Modular systems that easily scale for a multi-event program, in 55 and 62 ranges
Versatile and flexible frame, LED and accessory solutions for out of this world event designs
Plug-and-play toolless assembly engineered for labor and shipping efciencies
Durable, lightweight, and sustainable materials designed for reuse
Amerikooler, NAFEM 2025, by Apple Rock
Volkswagen, Google Cloud Next 2025, by George P Johnson
GE Healthcare, HIMSS 2024, by Gielissen
We want to set you up for success! Let's produce something great together.
Contact Us: Service@willwork.com
Family owned and operated
Together with Our Partners We’ve Hit
Sq. Ft. of Diverted Flooring
Brumark’s Recycling and Recovery Program has made incredible, industry-changing strides since its launch. By working hand-in-hand with our partners, we’ve been able to keep over two million square feet of flooring out of landfills—helping pave the way for a more sustainable future. We’re excited to see this positive shift continue to reshape both our industry and our environment for the better. See the impact our program is making:
Enough energy to produce 7k- 10k tons of concrete
Eliminating the emmisions of 100 single person flights from NY to LA
30 garbage trucks worth of waste, or 50 dumpsters full of material not going to a hole in the ground or adding to a mountain of trash
Where Intention Leads, Progress Follows
As the year winds down, the energy doesn’t. Fall is always packed with events, but this season has carried something diferent: focus. From the Upper Midwest Randy to ExSys in Chicago, what stood out wasn’t just attendance. It was intention.
At the inaugural ExSys Awards, I saw students and seasoned pros gather to celebrate creative excellence in modular systems. The excitement in that room wasn’t just about trophies. It was about recognizing what happens when teams work with purpose and pride, when storytelling and structure meet. You could feel it in the room. Teams that make it look easy rarely do it alone.
That spirit shows up throughout this issue. You’ll fnd stories of alignment in action, from freight strategies that reduce waste without adding risk to implementation teams using ERP systems to raise the bar on accountability. Consultants are stepping in where internal teams need guidance, and I&D crews continue to show what professionalism looks like when planning and execution are aligned. Warehouses are evolving too, not just as places to store crates but as key players in a smarter, faster supply chain.
Chicago’s legacy also comes through, not only as a home base for many but as a city that continues to invest in labor, logistics, and infrastructure. When we talk about the future of this industry, it’s
worth remembering that it’s being built in places that know how to support it.
Behind the scenes, there’s still plenty of movement. Mergers and acquisitions are accelerating, and private equity continues to shift the landscape. Legacy names are changing hands, and teams are adapting. It’s a reminder that strategy is only as strong as the people carrying it forward.
What this quarter confrms is something we’ve always believed. Progress doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from choosing better. It shows up in smarter systems, stronger partnerships, and the quiet discipline behind great execution. Whether it’s a shipping plan that saves time, a sponsorship that refects purpose, or a design that brings a story to life, meaningful work starts with intention.
Thanks for letting Exhibit City News be part of that. We’ll keep showing up, helping the industry build smarter, not just bigger.
See you out there.
Don Svehla, Publisher/Founder
Questions? Suggestions? Comments about our content? We love feedback and hearing from you! Send me an email at dons@exhibitcitynews.com
PUBLISHER & FOUNDER
Donald V. Svehla Jr. (702) 272-0182 ext. 102 DonS@exhibitcitynews.com
Those are just some of my favorites: acronyms I toss out at the drop of a hat, daily. When I began many of them were unknown to me, and I had to build up my repertoire slowly but surely. Yet, despite the number that I know, there are many I do not know.
Ray Smith, longtime Exhibit City News (ECN) writer, calls it alphabet soup—and it’s often as messy as it sounds.
At ECN, we’re debating a style guide update. Some acronyms, like EDPA, are so common no one says Experiential Designers and Producers Association—it’s just “the EDPA.” Same with CES: everyone knows it’s the Consumer Electronics Show, but it’s simply CES.
According to the Associated Press (AP) Style Guide, acronyms should be spelled out on frst reference, unless they’re widely recognized (like UFO, MPG, AARP). They caution against alphabet soup but say abbreviations are fne if readers recognize them. Sounds simple, but we only know what we know, and there is always someone who does not. EDPA is familiar to most in our industry, yet some companies have never heard of it, as ECN Editorial Advisor Lisa Abrams recently discovered. So, what do we do? We adapt.
Our Quarter 4 issue for 2025 is all about diversifcation, adaptation, and diferent ways we can expand businesses in the tradeshow industry. Sometimes, change is about consolidation. Sometimes, it’s about turning the status quo on its head. Most of the time it’s about fnding a solution to a problem in a creative way.
Whether that means branching out into diferent industries (pg 16) or integrating artists as a way to maximize sponsor engagement (pg 26), diversifying convention centers (pg 36) or housing staf in homes-awayfrom home (38), the industry is constantly striving to answer the question: what if? From Charities (pg 42) to tradeshow consultants (pg. 34), labor (pg 66) to warehousing (pg 52), the ways that we grow and change are immeasurable.
And, what did Exhibit City News decide to do? We decided to lead instead of follow. The changing tradeshow demographic is new and fresh with bright ideas that we have yet to see. Not everyone is coming into tradeshows with the same knowledge or experience. As a community we take those stories and uplift them, give them the knowledge (and acronyms) they may need to succeed and think outside the box.
Marlena Sullivan, Editor Questions? Suggestions? Comments about our content? We love feedback and hearing from you! Send me an email at digitaleditor@exhibitcitynews.com
Book Highlight LEADERSHIP IS A PROCESS by
Mark Hebert
Obstacles to Opportunity Transforming Business Challenges into Triumphs Stories and Strategies from Leaders Who’ve Mastered It by Pat Alacqua
In Obstacles to Opportunity, Pat Alacqua offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to lead through uncertainty. Drawing from lessons learned across multiple industries, including his time in the tradeshow world, Alacqua delivers a practical guide for professionals facing real challenges. This isn’t a motivational business book. It’s a working manual for people navigating complexity in real time.
“Leadership is a continuous journey, and this book is just the beginning,” Alacqua writes. Whether you’re rebuilding a team, relaunching a show, or facing your next internal pivot, this book gives you the tools to keep moving forward.
For the full book review please visit: https://exhibitcitynews.com/bookreview-obstacles-to-opportunity/formastering-the-experience/
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BOSS AWARDS AND EXSYS AWARDS IN 2025
The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) and Exhibit City News (ECN) want to thank the everyone for making these events and awards programs a success. With your continued support we were able to elevate the tradeshow community and highlight the people that matter to the industry. We will see you next year in 2026!
To keep up to date on the latest news and the 2026 awards program, be sure to subscribe to both ECN and TEDA.
EXSYS AWARDS SPOTLIGHT SYSTEM DESIGN EXCELLENCE
The frst annual ExSys Awards drew more than 100 industry pros to Moss Inc.’s HQ in Illinois for a night of networking, insights, and recognition. With 130 entries and 2,000 public votes, winners were honored across 27 categories. Aluvision, Condit, and Brave Exhibits took top honors. The full gallery and winners list is available online at Exhibitcitynews.com.
COMPANIES INVEST IN NEW FACILITIES AND MARKETS
Derse announced plans for a fagship headquarters in Southeast Wisconsin, the largest investment in its 77-year history. Queen Exhibits doubled its storage and logistics capacity with a new facility in Ohio. Foster Display Group expanded fabrication operations in Oceanside, California, while the Event Production Network added partners in Nashville and Salt Lake City to grow its national AV footprint.
ACQUISITIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Align Exhibits acquired Xtreme Xhibits, expanding its reach across Texas and the Southwest.
Ion Exhibits joined the Sho-Link cooperative to enhance nationwide I&D services. Populous added Fentress Architects to boost its global aviation portfolio. BlueHive integrated MYDISPLAYSOURCE, and Happy Projects expanded into the Middle East through a collaboration with Taylex Group.
EXHIBITIONS AND CONFERENCES ALLIANCE HITS RECORD TURNOUT ON CAPITOL HILL
Te Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) brought 170 industry leaders from 30 states to Washington, D.C., for its largest-ever Legislative Action Day. Participants met with more than 130 lawmakers to advocate for tax policy, workforce development, and relief from tarif uncertainty. Te event refects growing momentum around unifed advocacy across the business events sector.
Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures, LTD
by Mark Hebert
REACHING THE HEART OF THE TEAM
Across the country, exhibit houses and event pros are fnding new ways to give back. From packing sensory kits to building inclusive workforces, companies are investing in people, not just profts. These are not one-of eforts. They are long-term programs reshaping what leadership looks like in the exhibit world. Read More: pg 42
OFF THE RED CARPET
Hollywood’s velvet ropes and the tradeshow foor have more in common than you think. Exhibit pros are building press tours, premieres, and red carpet sets with the same tools they use for booths. As storytelling crosses industries, builders and brands are fnding themselves on both sides of the lens. Read More: pg 16
FROM CRATES TO CUSTOMS
Freight mistakes are one of the fastest ways to burn through a tradeshow budget. From missed paperwork to last-minute surcharges, logistics pros break down the most common shipping pitfalls and how to avoid them. With the right plan in place, exhibitors can save time, stress, and money before the crates even hit the dock. Read More: pg 48
by Kerstan Szczepanski
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Location: 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Date Opened: 1975 (originally Rosemont Convention Center)
Square Footage: 840,000 square feet of fexible exhibition space all on one level, with continuous 250,000 square foot space for over 1,200 booths, six halls, and 50 conference rooms.
Parking: 8,000 spaces in the skybridge connected parking garage.
Hotels: There are several hotels near the O’Hare area, many within walking distance to the convention center. Hilton Hotel Rosemont and Hyatt Regency O’Hare are directly connected.
Airport Info: O’Hare International Airport is fve minutes by car. Midway airport is 30 minutes away.
Wi-Fi: Complimentary basic Wi‑Fi throughout public spaces, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and exhibit areas; high‑speed fber‑optic internet available for exhibitors and organizers.
Transport: Skybridge network connects the center to nearby parking and hotels. Public transit includes Pace buses, and the CTA Blue Line runs directly from O’Hare to the Rosemont station. The Blue Line continues on to downtown Chicago.
Website: rosemont.com/desconvention
OFF THE RED CARPET From Hollywood to Hall D
BY DANELLE DODDS
Sound stages, spotlights, and stafng, oh my! Welcome to Hollywood, keeper of the glitz and the glam, the red carpets and the rolling cameras. For many in the tradeshow world, Hollywood has always seemed like an entirely separate universe. The silver screen is a place where big budgets and famous faces top the call sheet. It’s a world that feels far removed from the realities of convention centers, exhibit halls, and 20-by-20foot booths.
But here’s the plot twist: Hollywood is not so far away at all. Tradeshow companies have been set dressing the big screen, the small screen, and the red carpets in between. The same skills, products, and problem-solving muscles that power the show foor are premiering on soundstages, at press events, and behind the velvet ropes. Conversely, some would argue that visuals and experiences found at tradeshows and conventions are as dazzling as any box-offce hit. The Hollywood and tradeshow crossover has been happening for decades.
OPENING CREDITS: A FAMILIAR SCENE
Step onto a Hollywood soundstage and you might think you’ve stumbled onto a show foor during set-up. Overhead trusses, lighting grids, and staging platforms
dressed in scenic panels come together in a familiar scene. Audio equipment hums quietly in the background as the cast of characters takes their places. To a seasoned tradeshow pro, it feels like install day, only the “client” happens to be a studio head instead of a tech brand.
As any well-heeled pro will tell you, when you walk onto the foor of a show like CES, it can feel like a movie premiere. Dramatic lighting, layered sound design, and cinematic reveals are on consistent rotation during show hours. Blockbuster-worthy unveilings roll out in plumes of smoke and a sea of lasers while a spine-shaking soundtrack draws the crowds closer. Guests are handed 3D glasses when they enter a room with a wrap-around screen that stretches to the ceiling. Concessions fow while the who’s who of the industry rub shoulders and shake hands.
Product launches on the show foor are not unlike stage sets or movie premiere press tours. Build a world, control the environment, and tell a story. Set it up, tear it down, and build it in another city. Art imitates life, and life imitates art as you jump from the convention carpet to the red carpet. The players who build both are the same.
Many fabrication houses that once only built for trade exhibits now supply custom
scenic pieces for commercials, television specials, and awards shows. Many prop houses that sculpted props for movies now build oversized products for conventions. CNC machines cut the same precision shapes, regardless of whether it’s for a branded talk show desk or a booth wall. AV providers who light exhibit halls also program dramatic key lighting for live concert broadcasts. Furniture rental companies fnd their inventory not just on the show foor but in VIP green rooms for talent interviews. At the core, both industries are about storytelling. However, one sells products or services, the other sells entertainment. But the tools are twin fames.
Paul Pearson, owner of Custom Props Incorporated, understands that nuanced dance between the similarities and diferences as much as anyone. Pearson began his career designing models and props for flm and television 52 years ago. His work has been featured on the silver screen in movies like Batman and Starship Troopers, and television in Star Trek, True Blood, and Lost. A few decades
into his career, when movie locations began expanding from the West Coast and business was drying up, Pearson discovered a revenue source that he hadn’t considered before.
“One day, a guy walked into my shop and asked me if I’d ever designed for tradeshows.” The rest was history. For the next few decades, Pearson’s business bounced between Hollywood and convention centers. The players and equipment are largely the same.
“It’s the same things: the same guy, the same shop, the same machinery, the same disciplines,” observes Pearson. “But the end game is diferent.” When asked what the glaring diference is, he is thoughtful, “When you’re designing something for a flm, you’re trying not to distract from Brad Pitt. But, when you’re doing something for a convention, the prop is the focus.”
THE TARGET AUDIENCE : SHOW BUSINESS VS REAL BUSINESS
Despite the similarities, the subtle variances start to become more apparent when you take a deeper look at their attendees. Both industries
Superman Premiere decoration by Form Decor
Photo by
generate buzz, but their target audience is diferent. When it comes to tradeshows, attendees are not passive viewers; they are there to engage in real business. That’s not to say that Hollywood isn’t doing “real” business; they are. But it’s the business of show.
“Tradeshows are primarily intended for business promotion, networking, and marketing specifc industries, while Hollywood premieres, popups, and product launches aim to generate buzz, media coverage, and public interest,” says Fritz Williams, president and owner of FormDecor.
Williams understands the subtle diferences of the target audience. FormDecor’s portfolio is almost an event split between the glamour of flm and TV and the promotional world of tradeshows and convention business. With decades in the furniture rental business, his products have lined the carpets of premieres and live events for more than 25 years. He’s seen both sides of the lens.
Williams expands, “Each industry’s objective is marketing and getting eyes on the products, and have some sim-
and attendee counts are relatively consistent. In Hollywood, the variables have softer edges. Outdoor shoots marred by weather, last-minute script changes, and moody leading men can bring production to a standstill.
in entertainment gives tradeshow professionals new perspectives they can bring home to their primary industry.
ilarities, but Hollywood events are more focused on buzz and media, while tradeshows focus on disseminating information.”
PLOT TWIST: TRADESHOW’S SHINE BRIGHT
Despite their similarities or diferent audiences, there are a few key points that can make you give both worlds a double-take.
The convention industry is built for endurance. You can set a watch to the fuid symphony that is load-in, event days, and load-out. In three to fve days of continuous operation and with attendees cycling through waves, there is a predictable fow. Hollywood, by contrast, is often built for a single, high-intensity moment. A sunset scene that lasts for two seconds on screen can take more than a month to prepare for. A premiere may require a week of prep for two hours of live spectacle. A television set may exist for one day’s shoot before being completely transformed for the next episode.
In tradeshow production, there’s usually more predictability: show hours are fxed, booth spaces are mapped,
Budget distribution also difers. Tradeshow clients often allocate the lion’s share to booth design and logistics. Hollywood spends heavily on talent and post-production, which can mean production crews work with leaner physical budgets but higher pressure for visual perfection.
Perhaps most intriguing is that the personalities behind the scenes are also wildly varied. Typically, the drivers and stakeholders behind the tradeshow and convention industry are businesspeople. In Hollywood, that circle is usually fueled by the temperaments and behavior of artists.
“It took me every bit of 25 years to get used to the whole undone nature of the artists on both ends of that equation,” states Pearson, when refecting about his experiences in Hollywood. “The people in the tradeshow and exhibit business are generally from the marketing departments, and they’re the ones controlling the artistic look of what they’re selling, but behind them is a big company. When I’m talking to someone in their art department, they are normal people, with husbands who coach Little League. They just aren’t as bent out of shape as people in Hollywood.”
STANDING OVATION: HOLLY-
WOOD
LESSONS
TO LEARN FROM Excluding the diva act, the show foor can learn a lesson or two from Hollywood. Working
Entertainment thrives on unexpected moments. Plot twists, cameos, stunts, hidden references; the list can go on and on. Tradeshow experiences can borrow that playbook, planting cinema-worthy surprises that attendees talk about long after the event ends. Hollywood shines with theatrical storytelling. Leaning into teaser trailers or behind-the-scenes clips leading to the event builds the hype (and the brand narrative).
On the show foor, continue that storytelling with booth engagement and interactions that captivate and stun. Not to mention, leveraging social media and infuencers can generate a buzz not always associated with a convention or exhibit. “Tradeshows could learn to be more energized and promoted as an event with infuencers and stronger social media emphasis,” advises Williams. Finally, consider the perspective of the booth through a lens. By adapting a “camera-ready” focus on booth design, exhibitors can create silver screen drama from the moment guests lay eyes on the booth’s footprint. Hollywood may still carry the aura of a separate world, wrapped in celebrity and cinematic magic. But the truth is, tradeshow professionals have been part of that magic for years. So, the next time you’re on a tradeshow foor, surrounded by glowing screens, scripted reveals, and carefully staged moments, look down. You may realize you’re actually on the red carpet after all.
The First Annual ExSys Awards
INDUSTRY LEADERS GATHER TO CELEBRATE EXHIBIT SYSTEMS
BY TRAVIS STANTON
During a July event in Chicago at Moss Headquarters, hosted by Exhibit City News (ECN), The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) announced the winners of its frst-annual ExSys Awards competition, honoring excellence in system-based exhibit design and execution. The inaugural competition received more than 130 entries from exhibit designers, producers, and manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and Australia. In addition to the Gold Award winners featured here, Bronze and Silver Award winners were named in each category.
Best Small In-Line Exhibit Octonuts
The Winter Fancy Food Show Design/Fabrication: Condit Exhibits System: Aluvision
Aluvision received this year’s System of the Year Award for racking up the most wins throughout the competition, and Condit Exhibits was named Agency of the Year, with fve of its entries taking home Gold and Silver trophies. Meanwhile, Debbie Parrott, President, CEO, and owner of Highmark Techsystems received this year’s ExSys Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her dedication to the experiential design industry and contributions to the manufacture and innovation of system-based exhibits.
Octonuts’ 10-by-20-foot exhibit earned the Gold Award for Best Small In-Line Exhibit thanks to its colorful design and straightforward yet sophisticated aesthetic. Designed and fabricated by Condit Exhibits, the booth featured modular confgurations, inset lightbox shelving, and adaptable product interaction areas. “There are so many great things going on in this exhibit,” said one ExSys Awards judge. Another noted how the exhibit’s fexible design enabled easy scaling, while maintaining a sleek, branded look that highlighted Octonuts’ products.
Classic Exhibits won Best Large In-Line Exhibit for its 10-by-30-foot display at Exhibitor Live 2024. Designed with Gravitee modular walls, SuperNova Lightboxes, and custom wood-build elements, the exhibit highlighted Classic’s full range of capabilities. Lenticular graphics created a dynamic, analog interaction, while a 14-foot LED installation and semi-enclosed meeting area blended tech and design to invite deeper conversations with distributor partners. In the words of one ExSys Awards judge, “The exhibit’s captivating design successfully merges functionality, aesthetics, and undeniable appeal.”
Photo by Gary Prochorchik / Exposures, LTD
Best Small Island Exhibit
Axonius
RSA Conference
Design: Hill & Partners
Fabrication: Exhibit Technology Inc. System: Highmark TechSystems, beMatrix
The Gold Award for Best Small Island Exhibit went to Axonius for its dynamic, 20-by-20-foot exhibit designed by Hill & Partners to simplify the complex topic of cybersecurity. Using Highmark Techsystems and beMatrix, the booth featured eight demo stations, self-guided tours, and a double-deck structure for expanded engagement. A rotating illuminated sign, 8-foot logo, and vibrant LED displays energized the space, making it an eye-catching, immersive exhibit that punched far above its square-footage weight class.
Best Medium Island Exhibit
Aluvision
Integrated Systems Europe
Design/Fabrication: Aluvision System: Aluvision
Aluvision claimed the Gold Award for Best Medium Island Exhibit with a vibrant 30-by-46-foot booth that one ExSys Awards judge called “a wonderland that efectively demonstrates their capabilities.” Using Aluvision’s signature modular system, the space featured cutting-edge Hi-LED tiles, a dramatic three-tiered LED chandelier, and a raised foor concealing cabling. Aluvision’s booth captivated ISE
attendees with bold visuals, seamless integration, and an immersive after-hours event, showcasing the brand’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and sustainable design excellence.
Best Large Island Exhibit
Zimmer Biomet
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Design/Fabrication: Hamilton System: Aluvision, beMatrix, Agam, Highmark Techsystems
As the highest-scoring entry in this year’s competition, Zimmer Biomet’s 90-by-150-foot exhibit received the Gold Award for Best Large Island Exhibit and the coveted 2025 Exhibit of the Year Award. Designed and built by Hamilton, the structure fused Aluvision, beMatrix, Agam, and Highmark systems to create an immersive space that reimagined the operating room of the future. Featuring a glass-enclosed Intelligent Operating Room, synchronized LED content, and hands-on demo labs, the booth spotlighted Zimmer Biomet’s cutting-edge technologies in an equally cutting-edge environment that judges hailed as dynamic, futuristic, and “brilliantly beautiful.”
Nature’s Bakery earned Best Small Rental Exhibit honors for what judges called a clever and whimsical 20-by-20foot bakery-themed booth, designed and
fabricated by Condit Exhibits using the Aluvision system. The team masked a venue column while maintaining safety access, coordinated multiple materials for a cohesive monochromatic look, and adapted rental furniture to align with the brand’s palette. Thoughtful engineering and seamless vendor collaboration resulted in a visually unifed space that presented the company’s products without compromising function or aesthetics.
