and fabrication. “Quality has traditionally been a concern—for some exhibit designers and builders more than others—but the industry is very slow to develop new products,” said Parrott, president, Highmark TechSystems. “The introduction of new building technologies has never been a particularly robust part of our industry. The application of existing materials, such as fabric, and creative uses of lighting have somewhat masked that fact. In truth, it is very difficult for a company that has a defined set of manufacturing processes in place to turn a corner—exactly what we at Highmark have done this year, with not only new products but also with a pursuit of new markets.” This past year at Highmark is a case study in how a traditional manufacturing company goes about expanding its offerings and its customer base. This spring Parrott’s team launched Highmark Outdoor which offers

event producers a premium, modular outdoor deck system. This new outdoor deck—the company’s famous ExpoDeck reimagined for outdoor use— can be completely enclosed and is totally customizable. Like all Highmark products, the outdoor deck can be expanded to go up or go out. It is available in a variety of pre-engineered solutions or as a completely custom structure for almost any event. In addition to this new offering, Highmark has become the sole U.S. distributor for Berlin-based mo systeme. Event marketers now have access to this state of the art indoor-outdoor line, which includes products such as the MO5, a super mobile, brandable, promotional counter on wheels featuring an adjustable canopy and lots of storage space. When fully unfolded, it stands 3.6 m—approximately 12 ft.-tall and is an eye-catching bar, mini-booth, or information kiosk. In less than a minute, the MO5 can be hauled away by hand to the next location. “We have had to do a number of things simultaneously. The first stage was the actual plan to enter new areas of growth, followed closely by the ‘how’ of it,” she says. “What products were we going

44 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

to offer these new markets? Products that were identifiable as Highmark but served an entirely new purpose.” “Next, we had to adjust our budgets to invest in the necessary equipment to manufacture the new products. That certainly is not as easy as it sounds. We had to reallocate resources as well as research the best means of production. And after that, we had to hire the right people who understood what we intended to do and who knew how to do it. People, who if they had not previously done the type of thing we were proposing, would understand how to make it happen. The search for the right people to add to our team as well as preparing our existing employees for a new adventure was daunting. Basically, we had to reorganize to improve the efficiencies, effectiveness and delivery of our core business. We also had to put in place optimal go-to-market teams and capabilities to develop and launch new products and enter new markets.” One of those new employees is Steve Jackson, who recently joined Highmark as a project manager/engineer. “Joining Highmark is a breath of fresh air in my career,” Jackson said. “I am working with a seasoned crew in developing high-level manufacturing processes which have the potential to re-invent the outdoor event industry. Our new products have the ‘feel’ of Highmark but the scale is so much larger. I love the fact that I am part of a company that is not afraid to go in a new direction.” Sam Kimmel, whose background is in automotive, joined the company as a product specialist and has been instrumen-

tal in establishing a turnkey approach for Highmark’s mobile offering. The sales team was strengthened with the promotion of Matt Andrews to VP of sales and the addition of Kevin Nute for the western territory. Brian Baker joined the company slightly more than a year ago as VP of business and market development. “Brian’s design background plus his remarkably sharp insights into the nature of our business has been a game changer for Highmark,” Parrot says. Jennifer Lehrman was promoted to director of client services, a new and much needed position, given the anticipated market expansion. In addition, new roles and promotions have been key to getting product innovations from concept to market-ready and tackling all the steps in between. Kurt Moore became VP of research and development, Dave Cooper became director of operations, turning the procurement function over to Matt Bell, who is now procurement specialist after working as the raw materials inventory manager. These were all upward moves for key employees who are positioned to both support and develop current and future innovations. “When a company such as Highmark undertakes a major commitment to innovation and product development, it is imperative to keep our core business strong,” says Parrott. “Our industry has a number of unfortunate examples of companies that attempted expansion without safeguards in place. We are fortunate to have an involved board of directors who give us not only good ideas but pushback. Highmark’s future has never looked brighter.”

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 45

ON THE SHOW FLOOR

WFSHE Turns 81 The 81st Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, held Aug. 27-29, at the Los Angeles Convention Center was filled with exciting events, awards presentations, celebrity chefs, education, product demonstrations and more. More than 10,000 restaurant and foodservice industry professionals saw new products and services from nearly 500 exhibiting companies at the event, which was started in 1936, and is sponsored by the California Restaurant Association. “The three days of the Western Foodservice Expo were jam-packed with exciting special events, new product launches, education, culinary demonstrations, and so much more for the thousands of restaurant and foodservice professionals who 46 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

attended this long standing event,” says Tom Loughran, vice president. “We would like to thank our exhibitors, attendees, speakers, chefs and partner, the California Restaurant Association, for making this event more than a tradeshow--it is the must-attend event for the industry.” There were several new product awards presented at the Show. The Overall Winner in the Innovative New Product Showcase was Oumph! a 100 percent plant based product that comes in a variety of shapes and consistencies. It is extremely rich in protein and fibers and a perfect source of folic acid and iron. The first place runner up was Pure Napkin for their bio-degradable compressed napkin. The second place runner up was Big Mama’s Gumbo for their delicious Creole Gumbo from a

secret family recipe. Best New Product in the Food Trends Experience was Mommy Sauce for their Korean sauces. Best in Show for Pitch the Press was NavyZebra for their Elephant Foot Stamp Technology. The Torch Award was presented to Curtis Stone, chef and owner of Maude & Gwen, in front of a standing room only crowd. During his cooking demonstration, he made his award winning lamb and discussed his commitment to Chrysalis, a L.A.-based nonprofit dedicated to helping low income and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through jobs. Curtis signed copies of his new book Good Food, Good Life. Thousands of attendees took advantage of the 30 plus education sessions offered during the show. Panel discussions featured interesting and timely topics including; The Foodservice Council for Women panel discussion with Sandy Korem, The Catering Coach; Lusy Gradzhyan of Lusy’s Mediterranean

Café; Barbara Lazaroff, restaurateur; and Suzanne Tracht of Jar Restaurant. Other sessions focused on “How to Easily Survive Increasing Minimum Wage and Food Costs;” “Legal Center Live;” “Understanding the Latino Consumer;” “Winning the Confidence of Gluten Free Diners;” “How to Turn Your Restaurant into a Standout;” and many others. Hundreds of attendees watched as rising star chefs competed in the Rapid Fire Appetizer Competition: Sandwich Edition, sponsored by Great Taste magazine and moderated by their publisher, Terri Williams. Chef Paul Cao of Burnt Crumbs won the competition for his fried chicken sandwich. The other two chefs who competed were Chef Stephen Agosto of Kelsey’s at Pechanga Resort & Casino who prepared a smoked lechon sandwich and Chef Max Schultz of Sessions West Coast Deli who prepared a summer zephyr sandwich. Presenters on the Center Stage demo

theater were Shaun O’Neale, winner of MasterChef season seven and author of “My American Table;” Rob Floyd, RX Liquid Chef, Sip Boldly & Bar Rescue; Chris Sayegh, chef & owner of The Herbal Chef; celebrity chef Frankie the Bull; Jenny Ross, executive chef at 118 Degrees and cookbook author; Denise Vivaldo, culinary consultant/chef/author; and Dakota Weiss, executive chef and partner, Sweetfin Poke. And a new offering, “Why Whiskey Tasting” embraced the current trend of whiskey and bourbon popularity. Other feature areas on the show floor included the Food Trends Experience where 75 companies displayed healthy, organic sustainable, ethnic artisanal, fusion and more; The Education Station, which featured business strategies from leaders in the field; The Beer, Wine and Spirits Pavilion, which offered access to new craft beers and other products; The Sabor Latino Pavilion which focused

on Latin and Hispanic products for the foodservice market; the NEW Healthy Pavilion which offered healthier option and was sponsored by Healthy Dining, and much more. The sixth annual Culinary & Cocktail Clash: Battle Los Angeles and raised more than $100,000, which will provide educational resources to ProStart programs in California high schools. And at the close of the show, the exhibitors of the WFSHE donated thousands of pounds of food to the LA Regional Food Bank, to be distributed through the Salvation Army. Next year’s WFSHE will co-locate with Coffee Fest, a trade show and conference for those involved with retailing coffee, tea and related products, and will be held August 19-21 at the LACC. The show is produced and managed by Urban Expositions, a Clarion Events Company and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association.

On The Show Floor 2017 Torch Award winner Chef Curtis Stone’s cooking demo (right) and a jam-packed, bustling show floor filled with nearly 500 exhibitors along with panel discussions, highlighted the 81st Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo at LACC.

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 47

TEAM BUILDING

Creative Directions, Part 3 GROW YOUR TEAM(MATES) BY BRIAN BAKER, VICE PRESIDENT, HIGHMARK TECHSYSTEMS

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, there are many roles that a creative director plays, and being the team leader is certainly one of the most important. But leading a team isn’t just about organizing/ scheduling workflow or getting everyone pointing in the right direction. It’s not just about setting the tone or helping to inspire your charges. Those are certainly important, but another important aspect of leadership is how actively (and purposefully) a leader works to develop their team, both collectively and individually. In most situations, it doesn’t happen automatically.

We get so busy just trying to get everything done, and so focused on the strategic intricacies of individual projects, it’s difficult to stay on course with longer-term objectives, including the continued development of our team and teammates. We have to stay intentional and deliberate, especially as it relates to guiding the development of individuals. Mentor Your Team with their Best Interests in Mind I know it seems like an obvious, commonsensical thing to say, but as we work to develop those we lead, this is our foremost responsibility. Of course,

48 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

almost everyone will outwardly agree with this statement, but in reality, many people just don’t do it that way. In most cases, it’s a simple matter of our shortterm needs taking precedence over what’s best in the long run. The fact that you need to get that proposal in your client’s hands by Monday morning should INDEED shift your focus to the immediate needs of your company. The problem is, once that proposal is sent, the next fire drill or crisis is already waiting. When we are constantly in crisis-management mode (as most of us are), it’s all too easy to let those short-term needs (or account executives with their hair on fire) trump the long-term, best interests of our teammates. Even while we are managing the constant chaos, we need to deliberately lead with the big picture in mind. In other cases, unfortunately, it’s not due to time constraints or distractions, but insecurity. No one would ever admit to it, but I have

seen many design directors and creative leaders who were simply threatened by a highly talented subordinate. We have a lot of responsibilities, but being the undisputed most creative or most talented person in the room isn’t one of them. Don’t confuse your value as a creative leader with having to be the best designer on your team. We’ve all heard the expression “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” If our younger teammates grow to be even more successful than we are, that’s a GOOD thing. It has been said that a true leader is someone who develops more leaders. Helping younger designers to develop their full potential (and being capable of replacing you) is part of leadership, and it makes your team (and you) better. Remember, their success is your success, and vice-versa. Challenge Them Outside Their Comfort Zone Developing as a designer isn’t simply getting better at designing. It’s about finding as many ways as possible to add value to an organization. Doing killer design work is valuable. Being able to present it to a client so that they fall in love with it (or at least BUY it) is even more valuable. Of course, some people seem to be more naturally suited to this than others, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be developed. I know designers who claim to hate presenting their work, but in my experience, it’s usually because they don’t really know how, and aren’t comfortable doing it.

Of course, some people are natural introverts and truly have a lot more to overcome in this area, but I don’t believe that should be an excuse for limiting someone in their career and value. At a minimum, every creative person should be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Growth is often uncomfortable, but it is usually worth it. If you are a creative director, you are probably pretty good at presenting your work. In fact, it’s probably one of the main reasons you got the job. So, use your powers for good. Pass on your knowledge and experience and the techniques you’ve developed to your teammates who need to improve their presentation abilities. If not, look into sending them to presentation training courses. Investing in this area can pay huge dividends for your team and your organization. Another way to challenge less experienced teammates is to assign them leadership roles

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on projects. Again, this adds value to them as well as the team. It gives you more flexibility in assigning work, and it will have a tremendous impact on a young designer’s maturity level and confidence. As your company and your creative team grow, you will have more leaders capable of helping to manage the work. It’s also nice to be able to take a vacation every once in a while. Foster Strategic Thinking Strategic thinkers aren’t born, they are developed. The simplest way to shift our mindset from the tactical to the strategic is this: “Begin at the End.” If we teach designers to begin their work with the end-results in mind, they automatically think differently. Instead of starting with a floorplan based on how many conference rooms and workstations someone requested, they ask questions. Different questions, like “What should the end-result be?” “How do

Strategic thinkers aren’t born, they are developed. The simplest way to shift our mindset from the tactical to the strategic is this: “Begin at the End.” we want to affect people?” “What do we want people to do as a result of visiting this space?” Once we know the desired end results, we work backwards from there. What type of experiences will best achieve those results? What is the story that needs to be told? When we’ve developed those stories and experiences, it’s a lot easier to design a space and the (super cool) architecture that will support them.

Strategy isn’t Owned by Strategists Just because there are strategic specialists in our industry or your organization, it doesn’t mean that all strategic thinking begins and ends with them. All creative professionals should learn to think and work strategically. It will radically change their work and your team’s success. Even if the “big idea” comes from a strategist, having an understanding of how to think and plan strategically will help them to do a much better job of executing it. In the end, there are lots of good reasons to spend the time and effort to actively, purposefully, mold and develop those that we lead, into leaders themselves. I would much rather lead a team of people who are capable of replacing me than a team incapable of functioning without me. If our teammates are stronger, our team is stronger. It bears repeating; if your team wins, you win. Their success is your success.

