Exhibit City News - January/February 2020

ECN’s 2020 I&D ACE Awards Submissions Deadline is Jan. 30

January/February 2020 • VOL. 26 • ISSUE 1

NEW REGULATIONS TAKING AIM AT LAS VEGAS TRADESHOW INDUSTRY

PLUS

IN-DEPTH LOOK AT TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT ON ANAHEIM EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

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12/21/19 11:31 AM

beProud Congratulations to beMatrix® USA’s President, Robert Laarhoven, on being named recipient of the 43rd annual Hazel Hays Award. Hailed as the “highest honor bestowed by EDPA”, the Hazel Hays Award recognizes an outstanding individual for playing a major role in contributing to the experiential and exhibit industry.

In the early 1990s, Robert Laarhoven, now President of beMatrix® USA, along with other industry pioneers, worked with the EDPA Board of Directors to create a custom modular division. In 1997 Robert became the first national President from the systems world.

Photograph Courtesy Of Padgett and Company, ©2019

Robert has helped to set the standard for innovation, creativity, and the evolution of the exhibit/experiential industry, and continues to do so with beMatrix®. Winning the Hazel Hays award recognizes Robert’s skill, integrity, vision, and support of our industry domestically, and around the world.

beMatrix® Hall 5|G01–05

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12/19/19 4:34 PM

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TABLE OF CONTENTS The new building code regulations for temporary structures have taken aim at Las Vegas’ golden goose—the tradeshow industry. Unions, management, labor and associations are joining together to fight for a convention/tradeshow exemption in order to save the industry. p.24

ECN’s 2020 I&D ACE Awards Submissions Deadline is Jan. 30

January/February 2020 • VOL. 26 • ISSUE 1

NEW REGULATIONS TAKING AIM AT LAS VEGAS TRADESHOW INDUSTRY

30-32

2019 Year in Review

A look back at ECN’s top stories

34-35

48

Superior Logistics

Delivers “Superior Results, Every Time”

36-37

Vets Logistics Group LLC

Delivers Global Supply Chain Solutions

38-39

PLUS

IN-DEPTH LOOK AT TRANSPORTATION

Champion Logistics

SPOTLIGHT ON ANAHEIM EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM

An Industry Leader

Feature Story

12/21/19 11:31 AM

41

24

Shop to Showfloor Section

Proposed Regulations Unite The Tradeshow Industry

I&D and Event Labor

42-43

New Building Code Regs for Temporary

Drayage Can Be a Nightmare

Structures Threaten Tradeshow Industry

44

Columns

The Rigging World

In Rigging, Everyone Needs Training & Education

12

48-49

As The Saws Turn An Experiential Conundrum?

The Wow Booth

The Omega Group Wows at FIL Guadalajara with India Pavilion

14

Andy’s Apps Presentation Apps Can Save The Day

16

The Digital Frontier The Path of Least Resistance: Hootsuite, Dual Space & Chrome

18

The International Man The Evolving Landscape for Tradeshows in the U.S.

20

Ask an Expert Caesars FORUM Sales Hits A Milestone

Departments 8 Editor-in-Chief’s Corner 10 Convention Center Snapshot 22 Airport Snapshot 52 International Focus 54 AIPC 60 Convention Center Spotlight 76 People on the Move 82 The D.E.A.L. 86 Regional Show Calendar 95 Service Guide 103 Classifieds 105 Advertiser Index

56-57

beMatrix Educational Academy

56

Creating “beManiacs”

58-59

The Don & Mike Show

The Don & Mike Show Goes On the Road to IAEE’s Expo! Expo! & EDPA’s ACCESS

62

EDPA Regional Club Roundup

EDPA Club News from across the U.S.

66

EDPA ACCESS 2019 What’s Your Formula?

68

IAEE Expo! Expo! 2019 Cynthya Porter’s Recap

70

Fall Educational Session on Show Venue Security “Situational Awareness” Key to Deterrence

72

Events/Venues: Juneau CC Embraced by Capital City Residents

74

In Memoriam

Patti Shock & Bob Lessin

6 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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Cover and top photo (EDPA Access) by PADGETT & CO.

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We don’t just FURNISH SHOWS.

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© 2020 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.

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12/18/19 6:28 PM 12/18/19 11:07 AM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S CORNER

I

t’s the holiday season as we close this issue, and we want to wish all of our readers and supporters a healthy, happy and prosperous 2020—may it usher in a return to the Roarin’ ’20s!

We hope that you don’t just read this month’s magazine but that you take ACTION! It’s SO important that everyone in the industry fights back against excessive and onerous building code regulations and fees—whether in Las Vegas or in Florida or anywhere else that’s under attack. We thank Tommy Blitsch at Teamsters Local 631 for taking the lead in the fight and allowing us to share his letter to the Clark County Commissioners on our website and in this magazine, and we hope you filled out the Building Impact Questionnaire that was on our website and in our Midmonth Newsblast. The next hearing on these regulations will be Jan. 17 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. in the 4701 W. Russell Road presentation room. Let’s fill that room and fight for our tradeshow/convention exemption!

Another way to take action is to send in your nominations for this year’s I&D ACE awards—we’ll be expanding the categories to include operations teams in each region of the country as well as services such as Flooring, Graphics, Systems and more! So, be sure to go to www.

ECNACEawards.com to check out the categories and nominate the great and deserving people you work with, people you work for and maybe even yourself!

And yet another action step is to pick up the phone and call ECN to get yourself, your company, your photos and your stories into our Project 25 keepsake book—coming out in time for

CSAL

CONVENTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION

AS VEGAS

8 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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ExhibitorLive. Sponsor a pivotal year in your company’s history on our historical timeline section, have a corporate profile in our Movers & Shakers Company features, share your pictures from “back in the day” and help us create a keepsake book that will be treasured by everyone who helped create this industry—and used as a resource to educate new workforce members as they enter into the tradeshow world. Celebrate the history of this industry with us!

Don’t miss the profiles in this transportation-themed issue, the tradeshow industry would be lost without the skills of our logistics providers. The Wow booth on p. 46 was built by the Omega Group in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the government of India, so you’ll want to check that out. Our focus city this issue is Anaheim, so check out the D.E.A.L. and ACC, too! Cynthya Porter’s recap of Expo!Expo! and Pat Friedlander’s recap of ACCESS will have you making reservations for next year’s events. And congratulations to the EDPA Foundation for getting to their $1 million dollar endowment this year at the conference.

This issue is all about everyone coming together—whether it was the Security Seminar that was sponsored by EDPA, ESCA, EACA, IAVM and IAEE in Anaheim or the battle against the new Las Vegas building codes—which saw tradeshow management, labor, unions and associations all working together to save our industry or the EDPA and IAEE conferences which brings people together from all over the world.

May we enter 2020 with a newfound sense of unity and love. Happy New Year!

— Jeanne Brei, Editor-in-chief

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeanne Brei (702) 309-8023 ext. 103 JeanneB@exhibitcitynews.com ART DIRECTOR Thomas Speak Tom@Speak-Design.com NEWS EDITOR/WEBSITE Ray Smith (702) 309-8023 ext. 104 RayS@exhibitcitynews.com FEATURE WRITER/EDITOR F. Andrew Taylor (702) 309-8023 ext. 105 FAndrewT@exhibitcitynews.com COLUMNISTS Calanit Atia Amadeus Finlay Andrew Fulton Larry Kulchawik Jim Obermeyer Cynthya Porter F. Andrew Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aloysius Arlando Vince Battaglia Tommy Blitsch Alexis Cooper & Lisa Sinicki Pat Friedlander Mike Morrison Leslie Mujica Julia Smith Aleta Walther H.K. Wilson NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Roxanne Tomko & Christy DiGiambattista (702) 309-8023 ext. 107 RoxanneT@exhibitcitynews.com ChristyD@exhibitcitynews.com CIRCULATION Manny Chico Byron McDonald Mike Morrison Vol. 26, issue 1, copyright 2020 by EXHIBIT CITY NEWS, published six times a year by Mr. Tradeshow Communications, LLC, 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169. Editorial views presented within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher and no liability is inherent. To subscribe, go to ExhibitCityNews.com or call (702) 309-8023. Reproduction/reuse of this material may only be permitted with expressed permission of Exhibit City News. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to location listed above.

Photo by Allison Earnest

Greetings to our readers!

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

12/21/19 1:17 PM

Available March 2020:

Reserve your $50 book today! Free to all paid subscribers!

Celebrate with us!

Share Your Story of the Industry History

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Benefit by Intense Social Media & Digital Campaign

• Labor News • Union News • Convention Center News • Association News • Management News and more!

Features on the Movers & Shakers, the Designers & the Builders, the Companies who Built an Industry. Photos of Convention Centers’ History, Association History, I&D ACES and more!

Sponsorships at all levels still available! Call (702) 309-8023 Silver Sponsors: CEP, Laarhoven Design/beMatrix, Color Reflections, Superior Trucking, Hamilton, Circle TPR Bronze Sponsors: Employco, TLS, Classic, OnLocation, TWI Group Supporters: Display Supply & Lighting, Prism Lighting, Zig Zibit, Exhibit Trader, Edlen Electrical, Coastal International, Highmark TechSystems, Las Vegas Power Professionals

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CONVENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT

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Anaheim Convention Center & Arena Location: 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, Calif.

Opened: July 1967 Square Footage: At 1.8 million sq.ft. spanning 53 acres, it offers 1 million+ sq.ft. of exhibit space; 352,000 sq.ft. of meeting space; 176,000 sq.ft. of pre-function lobby space; 200,000 sq.ft. of outdoor venue space (the Arena Plaza, Palm Court & Grand Plaza); 238,000 sq.ft. (three ballrooms), 99 meeting rooms and 7,500 theater-style stadium seats in the Arena.

Parking: There’s seven parking lots/garages ringing the ACC and it does have agreements with overflow lots close by if needed and available. Price varies per show.

Hotels: 111 hotels (22,183 rooms) within two miles of the ACC, including 41 properties (8,749 rooms) within a half mile.

Airport Info: Accessible from four major airports—John Wayne Airport, Orange Co. (SNA) is 13 miles; Long Beach Airport (LGB) is 18 miles; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 34 miles; and LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) is 35 miles.

PLUS!

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

Transportation: Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) provides rail, bus, taxi and other services.

Wi-Fi: The ACC features a newly upgraded wired and wireless network with an industry-best 10 GB connection from Smart City Networks. Free Wi-Fi accessibility is available throughout the ACC. Website: www.anaheim.net/1117/ Anaheim-Convention-Center-Arena ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 11

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12/21/19 11:32 AM

COLUMN As the Saws Turn

An Experiential Conundrum

T

ime for a bit of a rant: I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the value of relationships in our industry—building and maintaining strong client relationships to build a business.

More and more we are faced with responding to RFPs where we never get to meet the actual people involved.

It has become so impersonal. It has become a regurgitation of the same answers to the same questions asked over and over again with no personality and no personal connection. How can we hope to do our very best for a client when we never get to meet them, talk with them and get to know their needs? We’re more likely to be on the same page if we’re in the same room.

These “blind” RFPs completely eliminate the personal investment in the project and in the company and the people involved. They take the relationship right out of the equation.

Business used to be conducted by people. People talking to people. People building strong relationships with people.

People building trust in people. Business is now conducted with computers. Computers talking to computers. Computers responding to generic questions asked by other computers.

The people behind them never meet.

The people behind them remain anonymous until some computer algorithm decides which computer submitted the best answers to the questions asked by the host computer. To me, this is not fun. Maybe it’s not supposed to be fun. But it used to be…

I think back to some of the business relationships that I was fortunate to develop over the years. Relationships that led to years of doing business together: One of the first was with Mike Altobelli.

At the time, he was an account executive at Kitzing, Inc. in Chicago; I was a tradeshow manager at McDonnell Douglas, a large defense contractor in St. Louis.

Every time we did a show in Chicago, Mike would come by my booth for a visit.