Hologic’s 80-by-80-foot exhibit redefned rental design by blending bold architecture, immersive storytelling, and sustainable innovation. Designed and built by Derse, using Aluvision and Derse’s own Big Metal system, the space showcased the Envision mammography gantry through dynamic LED features, theatrical lighting, and hands-on demos. A double-deck structure maximized engagement, while custom LED plinths and interactive touchscreens deepened the experience. Judges applauded the exhibit’s use of space and multimedia installation that attracted more than 2,300 social media engagements from attendees.
Best International Design
Von Hagen Design
EuroShop
Design: Chris Wendel
Fabrication: Von Hagen Design System: Syma System
Celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary, Von Hagen Design’s 15-by-41-foot exhibit reimagined artist Ernst F. Drewes’s work—blending mirror illusions, LED projections, and graphic overlays using the Syma system. The emotionally resonant design invited curiosity and connection. In the words of one judge, “This is such a clever and cool design that I cannot imagine anyone not entering to explore.” More than an exhibit, it was a moving tribute to friendship, creativity, and three decades of design innovation.
Red Bull’s 50-by-50-foot exhibit was named Best Fabric Exhibit for its electrifying transformation of existing assets into an immersive brand experience. Using beMatrix frames, dynamic fabric graphics, and dozens of repurposed digital posters, the space pulsed with energy and multimedia storytelling. A DJ, live dance battles, and sampling stations turned the booth into a destination. Designed and fabricated by Storylink Creative, the exhibit was praised by judges as “a true example of efective brand-world building with unmistakable Red Bull spirit.”
Best Double-Deck Exhibit
Aluvision
EuroShop
Design/Fabrication: Aluvision System: Aluvision
Aluvision’s 40-by-60-foot “Museum of Modular Art” exhibit showcased the brand’s systems and invited attendees to explore product “sculptures” along fuid pathways. Judges praised the booth as delightful, engaging, and “absolutely on brand.” At its core stood the Flexdeck — a towering, double-deck structure that served as both beacon and lounge.
Post-show, the modular booth became a permanent showroom piece, proving Aluvision’s systems are not only beautiful but also innovative and endlessly reusable.
Best Overhead Element
Aluvision
Integrated Systems Europe
Design/Fabrication: Aluvision System: Aluvision
Aluvision’s 46-by-30-foot booth dazzled ISE attendees with a threetiered, chandelier-like hanging sign that fused Hi-LED tiles with SEG fabric for a mesmerizing blend of motion and light that embodied the brand’s “Design Freely and Build Better” theme. “This is a great example of using digital media to draw attendees’ eyes,” said one ExSys Awards judge. The synchronized display and seamless design showcased Aluvision’s latest solutions while proving the brand’s systems are as functional as they are unforgettable.
Best Graphics
Veterinary Emergency Group
International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
Designed by BlueHive Exhibits, VEG’s 20-by-30-foot exhibit earned top honors for Best Graphics by transforming two-dimensional art into modular, cut-
out-rich panels with layered textures and interactive elements. “This is one of those cases where the graphics make the exhibit,” said one ExSys Awards judge. With themed fooring, whimsical props, and playful branding—including a towering peace sign and illustrated animals—the “Rest Area” concept came to life, creating an immersive, eye-catching experience that stood out on the show foor.
Best Sustainable Design DDS Tile
Boutique Design New York
Design: Classic Exhibits, Summit Graphics PDX
Fabrication: Classic Exhibits
System: Classic Exhibits, EcoSystems Classic Exhibits and Summit Graphics PDX teamed up to turn birch plywood and a tool-free cam-locking system into a 200-square-foot sustainable design for DDS Tile that proves eco-conscious choices can still dazzle. According to one judge, “The beautiful booth and materials chosen tell a succinct sustainability story that successfully stands out.” Adjustable LED lighting and live tile demos made it both fashionable and functional, capturing the attention of architects and designers throughout the design-forward event.
Best Tech Integration Zero Systems
ILTACON
Design/Fabrication: Ion Exhibits
System: beMatrix
HerculesAI (formerly Zero Systems) earned Best Tech Integration with a high-impact 20-by-20-foot rental designed by Ion Exhibits. Comprising beMatrix and LEDskin, the design featured seamless corner-mounted LED tiles showcasing vivid 3D and 4K content. “The dimensionality of the graphics and dynamism of the display make this truly captivating,” said one judge. Meticulously planned and executed, the booth drew major attention, proving LED tiles need not be mere exhibit accents, but can become the exhibit—and experience—all on their own.
Best Experiential Design
Paramount+
The Lodge (SXSW and SDCC)
Design/Fabrication: 15|40 Productions System: T3 Systems
Paramount+’s The Lodge exhibit at SXSW and San Diego Comic-Con won Best Experiential Design for its blend of physical and digital experiences that prompted one judge to call it “an immersive amusement park designed to engage and enthrall a diverse audience.” Spanning more than 8,500 square feet, the exhibit brought Paramount+’s iconic franchises to life through immersive sets, VR activations, themed bars, and collectible swag. The Lodge successfully deepened fan engagement, creating memorable, shareable experiences that showcased Paramount+’s storytelling prowess.
The foundation of a successful exhibit is a solid design concept. Deckel & Moneypenny delivered just that for GE Profle in the form of an immersive 50-by-60foot space that one judge called “smart in every sense of the word.” The design used a brain analogy to represent diferent areas of the home, with sections dedicated to function, logic, and taste. Key features included a multimedia “Whole Home Wall” diorama, interactive kiosks, an AI-powered laundry room design, and live cofee demonstrations.
Best Design Proposal ITG Brands
National Association of Convenience Stores
Design: Storylink Creative System: Aluvision
Not every inspired concept comes to fruition, as evidenced by Storylink Creative’s proposed exhibit for ITG Brands. Spanning 3,500 square feet, the design featured a central tree symbolizing growth and a 20-foot-diameter
display highlighting ITG’s oferings. Brand-themed interactive screens and tech-enabled educational experiences — from virtual gaming to interactive quizzes — were designed to convey key messages and foster meaningful engagement. In the words of one judge, “This exhibit is elegant, appealing, and one I wish I could have experienced in person.”
Best Design Detail
Aluvision (LED Keyhole)
Live Design International Design/Fabrication: Aluvision System: Aluvision
Aluvision’s 20-by-20-foot booth won Best Design Detail for an immersive keyhole structure comprising Hi-LED P1.9 tiles. Designed as a portal to “limitless creativity,” the 11-foot-tall semi-enclosed element featured synchronized content across curved and fat LED surfaces,
enveloping attendees in a foor-to-ceiling visual journey that not only dazzled but also demonstrated Aluvision’s oferings. “This is a well-thought-out concept that aligns with the brand’s identity,” said one judge, while another added, “immersive engagements are inherently attractive, and this is a perfect example.”
Best Student Design
Jacob Hinman
Bemidji State University
BSU’s Jacob Hinman won Best Student Design (and a $500 cash prize, courtesy of TEDA) with a 50-by-50-foot exhibit created to represent Xactlase at the American College of Cardiology. The booth featured modular fexibility, ethereal lighting, and a dramatic cardiac art installation. Central touchscreen kiosks, a theater space, and laser-inspired visuals invited deep engagement, efectively communicating Xactlase’s mission: Improving Patient Care. With Laser Precision. Judges applauded the design as “attractive and immersive,” “cohesive and eye-catching,” and “futuristic and forward-thinking.”
People’s Choice Award
SES Space & Defense
Space Symposium
Design: Brave Exhibits
Fabrication: Classic Exhibits
System: Classic Exhibits
SES Space & Defence’s 20-by-20-foot exhibit at Space Symposium 2024 earned this year’s People’s Choice Award, winning 15 percent of the nearly 1,600 votes cast by the public. Designed by Brave Exhibits with Classic Exhibits components, the booth delivered high impact on a modest budget. It featured immersive tech, including LED video panels, touchscreens, and animated light bars. Custom fooring, gradient lighting, and private meeting areas enhanced brand storytelling and fostered meaningful attendee engagement.
For a full list of winners, visit https://www.experientialdesignauthority.com/post/2025-exsysaward-winners-announced.
Collaboration is our greatest achievement. Thank you for being part of it.
Axonius RSA '24
Best Small Island-Gold
Best Double Deck-Silver
Threatlocker Black Hat '24
Best Overhead Element-Bronze
Are Your Sponsorships Reflecting Your Company’s Core Values?
BY PAT FRIEDLANDER
Sponsorships at events are a nearly indispensable source of revenue for show managers and associations. The price per square foot of space at an event doesn’t necessarily cover the cost of producing the event, and it certainly doesn’t allow much wiggle room for proftability. How to make up for the shortfall? Sponsorships.
Here’s how it usually works: the association or event management company ofers exhibitors a list of sponsorships “to get your name out there.” The list usually
includes opportunities like: banner ads or hanging banners; lanyards; meal functions where a representative from a sponsoring company gives a welcome speech, or worse, shows a corporate video; or “show bags” with the event name on one side and the sponsor’s name on the other. Other options may include: escalator handrail “wraps,” analog ads on the inside of bathroom stall doors, plastic bag that contain brochures, or reminder articles submitted by exhibitors.
Let’s take a test: what
company’s brand was on your last lanyard? What did you do with the stuf in the show bag (unless it was edible, in which case you either tossed it or ate it)? Which company sponsored the last meal function you attended? For extra credit: Did you recycle that lanyard or bag—or did you add it to the tons of waste generated by events?
In a corporate environment where expenditures are expected to yield a return on investment, how did your last sponsorship perform? Did anyone in the target
audience approach you to thank you for putting your name on the bag? Did your lanyard investment create memorability?
Is there an alternative to this process?
Yes, there is—and here’s how it worked for one exhibitor.
Medical congresses are a vital channel for both disseminating information and building brand awareness. In addition to the exhibit on the show foor, most congresses ofer exhibitors additional opportunities in the form of sponsorships for reaching health-
SPONSORSHIP STRATEGIES
Sponsorships should reflect your company’s core values. Planning should be part of your strategy, which means developing a consistent approach to reach the audience through sponsorships and activations that reflect your entire event program. How do you do that?
» Start early. At your initial strategy meeting for an event, decide what value or hallmark of your company you want to showcase.
» Determine how you will create an activation to engage attendees and help them recognize your core values.
» Discuss your plan thoroughly with show management or the association. Be willing to compromise, but don’t settle for a sponsorship that misses the message you want to send.
» Sponsorship revenue helps keep the lights on. Negotiate with show management to put a price on your idea. This will likely not include production and other costs, so be sure your budget is sufficient and that your idea is exceptional.
» Your active involvement in creating and executing the sponsorship is critical. That’s a major difference between an off-the-shelf idea and your own.
» Develop a PR plan for your sponsorship, considering options like social media, industry press coverage, broadcast—and any other opportunities you can uncover.
» If your sponsorship is successful, show management will want to offer it to exhibitors next year. Be sure to grandfather in your right of first refusal, as your sponsorship could become a definitive brand asset.
care professionals (HCPs). When Access TCA (Access) client Boehringer Ingelheim, a health care company, reviewed the sponsorships ofered from the American Thoracic Society (ATS), they noticed that there was nothing about sustainability, one of Boehringer Ingelheim’s core values. Access and Boehringer Ingelheim approached the team at ATS and suggested a sustainability sponsorship, a suggestion that was met with enthusiastic approval.
An Artistic Touch
Collaborating with the Moscone Center, Recology of San Francisco, and The Recovery Crew (a trio of artists with a shared passion for repurposing materials), the Access team suggested a live art installation: a sculpture that would speak to Boehringer Ingelheim’s core values of their commitment to human health, lung disease, and sustainability. The installation would grow and develop throughout ATS.
The proposed activation involved using “found” materials, including attendee and exhibitor waste items, to produce the artwork. The sculpture explored the intricate relationship between urban environments—including an intricate cityscape of San Francisco created with waste cardboard—and natural ecosystems, particularly focusing on lung health and balance. The sculpture is loosely based on the dual conical shapes of a set of human lungs and can rotate. Large containers were provided for waste collec-
tion. The artists curated the collected materials, ensuring they were clean and suitable for the sculpture as they were added to each side of the lungs to maintain balance. The resulting sculpture evolved into a dynamic display representing the physical lungs, disease awareness, and the resilience of patients battling interstitial lung disease (ILD). Signage reminded attendees viewing the sculpture to visit space 928, the Boehringer Ingelheim disease exhibit on the exhibit foor,
which focused on learning more about ILD.
The sculpture was designed to be lit and base-mounted, ensuring it would have a life beyond the ATS lobby at Moscone Center, whether on permanent display in a new location or on the road as part of an exhibit. Reflecting Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to healthcare: “Improving the health of humans - for generations,” the finished sculpture conveyed messages about human health and sustainability.
Why Great Event Ideas Get Stuck in Approval Limbo
By Liz Lathan, CMP
You might think that corporate event planners are hired for their vision, energy, and ingenuity, yet you’re beating your head against the wall trying to understand why the best ideas never make it of the pitch deck.
The frustration is real: you’ve imagined an unforgettable activation and even tied it to business outcomes, but it still dies in committee. Why? Because creativity in corporate settings doesn’t fail at the idea stage—it fails at the approval stage.
It’s often not about lack of budget. It’s about lack of bravery, lack of buy-in, and, above all, a system that rewards the event planner for fawless execution, not magical moments.
Creativity Has a Chain of Command
Your corporate event planner or in-house partner probably has loads of respect and infuence inside the company, so when you pitch big, you’re confdent that they can sell it up the chain. In fact, you might even know that the chief marketing ofcer is itching for something new and diferent this time, so you swing for the fences.
Here’s the issue: While most planners sit in the marketing org., the actual sign-of comes from legal, brand, or even fnance. The approval chain is built to mitigate risk, not reward bold ideas, which is
why some of the best concepts get killed in the frst meeting with a terse, “We’d never get that through legal.”
Big Ideas Threaten Small Comfort Zones
You are probably working with companies who already get the concept that “we’ve always done it that way” is the kiss of death, so you’re eager to share something innovative and exciting.
But even when you have an internal champion, there’s a limit. Stakeholders only have so much political capital to spend and pushing for creative, out-of-the-box ideas often costs more than playing it safe. When your ally burns through that capital advocating for something bold, it can backfre, leading to skepticism or silence the next time they bring an idea forward. You want your internal champion to look like the hero, not the scapegoat.
Metrics vs. Magic
Here’s the real kiss of death, though: Return on Investment (ROI) is easy to prove when it’s a booth and a badge scan, not when it’s an immersive pop-up lounge with zero lead gen but massive buzz.
Creative concepts need new ways to measure success, like Return on Emotion, Experience, or Equity (ROE). But they still have to tie to the dashboard. Leveraging ROE as the key metric alone won’t
cut it. It has to tie ROE and ROI, so design accordingly.
Lack of Strategic Framing
Of course, you know that great ideas die when they’re presented as “fun” instead of “functional.” But your real detractor might be that your internal stakeholder doesn’t speak the language of business. Helping them tie creativity to pipeline, infuence, or perception shifts will arm them with the terms they need to drive the concept internally.
That’s where you come in. Not just as the creative genius, but as the strategic ally. You can go a step beyond just pitching ideas and instead equip your internal partners with the language, logic, and leverage they need to sell it through. When you give them a clear business case and a confdent narrative you can help them get those bold ideas through the approval gauntlet.
Don’t dial back your brilliance, just help your internal partners feel more confdent when they have to shop the concepts around the approval bingo card. The world needs more of your big ideas and less sameness. You’ve got this.
Liz Lathan, CMP, is a former corporate event strategist with 20+ years leading event teams at Fortune 50 companies like Dell and IBM. Today she runs a community for corporate event professionals called Club Ichi (weareichi.com).
How Suppliers Can Help Internal Stakeholders Sell Bold Ideas
1. Arm them with a business case, not just a creative deck
» Translate the idea into business language: impact on pipeline, perception, customer journey, etc.
» Provide mock ROI scenarios or benchmarks from similar executions.
2. Offer “credibility collateral”
» Share case studies with measurable outcomes.
» Provide testimonials from other corporate clients who took a risk and saw results.
» Bonus: create a short internalonly video pitch they can forward to execs. You might have NO IDEA how your internal champion is pitching your idea. Maybe they need your voice and enthusiasm to help it.
3. Package the pitch for different stakeholders
» Marketing cares about brand and engagement.
» Finance wants costs and returns.
» Legal compliance needs to know it won’t be a PR disaster. This will help your champion tailor the message to each audience.
4. Co-present when needed
» Join the internal pitch (virtually or in person) as the expert.
» It’s often more powerful when the “crazy idea” is coming from the supplier, not the internal stakeholder who has to live with the politics.
5. Equip them with riskreversal language
» “Here’s what we’ll do if it flops.”
» “We’ve got contingency plans.”
» Show you’ve thought through the unknowns, so they don’t have to.
When Creativity and Diversity Meet
by The Exhibitor Advocate
Creativity in the exhibit world is not a new concept. Exhibitors rise to the challenge at every single event to resourcefully manage workfow and costs. Here are six examples of out-of-the-box thinking from the team at The Exhibitor Advocate.
Option 1: Strategic Partnerships
One of the top solutions to lowering costs is to align with a strategic partner who is also exhibiting. Working with someone who aligns with your strategic solutions is a sensible way to reduce both companies’ costs. This allows both exhibitors to extend the booth footprint and messaging and ofer a VIP or attendee-only package to attendees.
A shared sponsorship gives both parties the opportunity to share speaking costs, double communications eforts between the teams, and potentially share giveaway costs. Co-hosting a networking event leverages prospects and solidifes strategic alignment by showcasing solutions to a specifc and qualifed audience.
Option 2: Of-Site Events
Exhibition related costs continue to rise and the search for alternative spaces and exhibit options are becoming increasingly more attractive. If your company opts to forgo a booth and host an of-site event, it’s essential to ensure that the event does not confict with ofcial show activities.
Most show organizers are open to approving of-foor or of-site meetings, especially if you’re a sponsor and are transparent about your plans. However, bypassing the exhibit foor and attempting to draw attendees away from the main event can be seen as outboarding, a practice that can lead to signifcant complications and risks.
Option 3: Explore A/V Alternatives
Mitigating exhibition expenses is a constant battle requiring creativity and strong vendor partnerships. One example is a company that saved over $18,000 by replacing a 3-by-5 foot LED wall with an 85-inch video monitor. The exhibitor incurred an initial cost to fll the LED wall, but the long-term savings was refected in the bottom line.
Option 4: Factor in Labor Needs
Another option for cost reduction is to factor in labor costs. Most shows are set up over the weekend. Weekday installation hours are often available, allowing for straight-time labor rates. Scheduling more labor on straight time reduces the number of workers needed on overtime. Although this approach may not always be feasible, it can contribute to better overall budget management.
Option 5:
TED Talk Vibes on a Budget
Exhibitors often work with
reduced budgets but still want to create energy in and around the booth. Try turning your exhibit into a casual stage for your own team. Think mini–TED Talks: short, informal sessions where staf share insights, personal stories, or behind-thescenes perspectives.
Use resources you already have: videos, case studies, and customer success stories to help tell your story without big production costs. These smaller, relaxed talks feel more personal and inviting. They’re easy to record and share to social media, podcasts, or linked in follow-up emails.
Diferent voices from your team lead the conversation and build trust, creating genuine and relatable connections with attendees. It’s a simple, creative way to draw people in and make your booth feel more like a conversation than a sales pitch.
Option 6: Exhibit House Diversifcation
Back in the day, exhibit house account managers had straightforward goals: understand the client’s objectives, design a booth within budget, oversee production, and ensure smooth delivery. Today clients expect more as the world and industry continues to change.
Diversifcation in our industry isn’t just a trend—it’s survival. We’re no longer just exhibit builders. We’re brand storytellers, spatial designers, logistics strategists, digital
integrators, and sometimes even event therapists.
The price of exhibiting has ballooned and not just in freight or labor, but in the essentials. Internet, power, rigging are no longer luxuries, they’re necessities. Today, clients are spending thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) for reliable show foor Wi-Fi and basic connectivity. The result? Frustrated clients, blown budgets, and missed opportunities.
Innovation asks the hard questions. Do we really need to do it this way? Can we use LTE or 5G to power interactive elements? Are pre-load content or use battery-powered tech good options? Will show organizers unbundle internet packages or ofer alternatives?
From an account manager’s perspective, innovation isn’t just about flash; it’s about helping clients make smarter choices that yield better returns. We work with our internal tech teams, our AV partners, and sometimes even with third-party providers to propose cost-effective alternatives that still deliver impact.
Think Outside the Box
Event managers know the most efective way to think outside the box is to remove the box. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about cutting through the noise and fnding unique solutions that deliver impactful exhibits.
This article was made possible through the insights and expertise of Dia Stokes Kelly, Brooke Neus, Gina Piendel, Sarah Hurley, and Susanne Skinner, whose contributions enriched its depth and perspective.
How to Create a Valuable Partnership
In this industry, strong, symbiotic partnerships are often more valuable and create better ROI opportunities than product-focused transactional ones. We know this to be true, in the partners Aluvision seeks and the impactful relationships we form with others.
As we consider our own business relations and Aluvision’s approach to partnership, we’ve devised fve important questions any company should ask to ensure a right ft for a strong, lasting relationship when evaluating partners for your business needs.
WILL THEIR PRODUCT HELP MY DAILY OPERATIONS?
No matter what challenge you’re facing, or need you’re looking to fulfll, consider how that company’s ofering is going to afect your productivity and deliverability. Will they make you more efcient? Will they help your business save money or time? Does their product improve yours, or match your company’s standards of quality?
Aluvision, a modular event systems manufacturer, doesn’t just provide frame and LED solutions for building branded environments. We ofer our customers time savings and production efciency. Event producers rely on our durable, reusable systems for the framework of any project, freeing up time to focus on designing and building custom elements. This translates into further savings on labor, materials, energy, and waste management.
If you have high standards for quality, you also want to evaluate a partner for their attention to detail. Aluvision’s
precision standards and extra steps in the fnishing process to anodize all our profles and frames ensure our customers and their clients achieve a polished look with every use.