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 49

CORPORATE PROFILE

Q&A with Sandy Bragg, Imperial Events Security Services BY ARTHUR BLOBERGER

Arthur Bloberger: Let’s start with a little bit about yourself, how you got into this industry and your experience and where you came from and all that kind of thing. Sandy Bragg: I came from the hospitality industry actually. I spent about a decade in event services, planning conventions and large events for companies like DoubleTree and Adams Mark and Omni in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. Events have always been my love and in 2001, I worked for a security company and they did a little bit of business at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and I sort of took over that division and was selling event security instead of wine and chicken–so I was selling a different portion of the event if you will. And a year later, I bought the company from them at the end of 2002 and I’ve had it ever since. This past year I made the decision to sell half the company–my company did both industrial and events security (events meaning everything at the convention center as well as city events and festivals, concerts, and whatever exciting thing was going on–but industrial was private buildings and shopping centers and such) and I sold that division. Events are really my first love and we relabeled ourselves as Imperial Events Security Services now and all we do is events. So, back to my events roots. AB: That’s great because obviously events and conventions are going to be our main focus because that’s what ECN is all 50 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Editor’s Note: This interview is from July 12, prior to both Arthur’s illness and the Las Vegas 1 October tragedy.

about. So, since tradeshows are a whole different ball of wax, how do you approach that in terms of security? Sandy: Well, it’s interesting because different show managers have different perspectives about what their security should be. We always talk to the group about what they’ve experienced in the past, who is coming to their convention (what their constituency is), whether it’s regional, national or international—all of those sorts of things make an impact on their security profile and whether or not they feel their attendees are people who would accept a higher level of security versus others. We’ve had show managers who absolutely want to talk about wanding people and checking bags and then other show managers who feel that kind of scares their constituency or scares their attendees or their exhibitors. So, it’s really the individual conversation with every tradeshow getting to know their personality, their profile, and who’s attending, what’s happened in the past and what security means to them in terms of their attendees’ feelings (so it’s enough and not too much). AB: Right. Let’s say that they don’t want to do the wanding or they don’t want to be too strict about security, do you advise otherwise? Do you insist otherwise? What’s your stance on that? Sandy: We try to work with them in terms of getting what they need versus what we feel they should also have for safe-

ty reasons. That’s checking credentials at the door (a given)—that’s a baseline, I think for every show. No matter what show you’re talking about, there’s some sort of credentialing that has to happen. I think beyond that, for example, in October we’re lucky enough to have the Pennsylvania Conference for Women every year. This year, their headlining speaker is going to be Michelle Obama. So, for this particular event, we’re excited to work with the team that we work with every year and also to share with them our knowledge--to work this show we’re going to implement the walk-through metal detectors, we’re going to do the wanding, the bag checks, so the building itself becomes their space not just their one hall. So, from the word go, from you entering the building, you’re screened and checked. AB: Well she’s still under federal security, right? You’ll have to work with the Secret Service. Sandy: Right. Beyond that, other shows (that’s just one example) if we don’t feel that something needs added coverage, we’re happy to flex on that. If it’s something, as you said, that we disagree with their level of security, we will try to have that talk with them and try to explain to them and sometimes, if it’s still a concern, one of our managers will make sure that we’re on site. We did an event back in January where they had some protests at their last convention in California. They were peaceful protests, they didn’t know if it was going to happen again. One of our managers was just happy to spend the day with that client and be there just in case. They didn’t want to prepare for protests but they also wanted to be safe. So, we try to work with clients and come up with a plan that’s going to accommodate what they need within their budget and what we think is going to keep them safe and keep their attendees safe. AB: How commonplace are protests at the events that you provide security for? Sandy: We’re licensed and work in three states and Washington, D.C. and I’d say, even with that, we only see protests a few times a year. And I think what’s nice about working in the downtown convention center is that people will apply Continued on p. 52

CORPORATE PROFILE Continued from p. 51 for protest permits which lets you know ahead of time (it’s the ones who don’t apply for permits who can be challenging). Being able to coordinate with law enforcement and being aware of what the protest is about and what their complaint is and being able to know how to adjust the attendees and let the exhibitors know what’s going to happen is always helpful. AB: Right…and the whole landscape changed after the Manchester Arena tragedy. How did the news of that affect you and the way you approach events from now? Sandy: We always like to tell customers and clients that we’re working with that world events are something that everybody keeps an eye on but it doesn’t necessarily mean that when there is a tragic world event that people go back to the drawing board and revamp the way they do security. We always try to be diligent and at our most secure. So, it’s not that we went back to the drawing board and revamped anything that we did, it’s just that we always like to have refresher training for our staff and keep peoples’ minds on the fact that these kinds of things can happen anywhere–you never want to take for granted that your particular venue is immune to protests or attacks of any kind. But I think, it’s really just a matter of all security forces—whether it’s police or federal or private security—that it’s just a matter of keeping that training refreshed, keeping everybody focused on the basics. Really, keeping up with what your original plan always is—I don’t think anybody rewrote the book or reinvented the wheel after any particular bombing or attack. I think also for a lot of shows, they come in with different profiles on these kinds of things—as we go back to what we talked about in the beginning—that some show managers want to be very diligent about it and some show managers (honestly, off the record!) would rather spend more money on a cocktail reception than their entire security bill. That’s not to complain about my clients, it’s just that some people don’t realize that no matter what venue you’re in, there’s always room for something like this to happen. After all, Man52 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

chester could have happened anywhere. AB: Right. But let’s hope that it doesn’t happen anywhere again soon or ever. Sandy: Yeah, certainly not. And I think, there’s different profiles within the shows. You have ten badge checkers at the front door checking badges and asking people for their credentials but in one hall there’s also 50 vendor booths set up selling things. And now you’re asking our event staff—we have greeters, hospitality folks, badge checkers at the front doors—but we’re briefing the folks who are working in that hall as rovers as retail security now. So, they’re walking around with a different goal and a different view of things in the hall. So, our guards often do a lot of different jobs–there’s a lot of different profiles to their job because of the way events are managed. I mean, you might have a cocktail reception in one hall and that’s kind of low-key and you might have a retail area in a different hall and those security officers are acting as retail security and that night, they might have a big dinner for a thousand people and a keynote speaker followed by a concert and now we’re doing concert security. We really wear a lot of hats and do a lot of different profiles within the convention area. AB: Let’s talk a little bit about technology and how you see emerging technology having an impact on your industry as things change – like facial recognition software, etc.? Sandy: I think things like facial recognition are very exciting technologies that people love to look at and say ‘wow, that’s the future.’ But I think it’s something that probably not – and this is just my opinion, of course—that’s not going to affect convention centers anytime soon because it’s very complicated, very expensive technology that a convention center may not invest in right away based on the fact that the facial recognition program is looking for a specific item or a specific person and the convention center may not be the venue that has the information that they need in order to make it work. I think, again, having basic technologies that are improving annually and improving throughout the industry are things that are going to continue to be helpful. Metal detectors, wand sensitivity

– I think those kinds of things are going to continue to be things that are more heavily used in our area as opposed to really embracing high-tech items like that in a convention center. Our particular company, we are lucky that we are members of DVIC (Delaware Valley Information Center) and they hold a regional roundtable quarterly. I and my director of operations and my operations managers all get to go—and it’s really great because it’s a meeting of federal and local law enforcement as well as private security. So, it’s everyone from Homeland and FBI, local Philadelphia police and some private security companies will go and we get these really great briefings from the FBI or Homeland on things like the Manchester bombing or the Paris attack, that kind of stuff. So, we really get to hear what law enforcement knows and what they’re learning and how they do their investigations. And we get to bring it back to our guard level and again, it’s that reinforcement—it’s reminding the guards, “Here’s what happened in Paris. If that bomber had been let into the arena, things could have been much worse. But because a security guard stopped him outside of that arena because his credentials didn’t look quite right, thousands of lives were saved.” That’s the kind of thing—it goes back to credentials, it goes back to the basics. We all love technology, don’t get me wrong but I think emerging technologies aren’t going to impact us greatly right now or in the near future. I think it’s going to be continuing with the basics and embracing those things over time. AB: You talked about how security did keep that person out of the arena – how many people (knowing they going to be wanded) are actually found with a weapon or something that shouldn’t be brought in and have to be stopped? It’s very few, I would assume. Sandy: It is very few. I think a lot of men carry pocketknives–it’s usually those kinds of things. We’re not talking about automatic weapons. We’re talking about a pocketknife or people who are exercising their right to carry a firearm, that kind of thing. And those folks are turned away and we rarely have a problem with anybody having those items. It’s a matter of “you’ve got to take

it back to your car and take it home—you can’t bring it into this particular venue.” AB: You’d think they would see that coming. Sandy: You would think. I’m a gun owner and I carry my gun with me everywhere, so if I go somewhere and they’re going to detect, I’ll see it coming—I don’t go up and try to get in with it. If I see it coming, I’ll take it back to the car, I’ll lock it up, I’ll put my trigger lock on and put it in my glove compartment. But when you’re talking about a country or a world where one of the worst massacres you can think of in recent history happened in a movie theatre of a Batman premiere—yeah, I carry my gun everywhere. I’m a gun owner and a gun enthusiast. People carry their guns, people carry pocketknives, people carry things on them. We’re lucky enough in Philadelphia, too, that we have a police substation actually in our convention center. So, in Philadelphia, we always have police officers assigned to the building itself PORTABLE/POPUPS

anyway, so that’s also great for Philadelphia and it may be why we’ve never really seen anything terrible in terms of catching people with stuff in their bags—it’s always been the average handgun or pocketknife. AB: What about other disruptions, like fights? Sandy: Sure, we’ve had fights and protests that escalate and I think it’s great that we have such great relationships with local law enforcement in all of the cities we work in. The worst one I’ve seen was the BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization) convention in Philadelphia. Their protests got so bad that police were attacked and one police office had a heart attack and rather than helping him, the protestors stopped his help and he wound up dying. Those sorts of things, typically once they escalate, luckily the convention center can be locked down and shut down. We at least have those protocols in place, our staff is trained for lockdown and evacuation so, it becomes a

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law enforcement challenge beyond that. AB: So what are some of the big, upcoming conventions and tradeshows that are on your schedule that you’ll be providing security for? Sandy: We’re pretty excited about the Pennsylvania Conference for Women coming up–it’s going to be awesome having Michelle Obama in town. We support the Susan G. Komen Three-Day in Philadelphia each year and then over the winter we always do the Philadelphia International Auto Show, the Philadelphia International Flower Show and each fall we’re in Baltimore for the Natural Products Expo East, so we keep ourselves pretty busy with some of the big shows—the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft show is always a big popular one in Philadelphia…the American Society of Cell Biology is coming to Philadelphia which goes to show you can have a convention for just about anything it seems like…there’s always something exciting happening in one of the cities we do.

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 53

AIPC

What’s in a Name?

Making a Convention Centre “International” by Aloysius Arlando – AIPC President

onvention centres worldwide comprise a wide spectrum of facilities, with few invariable constants, even in terms of fixed definitions (Congress centres? Convention Centres? Conference Centres?). At the same time, there is increasingly a blurring of such distinctions as do exist, with what were formerly more exclusively focused facilities like exhibition or special event centres adding new kinds of function spaces in order to diversify their business potential and respond to new trends like the inclusion of more educational components into trade show programming. The same is true of the term “international.” In an increasingly global industry, there are legitimate questions as to what that designation implies, and when applied to a convention centre, what assurances it should give clients who are looking for the right kind of “fit” for their event. For many centres, the application of the designation often simply reflects the aspirations of owners and managers–an expression of their interest in being able to access more than simply local or regional business. But at a practical level, there’s a lot more to it than that. First of all, “International” as a function of an organization holding an event is once again a term that is pretty loosely applied in our industry. In my view, it requires three measures: first, that membership

be comprised of representation from different countries; secondly, that leadership is similarly distributed and third, that events have a global vs. simply a regional rotation. And while that is a pretty straightforward definition, in many parts of the world it is less than rigorously applied, adding another level of confusion. However, if we accept that definition, it follows that centres that consider themselves to be “international” are those actively pursuing those kinds of events–and that means at the same time, they need to be prepared to respond to their needs. That carries some important responsibilities; First, it means recognizing and addressing the standards and expectations of groups that rotate worldwide and who are looking for some level of consistency in terms of spaces and services, including areas like food and beverage and technology. While most events that rotate do so in response to the distribution of their membership (or the pursuit of potential members) their programs generally have certain requirements attached that are largely the same wherever they may go. That means a centre must be able to supply these in order to be considered, and the easiest way to do that is to identify and observe the most relevant standards for such events and to make the effort to identify and understand

54 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

what it is that specific groups need based on their previous history. Secondly, a non-domestic organization will likely have formal requirements that are more complex, or at least different, from those coming from within the same country. Things like legal and accountability requirements, contractual arrangements and technology expectations are all things that will inevitably be a lot more complicated with a range of international clients than purely domestic ones, and again, a centre pursuing this business must have the capability and flexibility to be able to respond. Third, it needs to be understood that this is not simply a centre-specific exercise. The centre itself is only one part of the overall destination experience so an “international” designated centre also has a role to play in ensuring that other destination partners such as hotels, bureaus, suppliers and satellite venues are also capable of meeting the broader and potentially more diverse range of client expectations arising from this group. Without this, even the most internationally-oriented facility can fail to deliver the overall quality that will be expected by more demanding international clients. But there`s another side to the equation. As important as consistency and standards

are, they should not come at the expense of losing the unique qualities that are a desired part of the experience of traveling to different parts of the world. Delegates to an international event are attracted at least partly in the opportunity to experience local customs and cultures, sample different food and enjoy off-site activities that represent what makes that destination different. The centre has a role here too, needing to play an active part in delivering on those expectations rather than focusing entirely on consistent operating standards. In the end, It`s a balance; to be truly “International,” and enjoy all the business benefits that designation implies, a centre needs to be prepared to address the full range of expectations that accompany such events, and to do so in a recognizable way. At the same time, they need to take on some responsibility for delivering the kind of unique experience and qualities that make their destination distinctive. AIPC offers its members a range of tools and insights to support that kind of a role–but the primary responsibility remains with the centre itself. In addition to his role as AIPC President, Aloysius Arlando is the CEO of SingEx Holdings, which comprises several entities focusing on the MICE business; including the management of the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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China – the Red Giant – Turns Green

nce considered last out of the gate in the race for environmental protection, China has done a sharp turn on the Green movement and is now leading the world in initiatives intended to improve the environment in China and elsewhere. Exhibition industry leaders who have a long history working in the Asian exhibition world say the shift is poised to bring sweeping changes through the exhibition industry there as well. In the past, when it came to exhibit waste, China was king, says Chris Dorn, president of Idea International Inc., an Asia-based exhibit design company. “Build and burn, flash and trash, spray and pray – whatever you called it, at the end of every show, there were mountains of trash,” he says. “The show floor would look like a bomb went off. Their level of recycling amounted to the guys who came in on their bicycles after the show to pick through the rubble for scraps they could salvage and sell for money.” The abundance of garbage was not merely due to the fact that most of the exhibits were built for one-time use. Stands in China are also usually built bigger, Dorn said, in keeping with a cultural ideology that bigger is better. Little emphasis was placed on the quality of the materials, he said, so long as the booth looked impressive from 30 feet away. But ideas are changing in places like China, and crews are taking more time during

dismantle to salvage pieces that could perhaps be used again. Dorn is also counseling his clients on other ways to have an impact with showgoers besides building massive structures. “We talk about whether they should spend their money on something else like sponsorships or interactives,” he said. “We question whether they are getting enough value out of their booth size alone or if they could be doing something better.” One trend that has mitigated waste issues in the United States but has been slow to reach China is the use of fabric. U.S.-based exhibitors turned to fabric more to reduce drayage charges than to reduce waste, but nonetheless, its reusability has cut deeply into build-and-burn booth designs stateside. There are no drayage charges in China that