We had an internal exhibit department

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny spring day. I made a comment that this would be a great doing our booth and didn’t need

By Jim Obermeyer day to be relaxing at a winery. his services. But that didn’t stop She looked at me, turned to her him from coming by every show. He team and said: “Clear your afternoon, Jim would take me to lunch at cool places in is doing his design presentation at the Chicago. He would take me by his shop winery.” We spent the afternoon evaluatto meet his team and see their work. ing exhibit designs and tasting wonderful Several years later when our company Oregon Pinot Noirs. Try that from behind stopped doing exhibits internally, Mike your computer. was the first call I made. It made perfect In an industry that is becoming more sense; we had built a strong relationship. and more focused on the “experience” His company did our work for years after and the one-on-one engagement between that. (Rest in Peace, Mike) the attendee and the exhibitor, and less I met Joe Fugaro when he was in sales and less on the physical architecture of at Zenith LaborNet. At the time, my the space, I find it befuddling that the exhibit company had a relationship with beginning of that process—the selection another labor supplier. Joe would stop of the right partner company for the and visit on the show floor whenever corporate marketer to work with—has he and I were at the same show, and he become less and less of an experience or made trips to our shop to meet our team. one-on-one engagement.

As I got to know him and his company How are we supposed to create that inand some of his city managers, I started credible experience for your audience to giving him some smaller jobs. learn more about your product and your Then the Great Recession hit, and brand when we are not even allowed to money was tight everywhere. While our meet you in person? When we are given main labor contractor took a very hardreally vague direction and then, when nosed, impersonal (read: legal) approach asked for clarification and expansion on a to collecting on invoices, Joe and his theme, we are told this is all we get? How team worked with us on alternative are we going to see things your way if we payment options. It was very obvious to can’t even see you? me that they valued the relationship and If you want us to provide you with the wanted to make it work for both parties. most creative, inspiring alternatives, the The recession passed, we were able to best ideas for experiential, then we need clear our debt with both companies, but to be able to experience who you are, because of the way one group of people what your products and brands mean, approached it, they earned 100 percent the culture and voice and tone of your of my business. company. And the only way to do that Lastly, I had a long-standing relationwith the best opportunity for incredible ship with one of my clients—I had worked success is to do it in person. Face-to-face. with them for close to 10 years when a With your team. At your facility or at one management change brought in a new of your shows. How will we ever see eyemarketing executive and tradeshow manto-eye if we’re never face-to-face? ager. Time to build new relationships.

Certainly not with some computer-genI spent a lot of time visiting all of their erated algorithm for selecting a vendor. shows and visiting their headquarters See you—in person—on the show floor. on the West Coast, learning everything I could about their new team. When I went Jim Obermeyer’s been in the tradeshow industry 38 to visit them at their facility to present a years, both as a corporate tradeshow manager and new design—in person—the marketing exhibit house owner. He’s currently a VP at Hamilton exec invited me to lunch with her team.

Exhibits; Email: jobermeyer@hamilton-exhibits.com.

12 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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12/21/19 11:33 AM

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12/18/19 6:34 PM

COLUMN Andy’s Apps

Presentation Apps Can Save The Day

I

t’s 2:15 p.m. and you’ve just landed in a city you’ve never been before. You turn off airplane mode and receive a panicked text that says: “You’re on the schedule to make a presentation to 300 people at 5 p.m. Can you pull something together?” Of course, there’s no one in the office who knows the project well enough to do it there. It’s a good thing that you know there are several apps that can save your bacon.

Yes, there are several professional presentation programs that can integrate animation, video, green screen and other bells and whistles to your public presentation, but we’re not here to talk about those.

There are times when you may be called upon to create a presentation with minimal preparation without access to the resources of a fully staffed office or a powerful computer.

Fortunately, there are several apps that can help you pull together a presentation on the fly.

On the light rail from the airport to downtown you pull out your phone and load Google Slides.

Google Slides It’s likely that you are already using several of the integrated Google apps, including Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos. If not, setting up a Google account is free and easy, and it gives you access to Google Slides, a free presentation program that works on a variety of templates.

Because of the templates, it’s simple and fast to create a

presentation. Also, it’s pretty basic and doesn’t lend itself to getting too fancy. The output is similar to a PowerPoint presentation and can be created on your smartphone or device.

You open up a new Google Slide document and see that you can build a presentation, a consulting proposal, a status report or several other templates on Pitch. Because of Google’s integrated apps, you can easily add photos from your Google Photos or from the device’s storage. You create a bare bones presentation in minutes, but you don’t have the latest photos of the project on your phone. Luckily, the app saves your work to the cloud, allowing you to work from multiple devices or share the project with colleagues who can also work on it. Tony in the home office opens the document and adds the appropriate pictures and charts.

Presentations can be created in minutes on your smart device and while the results can look very professional, they won’t be particularly flashy. A few more options are more readily accessible with a computer.

Tony runs over to Barbara, who opens the program in the more elaborate desktop version and adds some animations and transitions to the presentation. It’s 3:25 and unfortunately, you just realized the rather lengthy statement that needs to wrap up your presentation doesn’t exist on the cloud, put rather, in several sheets of paper in your jacket. Fortunately, you know about Text Scanner.

Text Scanner Text scanner is a simple app that does just what its name says. You can take a picture of text with your phone and it turns it into editable text.

Like all text scanning programs, it isn’t perfect, and it may misinterpret a faded or obscured text, but in most cases it’s an easy fix to edit it, and it’s quicker than typing a long document.

You scan the needed information in the back seat of the cab. Then, you recall a perfect quote from the magazine you were reading on the plane and scan it too.

Just for good measure, you scan in your hand-written notes. The results on the two printed documents are pretty good. The results from your scanned handwriting look like badly misspelled free-verse poetry, but there’s enough there to work with, but it is work to get those notes into some semblance of recognizable English. You add the text into the Google Slide doc. You arrive 20 minutes before the show and get your slideshow to the venue’s tech guy and then learn you need to do a Q&A after the presentation. You open up Crowd Mics and set up a session for the event.

Crowd Mics This application can transform anyone’s smart device into a microphone linked to the event’s sound system, allowing for highly interactive Q&As at a presentation.

Anyone who has watched a

By F. Andrew Taylor

presenter straining to hear a question from the audience and then repeat it so the crowd can hear it will appreciate the improvement of communication, allowing more interaction as time isn’t lost in a game of “telephone.”

The system can be set in “Open Mic” mode, which allows the first audience member who presses the talk button to be heard. That option imagines a level of civility that isn’t terribly common at present. It is more likely that users will choose the “Silent Mic” mode, in which those wishing to speak will have their names appear on the app and the presenter can choose which person will speak.

You choose Silent Mic, not wanting a repeat of the last event where a couple of guys with game show buzzer reflexes dominated the Q&A and wouldn’t stop asking specific questions that only related to their company. It’s 5:25. Your colleagues are telling you how great the presentation was. Your boss on the other hand wants to know if you can do another one on a different subject in the morning. With the right apps, yes.

F. Andrew Taylor has been in the journalism field for 23 years working for alt-weeklies, tourism publications, hyper-local papers and others. He illustrated “Christmapus,” the tale of the Christmas Octopus. His first fiction prose story was published in 2018 and was featured at the Vegas Valley Book Festival. Contact him at fandrewt@exhibitcitynews.com.

14 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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COLUMN The Digital Frontier

company credentials, keeping your personal accounts running without interference.

But social media is an unforgiving master, particularly in the world of audience interaction. Facebook even goes as far as ranking a page’s response time by displaying a score visible to anyone who lands there. Get around this cruel Zuckerberg trick by activating auto responses in Facebook messenger. Not only does this prevent poor rating but keeps the user that sent the message waiting until you get time to craft a thoughtful response; there’s nothing worse than rushing in order to maintain positive data.

With all that said, business really does owe a lot to good old

By Amadeus Finlay William of Ockham. shortcut should Hootsuite be So, if you’re ever in Munich, down. Open Google Chrome, take a wander over to the go to your Instagram account Bavarian National Theater. and log in. Next, activate For beneath this modern Chrome Developer Tools by structure lies a medieval pressing Ctrl + Shift +J. This cemetery, containing within will open some complex-lookit the bones of one of the ing data, but go ahead and most undercelebrated indiignore it. All you need do is viduals of modern commerce. refresh your page and voila; What Ockham would make the upload tool will appear at of social media, however, will the foot of the browser, exactnever be known. ly as it looks on your mobile device. Unfortunately, the Having worked with Groupon, IBM, user is again restricted to one Nordea, and others, Amadeus image at a time.

Finlay is a global connector of peoWhat if you really want an ple and brands. He has extensive Occamian solution without experience in professional copycompromising your personal writing, social media and script-toaccounts? Download a mobile screen video production, including app called Dual Space. A on-camera hosting. A graduate of nifty, advertisement-driven the University of Edinburgh in Scotprogram, Dual Space houses land, he holds a Master’s degree fresh social media and email in American History. Connect with platforms that allow you him at https://www.linkedin.com/ to log-in with business or in/amadeusfinlay/

Social Media? Take the Path of Least Resistance

I

n the 13th century, a Franciscan friar from southern England proposed a problem-solving theorem that would forever change the way the world approached streamlined thinking. Known as Occam’s Razor or the law of parsimony, the hypothesis argues that one should not make more assumptions than are necessary; i.e., when in doubt, seek the path of least resistance. And it has stuck.

William of Ockham died more than 670 years ago, but his thinking remains very much in use today, and in the frenetic, competitive world of social media, the path of least resistance is probably the best way to be effective and avoid burnout.

With that in mind, social media managers should begin with a content management tool that allows information

to be generated and scheduled for a later date. In short, if you take a day to write and schedule content for the next month, your mind can be freed to address the myriad other demands of social media management. After years of back-and-forth between various platforms (including some painful moments as each program updated its software), I can finally recommend—without too much uncertainty—Hootsuite as the platform for the job. Equipped to schedule on all social networks, Hootsuite also offers the user a comprehensive data analysis suite full of essential tidbits. The only downside is the inability to post multiple images to Instagram, but nothing is perfect, right?

Speaking of Instagram, here’s another Occam-type

16 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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12/18/19 6:38 PM

COLUMN The International Man

The Evolving Landscape for U.S. Tradeshows

A

recent survey study from the CEIR Pulse Poll noted that recent trade tariffs have contributed to a decline in tradeshow participation and attendance at U.S. tradeshows. I am certain that this is a new contributing factor, but the reasons for a decline in participation and attendance are influenced by a multitude of other reasons as well.

Here are three:

border. With each international customer I assist for help in the U.S., the topic of drayage, union labor restrictions and show regulation differences are debated.

The differences when doing a tradeshow anywhere else in the world are so different, that much time is spent explaining why. My response: “The return from participation in a U.S. tradeshow investment remains strong. We cannot change the U.S. » Technology method of organizapplications for selling ing shows today, so » Internet marketing cooperating will make

By Larry Kulchawik competition it less painful.” » The U.S. model for show The American model of organizing that costs more than show organizing with material the rest of the world’s locations handling, labor requirements and show regulations will A meetings and events not change until the value for survey in Exhibitor magazine exhibitor participation in a U.S. in November 2019 stated that tradeshow decreases to a point exhibit/meeting budgets and where the cost of participaparticipation will increase tion is greater than the return. over the next three years.

Recent trade tariffs certainly Perhaps the tariff issues were add costs and will serve to not a factor to consider at the reduce the value in tradeshow time the survey was done. So investments, but they’re not for now, the outlook still looks the only culprit. Today, the positive regarding the belief marketing investments made in the power of tradeshow by exhibitors at most U.S. marketing. tradeshows still offer a worthy Over the past 20 years I have return for U.S. and internationfocused on building internaal exhibitors. The right people, tional sales. The journey has in the right place, engaging in not been easy, but much proga face-to-face experience with ress has been made to grow quality buyer/sellers, continues company sales globally through to deliver a worthy ROI when tradeshows. In addition, interexecuted smartly. The top national companies look to U.S. buyers and sellers still attend tradeshows to increase their the many well-organized U.S. market share, and U.S. compaindustry tradeshows as long as nies are finally looking abroad the measurable return remains to expand sales beyond their positive. A change in the U.S.

tradeshow organization model will not happen until the ROI for the associations, show organizers and show contractors is threatened. If the value of U.S. tradeshow participation weakens, hopefully organizers and attendees will consider alternatives such as consolidating events or exploring the European model of organizing.

