LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
An Incredible Odyssey
M
y adventure began six months ago as I wrote this, and it’s been a whirlwind of experiences, learning, and insights. I’ve traveled from the bustling heart of Las Vegas to the vibrant streets of Toronto, all in the name of content, to bring back valuable information for you and my team. It’s been a journey filled with unforgettable moments and opportunities to delve deep into the world of events and marketing trends. First stop, back in April, was ExhibitorLive in Louisville, Kentucky. Imagine being surrounded by the brightest minds in the industry, all eager to exchange ideas, showcase innovative products, and dive deep into event marketing trends. The energy there was incredible, and the connections I made set the tone for the exciting months ahead. By the way, you won’t want to miss next year’s event, taking place in my hometown Nashville, Tennessee from February 25th-28th, 2024. Next on my journey was the Experiential Marketing Summit (EMS2023) at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. It was a hub of knowledge and networking, where I witnessed the fusion of technology, creativity, and engagement strategies that define experiential marketing today. EMS truly prepares you for what’s next in this ever-evolving field. Mark your calendar for next year’s event, happening on April 24-26, 2024, at the MGM Grand, back in Las Vegas. Then, in June, I found myself at CCW (Customer Contact Week) in Las Vegas. This event delved into the intricacies of customer interactions and relationship building, offering a fresh perspective on event dynamics. CCW is the go-to conference for exceptional customer service insight, helping companies across various industries grow their market share. Keep
10 Oct/Nov/Dec 2023 Exhibit City News
an eye out for next year’s event, which will take place from June 3-6, 2024, hosted by Customer Management Practice, back at Caesars Forum Las Vegas. My journey took a sunny turn when I attended the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association’s (ESCA) Summer Educational Conference in Sandestin, Florida. This conference provided valuable opportunities to learn about industry trends, network with peers, and shape the future of the exhibition industry. Mark your calendar for next year; it will be held from June 23 – 26, 2024, in Hot Springs, VA. As August rolled around, I headed to Atlanta for my first FAM trip as well as attend the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition (AME) at the Georgia World Congress Center. This event opened my eyes to the world of associations and their impact on the event industry. With over 47,000 members, ASAE has been shaping a better world for a century. This year’s theme, “Shape Your Purpose,” celebrated the unique approach associations take to define their purpose. Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s ASAE Annual Meeting Aug 10 - 13, 2024, in Cleveland Ohio, where you can partake in authentic, engaging, thought-provoking,
and positive community-building experiences. Thank you to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) for an amazing and informative trip. Finally, in September, I went on my second FAM trip for a sustainability-focused journey with Destination Toronto. Our hotel, Westin Harbour Castle was a property that espouses sustainability, complete with a lobby and bar that runs fully on green electricity. We toured green restaurants and event spaces, including the Metro Toronto Convention Center that featured a deep-water cooling system, the first facility of its kind in Toronto, Canada. It also has a green roof on the South Building featuring seven acres of greenery. As a sustainability advocate, I was thrilled to see how the 4th largest city in North America is paving the way to a sustainable lifestyle for all. Make sure to explore pages 14, 22, 39, and 52, where sustainability plays a significant role in both the featured articles and the companies featured within them. These six months have been an incredible odyssey, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing it with you. Thank you for being a part of this journey. As I continue to explore new horizons and bring you the latest insights from the world of tradeshows and events, stay tuned for even more exciting stories and discoveries. The adventure is far from over, and I can’t wait to share what lies ahead. Happy reading,