56 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

would cause the same pain points for exhibitors, but Dorn said there are other issues slowing widespread adoption of fabric displays. “The model is set up so that you don’t make money off of reusing things,” Dorn said. “Money is made off of building booths, so some exhibit companies are resistant to the idea of reusable materials. The industry here is going to have to change its mindset and reframe its business model.” Complicating matters is the difficulty exhibitors have importing booth properties into China, where regulations and red tape have created a complex and frustrating system for the trade show community. Dorn credits manufacturers like Moss Inc., one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of tension fabric displays, for setting up shop in Changzhou, China, to circum-

by Amber Johnson

vent the barriers of importation. Because of that presence, Dorn said he expects to see fabric grow in popularity on Chinese show floors. But more will have to change before that should happen, said Dorn. Show floors in China can be quite dirty during setup, and laborers are often unskilled hired hands who the day before were working in farm fields. Keeping fabric for displays clean and properly handled will be a challenge unless those two things are addressed, he said. But Dorn feels sure it will come in time as the Chinese government intensifies its war on pollution, which is being blamed for a health and environmental crisis in the country. Recently, Dorn said, government officials made one of Idea International’s workshops as well as other businesses move to facilities well outside of the metro area in an effort to reduce the amount of industry around cities. Now, rather than being an hour away from the city’s main convention venue, the shop is four hours, and Dorn’s crew there are working out new systems for addressing last-minute needs for shows. While it’s not convenient, Dorn applauds the rationale behind the move as something that will keep the country moving forward environmentally. And while exhibition professionals are just now seeing hints of that effort on the show floor, Dorn is certain it is a sign of the environmental effort to come.

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Join Exhibit City News for our November/December edition. This special section will highlight the infrastructure of builders in the tradeshow industry. We will be looking at upcoming tradeshows in all three locations and we will also include restaurants and attractions in the surrounding areas. Have a presence in this special section to help brand your company and drive more business your way.

58 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

TRADESHOW/EVENT SOLUTIONS

The 35.000 ft² headquarters opened its doors in October 2015

Aluvision Expands to Keep Up With Spectacular Growth For exhibit and tradeshow industry related companies, the end of summer traditionally marks the start of a new busy season. For Aluvision developer and supplier of the high end modular frame system - that has been particularly true this year. The company has been ramping up all summer, culminating in an all-time record-breaking September month. The best team, the best service The new 35,000 ft. location in Atlanta, GA opened its doors in October 2015 and holds the North American headquarters. It houses an impressive showroom, a large warehouse and a state-of-the-art production facility. Since the opening of the new facility, Aluvision has known spectacular growth. Expanding the team has been an important ingredient to that success: besides an exponential growth of the production team, the company also added external sales people, doubled its customer service department and just recently took on two more engineer-detailers to translate customers’ designs into modular Aluvision solutions and to provide technical support. As a supplier to the industry, Aluvision knows that being able to react fast, provide excellent customer service and guarantee short production lead times are crucial. What’s new? Aluvision has always been a pioneer in bringing innovative products and solutions to this fast evolving market. @ExhibitCityNews

Visit Aluvision’s stateof-the-art facility in Atlanta, GA

adjacent wall frames child’s play, using a completely tool-free connector.

One of the most recent innovations is the ‘Poly-55 bright’ light box

In order to do so, the company continuously monitors and anticipates market trends to cater to the industry’s future needs. ‘Poly-55 bright’ One of the company’s most recent innovations is the ‘Poly-55 bright’ light box. This 2.17”/55mm thick single-sided light box has the same depth as the Aluvision Omni55 wall frames and therefore it is perfectly flush with adjacent walls. The sleek light box is backlit, using specially developed LED lights that were engineered to avoid any hotspots and shading on the edges of the light box. Integrated screw thread in the profile makes connection to

‘LED tile 55 P2’ Yet another product that is in its final stages of development, is the revolutionary ‘LED tile 55 P2’. With a depth of only 2.17”/55mm, it is not only the thinnest LED tile on the market, it also perfectly fits Aluvision’s Omni-55 wall frames, making the tiles flush on both sides of the frames. The 19.53”x19.53” (496 x 496mm) tiles match the Aluvision frame sizes to create a seamless LED wall in no time. The remarkably small pixel pitch of 2.8 guarantees exceptionally crisp, high resolution images. Visit Aluvision USA! The new Poly-55 bright light box, along with all of Aluvision’s other products and solutions, can be experienced in the company’s 5,000 ft² showroom. While the showroom on its own is most definitely worth a trip to Atlanta, GA, a visit to the shop and production floor is also highly recommended to see and understand how Aluvision manages to achieve such great efficiency and preciseness in its production process. For more A seamless LED wall information go to with the ‘LED tile 55 P2’ www.aluvision.com ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 59

UNION LEGISLATION

Can a Union Represent Your Temporary and Permanent Workers without Your Consent? A Recent Decision by the National Labor Relations Board Says Yes by William Daniels and Ms. Yuting Li

an a union organize the temporary workers used by a company without the consent of the company and hold the company responsible for bargaining with these employees? A recent decision by the National Labor Relations Board held that “Employer consent is not necessary for units that combine jointly employed and solely employed employees of a single user employer.” Miller & Anderson, Inc. and Tradesmen International and Sheet Metal Workers International Association, Local Union No. 19, AFLCIO, 364 NRLB No. 39. Under this decision, combining of the temporary workers and permanent workers in a single unit is appropriate if: (1) a company is a joint employer with the staffing agency; and (2) the temporary workers of the staffing agency and permanent workers of the company share a community of interest under the NLRB’s traditional test for determining unit appropriateness. Typically, a bargaining unit is defined as a group of employees for whom a labor union negotiates a collective bargaining agreement and is delineated by the work being performed by the employees’ type of work, job classification or location. A determination of a bargaining unit is required under the following two situations: (1) when a union files petitions for investigation and certification of representatives; or (2) when a union complains that an employer refused to bargain in violation of the National Labor Relations Act. Companies assume that temporary workers are classified as a sep60 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

arate bargaining unit solely the responsibility of the staffing agency. The NLRB’s expanded rule of determining the appropriateness of an employee’s bargaining unit, though, now allows temporary workers holding the same community of interest as the permanent workers solely employed by companies to be included into the bargaining unit of these permanent workers, if the company is a joint employer of these temporary workers. To determine if your company is at risk, you need to evaluate both criteria. As for whether a company is a joint employer, the NLRB has ruled that exercising “indirect control” over temporary workers or just possessing the “ability to exert such control” over the employment terms and conditions could be used to establish a joint employer relationship. No actual or immediate control is required, and the contract or work arrangement between the company and the staffing agency regarding the borrowing or renting of temporary workers is important evidence to evaluate the company’s power of control over these temporary workers. The NLRB’s non-exhaustive list of employment terms and conditions to be considered in the joint employment analysis includes: (1) hire, fire, discipline, supervise, and direct work; (2) determine wages and hours; (3) dictate the number of workers to be supplied; (3) control workers’ schedules and overtime; (4) determine seniority; (5) assign work; and (6) determine the manner and methods by which work will be performed.

Second criterion, the community-of-interest doctrine is a fundamental consideration in selecting an appropriate bargaining unit. This test consists of examining and comparing a number of factors so that employees may be grouped in a bargaining unit with other employees who share common interests and concerns in regard to their conditions of employment. Under the community-of-interest test, factors that the NLRB has delineated as being relevant to a determination that particular employees share a community of interest include: (1) similarity in skills, training, or experience; (2) similarity in job functions or job classifications; (3) similarity in wages, wage scale, or method of determining compensation; (4) similarity in fringe benefits; (5) similarity in work hours; (6) similarity in work clothes or uniforms; (7) similarity of job status or geographical proximity of employees; (8) interchangeability of employees or job assignments; (9) common supervision; (10) centralization of employer’s personnel and labor policies; (11) integration of employer’s production processes or operation; (12) similarity of relationship to employer’s administrative or organizational structures; (13) common history of bargaining with employer; (14) reflection of industry bargaining pattern; (15) expressed desires of employees; and (16) employees’ organizational framework or extent of union organization. The NLRB expressly stated that each employer is obligated to bargain only with the representatives of employees with whom it has an employment relationship and only with respect to such terms and conditions that it possesses the authority control. In other words, the company is obligated to bargain about all the terms of the employees who it solely employs, and only to bargain about its jointly employed employees’ terms that it possesses the authority to control. The staffing agency is NOT obligated to bargain regarding any terms or conditions of the employees who are solely employed by the company.

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COST-SAVING ADVICE

Churn and Slave or Learn and Save COST-CUTTING IDEAS THAT WILL TAKE THE STRAIN OFF YOUR TRADE SHOW BUDGET BY RICHARD ERSCHIK

A lot has changed in the trade show world over the past few years. Therefore, instead of simply churning what the exhibit manager before you did in your company, maybe it’s time for you to look outsidethe-box and learn about the changes and cost saving shortcuts that could increase your knowledge and maybe even advance your career. I know there are not a lot of places you can go for a trade show education today. So taking on the personal initiative to learn is a challenge, but it can go a long way for you. If you have been in the exhibit manager role long

enough, you know that the cost of exhibiting in trade shows continues to rise. All while the burden of generating some type of ROI rests on your shoulders. You can forget about the acronyms return on objective (ROO) and return on experience (ROE.) Return on investment (ROI) is all that’s important to upper management in your company. You can either contribute to it and be a hero. Or you can detract from it and update your resume and be ready to eventually move on. Cost cutting is paramount in cost control, today. And one of the ways I used to save BIG time on show cost, was in

CONCERTS CONVENTIONS DINING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SHOPPING SPORTING EVENTS

62 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

the area of electrical service. I say, “used to save” because I was like you (in my previous life). I was an exhibit manager in a well-known manufacturing industry company. I sat on carpet rolls for hours waiting for union labor to place the equipment in my booth. And I waited for electricians to put a plug in an outlet. So I have walked in your shoes and felt your pain, and still “get it,” when it comes to exhibiting in trade shows today. When I was an exhibit manager, I used to have comparatively large sized booths in the area of 20 x 40s and 40 x 60s. We exhibited in nine regional shows per year. Each booth had a lot of operating machinery it. In fact, general contractors and union labor either loved me, or hated me, when I developed shortcuts that saved my company tens of thousands of dollars of exhibiting service cost. I’ll share a couple of the shortcuts with you here. But rest assured I have a lot more. Nine operating machines in my booth would traditionally require nine individual

electric power-drops from the GC, right? Well, instead of ordering nine individual power-drops (chaching, cha-ching.) I’d order one power-drop from the show, and plug it into a power box that I had my company design. The power box worked like a high voltage extension cord with multiple plugs into which I’d plug each machine. I’d then run the cords under the carpet and cover the “bumps” with guards made for that purpose. That one cost savings was huge and went a long way in my “kudos and “atta boy” collection when I brought it to the attention of my company’s management during the dreaded post show wrap up meeting. You know the meeting, I’m sure. It’s the meeting where company management would ask THAT inevitable question; “How was the show?” I could write pages about that post show meeting. However, for now, here is another cost savings shortcut when it comes to trade show services cost. Getting back to the nine

operating machines. They were heavy. In addition, they generally required a BIG (expensive by the hour) cherry picker or crane to properly place (spot) them into their individual locations in the booth. Again, cha-ching, chaching, and OMG if they ever had to be moved a tweak after they had been placed. That would be cha-ching, cha-ching on steroids. WTF at that point meant Where’s The Foreman? So how did I mitigate the huge expense of needing a cherry picker or crane to move the machines into place, you ask? Before the show, I had platforms built that attached to the bottom of each machine. The platforms served two functioning purposes.

Functioning purpose number one: I covered each platform with contrasting color carpet, onto which visitors could step-up and look at the workings of the machines. Functioning purpose number two: I had the platforms built as a “skid or pallet” under which the forks of a large lift truck would fit to easily move the machines around at far less cost than a cherry picker or crane. Not only did this save my company a ton of money in machine “spotting” in the booth. Drayage cost was also greatly reduced as subject for even more personal kudos and “atta boys.” So there you have it. Two shortcuts in areas where

ROI (Return On Investment) is all that’s important to upper management in your company.” you can save your company thousands of dollars. Maybe the savings will take the strain off your trade show budget, and let you have a little more fun in the cities of your trade show venues. Look for more of my shortcuts and cost saving ideas in future issues of ECN.

Richard Erschik is among the highest rated exhibitor educators/trainers in the country. He has been a roundtable moderator, FastTrak instructor, and featured speaker and presenter at the EXHIBITOR show in Las Vegas for 18 years. For more info, visit www. TradeshowLeadsToSales.com or call (630) 642-6500 or email Richard@ TradeShowLeadsToSales.com

Foundation

Get ready to raise funds and have fun at the Silent Auction Electronics, trips, food, wine and much more! Special pre-reception for grantor companies. Proceeds go to industry families in need, scholarships and partner schools.

Please consider making a donation and joining us at this special event!

Be Part of the Story. Visit www.edpa.com/edpafoundation to see how!

@ExhibitCityNews

please contact: Amanda Helgemoe ahelgemoe@nuvistaonline.com ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 63

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 65

CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT For fine dining, visit the London Chop House, 155 W. Congress St., to enjoy a wonderful New York strip or an array of American dishes. If you’re searching for something quick and cheap, head to Supino Pizzeria, 2457 Russell St., for a great Italian pizza or Mexican dishes at Taqueria Mi Pueblo, 7278 Dix St, all within driving distance of the Cobo.

SLEEP I prefer family owned hotels as they just have a cozier feel. i recommend the Roberts Riverwalk Urban Resort which is a solid brick structure with history. Located in the River Place District on the waterfront, the resort offers a fitness center, wi-fi and a restaurant. Another good choice is the recently transformed historic Detroit Fire Dept. headquarters that has become the beautiful 100-room Foundation Hotel.