Simply put, if the value and measurable return from a U.S. tradeshow weakens then exhibitors (and show organizers) will seek other locations and/or other methods for face-to-face marketing, perhaps by taking their events abroad? Changing the method to deliver valuable content to exhibitors? Changing the ways that organizers/contractors manage the costs to deliver exhibit services?

International tradeshow organizers in Europe and Asia follow a different model. The venues help to organize and promote a show, sell the floor space directly and they provide a choice with expo service requirements. Many venues have government funding to encourage participation.

Union restrictions are minimal, and paying for how much the exhibit material weighs vs. the time to handle the material, all contribute to reduce show costs.

U.S. associations earn substantial revenue from the tradeshow events they organize. They select a city venue and then work with a show contractor who not only provides the logistic services at the hall but also provides hall identity signage, registration counters, hall entry archways and aisle carpeting as an added service to the association. This cost saving is huge. It reduces the cost to organize the

event, allowing the association (or private organizer) to earn a nice profit, but the exhibitor pays more for on-site services.

In the end, for the exhibitors, it’s not how much it costs to participate at a show, but what is the ROI to generate measurable sales results. The associations and organizers help to bring the horses to water, but exhibitors encourage them to drink. Exhibitors rely on creative exhibit design partners to offer stand/booth solutions to create an environment to promote their brand and generate sales. The U.S. exhibit designer/suppliers have gotten pretty clever at making this happen with creative solutions, within their control, that help to drive sales. Exhibit designers cannot control tradeshow costs beyond their control such as exhibit floor space, material handling, electric, union labor, guest speakers and educational seminars. These costs are controlled by the show organizers.

So, the combined costs from show organizers, travel expenses and exhibit design partners make up the total cost to invest in tradeshow marketing for each exhibitor.

So the question remains, at what point does the cost to generate a sale at a U.S. tradeshow become prohibitive? Will the American model of organizing ever change to help reduce costs for the exhibitor? Will industry associations and tradeshow organizers push for a change in the model? The power of tradeshow marketing remains high, but at what cost?

Larry Kulchawik is a past president of EDPA & IFES, the head of Larry Kulchwawik Consulting and author of Trade Shows from One Country to the

18 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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Employco USA is the official payroll and HR service provider of the EACA and ESCA 018_Col_LarryK_0120.indd 2

12/18/19 6:39 PM

COLUMN Ask An Expert

Caesars Forum Sales Hits A Milestone

C

aesars Entertainment’s new 550,000-sq.ft. meeting and conference venue is 70 percent completed and on schedule to open March 2020. Over $390 million in advance sales have been contracted for meetings and events with more than 1 million nights booked. In celebration of this fantastic milestone, Exhibit City News sat down with Lisa Messina, vice president of sales at Caesars Entertainment. She joined the company a year and a half ago, after years with Hilton, and now leads a team of 160.

Lisa Messina

Did it have a sales impact on other Caesars properties?

LM: We are up almost 40 percent from our best year ever in future bookings. We had Rio, Paris and Caesars Palace customers, who required more space, the business was growing, so CAESARS FORUM made sense. Now we can What is the allure of the service customers who require new location for customers? bigger ballroom space, and we

By Calanit Atia LM: Caesars Entertainment got gained new clients who always it right with the design, the pillarneeded this type of square footless ballrooms and the size, the accouterage we could not offer previously. As ments of ballroom space and beautiful an example, the ballrooms at CAESARS interior design. It’s a blank canvas, so FORUM are 110,000 square feet each, depending on whether you are a major our largest ballroom before that was at tech corporation trying to put together a Paris Hotel measuring 85,000 square huge user group conference or a major feet, and Caesars Palace measured international association, you can work 50,000 square feet. within the confines of the space.

CAESARS FORUM is a standalone Tell me about your team and your building, so you don’t have to compete sales approach. with hotel loading docks. You have a LM: I lead 160 team members and have one-story level. You can drive trac13 directors of sales that report to me. tor-trailers into it, with two main loading My focus is on coaching them and setdocks. Move-in-move-out is seamless, ting the culture with them because I may right off of Koval Lane, very easy access to not have the opportunity to meet with the highway and saves our clients money. each one individually.

I rely on setting expectations with my leadership and ensuring that they go out and emulate that. Each of them will have their own style, but at the core, we want to make sure we have the right people on the team that gets what we want to achieve, and they go run the division very much like I would want them to operate. We are aligned, we think alike, we want to achieve the same things, we want to take care of our team members and customers the same way. That makes it more manageable.

In terms of setting expectations from our team, we have huge responsibility.

We have a lot of things we are trying to accomplish, it is not just about the revenue. It is being a part of your brand, the face of your brand, so everything I do, or my team members do through our actions, our customers are going to make a judgment call about what type of brand, and what type of company we are.

Therefore, we set our expectations about how to behave, what you expect out of their performance because we have a responsibility.

What is your brand you want people to see?

LM: I have a brand within a brand, since we are meetings, and the company is a gaming and entertainment company. We are one division of that but parlaying what the greater brand means I want customers to know that we have integrity, are trustworthy, and we genuinely want you to meet your objectives and be successful.

I am going to be professional and keep my word and make things happen if I said it is going to happen. Going back to our brand, we are having a little fun while we are doing it. We have so many resources and tools at our fingertips—concerts, entertainers and celebrity chefs; they are all a part of what we do.

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

20 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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AIRPORT SNAPSHOT

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John Wayne Airport IATA airport code: SNA Location: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, Calif.

Opened in 1923 as Eddie Martin Airport; became a military base during World War II (1942-45). The current runways were built in 1964. It was renamed John Wayne Airport in 1979, the same year its namesake passed away.

Size: Its 504 acres have two runways and 22 gates split between three terminals.

Transportation: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Route 76 services the airport and The iShuttle, Route A connects the airport to the Tustin Metrolink Station along with taxis, ride shares and limousines.

Fun Facts: In 1935 Howard Hughes set a new world speed record of 352 mph from the airport with his H-1 racer.

A nine foot tall bronze statue of John Wayne graces Thomas F. Riley Terminal.

The area south of the airport is a noise sensitive area. A 1985 settlement states no commercial flights until 7 a.m. (8 a.m. on Sundays). Departures aren’t allowed after 10 p.m. and arrivals aren’t permitted after 11 p.m. Along with a short runway, this leads to some unusual takeoffs and landings, with planes taking off at near full power, climbing steeply and then reducing power at 500-700 feet to fly quietly over Newport Beach. Some departing aircraft will crank up to full power while holding down the brakes and then release them to bolt off into the sky like an amusement park ride. Full flap extensions and full reverse thrust are almost always required for landings at John Wayne Airport. Because of this, it shows up on several lists of the scariest airports in the U.S. ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 23

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12/21/19 11:38 AM

THE BATTLE FOR THE LV TRADESHOW INDUSTRY by Jeanne Brei part

1

Proposed Regulations Unite The Tradeshow Industry Unions, management, labor & associations all joined together in the fight

Jerry Stueve, the director of the Clark County Department of Building & Fire Prevention, and Werner Hellmer, the CCBD engineering manager, planned a two-and-a-half hour presentation on the new building code requirements for temporary structures (2018 CCBAC 22.02.065) on Nov. 15, and it seemed as if they thought that they would be addressing casino/resort and music festival planners. Unfortunately, nearly the entire audience of about 100 were from the tradeshow/convention industry, and they didn’t want to learn how to implement all the new rules—they wanted to know why the tradeshow industry wasn’t exempted from these onerous and expensive new permitting requirements. And the 1 p.m. meeting lasted nearly four hours.

Stueve admitted he had written the new rules because he thought the structures built

by the Rock in Rio music festival in 2015 weren’t built to code for safety and he wanted to write new rules so that future festivals as well as casinos that wanted a tent on the top of a parking garage or other temporary structures would need to get their plans approved. In a follow-up email, he wrote, “the current ordinance was also due to new requirements in the 2018 International Fire Code.”

As he explained at the meeting, the fact that these new rules also impacted the two-story structures inside convention centers was an “unintended consequence.”

Unfortunately, it was also an expensive consequence during SEMA when it was enforced for tradeshows (the law had gone into effect Feb. 4 this year). Exhibit builders suddenly discovered: 1. All plans for two-story structures have to be prepared by “an engineer who has a Nevada Engineering license in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute NRS 625.”

Even if, as Jeffery Harms from CB Displays International, protested at the meeting and then sent a follow-up email to clarify, they’ve submitted a “rental structure in the past and the stamped drawings and calculations have been sufficient, being done by an engineer familiar with the Octanorm structure in Atlanta where the structure came from, we now have to hire a Las Vegas engineer

who has no idea what Octanorm is, to have a new set of drawings, calculations and stamps, in order to obtain a temporary building permit?”

Hellmer replied, “In order to obtain a temporary use building permit in accordance with 2018 CCBAC 22.02.065 a new set of engineered plans and calculations would be required to address compliance with current building codes (2018 IBC and others as referenced in the presentation),” adding, “many engineers located in other states and even other countries have Nevada Engineering licenses so the restriction is based upon licensure and not location.”

2. Harms also said what was on the minds of many of those at the presentation, when he asked in his follow-up email, “Even though we are a licensed business in the tradeshow industry, who by contract employs teamsters from Local 631 as the trained labor force to install our exhibits, in order to obtain a temporary building permit, we now have to hire a general building/construction contractor (GC) from Nevada, again who may have absolutely no idea what or how our Octanorm or any other rental system assembles etc. in the tradeshow arena and have them noted on the application for said temporary permit?”

Hellmer’s reply: “We are only able to issue commercial building permits to contractors that have a state of Nevada contractor’s license of the appropriate type for the scope of work being performed; scope of licensure is ultimately

determined by the Nevada State Contractors Board and the requirements are detailed in NRS 624 and NAC 624. We further suggest that permit applicants seek the services of contractors that are either familiar with or able to learn the particulars of a new system. There are contractors that specialize in temporary works, rigging and theatrics.

It is also possible for a current tradeshow company to obtain a Nevada contractor’s license and we understand that some companies are taking or have taken this approach.”

One audience member then brought up that “$87,000 went to people who didn’t step foot at SEMA and had no part of the design or the build” based on the number of two-story structures and what their engineer charges to arrange a general contractor pick up in order to receive the temporary building permit.

One exhibit builder mentioned that his cost for getting his SEMA plans approved went from $450 to $5,000. Questions were asked by the crowd if the GC on the plans also has to build the exhibit and they replied “a contractor is required to “pull” the permit.”

24 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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by Jeanne Brei THE

3. Hellmer then started to explain that the permit cost was going to be on a sliding scale which would be based on the cost of labor (including set up and tear down) and the use of materials (rental fees). An audience member then asked, “If this is really a safety issue, then why isn’t there just a flat fee for tradeshow booths and not a sliding scale?” Hellmer replied that it might be possible for a flat fee to replace the sliding scale for tradeshow booths in the future but that’s not the case at this time.

When Harms asked for clarification on the permit costs in a follow-up email, Hellmer replied, “We need a single valuation value provided Brumark Comp Adinclude XL 2 ECN Nov that would generally

the cost of labor (including set up and tear down) and the use of materials (rental fees) associated with the project. We are specifically not wanting to capture out-of-town/state/ country transportation costs in the valuation so feel free to take those costs out of the valuation used for building permit fee calculations. For projects where the materials are owned and there is no rental fee we would look at some form of amortized or depreciated value of the structure for the period of time in use plus the set up and tear down costs.”

Exhibit builders as well as representatives from the Teamsters asked how the Building Department planned to actuDec 19 inspect Flooring all ClUp.ai 1 10/16/2019 ally these two-story

BATTLE FOR THE LV TRADESHOW INDUSTRY

booths at CES—when one audience member yelled out, “I’m letting you know now, that we would need to have 65 booths inspected for CES,” adding that for many shows it might be on a Saturday or Sunday, and there wouldn’t be much time between when the booth is finished and the show opens. Hellmer had a slide that addressed this concern explaining that he wanted the audience’s feedback before he committed to bringing in more inspectors for big shows or allowed for consultants to be used for the inspections. Those in attendance merely explained that they didn’t want him to bring in more inspectors or hire consultants—they simply 10:17:22 the PM previous exemption wanted

If this is really a safety issue, then why isn’t there just a flat fee for tradeshow booths ... for tradeshows to be brought back. Hellmer insisted that he didn’t have the power to not enforce the law but that they are in the process of “relaxing” the rules for tradeshows and he wanted to stay “vague” on what Continued on p. 26

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ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 25

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THE BATTLE FOR THE LV TRADESHOW INDUSTRY by Jeanne Brei Continued from p. 25 was being relaxed because it wouldn’t go into effect until March or April of 2020 (if the County Commissioners approve the changes to the law).