WHAT’S THEIR TAKE ON CUSTOMER SERVICE?
Next, evaluate a company on their customer service approach. It should be more than responding to emails and phone calls. Consider whether their support will ensure you can take better care of your own customers, and if you can rely on them when you need it most. You want a partner who’s looking out for your best interests. The account managers and design engineers at Aluvision spend time getting to know their assigned clients and understanding their visions, their customers, and how they like to work, so we can provide the exact level of customer service each team needs to succeed in their roles.
Aluvision prioritizes sustainability with proprietary pressing machines to assemble our modular, reusable frames.
We share new ideas on how to use our systems and ofer training sessions to ensure confdence and skill in handling our products, because it helps our partners to be as creative and efective as possible.
ARE THERE GROUNDS FOR A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP?
When you’re approached by any sales executive, pay attention to their language and what they convey to you. Are they focused on the one project you need help with, or are they asking about your business model and all the services you provide to your customers? Do they spend the time to learn about your goals?
The companies that plant themselves squarely in your future as a resource you can rely on for years to come, that may even have a customer rewards and incentive program to ensure a healthy, strong, mutually benefcial relationship (like Aluvision’s Connect program), will prove to be more valuable than those who can provide a swift solution for today, but don’t care about tomorrow.
ARE THEY WILLING TO ADAPT TO MY NEEDS?
Ask about their approach to developing new products and services.
Do they regularly seek out opinions from their customers on current products or discuss ideas for potential new ones to gauge interest and usability? Strong, lasting relationships are reciprocal. The partner you seek should be open to feedback and willing to collaborate with you.
R&D is the beating heart of Aluvision, and we welcome comments and suggestions from our partners on how they want to see our products improved or complemented. If we can make a strong use-case for a new niche product, we’ll engineer it. This is one of the reasons Aluvision has many accessory components and special assembly tools for our plugand-play systems. Our complete range of solutions is a result of our collaborative approach to partnership.
DO THEY GIVE BACK TO THE INDUSTRY?
Philanthropy may not be a focus at your company, and it doesn’t need to be for the businesses you work with but consider this: a company that regularly gives back to others demonstrates compassion
and industry leadership. When vetting a potential partner, ask them how they support this industry outside of their sales eforts. Do they donate their product, time, or knowledge to organizations or other industry professionals? Are they working to afect change on a greater scale?
At Aluvision, we’re compassionate about the growth of the events industry. We are involved in national industry coalitions such as ESCA and EDPA, in local EDPA chapters and the EDPA Future Leaders Committee, leading and supporting their eforts. Through our Aluvision Connect program, we aim to bring our customers and their network of partners together across the globe, to share ideas and insight and create a strong future for the next generation.
The bottom line: For every new partnership, fnd the company you can rely on, that aligns with your values and strives to build a lasting relationship.
In-house training offered at Aluvision Atlanta and Las Vegas facilities
Aluvision’s new POP door: Improved efficiency, durability, and reusability.
I’ve Got a Question, Jack
HOW TRADESHOW CONSULTANTS PROVE THEY ARE “JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES”
BY RAY SMITH
As co-founder and former owner of Nth Degree, Pat Alacqua knows what it takes to succeed in the tradeshow industry, beyond having deep pockets and embracing a peripatetic lifestyle.
After years of helping exhibitors shine on the show foor, Alacqua has transitioned to a consultant role, working closely with leaders across several industries, including those who serve the tradeshow space.
Consultants are called upon to deliver exceptional results, come up with innovative solutions, and maximize return on investment. They must convey the culture of their client’s business, assess the scope of a project, and identify goals that can be achieved, not promised.
Alacqua says it’s critical for tradeshow companies to not only gain perspective and advice, but to collaborate with someone who has been where they want to go and can help set strategies and guide execution.
“I don’t approach this work like a traditional consultant who gives advice and then leaves the implementation up to leadership to fgure out,” the business growth strategist says. “My approach is always through the lens of an operator, leveraging my years of growing my own companies and helping other leaders do the same.”
That’s the kind of support companies need if they want to manage the chaos that comes with growth and build real, transferable value in their business, Alacqua asserts.
Filling A Need
Tradeshow consultants wear a lot of hats. Depending on their clients’ needs, they may dive into specifc areas that lack sufcient stafng or expertise, allowing show producers to focus on the task at hand.
“We can jump in at any given time with a relatively short learning curve to provide the most efcient and productive support
to the team,” says Alyson Lyden, president of Order Defned Event Services.
That relieves a company’s staf from pre-show and onsite responsibilities, which can lead to a decrease in productivity and falling short of show goals.
Consultants come from all tradeshow backgrounds. Lyden worked in operational and sales positions ranging from fve-star hotels to general service contractors, show organizers, and exhibit houses. Order Defned provides services in event planning, graphics, custom fabrication, project management and stafng needs such as foor managers, registration and conference managers. Lyden’s tradeshow experience spans pharmaceutical, medical, sports, automotive, cannabis, Financial Technology, and tech industries.
“In terms of my personal experience, my holistic approach from a diverse background can assist clients from multiple perspectives,” she shares.
Alacqua, author of Obstacles to Opportunity, a book about transforming business challenges into triumphs, describes the role of a tradeshow consultant specifcally in reference to companies that serve the exhibitor’s needs.
“Not the brands in the booths, but the logistics providers, the labor companies, builders, producers, and service partners who make the show work from behind the scenes,” the tradeshow veteran says. “These companies are under real pressure.”
Alyson Lyden
Pat Alacqua
They experienced a surge in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they need to step back, refect, and focus on building the infrastructure to scale and manage growth going forward, he says.
“The truth is that they can’t keep doing things the way they’ve always done them,” Alacqua says. “What got them here won’t get them where they need to go. The pace of growth, operational complexity, and client expectations are all rising.”
The solution, according to Alacqua, isn’t simply more hustle. It involves diferent leadership styles and thinking, augmented by better planning and greater role clarity and accountability throughout the organization. “Solutions need to be applied without compromising their cultural DNA,” he says.
Creating Value
Consultants help tradeshow companies maximize their visibility and transaction conversion rates, says Anirbar Basu, chairman and chief executive ofcer of Baltimore, Maryland-based Sage Policy Group.
“Many enterprises are terrifc at what they do, whether installing air conditioning, manufacturing vehicle components, or taking care of patients, but the skills required to provide goods and services efciently are vastly diferent from those needed to be efective at tradeshows,” he says.
Consultants understand how to help a frm diferentiate itself from its competitors by narrating in interesting ways consistent with the frm’s culture, Basu emphasizes.
As far as the rate of return on their investment is concerned, it’s difcult for a tradeshow consultant to compute, he adds. One indication could be the practices of frms that are growing market share.
“Do successful firms tend to utilize the services of tradeshow consultants? My very strong sense is that they do,” Basu concludes.
Best Strategies
Every tradeshow seeks to grow, whether it’s proft, attendance, leasing space, guest amenities, or conference activities. According to Lyden of Order Defned,
each of these areas requires a diferent tactic, and the key is synchronization of sales, marketing, and operations.
Consultants can dig deeper into a program’s spending and determine the easiest places to cut costs.
“Sales and marketing strategies should be reviewed to see what benefted the most, or least, from past performance and what should be focused on for the next cycle. Operations should always carefully be reviewed to fnd cost savings and efciencies,” Lyden advises.
As with many industries, tradeshow growth often outpaces infrastructure. Alacqua believes the most efective strategy for growing or becoming more productive starts by addressing what’s slowing the company down beneath the surface. Some of the most impactful strategies put forth by Alacqua include:
» Redesigning roles and accountability so teams know what they truly own.
» Clarifying decision rights and cross-functional ownership of key outcomes.
» Installing a planning cadence that keeps strategy alive, not just a one-time event.
» Solving basic recurring problems not just to remove pain points, but to reveal where infrastructure is missing, and someone must implement scaling strategies.
» Building management systems that scale culture, not replace it.
Validating Their Work
Quantifying results of a consultant’s recommendations can be as ambiguous as counting stars in a galaxy. Enhancing the value of tradeshow exhibition depends on the client’s goals and objectives, which may constitute scanning more badges, expanding their social media presence, or creating an environment for more meaningful interactions.
“I prefer to work with my clients to determine what is the most mutually benefcial option for both of us,” Lyden explains. “I try to work within a client’s budget, whether it be a focused approach or an hourly rate, day rate for show site services or a retainer amount for being available for general knowledge and inquiries.”
There are no “cookie cutter” roles for consultants, she says. Sales roles may be validated by an increase in revenue, while operations may be validated by a decrease in costs.
Alacqua focuses on companies that serve exhibitors. His role is not to help brands measure their return on tradeshows, but to assist the service providers behind the scenes in building the infrastructure, systems and leadership depth that ultimately enhance the exhibitor experience.
“The performance of the exhibitor’s service partners heavily shapes exhibitor ROI,” he says. “When those service company partners are reactive, siloed, or overwhelmed by internal growing pains, it shows up in the exhibitor experience. Missed details, delayed communication, or inconsistent execution. However, when the business behind the scenes operates with clarity and confdence, exhibitors can sense it.”
Bigger Story
The tradeshow industry is evolving in a world that’s changing rapidly, Alacqua notes. Exhibitors are seeking greater clarity, consistency, and value from their service partners.
Many of those service providers are growing, which requires stronger internal structure, better systems, and deeper leadership capacity for every service company across the tradeshow industry.
“What’s at stake isn’t just operational efciency,” Alacqua says. “It’s also the future of the organization, its reputation and long-term relevance. Building scalable systems and expanding leadership bandwidth is key to protecting the business and elevating the industry.”
He adds: “The leaders that fgure out how to increase bandwidth for scaling their companies, while overcoming the seasonal surges of this industry, those are the companies that will be most trusted and sought after in the years ahead. For the leaders and companies that can’t make this transition, they’ll likely be the ones quietly considering how and when to exit, or what it might take to sell their business.”
Art, Agriculture, and Sustainability
HOW TWO ICONIC CONVENTION CENTERS ARE TRANSFORMING EVENT SPACES
BY KERSTAN SZCZEPANSKI
Convention centers are no longer simply places to meet, they are becoming cultural, environmental, and community landmarks. From rooftop farms in the heart of Manhattan to hydroponic towers in sunny Orlando, venues are redefning the attendee experience while making a lasting impact on their local communities.
Two leaders in this movement are the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando, Florida, and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (Javits) in New York City. ExhibitCityNews sat down with Joyce Leveston, president and CEO of Javits, and Mark Tester, executive director of OCCC, to discuss how both convention centers have embraced non-traditional spaces and intentional design to create experiences that inspire creativity, foster connections, and deliver measurable benefts. These enhancements are not just about aesthetics but are a part of a deliberate strategy to keep their venues relevant, distinctive, and in demand.
The Center of Hospitality and the Heart of Manhattan
Known as “The Center of Hospitality,” the OCCC ofers seven million square feet of meeting possibilities in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor. Tester describes a venue uniquely positioned to host unique meetings and events by incorporating public art, sustainability, and fexible spaces into the core of its identity.
Situated on Manhattan’s West Side, Javits blends iconic New York City and Hudson River views with industry-leading sustainability practices, creating a venue that sets the standard of what can be accomplished in the events industry. “Javits Center where the world meets and events get taken to the next level,” says Leveston.
Signature Non-Traditional Spaces
At the OCCC, artistry meets architecture with “Under Magnitude,” a fowing, coral-like installation by world-renowned artist Marc Fornes that Tester says, “Invites visitors to pause, marvel, and refect.”
Hanging gracefully in the West Building’s atrium, it transforms the space into a destination for inspiration as much as for meetings. Complementing this is the Center-to-Table Gardens, dozens of vertical hydroponic towers supplying fresh produce for meals prepared by Catering and Hospitality Firm, Sodexo Live! “It’s a farm-to-table concept that demonstrates our dedication to eco-conscious initiatives,” Tester notes, adding that it also serves as a
living example of sustainable innovation for guests.
Javits takes the farm-to-table idea to the rooftops with Steel Farm, a one-acre agricultural oasis managed by Brooklyn Grange. “We grow more than 60 varieties of crops right here in New York City,” says Leveston. This unexpected green expanse isn’t just for show—it’s fully integrated into the venue’s culinary operations, ofering guests a truly local dining experience and redefning what sustainability can look like in the middle of Manhattan.
While OCCC integrates art and gardens throughout its sprawling campus, Javits builds its sustainability story skyward. Both approaches turn underutilized or unexpected spaces into functional, inspiring, and revenue-supporting assets.
Enhancing the Attendee and Community Experience
OCCC’s meeting rooms and gathering spaces provide a serene, light-flled venue for networking or celebrations, surrounded by pollinator-friendly landscaping and irrigated with reclaimed water. “We honor our environment through design choices that preserve biodiversity and create spaces guests want to linger in,” Tester explains.
At Javits, Steel Farm enables a dining program where “more than 80 percent of the crops are used in our culinary operations, while the remainder is donated to local organizations addressing food insecurity or composted for use back on the farm,” Leveston comments. The Pavilion at North Javits
ofers sweeping farm views, blending natural beauty with an urban skyline, giving attendees a memorable setting that refects the venue’s values.
Both venues extend their impact beyond event attendees. OCCC’s gardens showcase sustainable practices to visitors from around the globe, while Javits’ zero-waste farm model supports community needs and reduces landfll waste. In each case, these enhancements create memorable experiences while deepening the venue’s connection to its city.
Placemaking and Design Philosophy
“At the OCCC, design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about intentionality,” says Tester. The venue works closely with show managers to craft
event in New York into one of the most seamless,” she adds.
Both venues view design as a strategic tool to stay relevant in a competitive events market. Whether through art that sparks conversation or infrastructure that eases logistics, placemaking keeps the experience fresh and the destination top of mind.
Measurable Impact
spaces that, as she says, “feel immersive, memorable, and uniquely Florida.” From lush outdoor terraces to fexible indoor layouts, this approach ensures that every square foot contributes to the experience, not just the function.
For Javits, placemaking blends sustainability and urban functionality. The venue’s 6.75-acre green roof, ftted with over 2,000 solar panels, doubles as a wildlife habitat.
“There are over 72 species of birds, fve species of bats, and Manhattan’s largest herring gull colony,” says Leveston. Nine beehives contribute to biodiversity, while the truck marshalling building reduces neighborhood congestion by keeping 200 trucks on-site.
“It transforms one of the most stressful parts of hosting an
The OCCC credits its enhancements with creating an “Unbelievably Real” experience that inspires repeat business. Its upcoming $560 million Grand Concourse expansion, which will add a 100,000-square-foot ballroom and 44,000 square feet of meeting space, will elevate comfort, functionality, and inspiration even further. By focusing on what guests truly value, OCCC ensures that growth is about more than just square footage.
At Javits, the results are equally tangible. “Over twothirds of our clients return annually,” says Leveston, noting that new events see “15 – 20 percent growth in attendance” after moving to the venue. Steel Farm’s donations through the JavitsCares program fghts hunger in the
community, while the green roof reduces heat fux and absorbs seven million gallons of rainwater annually, mitigating street fooding. These environmental benefts align with a broader mission: to serve as a catalyst for the economic development of the community.
Both venues prove that investments in experience and sustainability translate into economic, cultural, and reputational returns, not only drawing events but also generating jobs and reinforcing their roles as civic assets.
From Orlando’s art-flled gardens to New York’s rooftop farm, the Orange County Convention Center and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center are redefning what a convention space can be. By weaving sustainability, community engagement, and intentional design into their operations, they create experiences that extend far beyond the ballroom.
As Leveston says, “There is simply no place like Javits Center.” While OCCC is not the exact same, it too is inspiring. Both venues prove that awe can be informative and transform each visit into a well-rounded journey that resonates with both visitors and locals alike.
Turning Travel Expenses into Investments
by Melissa Skipworth
In the tradeshow, event production and corporate event industries, the housing of traveling teams is a recurring—and often rising—expense. Las Vegas, Orlando, and Chicago serve as major hubs for conventions and exhibitions, drawing millions of visitors each year. For companies that send install and dismantle crews and supervisors to these markets multiple times a year, lodging often becomes one of the largest line items.
Traditionally, the options have been hotels or short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO, with rates that fuctuate based on demand, event schedules and seasonality. Increasingly, some organizations are exploring a third option: purchasing properties in key markets for dedicated corporate housing.
That shift turns lodging from a volatile, variable expense into a predictable fxed-asset strategy—one that can deliver fnancial, operational, and employee-experience benefts.
Why Real Estate Can Make Financial Sense
For companies with frequent and predictable travel, ownership often costs less than nightly accommodations.
Cost stability: Hotel and rental rates spike during major conventions. Ownership provides consistent monthly costs and shields companies from surges during events such as CES in Las Vegas, NPE The Plastics Show in Orlando, and National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago.
Asset appreciation: Properties in convention cities have demonstrated long-term value growth. Holding real estate in these markets can deliver appreciation alongside operational savings.
Tax advantages: When structured under a business entity, ownership can provide deductions for depreciation, mortgage interest and expenses. Unused periods can generate income through mid-term corporate rentals.
Operational Advantages
There are four big reasons to buy real estate. Guaranteed availability allows owners to avoid sold-out hotels or limited Airbnb inventory during peak events. The proximity to venues reduces transportation costs and time. The on-site storage cuts shipping costs by keeping equipment in-market. Lastly, as the owner of the property companies can ensure consistent standards for comfort, security, and amenities.
Workforce Impact
Corporate housing can improve employee well-being through the purchase of real estate. A home provides more personal space than a hotel and with kitchen and laundry, employees can establish familiar routines. Additionally, common areas that foster team cohesion while preserving privacy. These factors can reduce burnout and improve retention in industries with heavy travel demands.
When It Works Best
Ownership makes sense when travel is frequent and predictable. Other factors to consider are whether team size regularly flls the proper-
Las Vegas $130–$160 per night; median ~$162. Premium: $400–$550+ Budget: $80–$150; Strip average: $160–$200; Luxury: $300–$340 $446,345 home @ 6.57% $2,900–$3,100 per month
Orlando Annual ADR: $154–$205; Jan 2025 near Convention Center: $155–$190
Mid-range: $160–$2004–5 BR home near Convention Center (~$450,000) $2,700–$3,100 per month
Avg. monthly mortgage payment: $2,578 on 30-yr fixed loan
ty, management resources exist, either internally or locally and if the company takes a long-term view of returns.
Risks and Considerations
Making investment decisions are not without their risks, however. Upfront costs, including down payment, closing and furnishing must be considered. Once a property is bought there will be ongoing maintenance and utilities. In the event that a company wishes to sell their property, market fuctuations afect resale and there will be an opportunity cost of tying up capital.
In Las Vegas, Orlando, and Chicago, extended lodging costs for I&D teams and supervisors can quickly surpass the monthly cost of owning a comparable property. While not universal, for organizations with frequent travel to these hubs, ownership can shift lodging from a recurring expense into a strategic investment—one that delivers fnancial, operational and workforce dividends.
Source Attribution
Each fgure in the article corresponds to publicly available data from reputable industry sources:
30-day mid-range hotel/ Airbnb: $4,800–$6,000 nearly double the average mortgage
30 nights @ $160/night = $4,800 higher than a mortgage
30 nights @ $150/night budget hotel = $4,500 almost double the city’s average mortgage
Airbnb & STR Metrics: Airbtics, AirROI, AirDNA Hotel Rates: KAYAK, BudgetYourTrip, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Universal Orlando expansions, Fox 35 Orlando Mortgage Estimates: Aggregated from mortgage rate calculator and analytics sources: Bankrate, Investopedia, MarketWatch, Rocket Mortgage, Better.com
Why Your LinkedIn Post Sucks
(And What It Has to Do with Your Tradeshow Booth)
I’ll start with a confession: I’m bored. Not “doom-scrolling-for-hours” bored, but “seen-the-sametradeshow-boothsix-times-this-year” bored. We go to these shows to get inspired, but lately, it feels like we’re just trapped in an echo chamber of our own making. We look at what everyone else is doing in our industry, get a “brilliant” idea, and then we’re stuck in a loop. It’s safe, it’s predictable, and honestly, it’s a little soul-crushing.
By Paco Collazo
a vague “inspiring” quote, and a call to action to “engage below.” It’s all so... manufactured. It’s like everyone is just copying the same AI prompt, resulting in a feed full of fake sincerity and zero personality. What happened to our voices?
is using a car-related prompt, you’re all going to end up with a car. It’s not innovative; it’s lazy. It’s the visual equivalent of a LinkedIn listicle.
And don’t even get me started on the LinkedIn posts. You know the ones: the four-bulletpoint list with a few emojis,
The same thing is happening with design. I’ve seen enough AI-generated renders of booths with glowing arches and foating screens to last me a lifetime. We’re all putting the same basic prompts into Midjourney, and guess what? We’re getting the same basic results. If your client is in the auto industry and every one of your competitors
Here’s my two cents: true innovation comes from looking outside the box, not just rearranging the furniture inside it. Take a cue from cinema, which tells a story and evokes emotion. What if your next tradeshow stand was less about a product display and more about an engaging plot? Or look at the fashion industry, which is a masterclass in constant reinvention. Why can’t we apply that same energy to a booth?
Let’s challenge ourselves to build a space that’s not just
functional, but makes people want to share it. Let’s use lights, sounds, and smells to create an immersive experience. Let’s get weird, get creative, and borrow ideas from every corner of the world. Because the moment we stop thinking for ourselves is the moment we become part of the problem.
Let’s agree to widen our horizons and value what great minds in diferent felds can lend us. Otherwise, we might as well just turn on the autopilot and call it a day.
Paco Collazo is the CEO and Owner of Happy Projects, with over 15 years of experience in the trade shows and event industry.
Reaching the Heart of the Team
COMMUNITY, WELLNESS, AND THE CULTURE SHAPING TODAY’S TRADESHOW INDUSTRY
BY MARK HEBERT
In the tradeshow world, it’s easy to measure success by square footage, lead counts, or brand visibility. But for a growing number of companies, another kind of impact is taking shape beyond the show foor. From packing school supplies to supporting local nonprofts, frms like Exhibitus, BlueHive, Steelhead, Fern, and nth Degree and Opportunity Village are putting community outreach and employee wellness at the center of their operations. Their eforts don’t just serve the community, they refect something deeper about how this industry shows up when no one’s watching.