The Cobo Conference/ Exhibition Center

by Kathy Anaya

he Cobo Center, built by the city of Detroit, is the 17th largest convention center in the country. Opened in 1960, the facility currently has 623,000 sq. feet of meeting space, which includes 100 different style meeting rooms and flex spaces for work, networking or lounging. Other amenities include a coffee/ wine bar in the lobby; 2, 246 parking spaces; valet parking; and wi-fi for attendees and exhibitors. With international access through the U.S. Port of Entry only two blocks from the convention center, as well as public transportation, access to downtown shopping, hotels and attractions is very convenient. A visit to the Detroit Shoppe is a must-see, since the non-profit sells Detroit brand mer-

66 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

chandise with all the proceeds going to local charities. The Cobo Center service department manages a turn-key operation where show managers or vendors provide content and it is then broadcast through the network’s infrastructure. They also have an extensive digital signage system which, when added to the full facility fiber optic network and fully equipped broadcast studio, is one of the most high-tech event support offerings in the industry today. The convention center is committed to the environment and it educates their employees, partners, vendors and visitors in the importance of sustainability to our environment for each show. Make sure you take in everything this beautiful city has to offer.

PLAY Holocaust Memorial Center: Take in some history by visiting the memorial center which opened in 1984. Located about 22 miles from the Cobo Center at 28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, this is the country’s first free-standing facility devoted to remembering the Holocaust and working to help prevent future abominations. It pays tribute to those who help saved individuals, along with art and library. Hitsville USA: Visit Motown founder Berry Gordy’s quaint 1959 home and Motown’s original recording studio at 2648 W Grand Blvd. (less than five miles from the Cobo Center). Belle Isle Park: You’ll want to take the family to this breathtaking 983 acre island park. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some fishing and nature. You can visit the nature center, play tennis or visit the beach area that is complete with a waterslide and playgrounds. Also less than five miles from the Cobo, you can enjoy the views of the downtown Detroit skyline.

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The 2017 Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic MIKE’S DARE REVISITED BY JIM OBERMEYER

Ten years ago, I attended my first Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, after being poked and prodded so many times by Mike Boone (thank you, Mike). And I have been back every year since. As this year’s event ended, I was asked to write a piece for this issue. I went back and read the column I wrote in 2007. I don’t think I could say it any better, or any differently now… -----------------------------------December 2007: Mike’s Dare I have heard about this event for many years, and have never been able to fit it

into my schedule. I was either at a client’s show, or preparing for a client’s show, or in some important meeting. There was always some legitimate reason for not making the trip. And then I ran into Mike Boone at the EDPA conference last year and he challenged me…no, he dared me to make time this year. And as the time to go approached, I found myself waffling…creating reasons that I couldn’t make it. How could I afford the time away from the office? What about all the things I had to get done this fall? Could I really justify it? Mike’s dare re-surfaced in my mind. Before I could make

68 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

another excuse, I registered and booked my hotel and air. And on a Sunday evening in October I flew to Atlanta for the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. I have to admit, some of my hesitation about attending this event has been the golf itself. I am a new golfer; I have a lot to learn about the game. I love it, but frankly, it was a bit intimidating to think about playing with all of the ‘professionals’ I envisioned at this event. I went this time as a volunteer, and as an observer. I wanted to see what this was all about, why Mike was so adamant about attending. I connected with Jim Wurm (executive director of the EACA) in the morning and he asked me to judge the putting contest, and I had a good time doing that. I spent some time throughout the day talking with Jim, and with Rich Johnson and Ted Peterson, who run the show, helping where I could and learning more about the event. Then Don Svehla (ECN publisher) and I grabbed a golf cart and took a ride out on the course to watch the action.

With something like 275 golfers spread out over 27 holes, there was a lot of action, and a lot of guys I know and have seen many times throughout the years in the industry. For the most part, it seemed like any other golf tournament. Until the evening. I could sense the mood of the group changing as golfers returned from the course and started settling into the banquet room. With Rich acting as the emcee, the group of 275 men and women who had spent a spectacular fall day on the golf course now turned their attention to the real reason they were all here: to honor the ten families who had lost loved ones or were devastated by serious illness, and were the beneficiaries of the funds raised here. One by one, the families came to the podium to speak about the lives of those lost, or the medical ordeals they had been through. And each one of them had a message for the audience – a message of thanks, of love, of faith, of hope. It was not possible to be untouched by what was said, by their authenticity,

(above) RSMGC sends a BIG thank you to their corporate sponsors, from L-R: Rodney Brannon/ PRG, Ben Lewis/MC2, Rob Packer/Czarnowski, Rich McAdams/MC2, Dave Centrowitz/CSI, Mike Boone/Coastal International, Scott Gray/Video Craft Productions, Shannon Scherer/Nth Degree and not pictured, 3D Exhibits and Brown Bag Graphics. (middle) John Merritt and Mike Boone modeling the latest in duffer wear. (right) Erin Kimbrell and Krista Lauer on mulligan patrol

by their pure gratitude for the generosity of this group. It was said several times by several people throughout the evening, but the overriding sense I came away with was that we really are a small industry, and we really are more like a large family. At an event like this it is also very apparent that there are a lot of people out there that care deeply for this family, and are willing to commit the time, effort and funds to show how much they care.

The final moment of the evening came when the two sons of Randy Smith, the man whose name the event honors, stepped to the podium to talk about their father, and to thank once again this group for their constant and continuing support of industry families in need. For me, I cannot imagine missing another Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. I can’t help but think about how to carry the message of this event - the need to support

our industry families in need out beyond just the group that gets to come here to be a part of it. How can we involve more people in our companies in this cause, and in the other equally important causes supported by the EDPA Foundation? What if we could involve the employees in each of our local companies in an effort to support this national industry cause? Imagine the potential impact of that level of involvement. Imagine an industry

full of small companies coming together to support one cause – a cause that supports the individual employee and their families. In the meantime, I challenge you…no, I dare you to go be a part of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic next October. -----------------------------------That was ten years ago. And nothing has changed about how I view this event and this important cause in our industry. If you and your company are not part of this yet, you need to be. Just ask anyone who has been there. I dare you.

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 69

IN MEMORIAM

Clockwise: Top, with John Staley in 1978; Giving presidential debate commentary on CNN; Playing guitar in 2012; At ComicCon LV in 2017; Celebrating his birthday with his daughter, Alexis, son-in-law Greg, and grandchildren Ruby, Lily, Greyton and Gigi this past July, and time-traveling with Jeanne Brei at her Swanky Supper Club Soiree show in 2016.

Arthur James Bloberger 7/5/56 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9/28/17 70 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

ECN magazine is saddened to report that our beloved editor, Arthur Bloberger, passed away Sept. 28 after a nine-week battle with esophageal cancer that had metastasized to his stomach, lymph nodes and liver. He moved to Las Vegas at the age of three from San Francisco and then spent nearly his entire life in the Entertainment Capital after a brief foray of working at a Madison Avenue advertising agency in New York City in the late ‘70s. Upon his return to Las Vegas, he had lengthy tenures as editor of Today in Las Vegas magazine and the Jewish Reporter. Along the way, he was at the creative helm of many other successful publications, from the nationally circulated SuperShopper and Sweepstakes magazines to other local publications such as Nevada Hospitality magazine and Las Vegas’ first, original city magazines, Las Vegan and LV. He took the helm at ECN in May 2016 and at his passing, he was editor-in-chief of Exhibit City News and his own on-line ‘zine, LasVegaZine.com. He was blessed with many talents and interests - from graphic design to eloquent writing, from his artistic abilities (both as a cartoonist and a portraitist) to his guitar playing (he specialized in folk and John Denver music - but he loved all music), from his love of vintage comic books and superheroes to professional wrestling, and more. He had starred in several musicals in high school, including Prof. Higgins in My Fair Lady, Snoopy in You’re @ExhibitCityNews

a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl and loved everything entertainment–and was frequently seen covering the red carpet events in Las Vegas. The staff and writers for ECN, as well as many in the exhibit industry, all share in the loss of this wonderful man and talented editor. ECN Publisher Don Svehla said, “Arthur made many friends in the industry during his two years with us. Our readers will surely miss his professionalism and easy going style.” Art director Thomas Speak said, ““I am very proud of the work Arthur and I did during his two-years with the magazine. Always on the bright side of life, Arthur and his smile will be dearly missed.” Our director of sales, Kathy Anaya, shared, “In the past two years working with Arthur has been such a pleasure as he was a dedicated editor and an awesome team player. He had a zest for life, was very talented and will greatly be missed but never forgotten.” And our office manager, Samanta Arjune, who was shot at the country music festival just three days after Arthur passed away, lamented, ““Arthur was one of the kindest, loving man I have ever met, he enjoyed and loved life. I will truly miss him!” ECN writer Cynthya Porter spoke for many of the ECN writers and contributors when she said, “I am so saddened to hear about Arthur’s passing. I really enjoyed working with him - he was a very nice man” and ECN columnist Lesley Martin echoed those senti-

ments and said, “I am so sorry to hear. Arthur was a terrific person and excellent editor for ECN.” ECN writer Pat Friedlander shared, “He was such a kind, likeable man who still managed to keep the train on the track. He was fun to work with—and to talk to. My heart will be with all of you.” When notified of Arthur’s passing, Mary Klida, senior marketing & communications manager for the Cobo Center in Detroit, emailed, “How very sad. He was a wonderful gentleman and a great editor. Please give everyone there a hug from me. His passing is a loss for us all.” His passing was mourned internationally, as Marianne de Raay, the executive director of AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres), wrote from her home in Belgium, “I am so sorry to hear that Arthur passed away – he was a great editor and I’m sure he’ll be missed as a very kind colleague. I had no idea he was ill and although we only worked by email and never met, I’ll remember him as a great industry colleague.” John Staley, a fellow Rancho High School ’74 alumnus who had been Arthur’s close friend for 45 years, was thrilled when Arthur featured him on the cover of the last issue he edited. He recalls, “He was simply my best friend. Although the miles between Oregon and Vegas made our relationship different these last few years, our long history of adventures in life are amongst the most fundamental experiences in my life. His passing leaves a hole in my life that will never be filled. He was that kind of friend.” He

adds, “Arthur and I became adults together, from our many adventures in New York City (he introduced me to the woman I would marry), to running comic books like gypsies, to a life-long discussion of all things artistic and political. He was a deeply talented man, in so many things and he made them all look easy.” Arthur truly enjoyed covering the tradeshow industry— from traveling to Orlando for EDPA Access to attending Aluvision’s boot camp in Atlanta as well as writing and editing stories and walking the tradeshow floors at IMEX, CES, and so many more. He was incredibly grateful that his newly adopted tradeshow family nominated him for a Randy Smith Memorial medical assistance grant and, he so wanted to be there in October to thank everyone from the EACA, EDPA Foundation, and the board of the RSMGC for the financial assistance that made it easier for him to battle the cancer and ultimately to cover his end-of-life costs. He is survived by his daughter Alexis (Greg) Baker and four grandchildren (Ruby, Lily, Greyton and Gigi), brother Darrin, sisters Fran, Sonny and Carolynn, his sweetheart of nearly six years Jeanne, nieces (Ginger, Cinnamon, Sugar, Rebecca, Erina), nephews (Ian, Andre), cousins and lots of treasured friends. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Barbara, sister Cindy and brother Joey. RIP Arthur Bloberger, you will never be forgotten and you’ll live on in our hearts and memories.

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 71

IN MEMORIAM

Joseph Dominick Onorato, Sho-Aids Former President APRIL 28, 1941-SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 PUBLISHED IN THE DELAWARE COUNTY DAILY TIMES ON SEPT. 14, 2017

oseph Dominick Onorato passed away suddenly on September 10, at the age of 76. Onorato was born in Yonkers, New York on April 28, 1941. He moved to South Philadelphia at the age of one, and then moved to Folsom, Delaware County, ten years later. He graduated from Ridley Township High School in 1958 and worked for Boeing-Vertol while earning his engineering degree. He eventually settled in Swarthmore-

wood and his family began to grow. He left Boeing for a “temporary” position at ShoAids in Folcroft, Penn., from where he eventually retired in 2017. He moved his family to Springfield in 1982 where he lived for the last 35 years. Over the course of his tenure at Sho-Aids, he met and made many friends from all corners of the world. He began as a master carpenter and after four decades of hard work and dedication he

72 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

retired as company president in June of 2017. His wife, Dianne often traveled with him, both domestic and abroad, making memories that lasted a lifetime. Bill Nixon, a fellow business owner (president of Teamwork, Inc.) and life-long friend, had this to say: “Joe Onorato was an exceptional man, coworker, and friend. He was fiercely loyal and worked hard for his customers, his company, his crews, his family, and friends. His passion for and effect on the trade show industry are evident in his many, many industry friends who miss The Trade Show Godfather dearly. Club Dewar’s! God Bless! With much love and respect…” He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He valued gatherings, sharing meals, gardening, cooking, entertaining and just having fun. Those who knew him likely experienced his famous “Joe’s Hots.” Joe was a founding member of Club Dewar’s and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Peace Council. He volunteered his time and himself tirelessly and effortlessly throughout the years to support the many

functions that benefited the Catholic community. He was predeceased by his wife, Dianne, and his sister Anne, and his parents Joseph and Concetta (Rossi) Onorato. He is survived by his children, Joseph and Christine with their children Joseph, Dominic and Christopher; Elizabeth “Peaches” and Andrew “Peno” Procaccio with their children Janet and Steve Cameron and their son Jack, Rachael Cress (Drew Kerr) and Phillip Cress (daughter Keira); Mark and Dolores with their children Mark and Stefan Onorato; Maria Onorato with son William McGinnis. He is also survived by his brothers, Frederick (Edwina), Richard (Lorraine) and Nicholas (Linda) as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. His Funeral Mass was at Kevin Church, Springfield, PA with burial at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery. In lieu of any flowers, the family requests donations in Joe’s name to the Knights of Columbus, Peace Home Association, PO Box 117, Crum Lynn, PA 19022. To leave condolences, visit http://www.legacy.com/ obituaries/delcotimes/obituary.aspx?pid=186651495.