Lorri Monty, show director of operations for SEMA, then asked point-blank, “how much of the industry do we (Las Vegas) have to lose before you’ll exempt the convention industry?” as another yelled out, “no other city in the U.S. is asking for this level of temporary building permits and fees to build a tradeshow booth that will only be up for three or four days.”

Gerri Groubert from Pavilion Event Services asked why the tradeshow industry wasn’t consulted when these rules were being written—and when told that the new “relaxing” rules are currently in “process” but they didn’t want to say what the changes included—wanted to know why there couldn’t be some input from the tradeshow industry before the “relaxing” rules are submitted to the legislature. Stueve explained that he could do that but that it would slow down when the changes would take effect because of what goes into changing a law.

Groubert mentioned that back in 2008 or so, the director of the building code regulations, had weekly meetings with the tradeshow industry to discuss how best to maximize both safety and efficiency when creating new regulations.

Daniel Campbell, S.E. of ATC Construction and a structural engineer/contractor, asked if there could be a hotline specifically set up for inspection requests on the weekends.

Hellmer replied that they were giving consideration to allowing

the design engineer to provide independent inspection services and help expedite the matter.

Joey DeBlanco, P.E., president of Las Vegas Civil Engineering, also sent a follow-up email to Stueve asking about the changes that are being proposed to make it easier for tradeshow booths and Stueve promised that “we will publish the entire proposed ordinance for public comment.

I will let you know when that occurs. The notice will also be posted in the [Las Vegas] Review-Journal.” In the meantime, for those who missed the meeting, Hellmer has posted all the slides on their website and you can see the slides at http://www.clarkcountynv. gov/building/engineering/ Documents/Temporary%20 Use%20Structure%20Building%20Permit%20Process%20Version%201.1.pdf part

2

Tradeshow Industry Fights Back Tommy Blitsch from Teamsters Local 361 led the counter- attack with the following letter to the County Commissioners

December 4, 2019 Clark County Commisioners: Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Chairman, District B Lawrence Weekly, Vice Chairman, District D Michael Naft, District A Larry Brown, District C Tick Segerblom, District E Justin Jones, District F James B. Gibson, District G 500 S Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89155 Dear County Commissioners, I am writing this letter with great concern regarding the recent change to the Clark County Building Administrative Code, and implementation of such code, and the catastrophic affect it will have on the Trade Show/Convention Industry in Southern Nevada. Teamsters Local 631 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters strongly opposes these changes and we support all facilities, contractors, associations, workers, and the residents of Nevada who will be affected by this change.

As you may or may not know, Teamsters Local 631 represents over 5,000 tradesmen and tradeswomen who work directly in the trade show industry in Southern Nevada.

We take great pride in our partnership with our signatory contractors and the facilities as we all strive to create a safe working

environment for everyone working in the trade show industry. This partnership has helped make Southern Nevada the top trade show destination in the world and brings millions of dollars in revenue to our city and state on a yearly basis.

On November 15, 2019, I attended the meeting held by the Clark County Department of Building & Fire Prevention regarding the changes and implementation of the new requirements covered under the new Clark County Building Administrative Code (Title 22.02). Also, in attendance at this meeting were numerous industry experts including representatives from trade show associations, LVCVA, Sands, and numerous local trade show contractors. This meeting was conducted by Mr. Werner Hellmer and Mr. Jerry Stueve from the Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention. As this meeting progressed, it became obvious to all in attendance that the following had not been done prior to these decisions being made: 1. Due diligence of the financial impact to our city and state including, but not limited to, shows moving to other cities.

2. Due diligence of the extraordinary high increased costs added to the trade show contractors, facilities, and exhibitors.

3. Inclusion and communication with the trade show contractors and/or experts who set up and tear down these shows prior to this new code being implemented.

In addition to the issues listed above, I find it confusing that the change of code docu-

26 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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by Jeanne Brei THE

ments that were presented at the November 15, 2019 meeting do not reflect what was submitted to the County Commissioners on January 7, 2019, and voted and approved by the County Commissioners on January 22, 2019. I have attached to this letter the recommendation presented to the County Commissioners on January 7, 2019, the ordinance that was unanimously approved by the County Commissioners on January 22, 2019 with an effective date of February 6, 2019, the CCBAC Permit Guide 401, as well as the PowerPoint presentation given at the November 15, 2019 meeting by Mr. Helmer and Mr. Stueve. It is also confusing why facilities are being fined- contractors are

@ExhibitCityNews

024_NewBuildingRegs_0120.indd 4

being forced to pay outrageous permitting fees, (as high as $9,000 per booth), and clients of these contractors are having to downsize their booths as a result of these changes. When asked about the reasoning behind the new rules and the changes, the response that was given to the group was “it was an unintended consequence”.

The “unintended consequences” of these changes can and will cause severe and permanent harm to the convention industry in Southern Nevada.

As the Director of Conventions, Trade Shows and Casino Division for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, I have seen firsthand shows in other cities pack up shop and leave because of restrictions

BATTLE FOR THE LV TRADESHOW INDUSTRY

similar to these. Many of these cities rolled back the rules they implemented to bring their lost shows back with zero success.

In short, when the show and exhibitors leave, they leave for good. These cities are now licking their chops at the prospect of taking shows from Las Vegas and relocating them to their cities. The result of just one of these major shows leaving Las Vegas will result in a loss of millions of dollars in revenue for Southern Nevada.

In closing, I would respectfully ask for the County Commissioners to intervene and address this detrimental interpretation. The existing code, 22.02.190 Section H, should be used until a responsible solution is presented. In a few

weeks the start of the busiest time of the Las Vegas trade shows calendar begins with CES, SHOT, World of Concrete, IBS, KBIS, NADA, ISC WEST, Surfaces, PPAI, Con Expo/Con Agg. and Magic. It is imperative to the trade show community, Las Vegas, and the state of Nevada, that this current situation doesn’t cause additional “unintended consequences” during these shows.

Respectfully, Tommy Blitsch Secretary Treasurer/ CEO Teamsters Local 631 Director; Conventions, Trade Shows & Casino Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Continued on p. 28

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THE BATTLE FOR THE LV TRADESHOW INDUSTRY by Jeanne Brei Continued from p. 27

3

Temporary Good News But Industry Must Continue to Fight LVCVA Board to reimburse SEMA fees but exemption is only temporary

NEED TO KNOW

Many in the tradeshow industry received emails on Dec. 10 that seemed as if Santa was granting all their Christmas wishes. First, the LVCVA Board voted unanimously at their regular meeting to adopt agenda item #10 which states: “That the Board consider: 1) Authorizing the CEO/President to execute amended agreements with Muller Construction, Above the Ceiling, and Las Vegas Civil Engineering for exhibitor booth engineering services not to exceed a cumulative amount of $625,000; and 2) Authorizing the CEO/President to pay all Clark County permit fees

related to these design services not to exceed $500,000.”

Next came an email from Jerry Stueve, P.E., director/ building & fire official, that was a “Notice to Industry” re: Temporary Structures Permitting Requirements that says, “Effective Dec. 10, 2019, temporary structures, booths, sets and scenery used for conventions are exempted from requiring a building permit.” Unfortunately, the next paragraph states “we could allow the permit exemption ... until such time as a proposed amendment to the ordinance related to termporary structures is approved.”

So, unfortunately, the Las Vegas tradeshow industry is not yet saved; it has only received a reprieve so that CES, the Shot Show, ConExpo, et.al. may go on without worrying about the new rule changes.

Stueve included another three attachments to his email along with the temporary exemption letter, including the proposed ordinance, a public notice and a questionnaire.

In his email, he writes: “Pursuant to NRS 237.080, please take notice the following proposed change to the Clark County Code is being proposed by the Clark County Board of County Commissioners as follows: An ordinance to amend the Building Administrative Code, Title 22, Chapter 22.02 Attached is the public notice, the proposed ordinance, and

10. Clark County Permitting Consultants and Costs That the Board consider: 1) Authorizing the CEO/President to execute amended agreements with Muller Construction, Above the Ceiling, and Las Vegas Civil Engineering for exhibitor booth engineering services not to exceed a cumulative amount of $625,000; and 2) Authorizing the CEO/President to pay all Clark County permit fees related to these design services not to exceed $500,000.

the questionnaire. Each of these documents are also available for review at http://www. clarkcountynv.gov/building/ Pages/ProposedOrdinances. aspx and the Clark County Department of Building and Fire Prevention Customer Lobby at 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

The Public Notice states: “Prior to the adoption of the proposed rule, the Clark County Board of County Commissioners is required by NRS 237.080 to make a concerted effort to determine whether the proposed rule will impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business or directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business. Due to this, trade associations, owners and officers of businesses which are likely to be affected by this proposed rule, and any other interested persons are required to be notified and provided an opportunity to submit comments, data, or arguments to the County regarding whether the proposed rule will: a) Impose a direct and significant economic burden upon a business; or b) Directly restrict the formation, operation or expansion of a business.

Comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2020 by email to Theresa.Atimalala@ClarkCountyNV.gov.

ACTION ITEM

part

Contact Jerry Stueve, P.E., C.B.O, director, building/fire code official, Dept. of Building & Fire Prevention, 4701 W. Russell Rd., LV, NV 89118, (702) 455-8187, Jerry.

Stueve@ClarkCountyNV.gov. Wer-

How much of the industry do we have to lose before you’ll exempt the convention industry?

So, the fight has really only just begun. Tommy Blitsch, secretary/treasurer of Teamsters Local 631, says, “I hope that EVERYONE fills this out. Obviously they are doing their “Due Diligence” this time so there’s no “unintended consequences.” Obviously our collective voices have been heard and the County Commissioners have granted us a “do over.” Teamsters Local 631 is going to continue to monitor this and talk with the political leaders of our state to see this all the way to the end. In addition we will be in attendance at the County Commission meeting when this is voted on to voice our support if need for the convention industry in our city. Please forward this to any and all entities in our tradeshow community. The business impact study is vital to protecting Las Vegas as the number one convention destination in the world.” ner Hellmer, P.E., manager of engineering, (702) 455-8095, wkh@ ClarkCountyNV.gov. Nextmeetings: Jan. 17, (tradeshows/conv.) & Jan. 31 (outdoor booths) , 12:304:30 p.m. at 4701 W. Russell Rd.

28 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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YEAR IN REVIEW

Year in Review 2019

BY CYNTHYA PORTER

Year in and year out, the exhibition industry is a never-ending cycle of events and ideas and trends and outright change, and for people running on that hamster wheel, years and even decades can blur together in a sea of seeming sameness. But as we button up another year on the calendar, we wanted to take one last look back at the people, places and ideas that made this such a great industry to be a part of in 2019.

JANUARY: The year kicked off with exciting news from The Don & Mike Show, a podcast featuring WS Display national sales director Mike Morrison and Exhibit City News publisher Don Svelah.

The show, which features experts from various aspects of the industry highlights exhibition industry news each week, attracted its first sponsor and expanded to a twice-weekly airing for the

first time in its 18-month run. Check out the show’s archives at www.exhibitcitynews.com to hear a range of enlightening interviews with people at the heart of the exhibition marketplace.

Also in January, ECN helped readers kick off the year stronger with a nuts-andbolts article about attendee demographic data and why it matters. Called “Digging Deeper—Three Steps to Gaining a Better Understanding

of Exhibit Booth Audiences,” the article illuminates various ways to examine segmentation and how to put the data to practical use when planning for the show floor.

FEBRUARY: With more meetings planned than ever before, the meetings industry is evolving into more than just auditorium seating and PowerPoint presentations. ECN featured a story called, “Your Next

30 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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Seminar Space Reimagined,” which examined new trends in seminar design, from coffeehouse-style seating to technology-infused furniture styled to give attendees the most productive experience possible.