At Exhibitus, community involvement isn’t just a seasonal project, it’s built into the company’s identity. Through its internal program BeyondUs, Exhibitus organizes year-round opportunities for employees to support causes ranging from food insecurity to foster care. “We have a two-part mission: to provide our employees team-building opportunities throughout the year to do good and make meaningful impact locally, as well as to give back to our communities in need,” says Lynn Reves, vice president of marketing and results strategy. Recent initiatives include assembling sensory kits for a rare disease summit in Chicago and hosting meal-packing events for national service days. “It is less about simply donating funds,” Reves adds, “and more about the
sense of community we’re building with employees and their own families.”
BlueHive is taking a similar approach, emphasizing both local engagement and educational access. Dana Esposito, who co-chairs the Experiential Designers and Producers Association’s (EDPA) University Afliations Committee, says BlueHive has made mentorship and career-building a priority. “These initiatives support not only students pursuing exhibit and experiential design but also those enrolled in new tracks such as program and event management,” Esposito says. Internally, the company’s BuzzSquad helps maintain connection across teams with a mix of wellness events, volunteer opportunities, and all-hands meetings. “We believe that well-being isn’t just about benefts,” she says, “it’s about creating a workplace where people feel seen, connected, and valued.”
For Opportunity Village, a nonprofit based in Las Vegas, the connection between tradeshows and community outreach is deeply practical. Through partnerships with conventions and event organizers, Opportunity Village receives donated booth materials for its thrift store, which double as training sites for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Every donation we receive and every time someone shops there, you’re supporting the work we do,” says Laura Foster, director of communications. The organization also contracts with events for fulfllment, packaging, and commercial cleaning, providing both revenue and inclusive employment opportunities.
At Steelhead, community and employee engagement are guided by the company’s Give Happy initiative, both a philosophy and a formal foundation. While the foun-
Exhibitus team members hard are work.
dation operates as a separate nonproft, it often partners with Steelhead’s internal Give Happy Committee to organize hands-on service events. “In 2024, the committee supported 12 organizations and accumulated 130 volunteer hours,” says Elizabeth Martinez, marketing director. Upcoming events include a back-toschool supply drive for local Las Vegas schools, with support from employees and vendors alike. “These initiatives help create a healthier work environment and encourage stronger interpersonal connections among our team,” Martinez adds. “We support individual well-being and collective growth inside and outside the workplace.”
At Fern, that connection between company culture and community care is equally clear. “Social impact works best when it’s baked into daily operations rather than treated as a one-of initiative,” says Gayle Wright, account executive. A recent hire, Wright points to Fern’s support during a personal family emergency as an example of how the company leads with empathy. “The fexibility and care I received from leadership during my mother’s stroke was extraordinary,” she says. She adds that outreach eforts are strongest when they refect what employees value most—something she’s seen frsthand through her work with EDPA
Las Vegas and Women in Experiential. “It starts with asking people what matters to them and building from there.”
In Atlanta, EDPA Southeast has made community giving a hands-on experience through its annual support of The Shoebox Project. Led by chapter president Sandra Braun of Nth Degree, the efort has grown from 50 donated boxes to more than 200, flled with toiletries, socks, ponchos, and decorated with uplifting messages. “This is one of my favorite events to be a part of,” Braun says. “The best part is knowing the boxes are going to people in need and hoping it brings a little bit of joy.” Hosted by Brumark and supported by a dozen local companies, the event combines team building with direct impact and stands as one more example of how industry groups are turning service into culture.
Another long-running example of community care in the tradeshow industry is the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, now entering its 31st year in 2025. Hosted by the Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Association (EACA), the event brings together hundreds of industry professionals at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, to support colleagues facing serious medical or fnancial hardship. This year’s recipients include Mary Nixon, wife of Neal Nixon of 2020 Exhibits, who is in Stage 5 renal failure, and the late Walt Queen, chief executive ofcer of Queen Exhibits, who passed away unexpectedly in December 2024. “I’ve had friends and coworkers who were recipients,” says Leonard Metcalf, vice president of logistics at BlueHive Exhibits. “It really makes you think—‘you never know.’” With sponsors and supporters from across the country, ‘The Randy’ has become more than a golf tournament; it’s a tradition of care that shows how this industry rallies for its own.
Across these organizations, there’s a clear focus on employee-driven programming. From Exhibitus surveying staf to shape volunteer priorities, to BlueHive’s internal events, Steelhead’s wellness initiatives, Opportunity Village’s inclusive
workforce model, and EDPA Southeast’s hands-on Shoebox Project, the people doing the work help shape how the work gets done. These aren’t top-down PR eforts—they refect what matters to the teams themselves.
And while many of these eforts support external causes, there’s a clear understanding that workplace culture and community impact are deeply connected. As Reves puts it, “It matters to candidates that we give back to the community.” That sentiment echoes across the board. Charity and wellness aren’t distractions from business goals. They’re becoming part of what defnes a competitive, resilient, and people-centered company.
One example that captures the personal impact of this work comes from Exhibitus’s June 2025 initiative supporting the Jansen de Vries Syndrome Foundation. Teams in Atlanta packed sensory kits and parent support materials for delivery to the group’s annual summit in Chicago. “One of our employees has a child who was the frst person in Georgia diagnosed with JdVS,” says Reves. “It made the work feel deeply meaningful—and our Chicago team helped deliver the kits themselves.” That kind of cross-location collaboration, she notes, has helped foster a broader sense of unity and purpose across Exhibitus ofces.
At BlueHive, long-term nonproft partnerships are just as central. The company has supported Veterans Inc., a Worcester-based service provider, for more than four years. “Over this time, we’ve helped them manage and promote eight to nine events per year,” Esposito says. The collaboration includes design, signage, and even the build of a custom-wrapped mobile RV that now serves as a traveling support hub for veterans across the region. “It’s a project that refects both what we do professionally and what we care about personally.”
While many companies are already active in these eforts, industry-wide engagement still varies. “The tradeshow industry is second only to construction as the most wasteful industry on the
planet,” says Martinez. “We could be doing more to mitigate our impact.” That push is beginning to take hold. Programs like EDPA’s mentorship pipeline, Opportunity Village’s direct employment model, and Steelhead’s hybrid employee-volunteer events all suggest a broader shift: charitable work isn’t a side activity, it’s becoming a core business value.
As these eforts grow, so does the need for shared infrastructure. That includes better ways to coordinate volunteer events, measure outcomes, and create lasting partnerships. At Steelhead, that’s part of the long-term vision. “We’d love to see more collaboration on large-scale community service projects,” Martinez says. “The more frms that get involved, the bigger the impact.”
For now, though, many in the industry
are focused on simply doing the work. Whether it’s building a trail in Red Rock Canyon or hosting a back-to-school drive, each event creates a chance to connect on a diferent level. And as Reves puts it, those moments are starting to reshape expectations. “It’s no longer just about what we do on the show foor. It’s about how we show up every day.”
Whether through sustainability initiatives, wellness programs, or direct community service, the message is clear: the exhibit and events world is rethinking what it means to lead. And if the eforts of frms like Exhibitus, BlueHive, Steelhead, and Opportunity Village are any indication, the next generation of industry success might be measured as much by its heart as by its hustle.
Still, it’s not just about individual com-
panies doing good. Industry associations, like the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), and Exhibitor Group have played a quiet but steady role in normalizing these values. From scholarship programs to sustainability pledges, these organizations are helping set standards that reward long-term thinking over short-term gains. And as more frms take part, what was once considered extra efort is quickly becoming expected practice.
Because the show must go on.
Become a member
Support the education and action that keeps our industry strong through every challenge.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Over 40 FREE tools
100+ essential exhibiting resources
Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates: critical for developing budgets and negotiating rates
Expert-led webinars on hot topics such as AI, and managing rising costs
AIRPORT
by
SNAPSHOT by Kerstan Szczepanski
Photo
Rebecca Dunn Levert
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Airport Code: ORD
Location: 10000 W O’Hare Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Date Opened: February 1944 (as Orchard Field, renamed in 1949 after Medal of Honor recipient Edward “Butch” O’Hare).
Size: Over 7,200 acres, making it one of the largest airports in the U.S. It has four passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) and eight runways.
Transportation: O’Hare has ground transportation options to both McCormick Place and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont). For McCormick Place (17–18 miles) the CTA Blue Line goes downtown. Direct taxi or rideshare travel is 25 to 40 minutes depending on trafc. For Stephens Convention Center (2–4 miles) the CTA Blue Line is direct to Rosemont Station, just a short walk or shuttle ride to the center, with taxi or rideshare around 5 to 10 minutes.
On-Site Facilities: O’Hare features a wide range of dining options and retail shops, ofers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and charging stations throughout. There are multiple lounges, mother’s rooms, and multi-faith prayer rooms.
Fun Fact 1: O’Hare has eight runways, the most of any airport in the world. Flychicago.com, the Chicago Department of Aviation’s website, reports that O’Hare has 201 gates. That beats Atlanta’s Hartsfeld-Jackson gate total of 192 (atl.com).
Fun Fact 2: The airport houses a replica of a Brachiosaurus skeleton in Terminal 1, on loan from Chicago’s Field Museum.
Website: www.fychicago.com/ohare
From Crates to Customs
HOW TO STOP WASTING MONEY ON SHIPPING
BY KERSTAN SZCZEPANSKI
Tradeshow shipping isn’t just about moving crates from point A to point B; it’s a high-stakes operation where timing, documentation, and logistics strategy can make or break an exhibitor’s success. Poor planning, hidden charges, and preventable mistakes often infate costs far beyond the original budget. Exhibit City News (ECN) spoke with two seasoned industry veterans—Mark Lopata, president of ML International Expo Logistics, and Matthew Meskin, marketing manager at Diversifed Transportation Services—to uncover the most common pitfalls and the best strategies for keeping costs under control. From missed customs paperwork to overpaying on drayage, here’s how exhibitors can avoid common traps and make their logistics process more predictable and cost-efective.
The Mistakes That Cost
When asked what were some of the more common mistakes they encountered in shipping, Meskin had a list. “Sending multiple small shipments instead of consolidating freight,” he says. “It may look like a cost-saver at frst, but each delivery racks up handling fees from the show decorator.” He added that there were also the unexpected charges—liftgate or weekend deliveries, tradeshow surcharges, and accessorial fees that add up fast. He urged that managing your time well will also cut costs. “Time spent idling in the marshalling yard beyond the grace period can result in detention fees,” he points out. “A frustrating way to spend money.”
One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the last minute to ship. Meskin says, “This often requires expedited shipping services, which can be signifcantly more expensive, especially during peak tradeshow seasons.”
International exhibitors face a diferent kind of headache. Lopata has felded more than a few panicked calls from clients who thought FedEx and UPS are as efective to get their freight to tradeshows overseas as they are to U.S. shows. “The quote from the courier company doesn’t factor in customs clearance or fnal delivery to the booth,” Lopata says. “I have received so many phone calls after the fact where
the freight is stuck in customs in a foreign country and is unable to be delivered due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Planning Ahead Pays Of
Both experts say that when you’re shipping overseas, success hinges on two things: timing and documentation. Lopata stresses the value of working with a freight forwarder who knows the country you’re shipping to—someone familiar with local regulations, restrictions, and the venue’s delivery schedule. Meskin recommends building in extra breathing room, sometimes 10 days to more than three weeks before your move-in date, depending on the destination.
Paperwork can be just as critical as timing. Lopata advises that a commercial invoice should list every item in plain language, include serial numbers when applicable, the correct harmonized code, the country of origin, and the declared value. For high-value goods or shipments making multiple international stops, he says: “Look into getting an ATA Carnet (an international shipping document) for that shipment. This document travels with the shipment and acts as a passport so the exhibitor does not have to pay duty or taxes in the foreign country as long as the shipment re-exports at some point.” Meskin agrees, “The ATA Carnet
is a cost-saving solution that also makes customs processing easier.”
The Power of Consolidation
For domestic events, Meskin likes to see one person on-site who can serve as the central point of contact, armed with vendor details and able to resolve questions on the fy. Consolidating shipments is another simple wins: send everything you can in one load early, and reserve smaller, last-minute shipments for genuine emergencies. “It’s still cheaper to send one extra pallet than to rush an entire load,” he notes. Consolidation also works internationally. Lopata recalls a German tradeshow where exhibitors had freight arriving from the U.S., Asia, and other European countries. By coordinating through a partner network, they consolidated goods within the E.U. “Companies like ML International can coordinate every shipment from every origin,” he states. This meant those intra-European shipments skipped customs fees entirely, reducing cost and complexity.
Lighten the Load—Literally
Exhibitors are rethinking their booth materials as another way to cut costs. Lightweight, modular displays not only save on freight but also reduce drayage once the shipment arrives. “In LTL (Less
Than Truckload) shipping,” Meskin says, “most tradeshow materials ship at freight class 125, which means pricing is heavily infuenced by weight and dimensions. The lighter your freight, the less you pay.”
Oversized pieces—anything over 96 inches in length—can trigger steep surcharges. Modular booths that break down into shorter segments avoid those penalties and make handling easier.
Like everything in tradeshows, people are important. Communication and coordination are integral to implementing the planning necessary to transport your exhibit. “Transportation is still an industry that requires a high degree of human coordination,” Meskin stresses. “Especially in time-sensitive, high-touch areas like tradeshow logistics. Issues arise often, and the ability to respond quickly and efectively depend largely on people.”
From managing paperwork to shaving inches of a crate, the details of tradeshow shipping can make the diference between a stress-free setup and a logistical nightmare. As Lopata and Meskin make clear, the smartest exhibitors don’t just book freight—they build a plan, watch the details, and never underestimate the value of experience. “We treat every shipment as a customized solution for our clients,” Lopata comments. “Because not every shipment will be the same.”
Greener, Faster, Smarter
The New Era of Tradeshow Freight
by Protrade Logistics
Tradeshows move fast, so does freight. But what if your logistics partner could also help you move smarter—and greener?
That’s the question Protrade Logistics has been answering since day one. As one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in the U.S.—recently ranked No. 519 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list—Protrade is setting a new standard for what tradeshow freight should look like: precise, proactive, and planet-conscious.
Founded in Chicago by two logistics veterans with over 25 years of combined experience, Protrade has always taken a focused approach. Rather than chasing every type of freight, they zeroed in on tradeshow and live event logistics across North America. That decision has paid of—not just for them, but for the exhibitors and exhibit houses they serve.
One of the most powerful shifts they’ve championed? Sustainability.
“There’s a misconception that sustainable shipping has to cost more,” says the team at Protrade. “But when you optimize routes, consolidate loads, and ofer shared truck options, you’re not just reducing emissions—you’re saving clients money too.”
They have backed that promise with action. Protrade provides clients with emission reports and regularly consolidates shipments to eliminate wasteful trips. Their shared truckload service is ideal for clients who want lower costs and lower impact without sacrifcing reliability.
But smart freight goes beyond environmental impact. At tradeshows, it means deep industry knowledge and precision execution. Protrade’s team is on-site at major shows to super-
vise move-in and move-out, ensuring everything stays on schedule. Their long-standing relationships with marshaling yards, decorators, and dock staf help prevent the kinds of delays that can derail even the best-laid plans.
Clients also benefit from dedicated tracking portals, show-specific quoting, and one consistent point of contact from booking to delivery—no phone trees or guesswork.
At the heart of it all is Protrade’s belief that trust is earned, not claimed. It’s that mindset that continues to drive their growth expand their client relationships.
In an industry that rarely slows down, Protrade is proving that you don’t have to choose between efciency, innovation, and responsibility. You can have all three. Because when your freight moves with purpose, everything else follows.
Warehousing Trends Reshaping the Tradeshow and Event Industry
BY MELISSA SKIPWORTH
The tradeshow and corporate event industries are built on precision logistics. For exhibit houses, installation and dismantling (I&D) crews, audio and visual (AV) rental companies, and corporate event producers, warehouse operations form the backbone of every successful program. A missed delivery window or a misplaced crate can cascade into missed deadlines, overtime charges, and frustrated clients.
Yet, warehousing today is no longer just about storage. It is evolving into a technology-driven, sustainability-focused system designed to anticipate demand, optimize resources, and support highly compressed production schedules. Nowhere is this more apparent than in major tradeshow hubs such as Las Vegas, Chicago, and Orlando, where industrial real estate markets directly afect how event companies stage, store, and deliver.
Advanced Warehousing and Justin-Time Delivery
One of the most signifcant shifts in tradeshow logistics is the rise of advanced warehousing. This refers to temporary storage facilities positioned close to venues, often contracted in the 30 days before a show. Operated by third-party logistics providers, these facilities are not traditional long-term storage, but high-turnover hubs designed to make event logistics smoother.
Services typically include pre-show receiving and inspection of exhibitor materials, sorting by booth location to avoid
confusion at the hall, and just-in-time delivery to minimize clutter. For I&D teams, this reduces congestion during move-in. For AV and scenic providers, it allows more efcient staging. For exhibitors, it reduces the risk of costly delays. Market conditions infuence availability and cost. In Las Vegas, vacancy climbed to 12.5 percent in the second quarter of 2025 after 4.6 million square feet of new space was delivered. While that oversupply creates options, closer-in submarkets remain extremely tight. The Southwest submarket reports 3.5 percent vacancy and the Airport area 6.5 percent. These are precisely the locations event frms need for time-sensitive deliveries, and they continue to command premiums. Average asking rent across the market is $1.13 per square foot per month, triple net lease.
Automation, Robotics and AI Integration
Warehousing across industries is undergoing rapid automation, and the event sector is catching up. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, autonomous mobile robots, and smart sortation systems are being deployed to improve efciency, reduce errors, and make better use of limited space.
Importantly, robots are not replacing warehouse crews. Instead, they are augmenting them. By handling repetitive movements such as box picking or pallet transport, robotics free staf to focus on higher-value work like pre-building scenic elements or staging AV systems.
Chicago illustrates this trend. Vacancy there ranges between 5.5 percent (CBRE) and 6.3 percent (Avison Young). With demand steady, rents average 72 cents per square foot per month, triple net lease. In such markets, every square foot counts. Exhibit houses operating near McCormick Place increasingly rely on automation to stage large inventories with precision while maximizing limited warehouse footprints.
Real-Time Data, Predictive Analytics and IoT
The complexity of tradeshow logistics requires visibility. Real-time data and internet of things (IoT) technology are now embedded into supply chains to track assets, optimize delivery routes and guide warehouse planning.
Asset tracking is increasingly common, allowing managers to know exactly where crates, AV gear or LED walls are located in real time. AI-driven route optimization helps ensure just-in-time deliveries even in congested urban cores. Predictive analytics support warehouse layouts, ensuring high-turnover items such as graphics or rental inventory are placed in the most accessible zones.
Orlando demonstrates why such tools matter. Vacancy there diverges depending on the source: CBRE reports 9.9 percent, while Avison Young cites 7.8 percent.
Class A facilities near the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) lease quickly, often at premium rents. Asking rates run as high as $1.48 per square foot per
month in Northeast Orange County, compared with 67 cents in Northwest Orange. For frms relying on fexible, short-term space, predictive analytics and IoT-enabled controls can mean the diference between cost overruns and efcient staging.
Sustainability and Green Logistics
For many companies sustainability is no longer optional. Clients increasingly expect green practices across their event supply chains, and warehousing strategies are adapting in response.
Electric and hybrid trucks are being deployed to reduce the carbon footprint of drayage. Biodegradable and reusable packaging is cutting down on waste. Eco-designed warehouses with LED lighting and efcient HVAC systems are reducing energy use.
In Las Vegas, where new large-block facilities dominate supply, sustainability certifcations are becoming diferentiators for landlords. For event companies, aligning warehouse operations with client environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals is both a branding advantage and a cost strategy.
Market Growth and Tech-Enabled Expansion
The event logistics market is robust and expanding. Valued at $72.3 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach $76.5 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 percent through 2035 (Global Market Insights). More than 40 percent of that growth is expected to come from technology-enabled services such as AI-driven optimization and IoT-based coordination (Global Market Insights).
Exhibit houses are responding by expanding warehouse footprints. BlueHive Exhibits now operates roughly 200,000 square feet across Massachusetts and Nevada, including a Las Vegas facility opened in 2023. Derse has announced plans for a new headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, consolidating and expanding its current 158,000-square-foot footprint. Both are investing in vertically integrated facilities that combine graphic printing, scenic fabrication, AV staging,
and warehousing under one roof. This model reduces outsourcing, protects margins and improves speed to market.
Market Implications
» Las Vegas: Oversupply means plenty of available space, but location is key. Airport and Southwest Las Vegas are the tightest submarkets, making them ideal for just-in-time staging.
» Chicago: A balanced and resilient market where renewals dominate leasing. For event firms, this provides stability but fewer bargain opportunities near McCormick Place. Robotics and automation are critical to making premium submarkets efficient.
» Orlando: Reports diverge, but both CBRE and Avison Young agree Class A space is at a premium. Companies staging near the Orange County Convention Center should expect higher rents and limited availability.
Conclusion
For exhibit houses, I&D providers, and AV rental frms, warehouse strategy is increasingly a competitive diferentiator. The industry is moving away from static storage and toward dynamic hubs that integrate automation, predictive analytics, sustainability and just-in-time staging. Whether by expanding in-house capabilities such as graphics and AV or by relying on third-party logistics providers for advanced warehousing, frms that adapt to these trends will be better positioned to deliver faster, greener and more cost-efective event experiences. In today’s environment, where clients expect both precision and sustainability, the warehouse is no longer just back-ofhouse—it is part of the show itself.
Summary of References:
Macro trends (automation, AI, sustainability, predictive analytics) came from global logistics research firms and case studies (Kardex, Dexory, Exotec, Future Market Insights, Global Trade Magazine). Market data (vacancy, rents, absorption) came directly from CBRE and Avison Young’s Q2 2025 industrial market reports for Las Vegas, Chicago, and Orlando. Industry case examples (warehouse expansions/ downsizing) were drawn from company announcements reported in Exhibitor Online, Exhibit City News, and local business journals.
TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT
Shipping by Sea – Five Important Things to Know
by Kerstan Szczepanski
If your priority is moving large volumes at the lowest cost, and you can live with longer lead times, sea freight is hard to beat. The backbone of global trade, sea freight moves everything from cars to tradeshow booths across oceans. But while it’s cost-effective and far greener than air transport, it also comes with unique challenges in timing, legal frameworks, and potential delays. Here are five important things to know when shipping by sea.