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 73

IN MEMORIAM

John Hasbrouck, NewLeads Founder MARCH 29, 1958 - SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

ewLeads founder John Blevins Hasbrouck had a mountain biking accident on August 31, in McCall, Idaho, and passed away on September 8 at a Boise hospital. Hasbrouck developed reading/capture devices with software that exhibiting companies could either buy or rent for their shows after being dissatisfied with the sales lead retrieval systems that show managements were using in the late ‘90s. He thought that simple badge-reading technology didn’t provide exhibitors with the attendees’ needs or their intent to buy the products offered and he could provide a better solution. He did so by developing software that read 95 percent of the badges that trade show management companies offered and named his company: NewLeads. It changed exhibitors’ expectations and pressured conference organizers and exhibit service companies to offer more sophisticated badge scanning and lead acquisition devices. After his death, his company released these statements: “Hasbrouck was deeply loved by his family, friends and employees. He was an extraordinarily smart and accomplished entrepreneur who built a company that still represents and practices the founding principles. His exceptional work ethic,

74 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Hasbrouck was deeply loved by his family, friends and employees. He was an extraordinarily smart and accomplished entrepreneur who built a company that still represents and practices the founding principles.” long-term commitment to his clients and suppliers, diligence in strong financial practices, unwavering desire to

always do the right thing, and his belief that his colleagues were integral to both his personal and to the company’s success made him truly one of a kind. “I have always been proud to say I worked for John Hasbrouck,” said Karl Becker, COO. His vision for the company will be continued by the Hasbrouck family and all the NewLeads employees.” His career began as a news anchor, writer and editor for an NBC affiliate in Yuma, AZ, presenting the evening news. He then worked in the production of special reports throughout Latin America as an independent contractor for the Christian Broadcasting Network, and also founded Media International, which produced educational videotapes that he sold to schools and youth leaders nationally. He is survived by his wife Cordelia, and his children Jillian Bertone (AJ) of San Francisco, Catherine of Boston, William and Harrison of Ojai, CA; and his siblings David Hasbrouck ( & Elizabeth) of San Marino, Mary Ehrlich (& Glenn) of Carnation, WA, and Nancy Hasbrouck of San Diego, CA. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother and son who was devoted to his faith and family, a man of great integrity, and one who was never afraid to speak his mind.

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 75

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move

th Degree, a leading full-service global event marketing and labor management company, announced the appointment of Rich Ennis (right) as chief executive officer. Based in Nth Degree’s corporate office in Atlanta, Ga., Ennis will lead the organization as it embarks on a period of growth and expansion to better support its customers’ face-to-face marketing programs around the world. “In collaboration with Nth Degree’s management team, we selected Rich Ennis as Nth Degree’s CEO during this period of unprecedented success in the company’s history,” said Kyle Largent, managing director of Gladstone Investment Corporation. “Rich’s successful leadership of business-to-business companies and brands, his track record of innovation, and his commitment to fostering the company culture and team member development make him well-suited to lead Nth Degree.” Aaron Miller (right) has joined MC2 as executive creative director. In this role, he will work closely with the company’s chief strategy officer, national design director, designers and account executives to inspire, lead and motivate teams to create breakthrough face-to-face brand experiences. “We are pleased to welcome Aaron to the MC2 executive team,” says Rich McAdam, MC2 president. “He is an exceptionally talented creative leader who will be valuable to client programs and inspiring our account teams.” A multiple award-winning designer, Miller brings with him to his new role 15 years of experience in the experiential marketing industry. He started his career as a designer and then later

76 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

By Exhibit City News

co-founded and established the design agency, Formstudios, Inc. “It is an exciting opportunity for me to return to MC2, the agency where I began my career in experiential marketing,” says Miller. “I look forward to working with our world class strategic, creative, and production talent to create amazing stories across all live marketing channels and deliver firstin-class brand experiences that increase client value and power those ‘You had to be there’ moments – both here in Los Angeles and around the world.” Hill & Partners, a full-service provider for branded environments, recently welcomed five new team members to their sales, estimating, and project management teams and announces the promotion of four team members in the design and project management departments. Greg Poole joined H&P as sales manager and has multiple years of experience in business development and sales management from a variety of industries around the country. Most recently he worked as a senior business development manager in the healthcare-staffing field. Hill & Partners brought on Derrick Amodei as assistant project manager. Amodei graduated from the University of Vermont in 2016 and previously interned with H&P as an associate project manager. Past roles also include working for different furnishing and labor related organizations. Kaleigh Rhoades joined H&P as associate project manager, client services. Rhoades has served in various roles, supporting business and

administrative positions. Most recently she worked as a marketing coordinator for a Boston-based software company. Derek Mason joined H&P as account manager. Mason has extensive experience in the trade show industry, having worked on for a leading event production company for the last 14 years. Derek brings a wealth of experience in client program management, production, and corporate event solutions. Hill & Partners also welcomed Stephany Malyska (left) to the team as senior exhibit designer. Malyska brings over ten years of design experience, having worked on a variety of projects from product and industrial design to concept development and exhibit design. Most recently she worked as a senior exhibit designer at a Mass.-based exhibit house. Mike Geary was promoted to account manager for H&P. Geary provides their clients with day-to-day contact and support while overseeing the full scope and context of their program activities. As a senior member of the account management team, Geary is responsible for actively organizing both physical and human resources on behalf of the clients they serve. Nic Garofalo was promoted to project manager and was assigned to their Las Vegas facility. As project manager, Garofalo now oversees specific projects for clients and assists with pre, during, and post-show execution. As the main PM in their Las Vegas office, he also plays a larger role in projects taking place on the West Coast. H&P also announces the promotion of Josh Terceira (left) to senior graphic designer. In his new role, Terceira oversees the graphic design workload and consults clients on a scope of projects. Since joining H&P, Terceira has continued to increase Continued on p. 78

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Continued from p.76 the department’s design and image-capturing capabilities. Lastly, Mike Vallone was promoted to assistant creative director and senior exhibit designer. Vallone’s responsibilities for H&P now include guiding the creative direction of the department and acting as a leader to team members. He will continue to design award-winning branded environments for clients, as well. Nimlok Maryland/Adler Display, an exclusive and expert Nimlok exhibit and display solutions provider based in Baltimore, is proud to announce it has added four new hires to its growing team of exhibit and display professionals. Ben Brumleve (above right) joins the team as an inside sales representative. With experience in visual communications and marketing, Brumleve will work to serve clients with their exhibit and display solutions. Two designers were added this summer: Alexandra Hart is an experienced exhibit designer with a background in industrial design and engineering psychology and Shannon Young (right) has a background in fine arts and experience in large format graphic design and production. Both will work with clients to design exhibit and display solutions that cater to their needs. And Greg Snider joins the team as a project manager with experience in visual production. As a member of the project management team, Snider will work with complex client projects and timelines, coordinating the on-time and in-budget delivery of a variety of visual exhibit and display solutions. “Adler’s achievements over the past 80 years are due to our talented team of professionals,” says Ron Adler, president of Nimlok Maryland/Adler Display. “We look forward to enhancing our customer service and solutions offerings with the addition of these outstanding individuals.” Nimlok Chicago, an exclusive and ex78 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

pert Nimlok exhibit and display solutions provider based in the Chicago-land area, is proud to announce it has added Wes Green, project coordinator, to its growing team of exhibit and display professionals. Green joins Nimlok Chicago with previous experience in the entertainment industry as a tour business manager, having worked for Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. Circus and Monster Jam. He joins the Nimlok Chicago project management team, where he will apply his skills and experiences to enhance the company’s production and managed services divisions. Momentum Management, a premier nationwide labor services company, has expanded its accounting department by hiring three new employees. Rebecca Walsh (right), Matilda Richardson and Mary Moonshower have joined Momentum’s accounting department and work with accounts receivables, which is headed by Olivia Conley. Walsh, Richardson and Moonshower handle all responsibilities within the billing department. “With our continued growth of booth size and number of clients on the trade show floor, we are always striving to stay proactive and one step ahead of the game,” says Vicki Bott, CFO, Momentum Management. “With the addition of these three exceptional employees to our accounting department, our operation will continue to run smoothly and seamlessly as our expected growth continues.” Hargrove, Inc., the creator of compelling, world-class environments for events, experiential marketing activations, expositions and exhibits announce that Sue Holle has joined Hargrove as a director, national accounts and Lisa Miller has been promoted to the newly created position of director of events,

national accounts. Holle is responsible for operational oversight for all national trade show business, working with the internal sales team to introduce industry-leading technology and best practices to our clients, as well as developing new business relationships. “I am delighted to be able to bring all of my industry experience to my new role at Hargrove, says Holle. “I have been tremendously impressed with the creativity and ‘can do’ attitude that are part of the Hargrove culture.” In her new role, Miller will be responsible for providing operational oversight across Hargrove’s growing national events business. In addition to managing her own portfolio of business, Miller will now be working alongside the internal sales team and serve as a liaison with clients to ensure that Hargrove continues to offer industry leading strategic vision to their clients throughout the planning process, building partnerships that will transition into new business growth. TradeTec Skyline, a full-service B2B exhibit house specializing in trade show displays and services is pleased to announce the recent expansion of their project team. Krista McCloud (left), who joined TradeTec as an account coordinator in 2015, has been promoted to the role of account manager. Before TradeTec, McCloud worked on the client side of the industry planning and executing trade shows. In her new role, she will work closely with clients as well as the sales and design teams on all aspects of new client projects and asset management. Haley Doss and Victoria Scholly have joined TradeTec as account coordinators. Doss, a graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Ill., earned a degree in business management and organizational communications. Scholly, a advertising graduate from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Campaign, has event planning experience.

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DINING

Our Spotlight on the Three D’s Continues Trinity Groves Transforms West Dallas; Denver’s Larimer Square Turns 52; Detroit’s Cass Corridor Comeback West Dallas, the historical home of Bonnie and Clyde and blight, has been transformed in the last five years after the $200 million dollar Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge joined it with downtown Dallas. A quick zip across the Trinity River and you’re in a crowded restaurant mecca with open air patios that smell of Spanish tapas, Middle Eastern spiced lamb skewers, Latin-Asian fusion, Central-American, Italian, and sushi. Trinity Groves features a microbrewery and a culinary events center with events such as art and theater shows, live musical performances and chef cook-off competitions as popular draws. Key to Trinity Groves’ success is its Restaurant Concept Incubator program, which encourages chefs and restaurateurs to create and present unique restaurant concepts to a team of experienced restaurateurs who then support them to bring their ideas to reality in spaces that were once industrial warehouses. 80 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

In the 1960s, preservationist Dana Crawford worked to save the block between 14th and 15th streets in downtown Denver from demolition by the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, turning the late 19th-century buildings of Larimer Square into a model of adaptive reuse and historic preservation. To transform the deteriorating block, the buildings were gutted and stripped and given new wiring, plumbing, and heating, along with completely new interiors. Stonemasons, glassworkers, and other craftsmen were hired to help restore the buildings, while courtyards and arcades were added to help give the block a more open feel. By 1969, the only major historic structures to survive the Skyline Urban Renewal Project were the Daniels & Fisher Tower and the buildings of Larimer Square. In 2015, the restored Larimer Square celebrated its 50th anniversary. It is now home to dozens of cafés, shops, galleries, and professional offices, including restaurants run by top Denver chefs such as Jennifer Jasinski, Troy Guard, and Frank Bonanno. The ongoing success of Larimer Square has inspired similar projects that have turned Lower Downtown and Union Station into thriving renovated historic buildings filled with offices, hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Cass Corridor is in the middle of its metamorphosis. The new $863 million Little Caesars Arena opened in September on the Corridor’s southern edge, and is part of District Detroit, a 50-block development planned around the arena that will feature entertainment, commercial and residential developments. When Chef Andy Hollyday and his business partner, Evan Hansen, bought a building there in 2012, the renewal north of them in Midtown seemed miles — not blocks — away, but they took a chance, betting that development would continue spreading, as it did. The Seldon Standard, opened to rave reviews in November 2014 and has since been named restaurant of the year in 2015 by the Detroit Free Press and in 2016 by Hour Detroit. Find them at the corner of Second Avenue and Selden, just south of Wayne State’s campus and only two blocks west of the Fisher Music Center. Trinity Groves, 3011 Gulden Lane, Dallas, TX 75212, (214) 744-0100, www.trinitygroves.com; Larimer Square, 1430 Larimer, Denver CO, 80202, www.larimersquare.com; Seldon Standard, 3921 Second Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, (313) 438-5055, www.seldenstandard.com

Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER

THE D.E.A.L. Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ENTERTAINMENT

Texas Star Dinner Theater Are you ready to visit the Old Wild West? It’s Where Historical Meets Hysterical

many of their shows) is a saloon filled with colorful characters living out their lives. Inside, you might see dance hall girls, gamblers, cowboys, a town merchant and maybe even a traveling preacher attempting to turn a wayward soul back to the righteous path. At their Wild West murder mystery dinner theater, the actors perform in and among the tables, directly interacting with audience members. They will not be seated at the tables dining with guests. You are definitely seeing a “staged” production. The 90-minute murder mystery comedy unfolds in three acts. Each table functions as a team to solve the mystery. Following Act Two, each table/team has the fun opportunity to interrogate the murder suspects. Each table then submits a ballot naming who they believe is the guilty party. After the ballots are collected Act Three is performed and the mystery is solved. Load up the wagon or saddle your horse and get yer buns there to enjoy a great evening of fun and laughter cowboy style. Yee haw! Texas Star Theater, 816 S. Main St., Grapevine, TX 76051, (817) 310-5588. For more info, visit www. texasstardinnertheater.com.

Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER

Take a light-hearted journey back to the old Wild West of Texas at The Texas Star Dinner Theater, located in historic downtown Grapevine (halfway between Dallas and Ft. Worth, just north of Arlington and just ten minutes north of DFW International Airport), to see a Lone Star Murder Mystery. Lone Star Murder Mysteries debuted in the Fort Worth Stockyards in 2003 as an instant hit. In September 2004 they moved to the Gaylord Texan where year round they entertained thousands with their unique brand of Wild West comedy “who-done-its” and established a reputation as a great entertainment experience. Lone Star Murder Mysteries were named “Best Entertainment in North Texas” in both 2009 and 2010 by Texas Meetings + Events magazine and garnered a four dagger rating, the highest given, from the Ft. Worth Star Telegram in its review of best murder mystery dinner theaters. They’ve branded their wacky western style of comedy entrainment “Where Historical Meets Hysterical” and after a few hours of laughter and fun you’ll see why.