MARCH: The March issue of ECN provided a thorough roundup of the new products slated to be showcased at ExhibitorLIVE, an annual tradeshow for tradeshow people. Among the innovative items were newfangled technologies, oldschool lightboxes with a fresh twist and even a giant human claw that provides a one-of-akind in-booth activity.

even entire operations teams that were nominated for being the best in their craft.

Check out the May issue for a complete list of winners and a heads up on who the best in the business are the next time an I&D contract is on the table. And be sure to visit www.ecnaceawards. com/videos to see videos of all the 2019 winners.

APRIL: In April, the magazine took a deep dive on new trends in exhibit design—particularly those that involved the human element. Called “Exhibit Design Trends Focus on Conversation,” the article reached out to experts who agree that the booth of today needs to focus much more on building a relationship than signing purchase orders. Their tips are sure to give exhibit managers and designers fresh eyes on how to amp up attendee engagement at any show.

JUNE: June spotlighted the overwhelming success of the Experiential Designers and Producers Association’s (EDPA) charitable giving efforts, which was nearing the $1 million mark. The EDPA Foundation was resuscitated in the early 2000s by industry professionals who breathed new life into it with leadership and strategic goal setting. The foundation is responsible for funding myriad scholarships as well as significantly underwriting the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, an event that raises funds to support people in the industry who are in need. By reaching its goal of $1 million, the Foundation will be able to sustain itself in perpetuity while awarding funds using the interest collected alone.

MAY: May was a big month for ECN, as it unveiled the winners of its inaugural ACES awards—the industry’s only award program focusing on installation and dismantle professionals. I&D workers from across the country were recognized in the awards program, including traveling leads, regional managers and

JULY: There are movers and shakers, and then there are people who are really moving the industry forward and shaking things up, and a July feature spotlighted a couple of women at the top of the list. B.J. Enright, president and CEO of event producer Tradeshow Logic, and Amanda

@ExhibitCityNews

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Helgemoe, president of I&D firm Nuvista, got mad props for championing a new model that has flat rates for material handling and all-inclusive pricing for some show services—a relatively radical concept in the exhibition world.

The idea for the model stemmed from the pair’s concern over exhibitor pain points, namely, the wild ride that material handling and show services can take an exhibitor’s budget on. They unveiled the pricing plan at the National Association of Broadcasters show and found a groundswell of support for it, prompting other organizers and exhibitors to take notice. Praised for its simplicity and fairness, the model,

INTERIOR SH ELF

dubbed NAB Show Cares, is poised to transform the entire exhibition industry.

Another July story featured Helgemoe as the recipient of the EDPA Hazel Hayes Award, a designation given to people having a powerful and lasting impact on the industry. In addition to her advocacy work for a better pricing model, Helgemoe has been instrumental in the formation of a collaborative called the Advocacy Group—which brings together industry peers who tackle activism activities in the name of a better tradeshow marketplace.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

ECN took a closer look at preparations underway in Dubai, which is set to host the international event. A new venue stretching over more than 500,000 square feet will anchor the festivities, which are expected to sprawl well beyond that campus and into surrounding venues. Officials in Dubai say their investment in the infrastructure needed for Expo Dubai 2020 will be an investment in the global business marketplace overall, as expansions and improvements will help to make Dubai a premier destination for meetings of every kind.

SEPTEMBER: Given that research shows some 90 percent of consumers surveyed would switch to a brand that supports a good cause, it is no surprise that corporate responsibility is at the forefront of many company mission statements.

In September, ECN gave a roundup of some inspiring examples of industry suppliers giving back in ways that really make a difference.

For example, 30 workers at Highmark TechSystems based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, donated countless hours to the Paralympic qualification tournaments in their home city, doing everything from building award platforms to running scoreboards. At Orbus, the staff fundraised for six months using everything from a chili cook-off to a casual dress buy-in to present nearly $10,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The company has also raised money for Haiti relief, a

children’s hospital, Toys for Tots, and more, demonstrating a culture of giving that runs through the company’s core. An article in the September issue called “How Up-and-Coming Tradeshow Models are Reflecting New Product Business Models” details more examples and explains how this new corporate mindset is spurring success for companies that adopt it.

OCTOBER: The rising expectation of corporate social responsibility doesn’t stop with giving back to people—it also encompasses the environmental sensitivity of firms, particularly when they are giving away swag. An October article offered tips for popular new giveaways, including reusable metal straws, T-shirts made out of recycled plastic bottles, eco-friendly totes, and even fresh-tapped coconuts. For companies looking to walk the talk of environmental responsibility, the article offers a shortcut to success.

NOVEMBER: For people working in the face-to-face marketing space, an occasional primer from an expert is always welcome, and November’s ECN provided that in spades with an article called, “How to Effectively Engage Attendees Face to Face.”

The piece unpacks strategies from the bottom up, exploring the motivations of attendees walking the tradeshow floor and discussing ways to engage them that are both authentic and productive. One pro tip from the article is to always

have some way an attendee can take action, whether it’s registering for an email or entering a contest or signing up for a webinar, because the simple act of taking an action with an exhibitor is a tie that binds far greater than a handshake and a business card.

DECEMBER: In December, ECN launched its 40 Under 40 feature that shined a spotlight on some of the best young minds in the business. People from all walks were included, including I&D laborers, young CEOs, office support staff, and up-and-coming designers making a name for themselves in the tradeshow and event universe.

ECN also celebrated the 25th “Randy” with an article in December—referring, of course, to the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. The event is an annual fundraiser that brings golf foursomes and their fans from across the country to a course for a day where competitors can bury the hatchet for a while and work together on a very worthy cause.

Proceeds from the Randy, as it’s affectionately called, are given to people within the exhibition industry who need help. Whether it is to sustain them during the time of a personal tragedy or bolster them while dealing with illness, funds have been distributed to 170 recipients during the past 25 years and their stories of need, hope and gratitude stitch the industry together in its resolve that those within it should not suffer. Paying for

NAB Show Cares is poised to transform the entire exhibition industry with flat rates for material handling and all-inclusive pricing for some show services ... mulligans, bidding heartily on silent auction items and peeling off raffle tickets by the thousands are just a few of the ways that attendees raise money at the event, which is capped off with dinner and drinks and stories about the people the fundraiser helps. In an industry that is constantly in motion, the Randy is a good opportunity to pause for a moment to remember that it is an industry made up of people much like a giant family. Regardless of the competitive nature of the business, the Randy is a good reminder that we are all just humans, and bonding together to help each other is the special sauce that makes the exhibition industry such an amazing place to spend a career.

32 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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CORPORATE PROFILE

Superior Logistics Strives to Deliver “Superior Results, Every Time”

BY F. ANDREW TAYLOR

The management of Superior Logistics, tradeshow and event transportation specialists don’t want it to be just a great transportation company. They want more.

“We don’t want to be just a trucking company,” says Joe

Martillaro, one of the company’s managing directors.

“We want to be a value-added, supply-chain partner to the tradeshow and event community. We want to be a part and a participant in the industry at large.”

The company has relationships with assets and organizations throughout the industry, from general contractors, fabricators, audio-visual experts and more. It participates in the EDPA both locally and nationally. The company strives not just to work with the community but to be an active part of it.

“That’s one of the things we’re most proud of,” Martillaro says. “That’s why we go to tradeshows. It’s why we talk with people throughout the industry. It is critically important that we have a knowledge base that is cross sectional in the industry at large.”

The company’s national headquarters is in the Chicago area and serves the entire country for all modes of transportation. It is

full service in every sense of the phrase and can handle shipments of all sizes and scopes for the event and show industry.

Tradeshow and event transportation is their specialty.

“We are focused on something that is very simple:” says Martillaro, “We are focused on delivering superior results, every time.”

Part of what sets the company apart is a captive fleet of 150 company trucks. The management believes that being an asset-based carrier gives them a competitive advantage.

“In addition to that, our experience and market penetration dictates that we are in the vast majority of convention centers and event centers,” says Martillaro. “Sometimes

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there may be an on-paper price difference between us and another carrier, but ultimately you pay the price and more if your goods are damaged or delayed by a firm that doesn’t understand the intricacies of a particular marshalling yard.

To that end, Superior is constantly marking changes and directions on their routes. Bringing a 53-foot trailer hauled by a 15-20 foot tractor through big, congested cities like New York, Washington D.C. or Los Angeles, can be very challenging. Martillaro notes that if you give it to just any “Tom, Dick or Harry who’s going to broker it out to someone without the experience … someone who’s never been to a tradeshow”—that can easily be a recipe for disaster.

Superior Logistics’ focus is providing personal service at superior price points.

“We understand terms like marshaling yard and target time,” continues Martillaro.

“Whether a major industry event or a smaller venue for a more intimate experience, we can be relied upon to deliver on time, every time.

We believe our job is to make the logistical piece as easy as possible, so that our clients can focus on ROI for these critical shows and events.”

He adds, “Developing a personalized experience with our clients’ specific and unique needs in mind has allowed us to grow and separate ourselves from the competition. We are not a big-box broker and do not want to be. We are a @ExhibitCityNews

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nimble company focused on investing time and capital into creatively sourcing solutions for our clients’ needs in the various modes of transit required in today’s marketplace. Our business model calls for us to engage only in the business that we can handle efficiently, ethically and affordably for our clients. You can count on Superior Logistics to always answer and always be accountable.”

Patrick McConkey, also a managing director at Superior Logistics, says that the company was formed when they saw that there were critical improvements that could be made in the industry. He felt there was too much opportunity to pass it up.

For example, for decades clients asked McConkey why it took so long for invoices to run. He says that he thought he had to make excuses and dance around the issue, until one morning he came to a realization: They didn’t have to. ”There was really no reason,” McConkey says. “Some places were taking 30 days plus. It was unacceptable.

Invoices should be turned around rapidly. At Superior, our goal is to run every invoice between 24 and 48 hours.

Not just for the customers that request it, not just for the squeaky wheel, but for every single customer.”

The company, recently relocated from Itasca, Ill., to Patrick McConkey

Bartlett, Ill. “The new location is multi-faceted,” says Martillaro. “We have a full truck repair and tire center, parking for over 250 trailers, bobtail units, 40,000 square feet of warehouse space and office space to comfortably fit over 100 employees for the Superior family of companies.”

He adds, “This move is big for Superior because we can now house and repair all of our company assets under one roof. With the advent of ELD (Electronic Logging Devices) for the trucks, we are able to get drivers off the clock and to the rest period more rapidly and efficiently than our competition. We are completing a full drivers’ lounge and recuperation area on site and we have two repair overhead doors and exterior docks to handle our cross docking and scaling operations as well.”

Joe Martillaro While the ELDs were mandated by federal regulations to govern the length and number of hours a driver could be on the road, the company has embraced the change and turned it into an asset.

“One of the pillars of our organization is real-time communication,” says Martillaro. “That is not a buzzword.

That’s something we talk about. It’s our passion.”

To that end, Superior lets its clients know where their shipments are at all times, notifying them when a driver checks in and when a shipment is delivered.

“That may sound basic, but

Developing a personalized experience with our clients’ specific and unique needs in mind has allowed us to grow and separate ourselves from the competition... it’s a critical part of the industry that’s been lacking for a long time,” Martillaro says. “A lot of people are very reactive.

We are proactive.”

The new location was fully up and running as of Sept. 1 and according to Martillaro, “We are absolutely looking to expand with additional salespeople and tradeshow-experienced operations personnel.”

Superior Logistics’ passion is to get the job done right and on time, every time. Their guiding force is to deliver SUPERIOR results for their partners. Their motto is “The way we do business, our very culture is the defining characteristic you will find when working with us.” Superior Logistics is located at 31W222 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL, 60103.

Phone: (888) 84-ONTIME. For more info, visit www.shipsuperior.com

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 35

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LOGISTICS

Veterans Logistics Group Delivers Global Supply Chain Solutions OWNER/PRESIDENT & NAVY VET “TOMO” PUTS HIS MILITARY EXPERIENCE TO WORK

BY H. K. WILSON

After answering the call to serve in the U.S. Navy, Paul T. Meek—known as “Tomo” to his friends—went on to a successful career in the exhibitions industry. During the last three decades, his journey has taken him to virtually every corner of the globe, and along the way, he has learned what it takes to create worldclass results. Today, Tomo is president and owner of Veterans Logistics, LLC, a global company that delivers complete supply chain solutions, including consulting services; express and high-profile deliveries; freight services; and warehousing. With door-to-door service in the U.S., Canada and international locales, clients receive expert oversight and seamless conveyance of cargo, no matter the size, class or destination.