1. TRANSIT TIME IS LONG AND VARIABLE
Sea freight typically takes 20–45 days, sometimes extending beyond that during peak seasons (like Black Friday or Christmas), congested ports, or due to delays at customs or loading docks
2. BEST FOR HEAVY OR BULKY CARGO
Ocean vessels can carry thousands of containers (e.g., over 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)), making sea freight cost-effective for large, heavy, or oversized tradeshow shipments
3. LOWER COST AND CARBON FOOTPRINT
Sea freight is significantly cheaper per unit and emits far less CO per ton-km than air—roughly 10–40 grams versus about 500 grams for air freight
4. EXTERNAL DELAYS ARE COMMON
Shipments can be delayed by port congestion, rerouting (e.g., due to geopolitical issues), or inclement weather—and recent events have pushed some voyages from 4 weeks to as much as 7–8 weeks
5. COMPLEX LEGAL & CUSTOMS FRAMEWORKS
International sea shipping is governed by laws like COGSA or the (limited adoption globally) Rotterdam Rules, which affect liability and shipping contracts
NEW PLAYER IN THE INDUSTRY Company: Focused
Transport Solutions
“Doing Logistics Right” Focused Transport Solutions are a woman-owned third party logistics company based in Green Bay, Winsconsin. They are a full-service transportation management company; they specialize in providing customized pricing and tailored logistic solutions to efciently manage your shipment needs. website: focusedtransportsolutions.com
SPECIALIST HIGHLIGHT
Name: Jason Olinger Position: Director of Trade Show Services Company: SAIA
Under the leadership of Jason Olinger, and his experienced team, Saia has earned a reputation as a dependable tradeshow partner for general service contractors and
UNDERSTANDING FREIGHT FEES
Published in 2023
By Candy Adams
There’s a simple question exhibit managers ask when planning their tradeshow budget: “How much will it cost to ship my exhibit freight to a show?”
The problem is there’s not one simple answer. The fnal cost of your shipment is afected by many variables:
» 1. What geographic locations are you shipping from and to? There are different tariffs–or rates–depending on if you are shipping locally, across state lines, and in commonly used freight lanes or to more remote areas.
» 2. How fragile is your freight? Equipment and exhibit properties also ship on different tariffs, based on their fragility.
» 3. Where are you delivering to? There are different rates if your truck will be dropping off at a warehouse (i.e., advance warehouse or exhibit house)
exhibitors alike. Whether shipping exhibit materials, booth setups, or any other trade show freight, Saia is a trusted partner, helping customers to drive their business forward. website: saia.com
or waiting in line–sometimes overnight–at a marshaling yard waiting to unload at busy convention center docks.
» 4. What’s the timeframe between pick-up and delivery? The quicker your freight needs to move, the more expensive it’s likely to be–from nextflight-out, to next day, two to three day, or a week-plus for cross-country shipments.
» 5. How is your shipment packaged? Will it be palletized, crated, in rolling cases, D-containers, cardboard cartons or oddshaped pad-wrap?
» 6. What type of carrier are you using? Common carriers, van lines, expedited freight and airfreight carriers, and doorto-door carriers (e.g., UPS, FedEx or DHL) all have their quirks on what they’ll move and what they charge. And some door-to-door carriers can deliver to–but cannot pick-up from–convention facilities.
» 7. What does each piece of your freight weigh, and what are the dimensions (height, length and width)? Costs are generally computed based
TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT
Shipping by Air – Five Important Things to Know
by Kerstan Szczepanski
on the dimensional weight–a calculation of weight plus total cubic dimensions.
» 8. What’s the current cost of fuel? There may be surcharges calculated based on the current cost of fuel to move the freight.
» 9. Are you adding valuation to the very minimal coverage per pound you automatically receive? Make sure that if your freight were lost or damaged, you have coverage to replace it.
» 10. What special equipment and services will you require (e.g., a liftgate truck if there aren’t docks, pallet jack, wait time in the show’s marshaling yard dropping off or picking up freight, additional valuation, etc.)? Ask your carrier what “ancillary charges” you may incur when requesting a preshipment quote.
Working closely with your shipping agent will help you compute your estimated costs and make sure you’ve covered all your bases for an on-budget shipment!
When time is tight and reliability is nonnegotiable, air freight delivers. It’s the fastest way to move goods internationally, making it ideal for last-minute shipments or highvalue items. The trade-off? Higher costs, strict cargo limits, and a much bigger carbon footprint. Here are five important things to know when shipping by air.
1.FAST AND RELIABLE TRANSIT TIMING
Air freight is the quickest mode—most shipments arrive within a few days to about a week (typically overnight to 7 days), which is ideal for urgent tradeshow setups
2. HIGHER COST, BEST FOR HIGH-VALUE OR TIME-SENSITIVE GOODS
Air freight is significantly more expensive than sea—but it’s worth it when shipping time-sensitive items or those whose shipping cost is under 15–20 percent of their value
3. RESTRICTIONS ON SIZE, WEIGHT & CARGO TYPE
Aircraft have strict limitations on what you can ship—especially for oversized or hazardous materials—and access for such goods may be denied or require special handling
4. DIMENSIONAL (VOLUMETRIC) WEIGHT PRICING
Air shipments are often charged on the greater of actual weight or dimensional weight, meaning lightweight but bulky items can incur higher fees
5. HIGH EMISSIONS, LESS GREEN
Carbon emissions from air freight are much higher than ocean—making it less eco-friendly. A key consideration for brands with sustainability goals
WE ENSURE YOUR TRADE SHOW SUCCESS! IT’S
As a unique Las Vegas based carrier, we are dedicated to one thing - trade shows With over 30 years of experience we are highly trained, skilled and focused on providing you with flawless service handling your exhibit materials in and out of Las Vegas convention venues.
What makes us so great?
› 24/7 nationwide service - year round
› Warehousing & exhibit crate repair
› Customized account management
› Show-to-show coordination
› On site show floor representation
› Over 100,000 sq. ft. of booth storage
› Certified weight tickets/on-site truck scale
› Pad wrapping & color-coded show labels
› More than 100 vans, tractors & trailers solely serving the Las Vegas market
Proud member of
Achieving Straight-A Implementations
Grading Performance with ERP Report Cards
By Rick Kostopoulos, CEO, NewGen Business Solutions
In today’s trade show and event industry, agility and visibility are everything. That’s why more organizations are migrating from legacy tools and disconnected systems to enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms like ConventionSuite, built atop Oracle NetSuite, the #1 AI-powered cloud ERP. ConventionSuite is tailored to venues, exhibit houses, and general service contractors seeking accounting transparency, operational control, and long-term scalability. By implementing ConventionSuite, they gain a centralized system to run fnancials, manage inventory, and oversee production.
And the true value begins after successful implementation: continuous improvement.
ERP Report Card: Grading Your System from Booth to Back Ofce
Remember school report cards? They didn’t just evaluate performance, they highlighted areas for growth and focused attention towards progress. ERP system implementations should do the same.
ConventionSuite’s implementations use an ERP Report Card to organize and evaluate areas that require the most attention, which provides clear direction and gives clients a benchmark they can use to hold us accountable. That mutual accountability lays the groundwork for continuous optimization post-go-live.
Here are some ERP “subjects” on each report card:
» FINANCIALS
Are revenues and expenses tracked accurately to produce meaningful profit analysis? Trade show projects move fast, making accurate margins non-negotiable.
» ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Are invoices, credits, and payments recorded in real time to maintain strong cash flow? For exhibit houses, venues, and GSCs, payment delays can disrupt events.
» SALES ORDERS & ESTIMATES
Is there a clear, logical workflow from estimate to sales order to invoice? Precision here keeps clients informed and projects on track.
» ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Do we know exactly who we owe and when? Avoiding duplicate payments or missed deadlines protects vendor relationships.
» PURCHASING
Do purchase order costs and receipts match what was promised? In the world of custom builds and rentals, consistency is everything.
» INVENTORY, RENTALS, SERVICES, AND ASSETS
Whether tracking booth components, rental gear, labor hours, or equipment, each item must be properly classified and accounted for, or margin and efficiency will suffer.
Informing the Report Card
To build an efective report card, our team surveys an organization’s current systems and workfows to identify Pass/ Fail processes, using those to create implementation milestones.
This discovery phase often reveals gaps that, once addressed, instantly improve the organization’s bottom line and operational efciency.
We do this through project tracking, payroll analysis, and AI-powered insights tools that support clients in making smarter decisions and faster course corrections. These tools remain in place for clients even after go-live.
Success Takes Collaboration
A successful ERP rollout is a team effort. On the ConventionSuite side, our consultants manage the project scope, timeline, and deliverables. On the client side, it takes an internal champion to support data accuracy, and help translate internal business needs.
The report card approach brings both sides together under a shared framework, one that’s simple to understand, easy to communicate, and focused on measurable progress. And by the time we fnish implementation, the goal is clear: Straight A’s across the board and the tools to measure continuous improvement.
Get Your Report Card Started
Are you ready to see how your organization measures up? Contact our sales team for a complimentary discovery call and next steps discussion. Reach us at sales@ newgennow.com or fll out the demo request form at conventionsuite.com.
Rick Kostopoulos is an ERP expert with over 28 years in the industry. His company, NewGen Business Solutions, is the author of ConventionSuite, the only trade show and event industry ERP built on Oracle NetSuite, the all-in-one AI-powered, cloud business management solution. For more information, visit conventionsuite.com or email sales@newgennow.com.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road) is located in Rosemont, Illinois, just fve minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and about 15 miles from downtown Chicago.
There is 840,000 square feet of fexible exhibition space all on one level, with 250,000 square feet of continuous space for up to 1,225 booths. There are six halls with ceiling heights from 16 to 26 feet, seven drive-in freight doors, and a 30,000 square foot lobby that ofers plenty of room for registration.
The Hilton Hotel Rosemont and Hyatt Regency O’Hare are just two of several hotels directly connected to the center. Within walking distance is the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district: a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex that runs the gamut of family-friendly events to exciting nightlife. Sports and concert arena, Allstate Arena, formally the Rosemont Horizon, is also nearby.
Parking is available in the center’s Skybridge attached garage with 8,000 spaces, and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line’s Rosemont
By Kerstan Szczepanski
Station is nearby. One of the convention center’s biggest boons is that it is less than two miles from O’Hare and accessible via I-90 and I-294, making it incredibly convenient for out-of-town exhibitors and attendees.
Originally opened in 1975 and named in honor of Rosemont’s long-serving mayor, the convention center has played host to major shows such as the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, Anime Central, and the International Gem & Jewelry Show. It’s also the longtime home of Wizard World Chicago (now Fan Expo Chicago), one of the largest pop culture conventions in the Midwest.
The facility has made consistent upgrades over the decades, including improvements to lighting, technology infrastructure, and food service. Its inhouse food and beverage provider, Aramark, manages multiple concessions and catering options throughout the building. While not the giant that is McCormick Place, the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is still one of the biggest venues in the Midwest, and an important part of the Windy City’s convention history.
EAT
Fogo de Chão (5460 Park Place) –This Brazilian churrascaria is part of the Parkway Bank Park entertainment district. Enjoy premium Brazilian cuts such as Picanha (prime part of top sirloin), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), bonein ribeye, lamb chops, pork chops, and roasted chicken. Groups of four or more can share Wagyu New York strip, Wagyu Porterhouse, or the two pound Whole Branzino fish.
Bub City (5441 Park Place) is a budget friendly alternative, featuring BBQ, burgers, and live music. Start with baby back mac (‘n cheese), brisket chili, or a simple Caesar salad before jumping into the Chicago style baby back ribs, pulled Berkshire pork shoulder, 18-hour smoked prime brisket are complemented with chicken wings or Faroe Island salmon. There are burgers galore and hand-spun milkshakes.
SLEEP
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago (9300 Bryn Mawr Ave) is Chicagoland’s largest hotel outside of downtown Chicago. Connected via covered walkway to the convention center, the hotel features blackout curtains, interconnected rooms, free Wi-Fi baggage storage, breakfast buffet, laundry service, and a convenience store.
Aloft Chicago O’Hare (9700 Balmoral Ave) is Marriott’s pet friendly hotel within walking distance of the convention center. Aloft features two restaurants on site, a convenience store, digital check in, and is a smoke-free property. For afterhours entertainment there’s live music in the WXYZ bar.
PLAY
Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District (5501 Park Place) – A lively 200,000 sq ft complex with 15 venues: live music, comedy nights, bowling, movies, indoor skydiving, plus Zanie’s Comedy, iFLY, and Kings Dining & Entertainment.
SHOP TO SHOWFLOOR
An In-Depth Look into Today’s World of I&D and Event Labor
TeeTurtle by T3 at Toy Fair New York 2025 Pg. 64 I&D and Beyond The Ones Who Build It Pg. 66
By the Numbers
Booth Size: 30’ x 40’
Height: Approx. 16 ft
Footprint: 1,200 sq. ft
Type: Custom (with modular skeleton)
Centerpieces: Plushiverse Cake Display (5’ dia. x 78” H)
Twisted Cryptids Demo Table (5’ dia.)
(2) Supersize Game Lightboxes w/ attached demo tables
TeeTurtle by T3 at Toy Fair New York 2025
By Kerstan Szczepanski
TeeTurtle’s 30-by-40 foot exhibit at Toy Fair New York 2025 was a vibrant, immersive showcase built to engage B2B buyers with the same charm and creativity that has made its brands iconic in fan communities. Designed and produced by T3 Expo, the booth highlighted TeeTurtle’s two standout brands: Plushiverse, featuring adorable reversible plush characters, and Unstable Games, home of cult-favorite tabletop titles like Twisted Cryptids.
The booth’s two custom-built centerpieces embodied the brand’s playful, outof-the-box spirit. First, a tiered, plush cake—fve feet in diameter and over six feet tall—served as a whimsical display
for Plushiverse, merging clever construction with vibrant, retail-inspired storytelling. Second, a custom-built circular demo table brought Twisted Cryptids to life, paired with supersized, backlit “game box” lightboxes that added both function and visual impact.
The design struck a balance between aspirational storefront and approachable game zone—visually bold, structurally sound, and highly interactive. Focused lighting throughout elevated product visibility, particularly within the plush display.
“I love the cake stand,” says Tim Heffernan , CGO at T3, referring to the plush display. “How do you showcase plush toys to show them individually but have
PROJECT CREDITS
Client: TeeTurtle
Exhibit Design & Fabrication: T3 Expo
Graphic Design: TeeTurtle
Graphic Production: T3 Expo
I&D: T3 Expo
them together? A layer cake, you can see all the textures, and the colors make you want to go up and touch the toys.”
The inspiration stemmed from TeeTurtle’s goal of standing apart from traditional toy exhibitors by infusing the booth with retail polish, playful scale, and immersive storytelling. This was their only custom-built B2B activation of the year, so every element was crafted to make a lasting impression and drive SKU expansion among major buyers.
A key challenge was engineering the plush tiered display to balance structural integrity with product-specifc sizing and aesthetic appeal. This required detailed 3D specs, thoughtful lighting integration, and creative build strategy to deliver both form and function on the show foor.
The end result was a booth that evoked a child’s nursery or playroom, an observation that pleased Hefernan, “We were going for that. We wanted attendees to approach the booth because they wanted to play.”
Column: I&D and
Beyond
The Ones Who Build It
WE’RE NOT JUST I&D ANYMORE
by Mark Hebert
Long before the cameras roll or the crowd arrives, there’s work to do. Crews measure twice and cut once. Rigging is checked, power tested, and freight sorted. For generations, installation and dismantle professionals (I&D) have done the heavy lift: setting up, tearing down, and keeping out of frame. Today, that same precision is showing up somewhere new. From the pit lanes of Formula 1 to the main stage at MSG Sphere, union labor is building more than booths. They’re building the backbone of modern live entertainment.
When Ben Hague discusses the evolution of union labor, he doesn’t begin with tradeshows. He starts with standards. Hague is a member of IATSE and vice president of the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA). “ESTA’s Technical Standards Program (TSP) has working groups for Control Protocols, Electrical Power, Event Safety, Floors, Fog & Smoke, Follow Spot Positions, Mental Health, Photometrics, Rigging, Stage Machinery, and Weapons Safety,” Hague explains. “Each of these groups develops industry standards that become accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).”
That commitment to professionalization is helping union crews expand far beyond their roots. Hague points to the Entertainment Technician Certifcation Program (ETCP) as one example of how union professionals stay competitive in multiple markets. “This program includes certifcations for Arena Rigging, Theatre Rigging, Entertainment Electricians, and Portable Power,” he says. “Some states and municipalities have even adopted regulations that require ETCP certifcations in certain scenarios.”
In Las Vegas, those skills are in demand across the city’s highest-profle venues. “We started 85 years ago, when there weren’t any tradeshows in town,” says Phil Jaynes, president of IATSE Local 720. “When tradeshows arrived, we used our skills to move into that area of work. So, the title of your feature doesn’t really apply to us because we have never just been tradeshow workers.” Today, Local 720 represents entertainment workers across live events, flm and television, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and projection and AV. Since 2020, Jaynes says, the opening of venues like MSG Sphere, Allegiant Stadium, Caesars Forum, Resorts World,
Fontainebleau, and Durango, along with the arrival of Formula 1, has dramatically increased demand.
That workload has also stretched what it means to be an I&D professional. “We have a lot of members that are profcient in a lot of diferent skills,” Jaynes says. “Their skills easily transfer to live events big or small. Most of our members are not tied to one facility or one job classifcation. They regularly take their skills to where the work is needed.” One week, a crew member might hang motors at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The next, they’re loading in a concert at
Allegiant Stadium.
For those outside the industry, it’s easy to underestimate what goes into a live event—or who’s making it happen. Jaynes says one of the biggest misconceptions about union labor is how much time crews spend training and staying safe. “Every single event we do, our members make a critical impact,” he says. “For without us, there is no event.” That confdence comes from more than pride. It’s built on hundreds of hours of hands-on training, safety certifcations, and real-world experience.
The idea that union labor is only about pushing crates and
rolling carpet doesn’t hold up in today’s event landscape. Hague says IATSE locals are already preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. From massive global productions to oneof corporate activations, union crews are doing more—and being asked to prove more— than ever before. That’s where certifcations like OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 come in, along with the highly specialized ETCP credentials. “These are widely used and recommended,” Hague notes, “and they help ensure safety and reliability across all types of events.”
Even as the scope of work expands, many labor profes-
That sense of ownership over skills, schedules, and storytelling has helped union workers defne their value beyond job descriptions. Jaynes sees it clearly in his members: people who move between roles, pivot between venues, and step into whatever space the show demands. “The more skills they have, the more opportunities for work they have available to them,” he says. It’s a model built not just on mobility, but on mastery.
sionals still trace their roots back to tradeshows. The install-teardown rhythm is familiar, and in many ways, foundational. “We’re focused on trends that truly impact the future of our members,” says Katie Jang, editor of Protocol, ESTA’s ofcial publication. “Sustainability, accessibility, and the growing role of AI are at the forefront.” She says one of the most promising shifts is how member-driven content is shaping the narrative. “We want both emerging professionals and industry veterans to fnd value in every issue,” she says. “That means refecting what matters most to the crews who are doing the work.”
While certifcations and technical skills help defne the profession, it’s real-world adaptability that sets these crews apart. Hague notes that crossover between sectors isn’t new, but the pace and visibility have increased. A rigger trained in tradeshows might fnd themselves building stage efects at a music festival or wiring power for a televised award show. “Many IATSE local unions existed long before the tradeshow industry became commonplace,” he says. “And to this day, they represent workers across all sectors of the entertainment industry.”
That cross-sector expertise shows up in subtle but critical moments. One Local 720 member might handle rigging at a medical conference for one week and then load in AV for a high-stakes product launch the next. The environments change, but the discipline does not. Jaynes notes that most members are not tied to one job or venue. They bring a wide range of skills and follow the work where it is needed. That fexibility opens up more opportunities and
helps crews meet the demands of any show, big or small. This adaptability also challenges outdated ideas about who belongs in which parts of the industry. Jang says her editorial team at Protocol is working to spotlight labor voices that often go unheard, especially in conversations about innovation. “Our efforts toward inclusivity and member-driven content have led to more organic article submissions,” she says. “That tells us people are ready to talk about what really matters—not just what looks good in a press release.”
What’s clear at every level, whether it’s a project safety lead, a projectionist, or someone rolling cable at sunrise, is that the I&D mindset still holds. Measure twice. Cut once. Be ready before anyone else walks in. These aren’t just habits; they are values. As union labor continues to shape what modern events look like, it’s those values that are carrying the industry forward. They were never just I&D. The industry is fnally catching up to that fact. The same hands that once rolled carpet and rigged booth lights are now building immersive concert sets, wiring broadcast systems, and preparing the infrastructure for global spectacles. Their value doesn’t lie in where they show up; it’s in how they show up: trained, tested, and ready before the doors open. Whether it’s a tradeshow foor or a Formula 1 race weekend, the work doesn’t begin when the crowd arrives. It begins with the crew—and it always has.
(L-R) Brendan Mulhern, Chris Soto, Leandro Esqueda, George Rizo and Zach Newland
Better Booths, Better Planet
The
Future
is Reusable
by Glenn Hansen
Looking for a sustainable alternative to single-use exhibit components? You’re not alone.
Across the events industry, several new initiatives are making it easier to design reusable, lower impact stands. Among them are Better Stands, developed under the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative; Tradeshow Maestro, an AI solution from Genesis Exhibits; and the Sustainable Sourcing Compass, a tool from The Exhibitor Advocate (which I co-authored) to guide sustainability-focused RFPs.
I spoke with Jorg Zeissig, president of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), which serves as the secretariat for Better Stands. Zeissig, also CEO of Holtman, explained that Better Stands was originally launched by Informa, but quickly attracted support from organizers, suppliers, venues, and assessors across the industry. “It’s not driven by a single party,” he said. “It’s about the joint client—the exhibitor.” Jorg explained there are 10 fundamentals to the Better Stands framework. “The foundation is simple: reuse. We ask, ‘Do you reuse, or do you not reuse?’”