In 2011, they moved into the Texas Star Dinner Theater, a venue located across the street from the Grapevine Vintage Railroad in downtown Grapevine. Unlike other murder mystery productions that take place in restaurants - with all the accompanying noise and distractions – this facility was created with the audience and the show in mind. Clear sight lines, great acoustics, outstanding food, an elegant western atmosphere, and no distractions create an unequaled entertainment experience. TripAdvisor has awarded them a Certificate of Excellence five years in a row as actors are arrayed in elaborate, authentic, detailed costuming straight out of the Wild West 1880s of Texas. Comedy scripts are based loosely on stories that took place in the wild Texas frontier town of Fort Worth, where crime and vice were easy to find if you wanted. The town was not unlike most western towns -- built on cattle trails and railroads -- where trail cowboys, gunfighters, and outlaws gathered in saloons, hotels, restaurants (and even theaters) to while away the long western nights. One of the most recognizable images from the Old West (and the setting for

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 81

THE D.E.A.L. Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ATTRACTIONS

Top 10 Bucket List Item: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre For A Concert, Yoga, Personal Workout, Hike, Movies on the Rocks or Church Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is one of the world’s most renowned concert venues and has hosted everyone from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Recognized for its star-studded concert roster, natural acoustics and ambience, as well as its awe-inspiring hiking and biking trails, listening to a concert here is on the bucket list of every true music fan. When there’s no concert, the Visitor Center has a free museum with interactive educational displays and a short film on

its geologic and musical history, a Performers’ Hall of Fame, and the Ship Rock Grille-the official restaurant of Red Rocks, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks. Part of Denver’s Theatres & Arenas Division, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just 15 miles west of Denver. Built around two massive boulders, the Red Rocks Visitor Center features several group meeting spaces and features a delectable menu matched only by the stunning local scenery. Guests can spend a sunny afternoon dining on the outdoor patio surrounded by breathtaking vistas and even the occasional wildlife, or a cozy evening in the dining

room near a roaring fire. The amphitheater’s rocks are named “Creation Rock” on the north, “Ship Rock” on the south, and “Stage Rock” to the east. Though naturally formed, the amphitheatre was designed by Denver architect Burnham Hoyt. They began building in 1937 and it was completed in 1941. There are 70 rows of wooden bench seating in the venue, including one row at the front and one in the rear with accessible seating. The amphitheater itself seats between two big slab of rocks that act like a giant headphone. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison, CO 80465, (720) 8652494 For more info, visit www.redrocksonline.com.

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82 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

LODGING

Former Detroit Fire Dept. Headquarters Becomes Boutique Foundation Hotel Features 100 rooms, Commissioner’s Suite, Apparatus Room restaurant The Foundation Hotel, a $28-million boutique hotel that was five years in the making, was built inside the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters. Keeping the fire department aesthetic, the five-story hotel, across from the Cobo Center, is a contrast of “old and new,” with features such as the iconic red arched firehouse doors and historic glazed brick tiles, which are set alongside modern fixtures.

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The hotel, which opened May 15 with 100 rooms, was designed by Detroit-based McIntosh Poris Associates and Simeone Deary Design Group. The project was co-developed by Aparium Hotel Group and Walter Cohen. Spanning the entire ground floor, the Apparatus Room, named after its original purpose to house fire engines, has a central communal bar and is anchored by an open kitchen with the original firepole the firemen slid down in the corner. When guests walk in, they immediately see the Apparatus Room to the left. The new restaurant

(led by two Michelin-starred chef Thomas Lents) opens to the lobby, with guests able to view the open kitchen. It creates a communal space, very unique to the industry. Additionally, it will be home to a “Chef’s Table” that will deliver a destination prix fixe experience and will also serve as an incubator for Detroit’s newest chefs. What was once the fire commissioner’s floor now holds a 967 sq.ft. commissioner suite with a pool table on the third floor. Guest and amenities services include high-end linens and SERTA mattresses, free Wi-Fi access, a 24-hour business center kiosk, pet amenities and 24-hour access to the fitness center featuring Peloton Bikes and Torpedo weights. Foundation Hotel, 250 W. Larned (and Washington), Detroit, MI 48226, (866) 808-6100. For more info, visit www.detroitfoundationhotel.com

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 83

Trade Show Calendar CANADA Show Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo - WMS Vision Canada Air Transport Association of Canada - ATAC HealthAchieve - OHA - Ontario Hospital Assn Family Medicine Forum - FMF Buildex, Construct & Design Trends Calgary Psychonomic Society Annual Scientific Meeting Toronto Academy of Dentistry - Winter Clinic - TAD The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show SecTor Security Conference Green Industry Show & Conference - GISC CONTEC - Montreal Canadian Western Agribition Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine - CAAM Pharmacy U Construct Canada Landscape Ontario Congress Winnipeg Renovation Show The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Western Retail Lumber Association Prairie Showcase - WRLA Montreal International Auto Show

Start 11/02 11/04 11/06 11/06 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/10 11/11 11/13 11/16 11/16 11/20 11/24 11/25 11/29 01/09 01/12 01/13 01/17 01/19

End 11/04 11/05 11/08 11/07 11/11 11/09 11/12 11/10 11/12 11/15 11/17 11/17 11/25 11/25 11/25 12/01 01/11 01/14 01/14 01/19 01/28

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

CC International Centre Hyatt Regency Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Metro Toronto CC Palais des Congres BMO Centre Vancouver CC Palais des Congres Metro Toronto Congress Centre BMO Centre at Stampede Park Palais des Congres Evraz Place Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Vancouver CC Metro Toronto Congress Centre Metro Toronto Congress Centre RBC CC Metro Toronto Congress Centre BMO Centre Palais des Congres

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City Toronto Calgary Montreal Toronto Montreal Calgary Vancouver Toronto Montreal Toronto Calgary Montreal Regina Toronto Vancouver Toronto Toronto Winnipeg Toronto Calgary Montreal

St ON AB QC ON QC AB BC ON QC ON AB QC SK ON BC ON ON MB ON AB QC

Att 500 600 8600 2000 4000 2500 3024 5000

Exh 150 35 50 330 150 225

Nsf 15000 6300 42700 15280 25000

144 90 29000

2000

154 25400

145K 1200

450 800K

35K 13K 15K 5000 2800 206K

700 110K 600 33500 150 35000 265 61000

Industry Woodworking Medical & Healthcare Aerospace & Aviation Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Business Security Home Furn. & Int. Design Building & Construction Agriculture & Farming Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Landscape & Garden Building & Construction Business Building & Construction Automotive & Trucking

*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.

84 November/December 2017 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 CENTRAL Show Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - SHPE American College of Phlebology - ACP American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons - AAHKS Agriculture Future of America - AFA Leaders Conference Opportunity Fair American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians - ACOEP Scientific Assembly Entomological Society of America Texas Association of School Administrators - TASA Assessment Conference Texas Health Care Association Annual Convention - THCA Deepwater Operations Conference & Exhibition Neuroscience Education Institute - NEI Global Psychopharmacology Congress Mid-Continent Dental Congress - GSLDS Texas Society of Architects - TSA National Association of Biology Teachers - NABT Texas Academy of Family Physicians - TAFP North Dakota Medical Association Annual Meeting Supercomputing - SC Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributers Assn - STAFDA NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention - N.A. Building Materials Distribution Assoc. Kansas Agri Business Expo DUG Eagle Ford - Developing Unconventional Gas National Communications Association - NCA InnoTech Austin National Council of Teachers of English - NCTE American Association of Equine Practitioners - AAEP The Running Event - IRRA Expo!Expo! - International Association of Exhibitions & Events - IAEE Clean Gulf OilComm International Pump Users Symposium & Turbomachinery Symposium - TurboLab

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 11/01 11/02 11/02 11/03 11/04 11/05 11/05 11/06 11/07 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/12 11/12 11/14 11/15 11/15 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/17 11/28 11/28 12/05 12/06 12/12

View Complete Calendar Online

End 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/04 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/12 11/10 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/11 11/17 11/14 11/16 11/16 11/17 11/19 11/16 11/19 11/21 12/01 11/30 12/07 12/07 12/14

Venue Kansas City CC JW Marriott Hilton Anatole Westin Crown Center Colorado CC Colorado CC Austin CC Hilton Americas-Houston Moody Gardens The Broadmoor St. Charles CC Austin CC St. Louis Union Station Hotel Galveston Island CC Alerus Center & Ralph Engelstad Colorado CC Austin CC The Broadmoor Century II CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Sheraton Dallas Austin CC America’s Ctr. Convention Cplx Henry B. Gonzalez CC Austin CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC George R. Brown CC Marriott Westchase George R. Brown CC

City Kansas City Austin Dallas Kansas City Denver Denver Austin Houston Galveston Colorado Springs St. Charles Austin St. Louis Galveston Grand Forks Denver Austin Colorado Springs Wichita San Antonio Dallas Austin St. Louis San Antonio Austin San Antonio Houston Houston Houston

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

Att

Exh

600 2000

Nsf 6720

300 3200 3000 750 850

25 70

2000 3000

100 6000 285 27500 12900 135 24000

450

7500

130 11680 60 9000

13.4K 371 149K 4240 700 79600

5912 5000 1800 6500 7394 600 1449 2500 2000 5500

150 476 50 95 120 250 269 150 135 360

Industry Engineering Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Agriculture & Farming Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Education Medical & Healthcare Petroleum, Oil & Plastics Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Building & Construction Education Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Computers & Apps Building & Construction Building & Construction Agriculture & Farming Petroleum, Oil & Plastics Communications

54120 10000 2200 12000 Education Medical & Healthcare 22500 Sporting Goods & Rec. 39100 Exhibition & Meeting Ind. 23000CityPollution Control Exhibit News’ best-read section! 20000 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics 48300 Petroleum, Oil & Plastics

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

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

ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 85

Trade Show Calendar US MIDWEST

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

Show ATMAE - Association of Technology, Management & Applied Engineering American Physical Therapy Assn. - Private Practice - APTA North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association - ISVMA REALTORS Conference & Expo National Conference on Correctional Health Care - NCCHC FABTECH International/AWS Welding Show/Metalform Medical Design & Manufacturing - MD&M Minneapolis Illinois Nursing Home Administrators Association - INHAA American Studies Association Bands of America Grand National Championships National Agriculture Bankers Conference - ABA Private Label Manufacturers Association - PLMA Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry - SETAC Annual Meeting Schwab Impact OCALICON - Autisum & Disabilities Conference International Conference on Missions - ICOM Illinois Association of School Boards - IASB Radiological Society of North America - RSNA Midwest Healthcare Engineering Conf. & Trade Show Dental Implant Conference - AAOMS Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo Performance Racing Industry Show - PRI Northern Green American Baseball Coaches Association - ABCA Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Convention IPSA - Independent Professional Seedsmen Association Northern Illinois Farm Show - IDEAg Archery Trade Association - ATA

86 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

Start 11/01 11/01 11/02 11/03 11/03 11/04 11/06 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/14 11/15 11/16 11/17 11/26 11/29 11/30 12/05 12/07 01/02 01/04 01/08 01/08 01/10 01/11

End 11/04 11/04 11/04 11/05 11/06 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/10 11/12 11/11 11/15 11/14 11/16 11/17 11/17 11/19 11/19 12/01 12/01 12/02 12/07 12/09 01/04 01/07 01/10 01/10 01/11 01/13

Venue Hilton Cincinnati Hilton Chicago Indiana CC Westin Yorktown McCormick Place Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Minneapolis CC Crowne Plaza Hyatt Regency Chicago Lucas Oil Stadium Hilton Milwaukee City Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2039; Donald E. Stephens CC Minneapolis CC McCormick Place Greater Columbus CC Peoria Civic Center Hyatt Regency Chicago McCormick Place Indiana CC Sheraton Grand Chicago Devos Place Conference Center Indiana CC Minneapolis CC Indiana CC Lansing Center JW Marriott NIU Convocation Center Indiana CC

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City Cincinnati Chicago Indianapolis Lombard Chicago Chicago Chicago Minneapolis Springfield Chicago Indianapolis Milwaukee Rosemont Minneapolis Chicago Columbus Peoria Chicago Chicago Indianapolis Chicago Grand Rapids Indianapolis Minneapolis Indianapolis Lansing Indianapolis DeKalb Indianapolis

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

Att 875 700

Exh Nsf 14 1900 138

Industry Manufacturing Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare 1000 95 7100 Medical & Healthcare 19.7K 393 97394 Real Estate 2000 140 50000 Medical & Healthcare 25.9K 1.3K 465K Welding 5915 572 79990 Medical & Healthcare 200 70 7000 Medical & Healthcare 2000 85K Art, Music, Culture 600 45 3600 Banking 10.2K 1.1L 229K Apparel 2300 Science Financial & Legal Medical & Healthcare 1683 72 Religious 10K Education 53.7K 700 445K Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare 1500 90 11000 Medical & Healthcare 4000 380 74800 Agriculture & Farming 44.5K 1.2K 274K Automotive & Trucking Landscape & Garden 3350 325 43538 Sporting Goods & Rec. 900 100 23350 Agriculture & Farming Agriculture & Farming 8000 270 38500 Agriculture & Farming 9900 630 230K Sporting Goods & Rec.