Tomo says the inspiration for his company came after seeing a need for greater reliability in the realm of tradeshow freight logistics. “I was involved in the construction and design of exhibits,” he explains. “What led me to go this route originally was the experience of trying to get freight companies to move exhibits in a safe and timely manner. You have deadlines you have to meet to get it to the show floor, deadlines to get it back out, and some of the companies I was working with couldn’t always do what I needed them to do.”

Veterans Logistics is a minority and Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (DVBE) certified by the SBA. As such, it is qualified to fulfill specially designated government and private sector contracts. In order to better serve clients in markets across the nation, Veterans Logistics is affiliated with a national brand, American Road Line (ARL). Veterans Logistics has a 75,000 sq.ft. facility in Las Vegas, Nev., which ensures smooth and continuous service in and out of the convention and exhibit halls in Southern Nevada. A native of Las Vegas, Tomo was stationed in Long Beach for his last tour of duty on the U.S.S. New Jersey (BB-62). He has lived and worked around Los Angeles harbor since the 1980s, and he often visits the

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port to personally oversee the offloading of his clients’ containers.

With his first-hand understanding of tradeshow culture, a network of dependable relationships and military precision, Tomo says Veterans Logistics is the company to call when you want the job done right. “I don’t care what the size is, whether it’s one pallet, five truckloads or barge freight, you’ll have a quote and confirmation in about an hour,” he says. “I have the greatest partners in the world, and my right-hand guy is Jim Anderson.

I’ve known him for many years, and having him as a partner is an advantage that no one else has. From pack and wrap, to crating, to overseas container freights, to air freight, there’s nothing we can’t handle. I’ve shipped everything from race cars overseas to specialty items that require a signature on every single move. Chain of custody is very important on some of the items we handle.”

According to Tomo, a positive, solutions-driven attitude defines his team and the results they create on the tradeshow floor. “I hire experts who, at the worst moments, can still handle business with a smile and get the job done … even at the midnight hour. You have to be able to think outside the box and get things done without stopping the process, so when the client comes in at 8 a.m., they see the job is done. I need guys and gals who can think on the spot and deliver the client’s expectations with no excuses.”

Tomo uses his veteran status to provide leadership in business and philanthropic @ExhibitCityNews

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sectors. He zealously advocates for his fellow veterans, supporting them through donations, service and education. He is a regular volunteer at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, member and former president of the Disabled Veterans Business Alliance, and former member of the Military Affairs Committee of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

“Sometimes it’s just a matter of helping these guys get through the next day,” he says. “But I also like helping vets understand the value of registering their businesses with the SBA and local Chambers

of Commerce and the avenues it opens up to them for marketing their companies.”

Tomo’s nickname is derived from his middle name, Tomoichi, a reflection of his Japanese heritage on his mother’s side. Although he received no formal training in either language, he is conversant in both Japanese and Spanish, languages he has spoken since he was a young child. In fact, Tomo didn’t learn English until just before he entered elementary school. His talent for languages

He zealously advocates for his fellow veterans, supporting them through donations, service and education explaining, “I like helping vets understand the value of registering their businesses with the SBA & the avenues it opens up to them for marketing ... is a great asset in his international business dealings, and he often serves as translator on behalf of his clients.

As a veteran of America’s armed forces, Tomo says he is proud to serve our nation’s commerce with integrity and reliability. He invites clients to stop by his warehouse anytime to see his operation for themselves. “We are always happy to give people on-the-spot information about where their freight is, how it is being handled and how securely it is being stored,” says Tomo. “Someone is always available day or night, and if someone wants to meet at nine at night, one of us will be there. We value our relationships, and we know that what we do requires trust. We want people to be confident that when they call us, we’ll get the job done.”

For more info, visit www.vetslogistics.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 37

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CORPORATE PROFILE

Champion Logistics Is an Industry Leader

BY AMADEUS FINLAY

It is highly likely that everyone reading this profile has, at some point or another, worked with—or been supported by—Champion Logistics of Northlake, Ill. A market leader in full-service, third-party logistics, Champion Logistics is a specialist in the transportation of tradeshow exhibits and retail environments, extending its services across the length and breadth of the country. In fact, a quick exploration of almost any convention center loading dock or marshalling yard will reveal at least one truck belonging to Champion Logistics and probably more.

“Champion is proud to have

a strong presence at almost every major U.S. show throughout the year.” explains C.J. Berg, director of sales, “and is the official carrier of the HIMSS show in Orlando.”

He adds, “Our tradeshow team moved over 25,000 shipments in 2019, and because Champion supports small to mid-size shows as well, we plan on growing that number in 2020.”

Impressive credentials, but the monolith we know today had humble origins. Champion Logistics was established

by Lance Lucibello in 1980, equipped with just one truck and a bucketful of ambition.

Add a decade of hard work

coupled with innovation and exemplary customer service, and the firm quickly expanded. Today, Champion’s Illinois headquarters is supported by six fully-staffed offices located at strategic points across the country, each offering a full suite of logistics services.

Nevertheless, despite its remarkable growth, the outfit remains truthful to its modest roots, ensuring an individual, human touch in all it does. It is this combination of effective business practice and attention to client care that makes Champion Logistics the industry frontrunner it is today.

“Our clients value Champion’s experience at the mar-

shalling yard and at the show site,” continues Berg, “and they appreciate the level of detail we bring to every shipment, confident we’ll manage their show successfully.”

It’s all part and parcel of the company’s ethos. Champion embraces the multifaceted nature of their business by ensuring quality at every point, always focused on the importance of client satisfaction. The wholly-owned Champion Logistics fleet means consistent shipping practices, with each of three separate divisions, domestic transportation, international freight forwarding, and warehouse/fulfillment, focusing exclusively on the corner of the business they serve. The transportation division also offers specific services to the tradeshow, retail and display industries, with a dedicated team working on the coordination of shipments to

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special events and stores. This specialist approach means that Champion Logistics can handle global supply chain solutions for companies of all sizes, with local needs fulfilled by next-day cartage services anywhere within 50 miles of Champion’s home office.

Whatever the service, all Champion Logistics trucks are equipped with air-ride trailers, complete with e-track, load bars and ratcheting straps Champion boasts 750,000 square feet of warehouse7space, utilized for consolidation, staging and preparation, as well as 24/7 customer service, even on holidays. More than 250 seasoned professionals support the operation, with 50 branded trucks on the road and scores more operated by long-term partner owner-operators. Champion also disputes the notion that one is the loneliest number, with Clutch Global Logistics being their single choice partner for international services. From this partnership comes 136 dedicated overseas affiliates located in more than 90 countries, as well as working relationships with most major airlines.

And then there are special events. With a foot in multiple industries, Champion Logistics has supported high-profile projects including The Masters, numerous NFL Super Bowl and sports draft events, American Red Cross relief, Red Bull entertainment, The U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows and the Nike NFL rebrand. In addition, the firm also offers the coordination and @ExhibitCityNews

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Champion boasts 750,000 sq.ft. of warehouse space...as well as 24/7 customer service ... more than 250 seasoned pros ... 50 branded trucks on the road ...

transportation of high-value, time-sensitive freight, with Champion particularly versed in the nuances associated with medical equipment and supplies. Medical clients can rest assured that their products will be transported in temperature-controlled trailers complete with beds equipped for proper bracing.

Outside day-to-day operations, Champion strives to give back to the community in whatever way it can, whether supporting the Chicago marathon, leveraging its position as a member of the Red Cross’s Ready 365 giving program, or competing in the annu-

al Randy Smith Memorial Classic golf tournament. It is this willingness to go the extra mile that helps to keep the firm focused on the human element of operations and emotionally connected to the industry that it serves.

And Champion Logistics does not rest on its laurels, either. The firm stays true to its legacy of growth and consistent refinement of customer service in all that it does, and 2020 promises to add even more strings to an already well-equipped bow.

“We will continue to build our on-site tradeshow team,” explains Berg. “This team

manages our client’s freight at show site, and they ensure that everything is accounted for and properly moved from the docks to booth space. By adding to our on-site team, Champion will increase its footprint and begin having a larger show-site presence in 2020.”

Unique in the industry, Champion has a transportation division specializing in the coordination of tradeshows and special events.

Founded in 1980, with the commitment to exceptional service, Champion Logistics Group has grown to become a logistics leader. By using the Champion fleet and network of specialized tradeshow carriers, they provide one of the most reliable tradeshow transportation services in the industry. For more info, visit www.champlog.com.

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 39

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

DRAYAGE CAN BE A NIGHTMARE

by Cynthya Porter in the name of a much-hated practice: drayage. And for many, $270 would be getting off cheap once all the material handling fees and penalties roll in for items that must pass through the net of GSCs to reach the show floor.

In the case of the $270 box of buttons, the exhibitor was informed that they had done “everything wrong,” causing a heap of charges upon charges for the small package. So what, then, is the right way to avoid being caught in that same expensive web down the road?

Below is a primer for the new folks and the little guys.

The fact that the page in the exhibitor kit inviting shipments to the venue doesn’t mention there will be material handling charges no matter how small the item is immaterial, at least to the GSC. Somewhere buried

1

elsewhere in the show services manual is a material handling outline that says there is a minimum drayage charge of 200 pounds (300 at some shows) for items handled by them. It’s not their problem if you thought that form was pertaining to shipments like exhibit properties. It would apply to an envelope.

Packages that come from specialty carriers like UPS and FedEx can incur fees 30 percent higher or more for drayage because they require special handling compared to whole pallets of freight that can be moved with a forklift. They also don’t arrive with a traditional bill of lading that comes with a tradeshow shipment, so paperwork needs to be generated. The universal answer for small shipments like the box of buttons is to send

2

it to the hotel or have it held at a local freight store (such as a UPS office).

If you must ship boxes to a show, which makes material handling by the GSC unavoidable, ship them together as one crate or pallet. If they arrive as separate boxes, each one will be treated just like the box of buttons and charged the minimum charge of hundreds of pounds. With fees often ranging from $80-$160 per hundred pounds for drayage multiplied by whatever is the minimum number of pounds, a collection of unbundled boxes can get mighty expensive in a hurry.

Familiarize yourself with the hand-carry rules for a venue, but don’t bother looking in the show services manual for that information because it likely isn’t in

3

4

Photo by Corey Johnson

I

t sounds simple enough: Ship a box of 300 buttons directly to a tradeshow venue rather than the office.

It only weighs 10 pounds and can be set to arrive from the manufacturer on the first day of setup. Sounds perfect. At this point, every well-seasoned tradeshow manager reading this is shaking their head, but for the less experienced, an extra $270 invoice from the general services contractor (GSC) in order to hand over the box is a stunning and costly surprise.

But given that the vast majority of tradeshow exhibitors in the U.S. are small outfits with small budgets and limited show experience, coupled with the fact that the industry is filled with new professionals just learning the ropes, it is a scenario being played out every day across the country

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there or isn’t elaborated on.

If exhibitor kits described in detail how to avoid paying material handling fees, well, GSCs wouldn’t make money off of them. There are a number of internet resources for determining exhibitor rights at convention centers around the country, including what the hand-carry rules are at a venue. When in doubt, call the GSC and ask the question directly: May I bring in my own things, and what sort of rules are there for carts or hand carrying? The unfortunate reality is that the rules are different from one city to the next and even one venue to the next in the same city, but understanding them can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Check your invoice thoroughly, and challenge

will go the way of the dinosaur eventually. Machinations are underway from exhibitor advocates to streamline material handling costs in a way that is predictable, able to be budgeted for and contains no “gotcha” surprises when the final bill arrives.

Case in point, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show converted last year to a model called NAB Show Cares that has a flat fee for material handling regardless of weight. PACK Expo has done so for years, and other shows are increasingly announcing that they are following suit. In an industry where one report found that installation and dismantle costs increased by 21 percent over a 16-year period while material handling increased

by 257 percent, the shift is lauded by many as bringing a note of sanity to a practice that was driving many exhibit managers insane.