Of course, not everything can be reused. Damaged fooring or dated graphics often must be recycled or repurposed. Zeissig emphasized that reuse is the goal, but recycling and repurposing are acceptable when reuse isn’t viable.
For exhibitors looking to improve their sustainability game, Tradeshow Maestro may ofer practical help. “Ask Maestro about any stand component
and how to make it reusable,” suggested Al Mercuro, client engagement advisor at Genesis. “If it’s not reusable, ask how to recycle or repurpose it.”
Tradeshow Maestro applies evidence-based standards, aligning its guidance with recommendations from Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), Exhibit Services Contractors Association (ESCA), and the Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainability Guidance. “It makes the decision and buying process more efcient, and lowers costs,” Mercuro added.
I also spoke with Lucille Ryan, senior sustainability manager at Informa and the brainchild of Better Stands. “Its strength is its practicality,” she said. “It gives exhibitors a framework to have real conversations about reusability with service providers. Many have never considered what happens to their stands after the show.” Better Stands helps achieve targets in one specifc area, the reusability of stands.
According to Ryan, to date over 60,000 stands have
been assessed in 40 countries. “That shift is delivering real benefits—better efficiency, better experiences, better sustainability,” she said. “To see Better Stands driving that change is really exciting.”
Classic Exhibits’ Creative Director, Katina Rigall Zipay, shared a similar view. “We can’t aford to build something and then throw it away,” she said. “Our products are designed to be assembled, disassembled, and shipped repeatedly while still looking pristine.”
Zipay noted an increase in client demand for sustainable solutions, although education is often needed which includes a discussion of price. “Reusable materials may have a higher upfront cost, but the lifecycle cost is signifcantly lower,” she explained. Over time, the exhibitor saves.
Glenn is Founder and CEO of Reduce 2, Saving the Planet by Degree, which he created after his 43-year career at BPA Worldwide, where he was CEO for 23 years
AI in the World of General Contractors
by Debbie Hall
Artifcial Intelligence (AI) has become an essential component of the business landscape. AI has quickly transformed from an emerging technology into a necessity for companies. It is set to revolutionize industries by reshaping business strategies that emphasize efciency, decision-making and customer engagement. General contractors are incorporating emerging technologies into their processes to stay informed about what’s happening on the show foor.
“One of the biggest ways that general contractors are using AI is tracking and measurement to position themselves as strategists, advisors, producers, and organizers to the show organizers. We recommend ways to lay out the foor plan for maximal attendee engagement as well as measurement tracking and being able to get more data from the event to make smarter decisions,” said Cameron Wilkinson (right), marketing manager, The Trade Group.
see what really works for show organizers and exhibitors, and build those into our processes as we enter and build our reputation in the industry.”
With the help of AI clients and exhibitors can collaborate to build foor plans, show layouts, and booth concepts more efciently. It can quickly turn rough ideas into visuals, allowing general contractors such as LUXX Exposition Services, The Trade Group, and Expo Convention Contractors (ECC) to make faster, smarter design decisions. Sustainability is factored into the calculation of material usage, freight impact, and recycling opportunities to create designs that are strategic and environmentally conscious.
Cara Michalowski (below right), president of LUXX Exposition Services says that LUXX Expo is in a unique position. “We may not have decades of systems and processes behind us, but that’s exactly what gives us the fexibility to adapt quickly as new AI tools hit the market. We’re able to test diferent solutions,
around times. Cloud-based systems and real-time dashboards empower our teams to make data-informed decisions and streamline complex logistics. Onsite, we’re integrating automation and artifcial reality tools to optimize foor operations and create more interactive planning experiences for clients,” said Jaggernauth.
General contractors are getting involved and fnding ways to utilize AI to track foot trafc, dwell time, and map the attendee journey.
Radio Frequency Identifcation (RFID) systems and other anonymous tracking tools are enabling a deeper understanding of attendee behavior within the expo hall.
able for both us and the show organizers. It can inform better booth placement, pricing structures, and overall design strategies to maximize engagement,” added Wilkinson.
LUXX Exposition Services utilizes AI tools and technologies to recap meetings with organizers and exhibitors, transforming recordings into clear, actionable summaries. The technology enhances the alignment stay, allowing it to move faster and create tailored solutions based on the vision and precisely what was discussed.
“As the industry evolves, so do we, integrating emerging technologies across our operations to better serve organizers, exhibitors, and attendees alike,” stated Vishal Jaggernauth (above right), chief digital ofcer and accountability coach for ECC.
According to Jaggernauth, general contractors are developing AI-assisted booth design, layout visualization and advanced project management platforms that enhance cross-departmental collaboration.
“We are leveraging technology to enhance precision and reduce turn-
According to Wilkinson, RFID is a technology that utilizes radio waves to identify and track objects or individuals. RFID also transmits from a phone, but it doesn’t overstep or violate any privacy. As a safer option, it allows general contractors to see where attendees are gravitating towards inside the expo hall.
“We’re seeing more tools emerge that allow us to anonymously track foot trafc patterns and dwell time using RFID and similar technologies. These systems help us understand where attendees naturally gravitate on the show foor. We can see what pulls them in, where they linger, and what they pass by. That kind of insight is invalu-
AI can also be used to help respond to common exhibitor questions quickly and consistently, such as providing deadline reminders, supporting order forms, ofering booth guidelines, and sharing shipping details. It helps alleviate pressure during peak times and ensures exhibitors receive the necessary information as soon as possible.
What all general contractors emphasize is that AI is not being utilized at the expense of a personal connection.
“It is essential that relationships, trust, and the personal touch are not replaced by technology. AI is just one more tool in the toolbox to help us serve our clients better. It is not something we’re using to replace the human side of what we do. We are a people industry at the end of the day,” stated Michalowski.
“These advancements aren’t just about keeping up—they’re about leading the way. At ECC, we believe the future of events is tech-enabled, and we’re building that future today,” said Jaggernauth.
Exhibits Inc.
Crowning a New Path
How
the Triple Crown Academy is Reshaping Access to Tradeshow Careers
by Mark Hebert
In Baltimore, a construction site looks like many others, but one key diference stands out: the crew includes women who are not only learning the trade but also rebuilding their lives. They’re participants in the Triple Crown Academy, a unique workforce development program created by the HER Resiliency Center in partnership with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC). Launched in fall 2024, the Triple Crown Academy was designed to meet the needs of “the whole woman,” with a trauma-informed, housing-supported approach that goes beyond traditional job training. At its core, the program prepares women for union careers in the construction and tradeshow industries.
A Holistic Approach to Workforce Readiness
The Triple Crown Academy runs for 18 months and begins with an intensive eightweek pre-apprenticeship. Participants earn $20 per hour while building foundational construction skills, visiting live job sites, and working alongside union partners. Graduates who enter registered apprenticeships may earn $32 per hour plus benefts in their frst year, setting them on a path toward long-term economic independence. But the program’s standout feature isn’t just the training. Participants also receive wraparound support, including one-on-one employment coaching, money management guidance, trauma therapy, and mentorship. A 32-session “Getting & Keeping a Job” workshop series reinforces the soft skills needed to navigate workplaces and advocate for themselves.
HER Resiliency Center Founder and President Natasha Guynes emphasizes the importance of the union partnership. “The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of
Carpenters has stood beside HER’s Triple Crown Academy since day one,” she wrote. “Their commitment hasn’t just been symbolic—it’s created real pathways for the women we serve to enter the construction trades, gain hands-on experience during our pre-apprenticeship program, and transition into union apprenticeships.”
Housing as the Crown Jewel
One of the Academy’s most ambitious goals is to provide participants with access to safe, stable housing while enrolled. The Mount Vernon site in Baltimore is being developed as a dedicated training and residential facility, with a soft opening held in April 2025.
HER Resiliency Center emphasizes that without essentials like housing and childcare, especially for young single mothers, long-term employment is often out of reach. As Guynes has noted, the goal is to create a structure where participants “don’t just survive—they thrive.”
Focused on Tradeshow Readiness and Beyond
While most workforce programs focus on general construction, the Triple Crown Academy prepares women specifcally for tradeshow carpentry, a growing specialty in the event and convention industry. Through its partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Carpenters Training Center and Carpenters Local 491, participants gain hands-on experience building show foors, setting up exhibits, and adapting to the fast pace of event work. The Academy also introduces students to other high-paying trades through collaborative training with union partners such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24, Insulators Local 24, and the Baltimore-Washington Building Trades Council.
Measurable Momentum
The Academy’s impact is already visible. Tia Maker, a participant in the frst cohort, told WBAL 11 News that the program gave her clarity and confdence. “I’ve touched on small areas of construction…but nothing to this extent with hands-on experience,” she said. “This is a career that is suitable for me and one I know I will be successful in.”
Due to the positive response, HER Resiliency Center launched a second cohort and is expanding its partnerships to meet rising demand. According to program staf, several participants have already transitioned into registered apprenticeships across multiple tradeshow and construction disciplines.
Beyond Labels, Toward Leadership
At its core, the Triple Crown Academy is not just preparing workers; it is redefning who gets to show up in the trades. HER avoids stigmatizing labels and instead focuses on the individual strengths of its participants. Whether someone is leaving a violent relationship, recovering from homelessness, or just seeking a better future, the message is clear: with the right support, they can build a new life.
“Our industry partners are looking forward to this collaboration and are committed to supporting these participants on their journey toward successful careers in the tradeshow industry,” says Ray Brugueras, chief of staf for the EAS Carpenters Union.
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represents more than 43,000 union members across Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, visit www.eascarpenters.org.
Three Decades of Excellence Expo Convention Contractors Celebrates 30 Years of Elevating Experiences
By Natalia Giron, Expo Convention Contractors Inc.
In 2025, Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. (Expo) proudly celebrates 30 years of elevating experiences in the event industry. What began in 1995 as a modest, family-run business has grown into a nationally respected, full-service general contractor—trusted by Fortune 500 companies and grassroots organizations alike. With locations in Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Medellin, Columbia. Expo continues to shape the future of events while staying rooted in the values that have defned its journey from day one.
Built on Family. Driven by People.
Expo’s greatest asset is, and has always been, its people. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, team members at Expo are empowered to grow, lead, and thrive. Many began in entry-level roles and have ascended to leadership positions—a testament to the company’s commitment to internal development and long-term careers, not just jobs.
In fact, Expo was named one of the Best Places to Work in Florida by the Sun Sentinel in 2025, a recognition that mirrors the company’s deeply rooted culture of support, inclusion, and integrity. Expo also received the Innovation Award, Leadership Award, and Purpose & Values Award, solidifying its reputation as a purpose-driven industry leader.
Our Mission and Vision
Expo’s growth is intentional and guided by a clear purpose. As stated in the company’s mission:
“To support all companies in showcasing their brand for maximum exposure through innovation, creativity, and fawless planning. We strive to be a company that employees want to work for, vendors want to engage, and customers want to work with.”
That mission is lived out every day through the company’s bold and forward-thinking vision—to remain large enough to be exceptional, yet small enough to be personal. Expo continues to balance growth and agility, ofering strategic solutions without sacrifcing personal connection.
Powered by Values: Commitment. Courage. Accountability.
Expo’s three core values are the foundation of its 30-year success:
» Commitment — to excellence, teamwork, and every client’s vision
» Courage — to lead with innovation and push boundaries fearlessly
» Accountability — to deliver on promises and build lasting trust
These values are embedded into the culture and refected in the relationships Expo nurtures—from its internal teams to clients, vendors, and industry peers.
Innovation That Sets the Standard Expo isn’t just adapting to industry change — it’s leading it. From immersive LED installations to AI-powered event analytics, Expo has redefned how organizers measure success and create engagement. Through partnerships with platforms like Zenus and 42Chat, Expo delivers cutting-edge insights and real-time communication solutions — from attendee sentiment and trafc fow to AI chat engagement and on-demand event assistance.
Sustainability, creativity, and technology converge across every division—including custom fabrication, scenic design, logistics, audio-visual rentals, and on-site execution.
Comprehensive Capabilities with a Boutique
Feel
One of Expo’s greatest strengths is its ability to deliver end-to-end solutions under one roof. Services span everything from:
» Custom exhibit design and fabrication
» Graphic production
» National shipping and warehousing
» Installation, dismantling, and rigging
» Performance analytics and exhibitor support
This comprehensive model allows clients to experience the convenience of one partner—with the assurance of consistent quality, fast response times, and budget-friendly execution.
A Future Rooted in Purpose
As Expo looks to the future, the focus is clear: continue to grow responsibly, empower its people, and lead the industry with bold, purpose-aligned innovation. “The past 30 years have been defned by passion, perseverance, and our people,” says Richard Curran, CEO and President. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited for where we’re going.”
Founded in 1995, Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. is a full-service general contractor specializing in tradeshows, exhibitions, conventions, and events. Expo delivers innovation and reliability through its people-first culture, expansive capabilities, and unwavering commitment to client success. www.expocci.com
We Specialize In:
• Traditional Forms
• Promotional Products
• Tags & Labels
• Large Format Printing
• Commercial Printing
• Specialty/Unique Items
• Stationery
• Logoed Apparel
Services We Offer:
• Graphic Design
• Mailing Solutions
• Ez-Net Online Ordering
• Warehousing/ Product Management
• Kitting Fulfillment Services
• EZ-Net: Online Ordering & Proofing
• Collateral Management & Distribution: Move projects & Packages... with your mouse.
• Direct Mail Solutions: Ongoing effort or one time campaign
Horizon's afliation with American Solutions for Business in 2021 is Rocket Fuel for out already Award-Winning level of Service & Resources to the Print Marketplace. When a client requires a project in a single market or in every city across the U.S., Horizon is poised to meet national, regional, and complex requirements at an unprecedented caliber of efciency and intelligence.
Built for the Floor
After 34 years in the industry, Cindy Joncek still wakes up excited to get to work
By Don Svehla
Not everyone fnds their calling, but Cindy Joncek found hers under the bright lights and tight deadlines of the tradeshow world.
Joncek has been in the tradeshow business for 34 years, though she says it hardly feels that long. She was born and raised in Chicago and spent most of her career working in the city’s tradeshow scene. Now, based in Las Vegas, she still starts each day with the same energy she had when she frst got into the industry.
When we spoke, Joncek repeated a familiar phrase: time fies when you’re having fun. For her, it’s not just a saying. It’s how she explains a career that never got old. Every day brings something new and not knowing what’s coming next is what keeps her engaged.
Now the vice president of account management at CEP, Joncek focuses on keeping the clients she has worked hard to earn. No cold calls. No chasing. Just long-term partnerships built on trust and follow-through. She takes pride in being the go-to contact for many of them. For her, it is not just about placing orders or tracking shipments. It is about being reliable every day and knowing her work afects everything down the line, all the way to the show foor.
She met her husband through the industry, too. He works at GES, and between the two of them, tradeshows are pretty much a family business. They’ve been married for about 18 years now. Joncek’s quick to admit that the life-
style didn’t leave much room for kids. She’s thought about that over the years, but never with regret. “The tradeshows are my family,” she says. “And CEP is my family.” She has many nieces and nephews and even great-nieces and great-nephews.
Joncek doesn’t rely on hobbies the way some people do. When she talks about burnout, she doesn’t sound frustrated. It is just part of the job. She recharges by traveling when she can, but even on vacation, she is not looking to stay away for long. The structure, the people, and the daily challenges keep pulling her back in.
During the pandemic, she worked from home like many others. And like many others, she was more than ready to get back to the ofce. For Joncek, the energy comes from being in the mix, hearing the phones ring, and watching jobs come together in real time.
Ask her what keeps her grounded, and she might mention her cat, Larry. He is more than just a pet. He is her shadow at home and a steady presence in a fast-moving life.
Joncek has spent more than three decades helping others shine from behind the scenes. She has done it with heart, consistency, and a deep respect for the work. Her story is one of quiet dedication, built on long days, strong relationships, and a genuine love for the industry. She is not counting down to retirement. She is too busy doing what she loves, with the people who make it worth it.
Upstate, NY
Portland, ME
Burlington, VT
Montpelier, VT
Concord, NH
Springfield, MA
Hartford, CT
Worcester, MA
Boston, MA
Providence, RI
One Big, Beautiful Win for Workforce Development
by Tommy Goodwin, The Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance
The future success of the tradeshow industry depends on our collective ability to attract, train, and retain our next-generation workforce.
That’s why many industry leaders, companies, and associations have been working tirelessly to improve awareness about our industry and the amazing variety of career opportunities available.
From the Experiential Designers & Producers Association’s (EDPA) future workforce program to the Exhibitions Industry Collective’s workforce initiative, the industry has been ‘all in’ promoting the largest industry that not enough people have heard of.
There’s just one problem: there are not enough young people with the skills and training necessary to have great careers in our industry and help it grow into the future.
The federal government is now here to help. Yes, really.
On July 4, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which contains two important new policies that will equip the American workforce of tomorrow with the training and credentials that they need to succeed in the tradeshow industry.
Workforce Pell Grants
Going forward, Pell Grants will be able to be used for high-quality, short-term job-focused training programs. This will help lower-income students access training for high-skill, high-wage jobs like carpentry, rigging, electrical work, and more.
Coupled with a $10.5 billion increase in program funding, these workforce Pell Grants will help close our nation’s skills gap and ensure that workers have the job training that they need for careers in high-demand felds like tradeshows.
529 program expansion
In addition, eligible expens-
es under Section 529 education savings plans have been expanded to include certifcations like those ofered by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) and International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
This will transform 529 plans from college savings plans into career savings plans and help workers get the industry credentials to help them advance their tradeshow industry careers.
“Expanding access to good skills-based training and development opportunities will help tradeshow employers fnd new skilled professionals that can be developed into high-value employees and enjoy a rewarding career,” said Chris Grifn, EDPA president. “The workforce policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will accelerate our collective ability to do just that.”
Advocacy in action
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) advocat-
ed in support of both workforce policies on Capitol Hill for years.
“The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a defning moment for the industry,” said Hervé Sedky, president and chief executive ofcer of Emerald and chair of the ECA board of directors.
“It invests in our future workforce by expanding Pell Grants and modernizing 529 savings plans. This bill refects ECA’s mission to advance our industry through advocacy and smart policy.”
On behalf of ECA, thank you to all the industry leaders and advocates who came to Washington, DC for Legislative Action Day or participated in ECA Advocacy Network programs to ensure the tradeshow industry’s voice was heard by policymakers.
Your advocacy was critical to getting the federal government involved in tradeshow workforce development going forward. Now that’s advocacy in action!
Chicagoland, Then, Now and Later
BY MARK HEBERT
In June 1994, the frst issue of Exhibit City (now Exhibit City News) featured a call to action for Chicago’s tradeshow industry. “No other convention city can match what we have to ofer,” wrote Editor and Publisher Don Svehla. The issue highlighted McCormick Place’s South Hall expansion, a large and skilled workforce, and a national reputation as the capital of conventions. That issue was only four pages, but it marked the start of three decades of reporting from the center of one of the country’s most important tradeshow regions.
At the time, McCormick Place stood as a symbol of growth and civic investment.
“We will not idly stand by while other cities try to gain at Chicago’s expense,” Svehla wrote, referring to the expansion as essential for staying competitive into the 21st century.
A Changed Landscape
Thirty years later, the tradeshow landscape has changed. Las Vegas, Orlando, and several regional cities have gained market share. Some events that once called McCormick Place home now rotate elsewhere. Chicago may no longer lead in total show volume, but it remains one of the most active and resilient tradeshow markets in the country.
Recent data confrm this. McCormick Place hosted more than 48,000 attendees during PACK EXPO International in November 2024. It was the
largest PACK EXPO ever held, with more than 2,700 exhibiting companies spread across all four buildings. Exhibitors focused heavily on automation, digitization, and flling labor gaps—concerns that refect broader trends in the industry.
The Labor Equation
Labor remains central to the city’s tradeshow economy. In November 2024, McCormick Place saw its highest-ever single-day request for electricians. A total of 719 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 (IBEW 134) were dispatched for work related to the Microsoft Ignite teardown and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) setup. This included 300 apprentices, showing both the demand for workers and the ongoing eforts to build up the labor pipeline.
Costs for labor in Chicago refect its scale and structure. As of December 2024, straight-time full-package rates for key trades at McCormick Place ranged from $57 per hour for projectionists to nearly $100 per hour for electricians. Overtime and double-time rates rise accordingly, with most trades requiring four-hour minimums per shift. These rates, verifed by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority and union contracts, ofer transparency into the costs that shape the region’s competitiveness.
Compared to markets like Las Vegas and Orlan-
do—where labor rules and structures can vary by venue, general contractor, or event—Chicago ofers a more standardized environment through its unionized workforce. While not always the most cost-efective option, its consistency, coordination, and capacity to support complex, large-scale events remain key advantages for planners.
Busy on All Fronts
Outside of the halls, Chicago remains a busy host city. In June 2025, it welcomed more than 6,000 delegates for IPW 2025, the U.S. Travel Association’s international inbound travel tradeshow. In July, it hosted the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the National Medical Association, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Show, and other major conventions.
Tourism and business travel continue to rebound. According to Choose Chicago, the city welcomed 55.3 million visitors in 2024, generating $20.6 billion in economic impact.
Of that total, conventions and events contributed more than $3 billion. A record 2.65 million future hotel room nights were booked, and international visitation topped two million for the frst time since 2019.
Culture, Cuisine, and Commitment
Cultural and culinary events add to the city’s appeal. Sueños Festival returned to Grant Park for Memorial Day weekend,
and Beyoncé’s May tour stop broke the city’s hotel booking record with 46,450 rooms sold in a single night. New dining and hospitality projects, such as the Talbott Hotel’s reopening and Electric Shufe’s arrival in River North, help keep the city fresh for visitors and event planners alike.
The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show also drew more than 53,000 attendees to McCormick Place in May. Lisa Malikow, senior vice president for the show, confrmed its commitment to Chicago through 2032. “This city has the infrastructure, venues, and skilled labor to host events of any proportion,” she said. “Chicago is without a doubt one of the greatest convention cities in the world.”
At the 2025 Choose Chicago Annual Meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the city’s role in global tourism. “Whether it’s conventions, major sporting events, or family vacations, visitors from around the world know they’ll fnd an experience that’s welcoming, inspiring, and unique to Chicago,” Johnson said.
Looking Ahead
Chicago’s tradeshow future may look diferent than it did in 1994, but the fundamentals remain. The city continues to attract high-value shows, invest in infrastructure, and serve as a vital link between business, labor, and culture. The foundation is solid—and the story is still unfolding.