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

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

US NORTHEAST Show ad:tech New York American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene - ASTMH Association for Middle Level Education - AMLE New York Xpo for Business New York Library Association - NYLA ArchitectureBoston Expo - ABX Greenbuild International Conference & Expo Society For Immunotherapy Of Cancer - SITC Northeastern Society of Orthodontists Society for Neuroscience - SfN Global Congress of Gynecology - AAGL Ocean City Resort & Gift Expo HX: The Hotel Experience BDNY - Boutique Design New York Eastern Analytical Symposium & Exposition - EAS Kosherfest New Jersey League of Municipalities - NJLM VEITHsymposium ISC Solutions - Security NeoCon East American Towman Exposition American Academy of Religion - AAR Materials Research Society Fall Meeting & Exhibit - MRS Greater New York Dental Meeting - GNYDM AMSUS - The Society of Federal Health Professionals American Epilepsy Society - AES American Society for Cell Biology - ASCB Massachusetts Conference for Women PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology - NYSSA

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 11/01 11/05 11/06 11/07 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/11 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/13 11/14 11/14 11/14 11/15 11/15 11/17 11/18 11/26 11/26 11/28 12/01 12/02 12/07 12/08

End 11/02 11/09 11/08 11/07 11/11 11/10 11/10 11/12 11/12 11/15 11/16 11/14 11/14 11/13 11/15 11/15 11/16 11/18 11/16 11/16 11/19 11/21 12/01 11/29 12/01 12/05 12/06 12/07 12/12

Venue The Metropolitan Pavilion Baltimore CC Pennsylvania CC Javits Center The Saratoga Hilton Boston Conv. & Exh. Center Boston Conv. & Exh. Center Gaylord National Marriott Copley Place Walter E. Washington CC Gaylord National Roland E. Powell CC Javits Center Javits Center Crowne Plaza Princeton Meadowlands Expo Center Atlantic City CC New York Hilton Mid-Town Javits Center Pennsylvania CC Baltimore CC Hynes CC Hynes CC Javits Center Gaylord National Walter E. Washington CC Pennsylvania CC Boston Conv. & Exh. Center Marriott Marquis

City New York Baltimore Philadelphia New York Saratoga Springs Boston Boston Washington Boston Washington Washington Ocean City New York New York Plainsboro Secaucus Atlantic City New York New York Philadelphia Baltimore Boston Boston New York Washington Washington Philadelphia Boston New York

St NY MD PA NY NY MA MA DC MA DC DC MD NY NY NJ NJ NJ NY NY PA MD MA MA NY DC DC PA MA NY

Att 10K 4400 4600 15.2K 1000 9586 19K 2700 1700 30K

Exh Nsf Industry 300 36000 Advertising & Marketing Medical & Healthcare 280 47000 Education 300 81000 Business 150 12000 Libraries 409 57600 Architecture 548 144K Building & Construction Medical & Healthcare 100 13000 Medical & Healthcare 573 102K Medical & Healthcare 90 23300 Medical & Healthcare 1600 150 20000 Gifts 14.8K 455 73850 Hotels & Resorts 6922 534 81155 Home Furn. & Int. Design 3783 Science 6000 350 33000 Food & Beverage 10.5K 725 110K Government Medical & Healthcare 2000 10K 225 72000 Security Home Furn. & Int. Design 7500 250 200 10K 200 20000 Religious 5000 275 27500 Chemical 53.4K 644 131K Medical & Healthcare 4000 400 30000 Medical & Healthcare 5000 82 17040 Medical & Healthcare 6000 350 50000 Medical & Healthcare 10K 250 3700 105 12640 Medical & Healthcare

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 87

Trade Show Calendar US NORTHWEST

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

Show American College of Prosthodontists - ACP American Water Resources Association - AWRA Annual Conf. Dreamforce - Cloud Expo FireShowsWest Craft Beverage Expo - CBExpo SecureWorld Expo Association of Rehabilitation Nurses - ARN Water Quality Technology Conference & Expo - AWWA National Association for Interpretation - NAI Washington State School Directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association - WSSDA California Optometric Association Monterey Symposium National Council for the Social Studies - NCSS American Exploration & Mining Association Embedded Systems Conference - ESC Silicon Valley BIOMED Device San Jose - MDM Silicon Valley International Auto Show Northwest Food Processors EXPO & Conference - NWFPA Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium - American Society of Clinical Oncology Seattle Gift Show Winter Fancy Foods Show - NASFT InnSpire Conference & Trade Show Unified Wine & Grape Symposium ATD TechKnowledge Conference & Exposition Portland International Auto Show Seattle International Boat Show Photonics West & BiOS - SPIE DesignCon CannaCon American Academy of Forensic Sciences - AAFS

Start 11/01 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/08 11/08 11/12 11/14 11/16 11/16 11/17 12/04 12/05 12/06 01/04 01/08 01/18 01/20 01/21 01/21 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/27 01/30 02/15 02/19

End 11/04 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/09 11/11 11/16 11/18 11/19 11/19 11/19 12/08 12/07 12/07 01/07 01/10 01/20 01/23 01/23 01/23 01/25 01/26 01/28 02/03 02/01 02/01 02/17 02/24

Venue Marriott Marquis Red Lion on the River-Jantzen Moscone Center Grand Sierra Resort DoubleTree by Hilton Meydenbauer Center Washington State CC Oregon CC Davenport Grand Hotel Hyatt Regency Bellevue Monterey Marriott Moscone Center Nugget Casino Resort San Jose CC San Jose CC San Jose CC Oregon CC Moscone Center Washington State CC Moscone Center Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite Sacramento CC San Jose CC Oregon CC CenturyLink Field Moscone Center Santa Clara CC Washington State CC

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City San Francisco Portland San Francisco Reno Portland Seattle Seattle Portland Spokane Seattle Monterey San Francisco Reno San Jose San Jose San Jose Portland San Francisco Seattle San Francisco Fish Camp Sacramento San Jose Portland Seattle San Francisco Santa Clara Seattle Seattle

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

Att 1000

Exh 65

Nsf

350 1300 500 1000 1300 600 1000 4500 2800 11K 3014

160 65 70 82 75 48 75 170 237 250 406

3524

350 40000

10K 20K

700 100K 1.5K 215K

6500 7200

35000 62500 48993

11.3K 500 160K 1200 70 7500

Industry Medical & Healthcare Water Computers & Apps Fire & Fire Protection Food & Beverage Security Medical & Healthcare Water Associations Education Medical & Healthcare Science Building & Construction Computers & Apps Medical & Healthcare Automotive & Trucking Food & Beverage Medical & Healthcare Gifts Food & Beverage Food & Beverage Automotive & Trucking Boats Medical & Healthcare Electrical & Electronics

77K 20K 6000

600 306K 1.2K 116K 135

3600

200 23400 Science

PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE MAP! Showcase your regional services with a calendar sponsorship. Contact Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com For Rates and Details. (Design Services Available) 88 November/December 2017 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 Air Cargo Americas International Pool Spa Patio Expo - PSP Diving Equipment & Marketing Association - DEMA Smoky Mountain Gift Show Architecture Exchange East - ArchEx Southern Medical Association - SMA Annual Scientific Assembly Regional Burn Conference - SMA Infusion Nurses Society Fall National Academy - INS American Public Health Association - APHA Healthcare Financial Management Association - HFMA Region 9 Computer Measurement Group - CMG Nat. Assoc. of RV Parks & Campgrounds - ARVC Outdoor Hospitality Conf. & Expo PointClickCare Summit International Dyslexia Association - IDA Georgia Educational Technology Conference - GaETC Athletic Business Conference & Expo HEALTHCARE DESIGN CONFERENCE American Academy of Ophthalmology - AAO National Association for the Education of Young Children - NAEYC NAILBA - National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies International Work Boat Show Cervical Spine Research Society - CSRS American Society of Health-System Pharmacists - ASHP Midyear National Agricultural Aviation Association - NAAA Ground Water Expo - NGWA Association for Career & Technical Education - ACTE Florida Chiropractic Assoc. - FCA Southwest Regional Convention & Expo American Society of Hematology - ASH National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care - IHI

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 11/01 11/01 11/01 11/01 11/01 11/02 11/02 11/03 11/04 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/08 11/08 11/08 11/11 11/11 11/15 11/16 11/29 11/30 12/03 12/04 12/05 12/06 12/07 12/09 12/10

End 11/03 11/03 11/04 11/04 11/03 11/04 11/05 11/05 11/08 11/07 11/09 11/10 11/09 11/11 11/10 11/11 11/14 11/14 11/18 11/18 12/01 12/02 12/07 12/07 12/07 12/09 12/10 12/12 12/13

Venue Miami Airport & CC Orange County CC Orange County CC Gatlinburg CC Greater Richmond CC The Renaissance Vinoy Hilton Miami Downtown Hyatt Regency Georgia World Congress Center Sheraton New Orleans Loews New Orleans Hotel Raleigh CC Gaylord Palms Hyatt Regency Atlanta Georgia International CC Orange County CC Gaylord Palms Morial CC Georgia World Congress Center Diplomat Resort & Spa Morial CC Diplomat Beach Resort Orange County CC Savannah Int. Trade & CC Music City Center Gaylord Opryland Naples Grande Beach Resort Georgia World Congress Center World Center Marriott

City Miami Orlando Orlando Gatlinburg Richmond St. Petersburg Miami Atlanta Atlanta New Orleans New Orleans Raleigh Orlando Atlanta Atlanta Orlando Orlando New Orleans Atlanta Hollywood New Orleans Hollywood Orlando Savannah Nashville Nashville Naples Atlanta Orlando

St FL FL FL TN VA FL FL GA GA LA LA NC FL GA GA FL FL LA GA FL LA FL FL GA TN TN FL GA FL

Att 6903 10.2K 9815

Exh 200 548 644

Nsf 20000 155K 146K

600

4000

500 11.4K 500 800 1200

25 444 47 23 200

2600 74000 4700 2300 40000

3500 2500 2400 2170 24.5K 20K 1500 14.8K

120 225 251 268 573

30000 53240 51840 232K

20K 1200 5000 5000 1000 20.6K 6500

250 155 325 300 150 272

140 16000 1K 218K 110K 69000 40000 12000 117K

Industry Aerospace & Aviation Building & Construction Sporting Goods & Rec. Gifts Building & Construction Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Computers & Apps Sporting Goods & Rec. Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Education Sporting Goods & Rec. Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Education Insurance Boats Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Agriculture & Farming Water Education Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare

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ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 89

Trade Show Calendar US SOUTHWEST

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

Show N.A. Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition - NASPGHAN National Student Nurses’ Association Midyear Conf. - NSNA Streaming Media West The West Coast Franchise Expo - IFA Arthroscopy Association of North America - Fall Course American College of Rheumatology - ACR/ARHP The Makeup Show L.A. American College of Toxicology - ACT Annual Meeting International Symposium for Testing & Failure Analysis - ASM Pubcon California Transit Association Fall Conference & Expo American Heart Association Scientific Sessions California Association of Health Facilities - CAHF American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences - AAPS EVENTtech

Start 11/01 11/02 11/02 11/02 11/02 11/03 11/04 11/05 11/05 11/06 11/08 11/11 11/12 11/12 11/13

End 11/04 11/05 11/03 11/04 11/04 11/08 11/05 11/08 11/09 11/09 11/10 11/15 11/15 11/15 11/15

Venue Caesars Palace Town and Country Hotel Hyatt Regency Los Angeles CC JW Marriott Desert Springs San Diego CC California Market Center Palm Springs CC Pasadena CC Las Vegas CC Riverside CC Anaheim CC Palm Springs CC San Diego CC The Paris Hotel

City Las Vegas San Diego Huntington Beach Los Angeles Palm Desert San Diego Los Angeles Palm Springs Pasadena Las Vegas Riverside Anaheim Palm Springs San Diego Las Vegas

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

Att

LDI - The Entertainment Technology Show Society of American Foresters National Convention - SAF Design-2-Part Show Marijuana Business Conference & Expo Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies - ABCT International Association of Fairs & Expositions - IAFE AWS re:Invent - Amazon Web Services Cosmetic Surgery Forum World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease Los Angeles Auto Show International Council of Air Shows Annual Conv - ICAS POWER-GEN International National Workers’ Compensation & Disability Conf. & Expo Fetch, a dvm360 conference

11/13 11/15 11/15 11/15 11/16 11/26 11/27 11/29 11/30 12/01 12/03 12/05 12/06 12/07

11/19 11/19 11/16 11/17 11/19 11/29 12/01 12/02 12/02 12/10 12/06 12/07 12/08 12/10

Las Vegas CC Albuquerque CC San Diego CC Las Vegas CC San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel Paris Las Vegas The Venetian Bellagio Resort & Casino Hilton Universal City Los Angeles CC Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas CC Mandalay Bay San Diego CC

Las Vegas Albuquerque San Diego Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Los Angeles Los Angeles Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas San Diego

NV NM CA NV CA NV NV NV CA CA NV NV NV CA

8174 2000 1800 3500 3500 5000

Exh

Nsf

Industry Medical & Healthcare 1500 125 11000 Medical & Healthcare 6000 125 Communications 10K 250 60000 Business Medical & Healthcare 16.8K 156 70400 Medical & Healthcare Beauty & Healthcare 5000 70 Science Science 2500 60 Computers & Apps 700 100 18K 217 129K Medical & Healthcare 1047 216 26700 Medical & Healthcare 8500 600 130K Medical & Healthcare 1600 65 7500 Exhibition & Meeting Ind. 365 125K Lighting 100 10000 Forest Products 244 25000 Manufacturing 275 Medical & Healthcare 300 35000 Gaming & Entertainment 112 Computers & Apps Beauty & Healthcare Medical & Healthcare 100 760K Automotive & Trucking 1500 325 26000 Aerospace & Aviation 21.6K 1.3K 382K Energy 4200 260 38500 Insurance 4000 200 23000 Medical & Healthcare

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

Color Printing • Rack cards • Brochures • Booklets • Everything else 90 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

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

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

INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE Where to Find Professional Services, Products and Supplies – a Companion Directory to our www.ExhibitCityNews.com/Service-Guide

A Harmony Nails Aadvantaged Displays BWC Visual Technologies CEP Champion Logistics Changzhou Gaochuang Products Chickpeas Mediterranean Café Collazo Expo Services Corey Johnson Photography Corporate Communications Corporate Events

97 95 92 93 96 97 98 93 97 92 93

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For Service Guide information and rates, call Kathy Anaya at 702-309-8023, ext. 105. Inclusive categories are available for all your company advertising needs. ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 91

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JasperWorks Exhibits Services JasperWorks Exhibits Services is a Salt Lake City based I&D company specializing in partnering specifically with national I&D companies to service their clientele, projects and events in Utah and the surrounding regions including Idaho and Wyoming. Established in 1996 by founder, Tory Clayton, JasperWorks has cultivated a reputation of reliability and integrity along with being regarded as a company that offers a knowledgeable, skillful and professional influence on the show floor. So if you don’t have an office in Salt Lake City, give us a call. We’ll put the pieces together for you!

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CoStar Exhibits “CoStar Events Services opens the door to the highest level in event production for corporations, trade shows and coordinates all aspects of your gala, award dinner, or anything you can imagine. We handle all aspects of planning and production with unmatched service, creativity, and commitment to excellence. We take your vision and turn it into a reality with hands-on personal attention to every detail.”