Under a revamped, flat-fee model, small exhibitors might pay a little more for their exhibit experience, but large exhibitors are able to bring the big, flashy displays that attendees love because it doesn’t break the bank to do so, and that helps everyone on the show floor.

And folks in the middle are able to go bigger, and no one is suffering any stunning shocks when the final invoice arrives.

It is a model, proponents say, that is better for the industry as a whole, though it will take a chorus of exhibitors demanding it for the shift away from exorbitant drayage to become the new normal on the show floor.

Photo by Corey Johnson

5

charges that are not clearly articulated in the show services manual. The case of the $270 buttons ended with the exhibitor paying no additional fee, but it was a fight to the top of the food chain before that was decided. Sometimes fees are calculated incorrectly—making it important for an exhibitor to know what their materials weigh—and sometimes things are on an invoice that don’t belong there at all. It is imperative to have those conversations about the invoice before leaving the show floor, however, because trying to go backwards for it will likely be an exercise in futility.

The reality is that drayage—a uniquely U.S. practice for the most part—is under attack from within the industry itself, and many believe that it

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SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

THE RIGGING WORLD

In Rigging, Everyone Needs Training & Education

The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) asked if I would write the article about the now infamous LED wall rigging failure, focusing on the crucial need for rigging training, education and certification. Jason Sellmann and I had just started the Las

By Andrew Fulton Vegas-based Rig For Success Entertainment Rigging School, and had submitted our training syllabus and course curriculum for review and approval by the ETCP when the rigging failure occurred. t’s so important for riggers to be I knew such an article would ruffle trained, educated and certified. But some feathers but I decided that the what exactly do you know and under- article would be important—a good way stand about rigging or the rigging comto heighten awareness. Our industry pany that is performing the work on your needs to learn from rigging failures in projects? Far too often clients say that order to prevent them from happening they don’t know anything about rigging; again. After all, whenever and wherever that rigging is a mystery to them. And so, rigging is required for the I&D of building they turn to professional riggers to get tradeshow exhibits, it’s vital that everythe job done. one involved be trained and educated.

Rigging is often one of the most The riggers doing the work need to be the expensive components of a job instalmost highly trained, educated and (hopelation—and this is especially true if fully) ETCP-certified. the rigging is lacking a solid plan or However, you too, need to be eduthe wrong individuals are managing cated and equipped so your level of the rigging. While you don’t need to awareness is increased pertaining to understand everything there is to know the rigging going on around and above about rigging, there are a few points you and your clients. It’s important that that you should know to ensure a job is when you walk onto one of your jobs executed safely, is managed efficiently and look around, you understand the and is more profitable for all. After all, processes and procedures being emif you’re able to speak and understand ployed. As you study the rigging practhe language of rigging, and the rigtices, techniques and equipment in use, ging company or hired riggers know you want to be able to discern if there’s that you are trained, educated and able anything amiss. to vet them, then the rigging for your If there had been trained and educated events will be approached in a comindividuals on site last spring—those able pletely new light and, likely, a higher to recognize the poor choice of rigging ethical standard. hardware being used for suspension of My first column, “No Luck Needall three LED walls—that accident might ed When You Rig Safe, Rig Right, & have been avoided. Think of the time and Rig For Success,” was first published money that could’ve been saved, not to by the entertainment industry magamention increased safety, if just one or zine Protocol (published by the Event two people had known what they were Services and Technology Association looking at. All it would’ve taken was (ESTA), a non-profit trade association). someone to point out the wrong equip-

I

ment choice and insist those LED walls be rigged differently.

In this year’s The Rigging World columns, we will cover a myriad of topics aimed at educating you and your team on the most efficient and safest ways to approach rigging from the outset of every job, including:

» OSHA, ANSI and ASME rigging standards pertaining to technicians and equipment » the difference between a person deemed competent, qualified and designated » the terms “shall,” “should” and “suitable” » questions to ask a rigger or rigging company before securing their services » why to have the rigger or rigging company onboard in a project’s design phase » planning strategies to increase safety, efficiency and profitability » rigging equipment and hardware choices » inspections of rigging before installation and after it’s flown above a booth » why structural engineers prefer hardware connections vs. welding connections » how Las Vegas union labor works in the tradeshow industry » the importance of rigging leadership » stories of projects gone wrong due to lack of planning and poor leadership » stories of successful jobs due to excellent planning and great leadership Here’s to an outstanding year in our industry where every job is safer, time is saved and profit is increased. Let us all rig for success!

Andrew Fulton is a longstanding member of IATSE Local 720 and is the lead production rigger at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. He was the lead rigger for PRG at the Sands Expo, Venetian and Palazzo hotels from 2012-15. Along with Jason Sellmann, he co-founded RIG FOR SUCCESS with the intention of teaching project management & leadership pertaining to entertainment rigging industry. He is also one of three owners of RIGGING INTERNATIONAL GROUP (R.I.G.) a Las Vegas-based rope access training & services company that will be instructing the Entertainment Rigging School curriculum. Contact him at andrew@rigforsuccess.com

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Photos by Cortni Shelton, PWP Studio

Shop to ShowFloor I&D and Event Labor

The Omega Group Wows at FIL Guadalajara with India Pavilion

T

he Omega Group, a company that has specialized in design and solutions for international exhibitions since 1987, has built the Guest of Honor pavilion at the Guadalajara International Book Fair (also called Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara) 10 times in the last 14 years. This year, India

was the Guest of Honor at the 33rd FIL Guadalajara as the nine-day book fair/festival ran from Nov. 30-Dec. 8 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

As the largest book fair in the Spanish-speaking world, the fair is aimed at professionals and the general public alike, unlike most other book fairs around the globe. It is a cultur-

al festival in which literature plays a major role including a program where authors from all continents and languages participate, and a forum for the academic discussion of major issues. For nine days, people stand in long lines to listen to their favorite authors, and the whole city is filled with the music, arts, cinema and theatre

by Jeanne Brei

from the featured Guest of Honor. India showcased a wide array of its rich and composite literary and cultural heritage including exhibiting ancient and rare manuscripts such as Ramayana and Mahabharata along with paintings, handicrafts and photo books.

The Guest of Honor Pavilion was 2,000 square meters

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(21,527+ sq.ft.), and Alex Escalante from the Omega Group says that “many things made this project special, for example: the large scale of the elements: big hanging letters, big standing letters (six meters high) backlit and big “INDIA” letters; the very creative design that represented the multilingual country that India is with 22 official languages and all the letters represented in the project with 3D letters, graphics and audiovisual content has letters in all 22 languages. Also, we built the project without having @ExhibitCityNews

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very detailed drawings, and we did not have renders at all because we did not receive much information for it, and finally, the short time—just a month and a half—from when we were confirmed for the project to completion.”

Escalante explains, “The Guest of Honor project at the book fair is always a tender issued directly by the government as to who will be the guest of honor” and he says it was challenging to create the pavilion because there were so many “different parties involved in the Indian government who all made different decisions and ran different processes.” Fortunately, he adds, even though the Indians didn’t send much information, they were able to understand the client’s ideas because “we always had good communication and played well as a team with the Indians even though they were at the exact opposite side of the world and there was a 12-hour difference. They kept saying that ‘working with team Omega was a wonderful experience.’”

Jonak Das, who’s on the faculty of India’s National Institute of Design (NID) in the

Exhibition Design discipline, along with his colleagues Tanishka Kachru and Rishi Singhal, were the principal designers for the India pavilion, along with consultant graphic

designer Hanif Kureshi, and he seconds those words.

The NID in Ahmedabad, India, was the design partner for design of the India Guest of Honor pavilion

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Photos by Cortni Shelton, PWP Studio

SHOP to SHOWFLOOR I&D and Event Labor

BY THE NUMBERS 2,200 sq.m. of area raised platform and carpet

CREDITS

750 sq.m. graphic vinyl printing and installed

Client Team (Nodal Agency): National Book Trust (NBT), Gov’t. of India

350 LED arm lamps 100 sq.m. of LED screen divided in different areas Interactive zone with projections and special old furniture

at FIL Guadalajara, where the nodal agency was National Book Trust (NBT), Government of India. “We worked with Omega Group on the fabrication of the India pavilion, as they were the selected vendor for the job,” says Das. “While we had communicated primarily with drawings and specifications, Omega could translate our visualized designs extremely well towards the building of the pavilion.”

Das explains, “We were working on the theme of landscape of the multitude of vernacular scripts in

5,000+ different books about India exhibited and on sale during the show

Exhibition Concept & Planning: National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India & NBT, Gov’t. of India

India, which we depicted through large letter forms both on ground and suspended in air, thus occupying the large volume of the pavilion space, as the primary thematic feature, apart from the various exhibits and functional requirements for the pavilion. The space had multiple entry points and one creative challenge was to visualize the placement of the exhibits in such a way as to give an engaging and spectacular experience for the visitors irrespective of where they enter from.

The primary technical chal-

Exhibit (Spatial and Graphic) Design: NID, India Exhibit Production Design & Construction: Omega Group Exhibit I&D: Omega Group Automation Engineering: Omega Group Rigging: Omega Group Project Facilitation: Embassy of India, Mexico

lenge was, of course, that we were communicating entirely by mail and could not see or check the work as they were getting built. So, we had to trust entirely on the accuracy and how well Omega interpreted our drawings and visualizations. However, they did a great job in the interpretation and in the end we were very happy with what they did.”

Escalante adds, “It was a successful job, the client was happy, FIL organizers were happy, all the visitors at the fair were amazed and took lots of pictures, and the show orga-

nizers were happy. This job was possible thanks to all the solid team of Omega Group!”

The Omega Group was founded as an advertising company in 1987 by Alejandro Escalante offering a wide variety of services to help companies achieve their objectives through research and field studies. After the opening of Expo Guadalajara in 1987, Grupo Omega began to focus on the display, conferences and expositions market as it has experienced exponential growth, and they have become a company that specializes in design and solutions for exhibitions. For more info, visit http://omegaexp.com.mx/es/en/

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Game Changer SuperMAX Rental PLUS-SIZE, plug-n-play, contemporary architecture.

Ready to drop in, and create.

Rental has never been this cool (or big. or fast. or easy). www.highmarktech.com

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TRADESHOW/EVENT SOLUTIONS

Estimating exercise

Work hard, play hard

ALUVISIONlive!

2019 - Fall edition Photos by Aluvision

Hands-on workshop

Hi-LED 55 training

A new season, a new edition of the ALUVISIONlive!

Training Days. Trade show and event professionals from all over the country came to Atlanta to enjoy two days of handson training. Aluvision’s clients were thrilled with the mixture of workshops, fun activities and networking opportunities available to them. It was an exclusive opportunity to extend their knowledge of the Aluvision modular system and to meet and connect with industry peers.

The varied program consisted of product training, hands-on workshops, and a session on both the Aluvision for SketchUp plug-in and the award-winning Hi-LED 55 tile. Attendees worked hard, but also played hard. In the evening, everyone could relax with a drink and a rousing game of bowling!

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INTERNATIONAL FOCUS Colombia

Plaza De Botero, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia

Colombia Poised for Growth

by Cynthya Porter

W

ith an economy that continues to blossom at a pace faster than global economists predicted, Colombia has become the new darling of sales missions from the U.S. to Latin America, with everything from pork to medical equipment rising in popularity among the South American country’s consumers.

Particularly strong in 2019 were the retail, wholesale, transportation and financial industries, with the gross domestic product growing by 3 percent overall while transportation surged as much as 4.8 percent in some quarters and the financial industry grew by 4.6 percent in others.

The net result is that a veritable caravan of trade missions are taking place from the U.S. to Colombia, where things like pork, tourism and automotive are

growing in popularity in an economy that is the fourth largest in Latin America.

The U.S. is Colombia’s largest trading partner and bilateral trade between the countries reached $27 billion in 2017.

Given the strong performance and buoyant forecast, for U.S. exhibitors, business-to-business shows in cities like Bogota and Medellin represent a new frontier for trade relationships. For example, the U.S. pork industry is taking note that Colombia is the largest growth market for the U.S. behind China, and the U.S. Export Meat Federation has been facilitating visits from U.S. pork industry leaders to major Colombian business centers to establish deeper ties recently.