FIVE IN FIFTEEN MCCORMICK PLACE, CHICAGO
5 places to go within a 15-minute walk of the McCormick Place Convention Center
Introducing the Largest Convention Center in North America
BY KERSTAN SZCZEPANSKI
What do you do when there’s no breakout meeting or the panels are done for the day? Where do you go when you need a little time away from the hubbub of convention chaos? Exhibit City News’ 5 in 15 ofers fve places to go to eat, relax, or simply stay that are a 15
minute or less walk from the convention center. In Chicago there are two prominent convention centers, including the largest in North America: McCormick Place.
An upscale hotel directly connected to McCormick Place Convention Center via skybridge, the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
(2233 S Martin Luther King Dr) is an approximately 2 minute walk to the center. The South Loop location also puts the hotel close to Soldier Field, Wintrust Arena, and Guaranteed Rate Field, as well as the Museum Campus and Chicago’s famous lakefront. There are suites with city views or lake views, and
Wi-Fi, concierge, laundry services are available. Other amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour ftness center, and on-site dining and drink options including Third Star, Sixes and Eights, and the Arc Bar. With over 1,200 rooms and plenty of meeting space, the hotel could be its own mini-convention center.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
The pet friendly, extended stay Home2 Suites by Hilton McCormick Place (123 East Cermak) is an extended stay option for those long convention visits. Budget friendly, you have free breakfast and kitchenettes in every suite. Or you can eat and drink at on site locations such as European style Apolonia, sports bar and beer hall Fatpour Tap Works, HaiDiLao Hot Pot, and the VU Skyward bar. All that and you’re less than fve minutes from the convention center, by skybridge.
Chicago Oyster House (1933 S. Indiana Ave) is less than 10 minutes from McCormick, and worth every minute (and penny). Chicago grilled oyster, fried oysters, fresh oysters are just the beginning of an unforgettable night of surf ‘n turf. Sushi and sashimi, steak and chops, fsh, chicken, cajun boil are all available. There’s online ordering for pickup or delivery, as well as a gluten free menu. Just about everything you can think of can be found here.
You don’t need to stay at
Home2 Suites to eat at Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick (2206 S. Indiana Ave).
This sports bar and pub is just a short walk from McCormick Place. The beer selection is huge, over 200 options including local craft brews. Budget friendly, the menu includes pizzas (wood fred), burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and even steak. Ask about the weekly special, it might be the Bats & Balls Crosstown Classic Special (four pork, beef, and bacon meatballs, spicy amatriciana sauce, garlic toast points plus two pretzels with Beer queso, honey mustard and hefeweizen whipped cream cheese). With large screens throughout and plenty of seating, there’s plenty of fun. When talking about what to do in Chicago, The Museum Campus will always be worth a mention. Yes, historic Soldier Field is located here, but there’s the equally historic Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and more. Best for a day before or after the convention, take the 15 minute walk and visit one of the great cultural centers of America.
Home2 Suites by Hilton McCormick Place
Chicago Oyster House
Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick
University-Afliated Online Learning for Trade Show and Corporate Event Professionals
LEARNING FOR BUSY TRADE SHOW PROFESSIONALS
JOIN THE LIVE WEBINAR OR WATCH LATER ON-DEMAND
Access the session recordings for two weeks post-webinar and learn on your own schedule!
sessions
7110R CTSM
Don’t Hesitate, Go Negotiate!
Thursday, October 9
6116
Unlocking the Secrets of Human Psychology for Stronger Audience Engagement
Thursday, October 23
6011R CTSM
The Basics of Event Logistics and Implementation – Part II
Thursday, December 11
2101R CTSM
4114
From Less to More: Boost Leadership Buy-in and Budgets for Events Thursday, October 16
3036
Show Ready: Your Guide to Trade Show Operations
Thursday, January 22
Message Magic: Crafting Compelling Content for Small Trade Show Booths Thursday, November 13
6010R CTSM
The Basics of Event Planning and Management – Part 1 Tuesday, December 9
2105R
From Chaos to Control: Project Management Best Practices to Ensure Success Thursday, January 29
“The Other Chicago World’s Fair”
A CENTURY OF PROGRESS INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION
BY BOB MCGLINCY
The 1933 World’s Fair opened during the Great Depression when times were tough. One-quarter of America’s work force was unemployed. Those lucky enough to still be working had seen their wages plummet by 42 percent since 1929. Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany on January 30 of that year, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) on March 4. It was the time of Prohibition. Chicago was known for organized crime and political corruption. The organizers of the Fair wanted to change the world’s perception of the city of Chicago. They did that, and more. Much more. The Fair created tens of thousands of jobs, attracted 48 million visitors, and ofered optimism and hope to a depression-weary country.
Origins
In 100 years, Chicago had grown from a small wilderness settlement on the western frontier, to the ffth largest city in the world. Initially designed to celebrate the past, “A Century of Progress International Exposition” evolved into an entertaining and educational event showcasing a tech-driven future. It opened May 27, 1933, on land along the shorelines of
Lake Michigan. Stretching from 12th to 39th streets, the fairgrounds covered 430 acres on Northerly Island, Burnham Park, and included the area of present-day McCormick Place.
In 1926, Charles G. Dawes (Vice President of the U.S., a former General and Nobel Prize winner) wanted to produce a World’s Fair to celebrate his adopted hometown. He recruited his brother Rufus, a successful fnancier, and Lenox R. Lohr. The three brought a military and industrial organizational framework to the Fair. Dawes wanted some changes from previous events: he thought it should be privately fnanced, that it should foster cooperation, and that it should make a proft. Trains, taxis, and buses delivered visitors to one of six entrances. Drivers arrived at “the world’s largest parking lot.” Admission to the Fair was 50 cents, and most entered near the 240-foot tall, 3,000 neon-tube-lit Havoline Thermometer. Greyhound buses, roller chairs, and rickshaws ofered rides around the expansive grounds. Unlike previous events, specifc areas of interest were intermixed. Education, science, entertainment, business, carnival attractions, and commerce overlapped side by side.
Attractions
There were corporate pavilions, carnival games, science halls, thrill rides, freak shows, kid rides, infant incubators, biplanes, boat races, swimming races, diving exhibitions, games of chance, foreign villages, gardens, sculptures, submarine tours, seaplane rides, nighttime entertainment, and roaming geese and deer. Unlike 1893, this Fair boasted not one, but two Midways. Across the water the Beach Midway ofered a double Ferris Wheel, the Devil’s Playground, the Tower Dip, and the Enchanted Island. The “Main Midway” housed replicas of the 1833 DeSaible Cabin and the fve historic homes of Abraham Lincoln. The biggest attractions were the commercial areas.
and tomahawk tossing, and merchants sold rugs, jewelry, and toys. Visitors could pay for pictures with camels at the Oriental Village. The Olde Heidelburg Inn ofered food (and beer in 1934).
The Hollywood Showcase demonstrated how movies and radio shows were made. A wild west show with gun fghts competed for visitors, alongside a gorilla village, a log rolling contest, and Frank Buck’s wild animal exhibit.
The Belgian village replicated a Flemish village in the 16th century, with shops, restaurants, and a church. Vistors could buy food, fowers, and photographs. The Spanish Pavillion sold tour packages. The Moroccan Village ofered a variety of cofees and teas. The "Indian Village" showed stunt horseback riding, demonstrated archery
The “Midget Village” was one of the biggest money-making areas, a miniature city with 45 buildings and a population of about 100 people.
Yet, nothing at the “Main Midway” compared with the Streets of Paris. It had cafes, restaurants, shops, mimes, street dancers, musicians, fags, French signs, fake gendarmes, peep shows, scantily
clad dancers, and Sally Rand and her fan dance—the most successful act of the Fair, at times grossing a $100,000 a day. Rand is a great success story of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and imagination. A successful actress during the silent flm era, she appeared in over 20 movies. She worked with Humphrey Bogart in summer stock, and Cecil B. DeMille gave her, her stage name. Unfortunately, she had a slight lisp and rarely worked in the talkies. Reinventing herself, Rand imagined and promoted her nude-appearing fan dance. She started at $90 a week (the equivalent of $2,230 in 2025).
The Fair did not make a proft, and the decision was made to extend it into a second season. Prohibition ended December 5, 1933. The 1934 fair ofered alcohol in the Midway, and that boosted revenues. Ice skating was available that summer, and more villages were added. Rand moved from Paris to the Italian Village and exchanged her fans for bubbles. For the last 11 weeks of the 1934 season, Rand made a $1,000 a week (almost $25,000 weekly, today).
The “Sky Ride” connected the two midways and ofered visitors views previously seen only from hot air ballon rides or from an airplane (an experience then unknown to most). A total of fve companies combined to create the $1.4 million structure. Like the Ferris Wheel, it was not completed by show opening, but what an engineering feat it was. Over 100 miles of cable, and four million pounds of steel connected the twin 638-foot-tall towers. There
were two rocket-shaped cars that shuttled 36 passengers across the water. About one out of every eight visitors paid to experience the thrilling view. It was new tech, and there were no major incidents.
Businesses
Businesses played a crucial role at this Fair as they had done in fairs past. They paid for the privilege to be there. The paid for the displays, and in some cases, they built massive, architecturally impressive structures. Their demonstrations attracted fairgoers, and their products foreshadowed the future. Dawes wanted to save costs by fostering cooperation. By design, multiple groups exhibited in a single building. Examples included: the 400,000 square foot Hall of Science; the Food and Agricultural Building; and the Hall of Religion. The Travel and Transportation building displayed trains, stagecoaches, early automobiles, “Dream Cars of the Future,” and airplanes. The colorful art-deco, tri-towered US Federal building housed exhibits from 21 states. Multiple businesses in The Home and Industrial Group displayed new materials and designs. The House of Tomorrow provided a future look at construction and appliances; it showcased large glass panes, an open foor space, air conditioning, and an airplane hangar. The Electrical Building housed 20 companies ofering displays of new and existing products.
Many corporations chose to compete separately. General Electric (GE), Westinghouse,
AT&T, A&P, Heinz, Sears and Roebuck, and Johns-Manville all presented products in their own pavilions. Schiltz, Miller, and Pabst sponsored restaurants in 1933 and sold beer in ‘34. IBM displayed over 700 items. RCA demoed an early TV, and broadcasted radio programs including World Series games. The biggest, the most popular displays, and some of the most striking architecture centered on transportation.
Sinclair Oil debuted their new trademark: a giant, green brontosaurus. Inside their building, seven animated dinosaurs lunged at each other as they roared and growled. Firestone attracted visitors by demonstrating how tires were made, starting with hot, molten rubber. Goodyear few two blimps; for a $3 fee, one could take a 15–20-minute air ride.
The General Motors 131,000 square foot building had a 177-foot tower and two exhibit halls. Showcasing several brands, the highlight was a fully functioning assembly line. Chevrolets were produced on-site, driven out of the building, and paraded around the Fairgrounds. Visitors could order a specific car, watch it being manufactured, and drive it home at the end of the day. (Of course they had to pay for it). Car giveaway contests were held.
The Chrysler pavilion had an exhibit hall, a 125-foot tower, and an adjacent racetrack. Chrysler showed brands and demonstrated pre-assembly performance checks. Outside, the “Hell Drivers” raced cars, performed stunts, and even fipped them on their sides to
prove the vehicle’s strength and durability.
Ford Motor Company did not have a presence that frst year, but after seeing the attendance at the General Motors Pavilion, Henry Ford spent $2.5 million on exhibits and employed over 800 people for the 1934 show. Ford had four diferent exhibits totaling 137,000 square feet of space.
The
World International involvement was limited due to the worldwide Depression. Only 19 countries ofcially participated (the foreign villages at the Midway were independent commercial enterprises, not sponsored by any government). Italy showcased exhibits featuring Guglielmo Marconi and the radio; they also housed a popular restaurant. China presented elaborately costumed dancers, musicians and artists. Sweden, Czechoslovakia, and Japan also attracted crowds.
Legacy
According to a New York Times article, the Fair cost $38.7 million in 1933—that would be the equivalent of $960 million today. At the end of the second year, after paying of the investors, the Fair had generated a proft of $4 million (in today’s money). The Fair provided a blueprint for a privately funded, proftable event. Architecturally, it trended from Art Deco to Art Moderne. It ofered optimism for the future and demonstrated the resiliency of the American people. The Fair closed on Halloween with costumes, looting, and fghting.
25 Years of Ramblings
Iwrote my very frst article for the As The Saws Turn column for Exhibit City News (ECN) in October of 2000… exactly 25 years ago. Who would have imagined that this column would have lasted this long—through numerous job changes, through industry booms and recessions, through a pandemic? Certainly not me. Yet here I am, 25 years later, still sitting at a computer writing this stuf.
By Jim Obermeyer
I ran into Don Svehla, publisher of ECN, at a reception at the now-defunct TS2 show in Washington, DC in the summer of 2000. Somewhere during our conversation, he asked me if I would be interested in doing some writing for his tradeshow industry newspaper. We talked about me doing a monthly opinion column. I agreed on one condition: I could write about anything I wanted, as long as I tied it to the industry in some way.
Over the last 25 years, the column has gone in a lot of diferent directions, but always I tried to link it to our industry in some way. Sometimes it was quite a stretch to make the connection, but I
have enjoyed the challenge of trying to come up with something (hopefully) worthwhile to write about each time.
I’ve written columns at home, at work, in hotels, in airports, in airplanes, wherever and whenever the idea for a column struck me. Sometimes, I’d have an idea and write the column well before the deadline. Other times, I’d be staring at my monitor desperately trying to come up with a kernel of a thought to write about.
Going back and reading through the columns, I realized two things:
» 1. For industry folks, it is a bit of an historical look at our industry and the issues—some serious, some not so much—that we’ve dealt with
in the last 25 years. Topics like intellectual capital and selling value against price have been a part of our industry for a long time, and unless something radical changes, it will most likely be for a long time to come. Other problems such as special freight handling fees and union work rules in certain cities have been pretty much resolved.
» 2. For family and friends, it gives a bit of a clue about just who I am, what I really do for a living, and what has been important to me throughout my career in this industry.
I think perhaps that second reason was the real motivator for me to keep writing. Whether it’s of any value to you as a reader is always in question. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this
publication and for allowing me to ramble on about all manner of things for so long.
We have seen a lot of changes in the exhibition and events industry in the last 25 years, some of it very positive, and some not so much. But one thing has remained constant— the incredible passion and dedication of the people that do this for a living. It’s what has kept me doing this for over 30 years.
See you on the show foor… still!
Jim Obermeyer has been in the exhibits and events industry for over 40 years, both as a corporate trade show manager and exhibit house owner. He can be reached at jobermeyer903@gmail.com
Debbie Parrott
THE TRADESHOW EXHIBIT INDUSTRY IS IN HER DNA
BY DEBBIE HALL
To say that Debbie Parrott, owner and president of Highmark TechSystems (Highmark) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, grew up in the exhibit and event industry would be a major oversimplifcation.
Parrott and her two sisters were part of a family atmosphere that valued meaningful work, innovation and creativity. Their parents were constantly building and growing businesses in the exhibit and display world, while starting a school in a community that needed a serious boost in academic excellence and the arts. Her mother, Kathy, worked as a consumer brand consultant. Her father, Mick, a visionary in the exhibit industry, founded Icon Exhibits, where he developed an extruded aluminum modular system with extension confguration options, featuring a limited number of components that made it easy to install, dismantle and reuse. That system remains in demand today through Highmark, serving indoor events and permanent environments.
A Day in Parrott’s Life?
“I spend a lot of time in the ofce. I also go on the road to visit clients and attend
events where our structures are being used,” said Parrott.
“But most days, I’m managing people, team building and constantly reinvesting in our business so we can continue to grow. I also study processes to improve operational efciency. All our products are manufactured in our Fort Wayne facility.”
She loves business strategy, marketing and sales and specifcally working closely with the sales team to structure deals that beneft their clients.
“We listen closely to our clients and develop solutions, pricing and programs tailored to their needs. We have wonderful heads of sales and creative as well as great marketing minds who value teamwork. I also enjoy writing, especially marketing messaging.”
The History of Debbie Parrott is a wife and mother who started her family in her late 30s. She is now in her mid-50s with two active teenage sons. “I’ve been heavily involved in my children’s education at Canterbury School, the school my parents founded. It’s a nationally ranked, independent K-12 school in Fort Wayne,” she said. “My sisters and I graduated from Canter-
bury, and now my younger son attends. My older son just graduated and had the special opportunity to introduce his founder grandfather as the commencement speaker. I’ve done everything from scrubbing toilets at the school’s frst building to serving on its board of trustees.”
While the exhibit industry might be part of her DNA, she took a jagged route to arrive at her current role. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and enrolled in a program at the Denver Publishing Institute. Her first
publishing job was at the Harvard Business Review. After a stint in public relations, she earned her Master of Business Administration from Babson’s entrepreneurial Olin School of Management in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She worked in management consulting and
later transitioned to business development. This experience would transfer to great success and growth in the exhibit and event industry.
Her background, education, and experience would culminate in a role in the exhibit and event industry when her father asked if she would be interested in opening a satellite ofce for Icon Exhibits in San Francisco.
Highmark Before and Now
Highmark was initially established as part of Icon, and in a strategic decision to ofer its products to the entire industry, Highmark was spun of into a separate company.
After the sale of Icon, Parrott moved back to Fort Wayne to run Highmark. Parrott and her family relo-
cated to Fort Wayne in 2010, where she assumed the role of president at Highmark.
Parrott purchased Highmark from her father, obtaining a substantial Small Business Administration loan, to become the 100 percent owner of Highmark. Under Parrott’s leadership, Highmark developed EventMax, a robust modular system for outdoor events that can withstand variable weather conditions. She also spearheaded Highmark’s newest venture, YOURSpace, which provides modular ofces and modular privacy pods that are built from Highmark’s extrusion system.
“I intend to scale this business and continue to take on more exciting opportunities, particularly in the live event space,” said Parrott, as one of her goals.
I am so proud to be a part of the dynamic live events industry.”
The Future of Debbie
Parrott is grateful to the leaders in the industry who have worked to get the voice of the trade and expo industry heard at the government level, since live events are a signifcant part of the U.S. economy. She frequently speaks with Indiana government ofcials about the industry.
“I look at the wall in my ofce, and I have two pictures that my father purchased and had framed. One is a mobile tradeshow from the 1940s, and the other is an indoor tradeshow from 1928. This vibrant industry has been around for a long time, and I am so proud to be part of it.”
Parrott also serves on the board of directors for Turnstone (turnstone.org), a center for children and adults with disabilities, one of 13 Paralympic Games training sites in the United States.
Parrott runs and swims regularly and loves to travel, but the reality is that her day-to-day life is consumed by family, Highmark, Canterbury School, and Turnstone.
“Canterbury and Turnstone are near and dear to my heart, and Highmark runs through my veins.”
Visualy Br ads
People on the Move
Lani Tole (right) has recently joined the Quest Events team as the new vice president of exhibit sales. Tole was previously vice president of national sales at Expo convention Contractors, Inc.
The Rogers Centre Ottawa and its Board of Directors announced that Lesley Pincombe has been appointed as its new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Pincombe joins the Rogers Centre Ottawa after most recently serving as the vice president of sales, business, and major events at Ottawa Tourism.
Ottawa Tourism has also announced a series of strategic leadership appointments within its Business and Major Events team. Stephanie Seguin has been promoted to vice president of sales and business & major events. Patrick Quirouette has stepped into the role of director of sales and business & major events. Lizzy Low was appointed to assistant director of sales and business & major events.
The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) announced that Ronnie Burt has joined the leadership team at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the new Chief Revenue Ofcer. Burt has over 25 years of experience in casino, hotel, convention center, destination marketing, and consulting sectors.
by Kerstan Szczpanski
global product innovation and customer service experience to the Aluvision US team. A Belgium native, Van Peteghem has been living in Atlanta, GA for the last two decades.
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) Board of Directors has elected Wolfram N. Diener, president & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf Group, as president of UFI for the 2026-27 term. As incoming president, he will join the association’s Presidential Trio at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong in November 2025.
Experience Pinnacle Live prompted Natalie De Fazio from president to chief executive ofcer. This transition is part of the company’s succession strategy as current CEO Eddy Eisenberg steps down to assume the role of executive chair of the Pinnacle Live Board of Directors. De Fazio has served as executive vice president and president of Pinnacle Live and brings a wealth of experience in operations, client engagement, and organizational leadership.
Viper Tradeshow Services announced that it has appointed John Roberts as president. Roberts currently serves as chief operating ofcer (COO) at Viper Tradeshow Services where he has worked for more than two decades. He brings to Viper Tradeshow Services a wealth of global experience in fnance, corporate governance and systems transformation. Bryan Olis will remain as CEO of Viper Tradeshow Services.
Aluvision appointed Dirk Van Peteghem as CEO, Aluvision USA. Van Peteghem brings 30 years of management, business development, and
Business consulting frm mdg has announced that Senior Vice President Caitlin Fox (below left) has accepted promotion to president in July and the company’s former president and chief marketing strategist, Kimberly Hardcastle, has moved into the new role of chief marketing strategist of mdg’s parent company, Freeman.
Alexandra Shade has been named president and CEO of First Generation. With the company for more than 30 years, Shade has played a vital role in transforming First Generation from a boutique flm and video production company into the dynamic, full-service marketing and advertising agency it is today.
At TechniCom Audio Visual, William Carmody III has been named president and CEO, after a decade of leadership that has already positioned the company as a regional leader in audio visual production. Having grown up under the mentorship of his father, he embodies the Carmody spirit of service, innovation, and entrepreneurial strength.
Studio Displays has announced the appointment of Frank Boerjan as their new CEO. Boerjan comes to Studio Displays from Vecoplan, North America, where he served as CEO for over fve years. He has been president of Rampf Moulds and Kobra Moulds, as well as executive vice president at Rampf Formen.
Kubik announced the appointment of Vickie Velji (above left) as COO. With nearly 25 years of dedicated service across all areas of the business, Velji has been instrumental in strengthening Kubik’s position as a trusted partner in the experiential events industry. As the frst female executive to join Kubik’s C-suite in 2023, Velji has paved the way for future leadership.