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Classifieds

Seeking a Senior 3D Exhibit Designer Elevation, a full service design and marketing firm, is seeking an enthusiastic Senior 3D Exhibit Designer. The ideal candidate will be passionate and motivated, and eager to foster a creative and inspiring team-based work environment. This is a salaried position with an impressive benefits package, and does require some travel.

REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES: • 6+ years of relevant design experience • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Design or a related field • Possess an understanding of exhibits as a marketing, educational, and experiential communication tool • Detail oriented, highly organized, able to prioritize tasks, and able to work under pressure with multiple deadlines • Compelling in-person presenter able to effectively communicate and explain design solutions • Excellent analytical and problem solving skills

• Proficient in 3D visualization tools, especially 3DS Max/ Form Z/Adobe Creative Suite applications • Lead design assignments conceptual through project completion • Develop hand drawn sketches, black and white line drawings, computer generated color renderings, and presentation packages to communicate concepts to clients • Create and provide estimating drawings to communicate component dimensions, substrates, and amounts needed to the estimating team • Create and provide control drawings to communicate component dimensions and detail information needed to the CAD team Interested candidates should submit their resume and portfolio to Dana Esposito, Creative Director at despositio@elevation3d.com

Exhibit / Audio Visual Sales Account Manager We are looking for a motivated Sales Account Manager in the Exhibit or Audio Visual industry based out of the Las Vegas market. Working in convention centers, hotel ballrooms, meeting venues and corporate locations across North America since 1995, CCR Solutions is at the forefront of providing the latest technology to our customers wherever they may hold events. CCR is all about teamwork both internally and externally with a family culture filled with experienced people who enjoy what they do.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE: • Minimum 2 years’ experience in the Las Vegas live event industry. • Established sales relationships and opportunities. • Ability to contribute within a positive environment. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to work flex-time and irregular hours. • Can travel across North America or wherever your events take you. • This position pays a salary + commission, benefits and 401K. Please send your resume via email to Jobs@ccrsolutions.com and we thank all applicants for their interest in joining the CCR team; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

100 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

National Trade Show & Event Labor provider seeking Dallas, TX Manager National I&D labor provider is seeking a talented and experienced professional for the position of city manager for the Dallas, TX area. Candidates should be motivated self-starters and possess good communication skills in dealing with exhibitors, clients, crew members, general contractors, and show management. Responsibilities include but are not limited to labor calls, pre-show planning, on site show management, hands on abilities. Office duties involve receiving orders, payroll, invoicing and submitting post show reports. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and smart phone usage (i.e. sending pictures via text, email) is required. If you are interested in joining this leading organization and possess the desire to succeed, please forward your resume to Blindbox1235@exhibitcitynews.com.

Classifieds

Assistant General Manager (AGM) San Francisco/Bay Area GES, Global Experience Specialists, is a global event marketing company with over 90 years and 3,000 passionate employees in North America, Europe and the Middle East. We connect people through exhibitions and live events by blending art and science to create exciting, compelling faceto-face marketing experiences. Our mission is to create the world’s most meaningful and memorable experiences for marketers, organizers and event attendees. We bring the “WOW” to everything we do! Our team is looking for an Assistant General Manager in the San Francisco area to join our growing team. Our ideal AGM has experience and passion in the exhibition/ hospitality space. This role has full P&L responsibility and is fully accountable for managing all the day to day and strategic aspects of a division with approximately $25M in revenue. The primary focus of the AGM role is to continue to grow the revenue and income within the division to achieve key client satisfaction along with other critical goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Achieving assigned financial objectives, new business, profit margin, Line of Business (LOB) penetration and account retention. • The AGM is also accountable for all business and operational planning processes for the Operating Div. as assigned by the GM or VP and has responsibility for working with the Div. GM to develop strategic and operating plans for their region. • Actively manage client relationships at a strategic level with Convention Centers, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Show Mgmt and Exhibitors to ensure client satisfaction, account retention and deeper service penetration within the division. • Accountable for and actively participates in new business development activities including detailed show planning and @ExhibitCityNews

execution (with Regional VP Sales, National Sales VP, Regional E&E Dir. of Sales, Dir. of Sales, etc.) by targeting new business and deeper LOB penetration. Activities include high-level prospect development, proposal and per form development and sales presentations. • Analyzes operating cost trends within assigned operating division. Works with Dir. of Operations and Dir. of Acct Mgmt to identify opportunities to increase profits and/or improve service outcomes. Oversees implementation of innovative service outcomes and solutions that will increase both client satisfaction and operating margin. • Builds Div. capacity through identifying key staffing and competency needs within the organization and attracting and selecting high caliber talent to fill these needs thru proactively ensuring development and succession planning for employees within the operating div. • Builds an organizational climate which promotes collaboration and commitment by providing learning and growth opportunities for employees while consistently raising performance expectations. • Full implementation and monitoring of all GES core systems: ScOPE, Labor Tracking, Overhead Ownership, CORE. • Overall ownership for achieving Div. Risk Mgmt targets and ensures full compliance

QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor’s degree required. Higher level degree preferred with 10-12 years’ experience in roles of increased and progressive responsibility. • 35% travel in the Bay Area. • Solid P&L and operations experience with demonstrated success in managing cost well and improving bottom-line profitability in low margin environments while expanding revenue penetration with existing business and growing market share. • Strong operations and General Management focus and a proven track record successfully managing profit growth

through building customer relationships. • All aspects of people management including Recruiting and developing a strong management team building bench strength within the organization. • Successfully managing diversifying lines of business while managing in a highly complex environment with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally. • Shows customers the strategic as well as economic value of outsourcing services. • Participates with senior mgmt in developing division and regional strategy. • Strong leadership capacity with successful experience building an organization and strengthening that organization’s capacity to grow and adapt. • Creates and environment where people are committed to the company and working as a team. • A strong customer focus/client service orientation and the ability to interact with clients at several levels. • Successful experience managing in multi-site and services environments and the ability over broad city geography. • Experience with managing Labor Union Collective Bargaining Agreements. • Participates in regional organizations such as TSCA. Willing to participate on the negotiating team during labor relation.

BENEFITS: Our team members are our family, so we help our team members care for their families. The rewards of joining GES are extensive. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Here are some of the highlights: Competitive salaries, 401K with company match, Healthcare/vision/dental insurance, Wellness benefits, Career development program, Tuition reimbursement program, Employee assistance program, Vacation time, Community involvement opportunities, Team activities and much more…… To Apply to our Career Site: https://external-viad.icims.com/jobs/7085/ assistant-general-manager/job?mode=view&mobile= false&width=1004&height=500&bga=true&needsRe direct=false&jan1offset=-360&jun1offset=-300 ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 101

Classifieds

Sr. Account Manager Derse, a face-to-face experiential marketing company that specializes in the design, fabrication, and program management for trade shows, business environments and events is seeking an experienced Sr. Account Manager for its Dallas, TX location.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: • Is fully responsible for managing one account with regular yearly sales of $1,000,000 or greater • In concert with the assigned Account Executive, provide necessary sales support for assigned clients while maintaining good client relations with all contacts • Provide day-to-day support to Account Executive in developing new business within current client programs • Initiate / prepare job order documents and associated correspondence for all assigned accounts • Monitor production process to ensure that all project objectives are accomplished and are on time • Responsible for reviewing all change order items to ensure all costs are accounted for and that they fall within the given project time constraints and project budget, including applying any service agreements that are in place • Assist in preparation of proposals from

READY TO RUN THE CITY? cost estimates for construction projects or services requested • Research & gather appropriate information as it relates to delinquent account issues • Attend production meetings between sales staff & shop supervision • Maintain an accurate and accountable job file on all project activities as well as write the weekly sales highlights • Travel to assigned client shows / events as needed / directed • Represent the company and its products and services professionally in a manner consistent with current marketing direction

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor’s degree and / or 7-10 years of strong account management experience required • Highly organized, flexible and ability to work necessary hours in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment • Strong customer service & conflict resolution skills combined with an ability to multi-task is necessary • Tradeshow / Event industry experience preferred • Ability to travel as needed • Advanced in Microsoft Office Visit us at www.derse.com for more information. EOE - M/F/V/D

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

FGI has clients interested in buying tradeshow companies in all specialties, sizes and geographic locations. Additionally, we offer a free assessment of your tradeshow company with no obligation. Find out what your company is worth. Carol Fountain, President, 216-952-0745, cfountain@fountaingroupintl.com

102 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

A successful trade show labor service company is looking for a qualified city manager to take over its existing operation. This city manager will be required to manage the day to day operation for trade show labor in our Las Vegas location. We seek a city manager who has the experience and capabilities to oversee all aspects of the operation. In this role, the individual will manage the set up and take down of trade show structures and booths, while exceeding customer expectations.

THE INDIVIDUAL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING: • Manage, organize, build, recruit, hire and train individuals who can work on crews for the purposes of installing trade show exhibits and retail displays • Coordinate and schedule labor force • Organize all aspects of setting up multiple client exhibits at the various facilities throughout Las Vegas • Communicate with management and staff daily to update operational reports and project information regarding events in Las Vegas • All administrative duties including time tickets, billing reports, participate in all union activity and all on-site show floor activity

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION: • Related Trade Show Experience • Excellent communication, leadership and management skills • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills • Effectively multi-task in a fast pace environment with a variety of projects, suppliers and unions • A positive attitude and desire to assist teams when necessary • Willing to work long hours when required • Knowledge of desktop/lap top computers, internet, email, fax, etc. • A passion to exceed customer expectations • Desire an opportunity to manage and grow an existing company, known for its customer centric focus Send resume and salary requirement to Maxyourcareeer@gmail.com

Classifieds

Environments Designer Derse, a face-to-face experiential marketing company that specializes in the design, fabrication, and program management for trade shows, business environments and events is seeking an experienced Environments Designer for its Dallas, TX location. If you have lots of crazy ideas and no outlet for them, come join us. We’ll help each other in realizing those dreams! Come and be part of a fun, creative environment with a team-oriented atmosphere. This position directly reports to Creative Director and is responsible for leading mid-sized projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Associate Environments Designer Derse, a face-to-face experiential marketing company that specializes in the design, fabrication, and program management for trade shows, business environments and events is seeking an experienced Associate Environments Designer for its Pittsburgh, PA location. If you have lots of crazy ideas and no outlet for them, come join us. We’ll help each other in realizing those dreams! Come and be part of a fun, creative environment with a team-oriented atmosphere. This position directly reports to Creative Director and is responsible for leading smaller scale projects (less than $200k).

• Work with Creative Director in providing creative and technical development on large projects. • Provide design visual communications for creative solutions. • Project lead and manage design work on assigned accounts. • Prepare for, attend, and drive the creative portion of the proposal presentation to the client. • Maintain integrity of creative through entire project process (estimating, detailing and shop construction). • Maintain working knowledge and skills of current palette of computer hardware/software used by the Derse team. • Participate in client/prospect department tours. • Keep abreast of industry trends, attend trade shows, industry conventions/seminars and read/subscribe to design related publications.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. • Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in designing tradeshow • exhibits, environments and events. • Advanced experience in 3D Studio Max. • Strong presentation, organization & communication skills required.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. • Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in designing tradeshow exhibits, environments and events. • Advanced experience in 3D Studio Max. • Strong presentation, organization & communication skills required.

Want to be part of creative team and a leader in the industry? Please submit your resumes to www.derse.com/careers EOE - M/F/V/D

Graphic Production Manager Acer Exhibits & Events, a successful exhibit design and fabrication company located in the greater Baltimore area, is currently seeking an experienced Graphic Production Manager to oversee a very fast paced graphics production department. The ideal candidate will develop and maintain the graphic production schedule, oversee all department administration and make sure timelines @ExhibitCityNews

• Work with Creative Director in providing creative and technical development maintenance and smaller NBD scoped projects. • Provide design visual communications for creative solutions. • Maintain integrity of creative through entire project process (estimating, detailing and shop construction). • Maintain working knowledge and skills of current palette of computer hardware/software used by the Derse team. • Participate in client/prospect department tours. • Keep abreast of industry trends, attend trade shows, industry conventions/seminars and read/subscribe to design related publications.

are met. Applicant must possess excellent managerial, leadership and communication skills. Ideal candidate will have five years of experience and a positive team attitude is a must. Graphic design experience is a plus. Only qualified candidates will be considered. Please submit resume with salary requirements in Word or PDF format to llegarda@acerexhibits.com ExhibitCityNews.com November/December 2017 103

Classifieds

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • Work with Creative Director in providing creative and technical development on large projects. • Provide design visual communications for creative solutions. • Project lead and manage design work on assigned accounts. • Prepare for, attend, and drive the creative portion of the proposal presentation to the client. • Maintain integrity of creative through entire project process (estimating, detailing and shop construction). • Maintain working knowledge and skills of current palette of computer hardware/software used by the Derse team. • Participate in client/prospect department tours. • Keep abreast of industry trends, attend trade shows, industry conventions/seminars and read/subscribe to design related publications.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: • Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. • Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in designing tradeshow exhibits, environments and events. • Advanced experience in 3D Studio Max. • Strong presentation, organization & communication skills required. Want to be part of creative team and a leader in the industry? Visit us at www.derse.com for more information. EOE - M/F/V/D

To place a classified ad, contact Kathy Anaya:

Call (702) 309-8023 or Email: KathyA@ExhibitCityNews.com

Exhibitrac is Hiring Exhibitrac needs new show guides for its database, and will pay $10 - $20 per accepted guide. If you are an industry supplier, exhibitor, union or other employee who regularly attends 104 November/December 2017 Exhibit City News

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

3D Exhibit Designer Acer Exhibits & Events, LLC, located north of Baltimore, Maryland, close to Delaware, South East Pennsylvania and South Jersey, is currently seeking an Exhibit Designer to join our talented team of individuals who design and fabricate exhibits for a very diverse client base.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING: • Minimum of three years exhibit design experience with an exhibit house • Excellent communication skills, able to present creative concepts • Ability to work under pressure • Knowledge of 3D modeling and rendering software, Form Z and Adobe Creative Suite • Knowledge of current design trends • Creativity * Inspiration * Motivation * Enthusiasm * Dedication We provide a competitive salary plus bonus, a full benefit package including medical, dental, disability and 401k plan. If you are excited and inspired by design challenges, ideas, and solutions and want to work in a creative environment with others who share your enthusiasm, please forward your resume and portfolio via PDF or Word format with expected salary range to LLegarda@acerexhibits.com

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

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