ColorCraft has announced a series of internal promotions and organizational changes. Joe MacDonald has been promoted from production manager to senior project manager. Andy Booth steps into the role of production manager, advancing from shop foreman. James Silva transitions from carpenter to CNC, laser-cutter, and 3D printer operator.
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) announced Megan Wilkinson’s (left) transition from destination services executive to the director of membership and corporate events. The Raleigh Convention Center and Red Hat Amphitheater, as part of Raleigh’s Complex of venues, promoted Kate Jansen, CMP to director of marketing and sponsorships.
Edlen has announced the retirement of Mary Ellen Chapdelaine, CEM the
senior vice president of sales and business development.
WS Display announced the addition of Bill Roman to the team as central U.S. sales manager. On Location announced the appointment of David Brown (right) as its new director of sales and marketing. Veteran experiential sales and marketing professional Gayle Wright has announced her new role as account executive at Fern Exposition Services.
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) general manager, John Burke, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) for 2025. Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. (DS&L) announced the appointment of Matthew Zerella as the new East Coast sales representative.
Impact XM has hired Matt Pensinger as senior vice president of client services. Sho-Link Incorporated appointed Dennis Mahoney as the company’s new director of development. Jenny Hsin-Yi Chang (right) has been promoted to design director at Deckel & Moneypenny.
Claire Steinbrück started her position as a new executive director at Messe Düsseldorf. Joining the managing board, she will be in charge of the newly created division Global Corporate Development and Strategy.
nounced the promotion of Denise DiGiacinto (below left) to vice president of human resources. The Hutton Group–Inspired Meetings & Events announced the addition of Beth Wickramasuriya, CMP, as director of destination sales & meetings.
PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, has appointed AV/IT specialist Marco van der Knaap as its new global product manager of Philips LED displays. Stamm Media announced the addition of Andy Gorzalski as executive producer.
Anthony Nisivoccia has joined Southeast Exhibits & Events as their new chief of strategic partnerships. CDI World has hired Stephanie Cloud as their new senior account executive.
Adam Horrigan joined Pinnacle as their new executive creative director. The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) welcomed Xenia Lappo as their new program manager for membership & events. Bowman Design Group announced the appointment of Gina Madonna as director of operational excellence.
Earlier this year, Chriss Fortier-Rolfe joined The Exhibitor Advocate’s Board of Directors. Fortier-Rolfe is currently the head of U.S. Events and Sponsorships at Schneider Electric. Metro Exhibits an-
has stepped into the role of national sales director. Keli Johnson has been promoted to senior program manager.
The Leadership Committee of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the ASAE Research Foundation has selected nominees to serve on the Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026), with terms beginning September 1, 2025. The Leadership Committee is chaired this year by Lynda Bouchard Patterson, FASAE, CAE, Founder & CEO, AMPED Association Management; CEO & Founder, Association CEO; and immediate past chair of the ASAE Board. Jay Karen, CAE, chief executive ofcer, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), will become chair of the ASAE Board.
Eagle Management has made multiple appointments. Bob Lawlor is now the city manager of Nashville. Caleb Gebel and Jillian Randles are new account managers.
Aluvision has announced multiple new team members. Mason Avidano joins as a Design Engineer. Kaitlin Kennedy joins as a Regional Sales Executive for the Midwest. Hollie Cardinal joins as the Regional Sales Executive for the West Coast.
Corporate Events New England (Corp Events NE) has made several strategic leadership additions and internal promotions. Patrick FitzPatrick (right), who joined CorpEvents NE in 2023 has been promoted to managing director. Paul Meyer has been appointed Boston city manager. Patrick Harrington has been promoted from senior site supervisor to assistant city manager. Wally Henneberry, previously program manager, has been promoted to senior resource manager. Nicole DeQuattro
The following nominees will serve as ofcers of ASAE and the ASAE Research Foundation: Sheri Sesay-Tufour, PhD, FASAE, CAE, ICE-CCP, IOM, chief executive ofcer, Pediatric Nursing Certifcation Board, will become chair-elect of the ASAE Board and Chair of the ASAE Research Foundation Board. Philip K. Bell, CAE, president, Steel Manufacturers Association, will become secretary-treasurer of the ASAE Board and the ASAE Research Foundation Board. Heidi Brock, president and CEO, American Forest & Paper Association, will become immediate past chair of the ASAE Board.
The following nominees will serve three-year terms as directors on the ASAE board:
Thomas Arend, Jr., JD, CAE, chief executive ofcer, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Marc Cadin, chief executive ofcer, Finseca, John D. Dee, CPA, CGMA, chief executive ofcer, Bostrom Corporation, and Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, with Elliott Ferguson (Industry Partner), president and CEO, Destination DC.
Lee Knight
THE MAN WHO BUILT THE MACHINE (AND OCCASIONALLY TOOK A WRENCH TO IT)
BY TRAVIS STANTON
In the golden age of the circus, P.T. Barnum understood that to dazzle the crowd, you needed more than a tent and a tightrope. You needed audacity. You needed alchemy. And above all, you needed a ringmaster who could conjure the extraordinary out of the ordinary. Lee Knight— founder of Exhibitor magazine, ExhibitorLIVE, Gravity Free, the Certifed Trade Show Marketer program, and more—was that rare brand of ringmaster, idealist, anarchist, and architect. He didn’t just chronicle an industry. In many ways, he invented one. When Lee passed, the outpouring came fast… equal parts elegy and inventory. People remembered his inventions, his impact, his uncanny ability to see the shadows before the sun shifted. But those of us who lived in the inner orbit—on S. Broadway in Rochester, MN, in a little ofce that ran on caffeine, chaos, and the cracking sound of fresh editorial duels— know his greatest creation wasn’t a magazine, a show, or even a credential. It was a second family, forged not by blood but by barbs, deadlines,
and the deep, shared trauma of chasing perfection. In his wake, we remain a family, even after leaving the nest, and that is a gift Lee gave us I wouldn’t trade for anything.
For 17 years, I worked with Lee. They weren’t always good, but the work we did was great. On second thought, with is perhaps too generous. Sometimes it was against, other times despite, and occasionally alongside—a tango of tempers, talents, and tenacity. Our debates were frequent, spirited, sometimes surgical, sometimes nuclear. But in the eye of that storm, something beautiful happened: the content got sharper, the ideas got better, and the magazine
cut through the industry like a lighthouse beam through Midwestern fog.
A sometimes self-contradictory moving target, Lee was, to put it diplomatically, mercurial. To put it less diplomatically, he could be maddening. He saw things others missed— mostly big, blurry, beautiful things. But his blueprints often came scribbled on printed drafts and punctuated by four-letter words. And when you asked for clarifcation, he gave you a riddle wrapped in a metaphor dipped in sarcasm. Persuading him was like trying to lasso smoke. And yet, despite all that (or perhaps because of it), he built something that lasted.
Lee was a walking contradiction: tough but generous, cynical yet romantic about ideas. You could love him Monday, loathe him Friday, and begrudgingly respect him every day in between. He wasn’t a saint, and anyone who paints him as one is airbrushing the wrong portrait. Lee never had angelic aspirations. He poked holes, stirred pots, challenged norms, and left more than a few people rubbing their temples. But through it all, I believe he meant well, even if the delivery was so rough around the edges it occasionally left scars. And he believed—fercely—in what we were building. Even when he didn’t say it out loud. Even when he said the opposite.
Our relationship was complicated. And while we traded more barbs than I can remember, I believe we found closure and mutual respect in the end. My life is richer because of the ride I took with Lee, who changed the trajectory and geography of my life in more ways than one.
In the days after his death, the tributes piled high. Some felt authentic. Others reeked of posthumous PR. My response comes, perhaps, too late. But it was born out of soul searching and contemplation… I have no interest in sanctifcation nor sanitization. Lee was human, which is to say he was complex. He left fngerprints on every idea, every product, every comma,
and yes, sometimes bruises too. But he also left something harder to defne: a legacy of thinkers who challenged each other, a culture that prized craft over consensus, and a band of misfts bonded not just by the bylines we shared but by the battles we survived.
Selling Exhibitor—the institution he’d built brick by editorial brick—was a decision I believe we both lived to regret. Not because of dollars or contracts, but because it marked the end of an era neither of us was ready to admit had passed. Despite what many believe, Lee never retired. He hated the word. The implication that he’d put down the tools and wandered into a trout stream was ofensive to him. He didn’t
THE DON AND MIKE SHOW AIRS ON FRIDAYS (BI-WEEKLY)
Lee was a walking contradiction: tough but generous, cynical yet romantic about ideas.”
go gently. He never would. I imagine he may feel similarly about this recent transition, which is why I refuse to end with rest-in-peace wishes. It doesn’t ft. Lee didn’t rest. He resisted. Restlessness was his operating system. So instead, I’ll close with a quote he returned to often, from Moneyball, the gospel of the disrupter: “If we pull this of, we change the game. We change
the game for good.”
Well, Lee, you pulled it of. You rewrote the rules, rebuilt the scoreboard, and redrew the feld. You changed the game. And in doing so, you created a league of thinkers, fghters, and creators who still carry the torch.
It wasn’t always easy. But it was always worth it. And for that, I’m grateful to have worn your jersey.
- Mike Morrison
Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is a diferent kind of an event
It’s a fun, open-air festival with food, music, crowds and attractions. It’s a tradeshow with booths, exhibits, stands, banners, companies, products, and attendees. It has vehicles, but it’s not your grandfather’s car show. There is no standing behind ropes cowered by “Do Not Touch” signs here. This steroid-infused, Auto Show 2.0 rockets drivers to diferent dimensions with the opportunity to feel the hands-on, behindthe-wheel, G-forced-back-inyour-seat instant acceleration of electric vehicles (EVs). Last year, on closed courses, attendees experienced 25,000 test drives of EVs, and over 100,000 e-bike demo rides.
By Bob McGlincy
The Electrify Expo covers over a million square feet (a larger space than most convention centers) and showcases EVs of all types: hybrids, plug-in hybrid EVs, and fully electric cars, trucks, and RVs. There are e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-karts, e-skateboards, e-scooters, e-boats, e-surfboards, and e-watercraft. Some of the auto brands displayed include Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, General Motors, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lucid, Polestar, Porsche, Rivian, Tesla, and Volvo. Other companies include tire companies, makers of charging stations, solar companies, insurance, and recreational companies. Demo courses, test drives, thrill zones, and simulated racing are available for everyone. Additionally, even though it’s an outdoor event, no gas generators are used. Instead, nearly all of the Expo is powered with clean renewable energy from portable solar batteries provided by Anker Solix.
Electrify Expo is a cross between South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Consumer Electronic Showcase (CES)
It combines the fun and excitement
of an outdoor fair, with the cutting-edge, transformative technology of a major tradeshow. It’s a multi-faceted event, combining education, entertainemnt and engagement. For 2025, the expo is an eight-city tour (up from three cities in 2021). The show launched in Orlando this year in March, then moved to Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago. The Festival motors into New York’s Nassau Coliseum on October 1719 and Dallas on November 15-16. The expo creates memorable experiences and fosters commerce. Shoppers and curiosity-seekers can easily test drive and compare different models without sales pressure.
The show is full of surprises
At the LA show earlier this year, Archer Aviation demonstrated a personal electric aircraft. Think this is the stuf of science fction? Think again: it’s science fact and today’s reality! This eVTOL (electric vertical takeof and landing aircraft) will be used during the 2028 LA Olympics to transport Team USA to various locations around the games. At the upcoming New York and Dallas shows, Destin Cantrell (an X Games gold medalist), and his team, will perform jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, mind-boggling, free-style Motorcross aerial stunts. But the biggest surprise may be the education the Expo presents: it works to correct the mass misinformation surrounding EVs.
What you may not know
Electric vehicles are quick and quiet. They are more popular outside the United States. Electric car sales worldwide topped 17 million last year. Norway leads all nations in the percentage of EV sales: 88.9 percent of all new car sales in 2024 were electric vehicles (up from 82.45 percent in 2023). Over 50 percent of new car sales in China are EVs, compared to about 20 percent in Europe, and 7.5 percent in the U.S. (All the percents are trending upwards.) Corporations are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in EV technology and manufacturing.
Are electric cars the future?
EVs are not for everyone. They should be a choice, not a mandate. They are a green alternative, and cost less to fuel and to maintain than internal combustion engines. Most people drive fewer than 40 miles a day and most EVs purchased in the US have a range between 250 and 400 miles on a full charge. Texas and Florida are the number two and three states for the highest number of EV registrations in the U.S. Does an electric vehicle work for you?
Check out Electrify Expo when it comes to a town near you. It may just blow your mind.
For Electrify Expo event details, including ticket information, go to electrifyexpo. com or show up at show site.
Bob McGlincy is the co-author of “The Invisible Industry—The Evolution of Trade Shows” and can be reached at bobm@exhibitcitynews.com
Transforming Spaces.
WHERE INNOVATION MEETS ACTIVATION.
We are the architects of unforgettable moments that power meaningful connections between brands and their audiences using AV and LED technology. With a focus on innovation, we seamlessly blend cutting-edge equipment, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of production magic to elevate your vision and leave a lasting impression. Let's craft extraordinary experiences together!
Mark Garvey
Founder of AGS Expo Services
Jan. 12,1948 - May 29, 2025
Mark Garvey, founder of AGS Expo Services, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2025. Born on January 12, 1948, Mark was a respected leader in the tradeshow and live events industry for more than three decades. Originally from Wisconsin, Mark brought his bold spirit and entrepreneurial drive to Orlando, Florida, where he launched AGS in the early 1990s. What began as a small business focused on arts, graphics, and signage grew into a nationally recognized general service contractor known for integrity, creativity, and service.
Mark’s infuence extended far beyond the show foor. He was a true mentor— known for his kindness, professionalism, and ability to bring out the best in those around him. Many in the industry credit
Mark with giving them their frst big break or modeling how to lead with both strength and heart.
His love for the business was matched only by his love for family. A proud father to Evan and Grace, and husband to Debbie, Mark built a life full of connection and purpose. Even in his fnal years, he continued to inspire those around him with dignity, gratitude, and grace.
Mark Garvey’s impact on the tradeshow world is lasting—and personal. He didn’t just help build events; he helped build careers, friendships, and a culture of excellence that lives on through everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him.
We honor Mark “Garv” Garvey with deep respect and appreciation for a life and legacy that truly made a mark.
“My staffing experience using Christy was unsurpassed, she was able to find me quality, competent administrative assistants on an ongoing basis and a warehouse manager with 24 hrs. notice. As an owner of a tradeshow supply business relying on Christy allowed me to focus on my clients during the frenetic tradeshow season!”
Alison Wainwright Las Vegas Mannequins
By Kerstan Szczepanski
New York Vet Show 2025
NEW YORK, NY
NOVEMBER 6 – 7, 2025
Held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, the New York Vet Show is a top event for veterinarians, technicians, and specialists. With over 2,500 attendees and 150 plus exhibitors, the event ofers six clinical tracks, two practice operations theaters, a veterinary technician track, and sponsor-led workshops. Subjects run the spectrum of veterinary care including companion animals, emergency medicine, and practice management. There will be networking events and exhibitor-led product demos as well. Website: www.newyork.vetshow.com
EATS Show
CHICAGO, IL
OCTOBER 28 – 30, 2025
The newly rebranded Equipment, Automation, Technology, and Supply (EATS) Show will debut at McCormick Place in Chicago. Formerly Process Expo, this manufacturing-focused show brings together professionals from eight sectors of the food industry: proteins, prepared, confectionary, bakery, beverage, cannabis, dairy, and even pet. Hundreds
of exhibitors and 8,000 attendees are expected. Highlights include live fresh pet food production, celebrity chef Rick Bayless in a live demonstration at the EATS Kitchen, educational sessions on food safety, automation, sustainability, and equipment demos (featuring a sliced pepperoni production line). Website: www.theeatsshow.com
Color Printing
• Rack cards
• Brochures
• Booklets
• Everything else
By Kerstan Szczepanski
South
Breakbulk Americas 2025
HOUSTON, TX
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2, 2025
Hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), Breakbulk Americas is the largest and longest running event for project cargo and breakbulk professionals in the Americas. With over 5,600 attendees, more than 300 exhibitors, 400 plus shippers all representing 2,400 companies, the event covers shipping, logistics, and infrastructure sectors with a strong focus on oil and gas, wind energy, and heavy manufacturing. Along with the popular Breakbulk Welcome Reception, this is the show for transportation and supply chain professionals. Website: www.americas.breakbulk.com
• 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!
Meeting & Event Supplies
• Lanyards & Credentials
• Binders, Tabs and inserts
• Tote Bags & Inserts
• Tickets & Programs
Promotional Products
• Giveaways
• Table Drapes & Signage
• Branded Apparel
• Gifts & Awards
Midwest
By Kerstan Szczepanski
Central NASS 2025 (North American Spine Society)
DENVER, CO
NOVEMBER 14 – 16, 2025
Held at the Colorado Convention Center, NASS 2025 is the 40th anniversary of the premier meeting for professionals in spinal healthcare, bringing together orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management specialists, and researchers. Featuring the latest global trends and newest technologies and innovations in spinal medicine, with educational programs as well. There will be plenty of social activities in the Mile High City to foster networking connections as well. Website: www.spine.org
Southwest
NPWH Women’s Healthcare Conference
LAS VEGAS, NV | OCTOBER 1 – 3, 2025
The 28th Annual National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) Women’s Healthcare Conference will be held October 1–3, 2025, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The NPWH inspires in a three-day blend of continuing education, networking, and celebrations of 45 years of advocacy in women’s healthcare. Earn up to 39 continuing education (CE) credits (both live and on-demand), enjoy keynotes, a Fellows Induction Ceremony, a new Members Lounge, and immersive clinical sessions, all set against the excitement of Las Vegas. Website: www.npwh.org
By Kerstan Szczepanski
West
IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
ANAHEIM, CA
OCTOBER 16 – 18, 2025
The International Fresh Produce Association (FPA) Global Produce & Floral Show will fll the Anaheim Convention Center with 21,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibitors from across the fresh produce and foral supply chains of more than 60 countries. The event will feature product showcases, educational sessions, and an emphasis on the latest tech, product trends, and networking. Special highlights include the State of the Industry session and the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast. Website: www.freshproduce.com
Based on reader feedback and industry trends, we’ve made the strategic decision to move the most comprehensive tradeshow calendar in the industry from our print edition to the web. This change will allow us to better serve our readers by:
» Remaining nimble in the current climate when show dates change
» Freeing up space in our print edition to give you the content you want: corporate profiles, trends and news you can use
DISCOVER. CONNECT. GROW.
YOUR TRUSTED MARKETPLACE FOR THE TRADESHOW & MEETING INDUSTRY
With three listing tiers—Basic (Free), Standard, and Premium—there’s an option for every business, from newcomers to industry leaders. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to build the most comprehensive, up-to-date business listing in the tradeshow and meetings world.
2026 EDITORIAL CALENDAR*
QUARTER 1 (JANUARY-MARCH)
Print & Digital
• ExhibitorLIVE Preview
• Cutting and Saving Costs
• How To Pick Tradeshows
• Speak with Experts on Cost Savings
• Flooring
• Furniture
• Day in the Life
• Wow Booth Features
• Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide
• Associations & Advocacy Features
Digital only
• Boss Awards
• Social Media and New Age Marketing
• Measuring Marketing Success
• Exhibitor Best Practices
• Tradeshow Marketing/Traffic
Focus Region: Canada
QUARTER 3 (JULY - SEPTEMBER)
Print & Digital
• Importance of a Brand
• Experiential Marketing
• Innovative Design
• Wi-fi
• Print/graphics
• Permanent Installs and Museums
• Retail Spaces
• Day in the Life
• Wow Booth Features
• Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide
• Associations & Advocacy Features
Digital only
• Healthcare
• Security/Safety
• Randy Coverage
• Insurance/Legal/Contracts/Regulations
• Fall Show Updates
• Show Services
Focus Region: Southeast
*Content is subject to change
QUARTER 2 (APRIL - JUNE)
Print & Digital
• Design and Innovation
• Boss Awards
• AI in Tradeshows
• Retaining Talent
• Labor and Hiring Concerns
• Lighting
• A/V
• Day in the Life
• Wow Booth Features
• Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide
• Associations & Advocacy Features
Digital only
• Sustainability
• Building an Industry Workforce
• New Faces in the Industry
• Recruiting for the Industry
• Budgeting Tips for Exhibitors
• Advocacy Updates
Focus Region: Central
QUARTER 4 (OCTOBER - DECEMBER)
Print & Digital
• Transportation Trends
• Warehousing/Material Handling
• Shipping and Logistics
• ExSys Awards
• Event Management Software
• Tradeshows and Events
• Day in the Life
• Wow Booth Features
• Tradeshow Calendar & Service Guide
• Associations & Advocacy Features
Digital only
• Industry Predictions
• Show Management
• Randy Coverage
• Post-Show Analysis
• Industry and Tradeshow Predictions 2027
Focus City: Northeast
Deadline / Space reservation: 8th day, or closest business day, of month prior to print issue. We would love to hear from you! Share the coverage you would like to see in future issues at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com
For 40 years, Access has been a trusted name in the face-to-face industry, known for building award winning experiences that ignite emotions, stimulate thought, and drive engagement. Our environments are designed to educate audiences and inspire innovation. Above all, we are committed to ensuring your brand approaches events with a planned budget, a go-to-market strategy, and a well-designed and built experience.
New, Options Dynamic
In a room filled with large builds, colorful signs, and countless distractions, your customers want something that can cut through the noise. They want something that will draw the attention of their audience. They want something that will make a statement. They want LEDskin®. And now, our LEDskin® just got even better thanks to our Perfect Corner LEDskin® panels. Now you can make LEDskin® do more for you and your customers. Create unique activations through optical illusions, wrap-around content, and so much more!
Why LEDskin®?
Our latest P1.5 and P2.5 LEDskins® make just the statement you need. With improved viewing angles, better color accuracy, and our best contrast yet, our new LEDskin® panels will wow your
customers and their audience. These latest additions to our product line enable you to create high-quality and stunning displays while also being a worthwhile investment. These panels have stronger LED mounting techniques that make them last longer, perfect for an activation or the tradeshow floor.
Ready to get your hands on our latest innovations? Contact your Account Manager or reach out to us at CustomerService@bematrix.com.