Colombia has been recovering gradually from recession-era struggles, outpacing even the U.S. and Brazil in its above-ex-

pected consumer growth. Unlike its counterparts, interest rates have been stable with little indication that cuts or hikes are needed to stabilize the economy.

In particular, Florida-based companies are taking note of the South American country’s steady progress, as Florida accounts for approximately 27 percent of all U.S. trade with Colombia—a higher figure than any other U.S. state or territory. Officials say more than $4.2 billion in goods was shipped from Florida alone to Colombia in 2017, with bilateral trade at $27 billion. Helping the trade relationship between countries was the elimination of some 80 percent of tariffs between the countries thanks to a 2012 trade agreement.

Face-to-face marketing efforts including sales missions, tradeshows and seminars aimed at educating Colombian buyers about U.S. products are all furthering the trade relationship, though recent unrest in Colombia’s politics has dampened some efforts. Citizens of Latin America’s fourth most populated country have taken to the streets lately to protest policies of the right-winged government.

Economic reforms, labor issues, claims about corruption, and the concerns of indigenous people are prompting protests that have occasionally turned violent in the nation’s largest cities.

Even so, economists predict the Colombian marketplace is poised for continued growth that may be slowed but not stalled by political unrest, given that the country is considered to have one of the most healthy and thriving economies in Latin America. Recent improvements at convention centers around Colombia expect to capitalize on that increasing interest from North America in doing business with the country.

Cynthya Porter is a 70-time award-winning journalist recognized by national and international associations for her journalistic expertise in tradeshow topics, travel writing, photography and news. She has covered the exhibition industry since 2011 and, though she makes her home in the Midwest, she travels the world in search of interesting stories and photographs.

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AIPC

Competing in Today’s “War for Talent”

BY ALOYSIUS ARLANDO, PRESIDENT OF AIPC

How did we find ourselves here? And what do we do about it?

We are referring to one of the biggest challenges to hit our industry in the last 10 years—one that is also being felt by many other sectors at the same time, which makes things even worse. And that, of course, is the shrinking availability of the kind of

skilled human resources we need to deliver on the increasing expectations being placed on today’s industry.

This issue appeared quite literally overnight, and recent surveys show it is now a top concern amongst our AIPC members in almost every part of the world. We’re not alone in this—and demographics

can explain a lot of it. But as an industry we do have some very unique problems that will have to be solved if we are to remain competitive in the labor market, and identifying what these are is a good first step toward finding solutions; First, in a world where everyone is competing for the best and the brightest, we remain almost invisible in terms of representing an attractive career path. Everyone knows what a doctor, den-

tist, engineer or accountant does—but how many have a clue about what happens in the meetings industry and the supply systems that support it? This is the product of a bigger, long-term “image” issue that has challenged the industry for a long time—but that neglect is now expressing itself in a new way.

It gets worse. To the extent that we have any image at all is it likely most associated with “tourism,” which itself is an issue, as it has become largely synonymous with low-paid, repetitive work than anything that is likely to attract an ambitious graduate in any of the many areas we need to operate successfully in today’s industry.

Third, we are still short on credentials and training that is recognized anywhere outside our own industry, which is by definition where much of our new work force must come from. Again, most college-level programs that touch on our needs are embedded in either tourism or facility management programs, neither of which are necessarily inspiring for those looking at a more rewarding career path. Even then, many of the skills we need in this industry are scattered across many disciplines rather than having an identifiable focus that could capture the attention of those whose attention we most want to attract!

What to do? There’s no easy fix, but absent a concerted effort the problem will continue and in fact worsen in many areas. However, there are some clear opportunities;

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The first relates to enhancing our overall image and profile in our respective communities. Centres, in particular, represent a real and high-profile presence wherever they are located, and putting more effort into using them to educate the local community about how dynamic and exciting this industry really is—what goes on in these facilities—would pay a variety of immediate returns, including the attraction of potential employees.

Secondly, we need to craft a more distinctive picture of what a career path in this sector can mean and why that is attractive to individuals with lots of other choices for employment and advance-

ment. Having done this, we need to promote that where it matters: in job fairs, online and in literature relating to employment opportunities and anywhere else that those looking at career options are likely to be looking.

Finally, we need to reconsider what it takes to retain those we do attract in a world where turnover is a new expectation and opportunities abound. Incentives, training, certifications and other kinds of rewards all need to be on the table if we expect to be able to keep those we have successfully recruited—and often, heavily invested in.

We offer some of the most exciting and diverse career opportunities today—a

window into many different professions, disciplines and interactions and a focus for some of the most important issues and developments in the world today. The fact that this remains largely unknown outside of our own ranks is a huge obstacle to attracting and retaining the very best— but one we can, and need to, act on immediately to secure the future of our industry.

In addition to his role as AIPC President, Aloysius Arlando is the CEO of SingEx Holdings, which comprises several entities focusing on the MICE business; including the management of the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre. He is also the president of the Singapore Association for Convention and Exhibition

Organizers and Suppliers (SACEOS), organizer of Singapore MICE Forum.

AIPC represents a global network of more than 190 leading centers in 64 countries with the active involvement of more than 1,000 management-level professionals worldwide.

It is committed to encouraging and recognizing excellence in convention center management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international representation, and maintains a variety of educational, research, networking and standards programs to achieve this. AIPC also celebrates and promotes the essential role of the international meetings industry in supporting economic, academic and professional development and enhancing global relations amongst highly diverse business and cultural interests.

205 FLANDERS ROAD WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581 INFO@CORPCOM-EVENTS.COM (508) 366-8595

FACE-TO-FACE MARKETING AND

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CORPCOM-EVENTS.COM @ExhibitCityNews

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CORPORATE NEWS

beMatrix Educational Academy Creates “beManiacs”

BY ALEXIS COOPER & AND LISA SINICKI

More than 60 exhibit and event industry professionals converged on beMatrixUSA headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, last November to learn how to get the most out of the beMatrix 360° framing system and its LEDskin product line. Over two days, project managers, designers, detailers, estimators and engineers learned how to maximize their rental inventory ROI, utilize beMatrix innovations including the newly launched beCAD online design software for

24-hour quoting and design, and apply best practices for building exceptional structures utilizing the beMatrix system.

“I learned so much about the company and its integrations. It was far more educational than I expected,” says Josh Bevans, CEO of Design 2 Print, adding, “And we had a ton of fun.” Bevans has sent many of his team members to beMatrix Academy over the past several years.

Robert Laarhoven, president of beMatrixUSA, opened

the event with a warm welcome and a nostalgic historical account of how beMatrix became the leader in the exhibit-building industry.

Then, attendees participated in hands-on system training and one-on-one sessions with beMatrix CAD experts.

Throughout the event, guests networked with other industry leaders—including at the evening Casino Night event held at StillFire Brewing.

At the conclusion of the Academy, every attendee received

a certificate of completion and joined the growing tribe of beMatrix fanatics—affectionately known as the “beManiacs.”

“Our objective is to collaborate with our customers and stay laser-focused on making exhibit and event building easier,” says Tara Ericson, VP of sales and marketing for beMatrix. “We are grateful for the engaged participation of our customers and are fully committed to providing ongoing system education and innovation.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

THE LATEST DON & MIKE SHOWS Jim Wurm from EACA on the Las Vegas Double Deck debacle Jeanne Brei on the Double Decks meeting in Las Vegas - what you missed...

L-R: Norm Friedrich from Octanorm North America, 2019 EDPA Ambassador of the Year Michael Boone from Coastal International and Mike Morrison from WS Displays ,

The Don & Mike Show Goes On the Road to IAEE’s Expo!Expo! & EDPA’s ACCESS

by Mike Morrison

T

he Don & Mike Show worked its way to the end of 2019 on the road for two large onsite events where interviews took place ... IAEE’s Expo!Expo! 2019 in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and EDPA’s ACCESS 2019 in Tucson at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Interviews were conducted with some of the industry’s faces from various categories of tradeshows, events and experiential marketing sectors.

IAEE’s Expo!Expo! saw interviews with Marc Kaminetsky with the Valley Forge Sports and Convention Board, Donald Contursi with Lip Smackin’ Foodie Tours, Rob and Griffen Wilson from Employco, Gary Minter from Modern Expo and Events, Kari Rice from Federal Conference and Valerie Ortiz from Convention Electric. Don

and Mike were on the show floor for one day only as they had to race to the airport and shoot down to Tucson for booth setup and interviews there.

At EDPA ACCESS, Don and Mike interviewed Jeanne Brei from Exhibit City News and Jim Wurm from EACA regarding the double deck debacle still taking place in Las Vegas; Chris Kappes from ExhibitsHub; Dasher Lowe, executive director for EDPA; Tony Rissley from EXPO Auctions; Jane Gentry, keynote speaker and CEO for Fusion Event Staffing; and a final wrap-up interview with Michael Boone from Coastal International, the recipient of the 2019 EDPA Ambassador of the Year award, with assistance from an unexpected guest, Norm Friedrich from Octanorm North America.

Momentum going into 2020 is strong for the show. With

more than 62,000 listens to date and two and a half years of hard work, promotion, top caliber guests and much more to come in 2020, I feel we are on a great track to take advantage of the podcast medium as well as our continuing efforts to interview great guests with strong, applicable topics to the tradeshows, events and experiential marketing industries.

The Don and Mike Show continues to highlight four major associations within the tradeshow and events world.

» EDPA - Experiential Designers and Producers Association

» ESCA - Exhibition Services and Contractors Association

» IAEE - International Association of Exhibitions and Events

» EACA - Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association

Double Decks Update Share to your Network to get more feedback to Las Vegas!

Marc Kaminetsky Director of Convention & Tourism Sales Valley Forge Convention Lip Smackin Foodie Tours Owner Donald Contursi shares Experiential in Vegas Interviews from Expo! Expo!

2019 Marc Kaminetsky and Donald Contursi The Best of 2019 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Doug Rawady from GetLeadBlaster.com on Email Strategy versus Email Harassment Email Strategy versus Email Harassment with Doug Rawady of GetLeadBlaster.com Mike McDaniel from Gist Specialties Glen Gould, author of 101 Networking Nuggets. Networking Tips for Business Glen Gould and Mike McDaniel, best airports, working remotely and more COO of BigMarker Justin Brown and the world of webinars in today’s business world, new double deck rules in Vegas and more

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The show is also preparing for expansion into other relevant and applicable associations to highlight in 2020.

The Don & Mike Show website (TheDonAndMikeShow. net) continues to see growth with listeners going to the site to answer weekly poll questions, hear past episodes and also check out such features as the Tradeshow Calendar, industry-related podcasts from other industry hosts and videos from various on-site podcast locations.

The show just re-signed its marquee sponsor, SMT Expo—Smart, Modular, Technology for 2020 ... SMT came on the show in 2019 to help fund many aspects of the show and has seen

significant response to their participation. Other sponsors are expected to be heard on upcoming 2020 shows.

With the announcement coming recently that ECN will be re-hosting the Willwork/ ECN Party at Light Nightclub in Mandalay Bay during ExhibitorLive’s festivities in a couple of months ... Don and Mike will be on the spot interviewing many people prior to the event and are excited to be a part of that event for 2020.

Keep an eye out for The Don & Mike Show coming to an event in your neck of the woods in 2020. A trip to Dusseldorf, Germany, for Euroshop 2020 may also be in the cards for the show as they continue to go on the road for

live interviews at important industry functions.

Interviews include these industry people: » Dasher Lowe - EDPA » David Dubois - IAEE » Mitt Arnaudet and Julie Kagy - ESCA » Sam Lippman - Lippman Connects » Tim Searle - DEX Exhibit Systems » Kraig Shetler - Booth Traffic » Kelli Liles - Old Dominion » Dave Sterne – The Inside Track » Russ Klein - American Marketing Association » Chris Kappes - Exhibitshub.com » Candy Adams - The Booth Mom » Glenn Diehl - Genesis Exhibits » Julie Pazina and Zach Wetterling Edlen Electric » Reid Sherwood – RSMGC » Rich Johnson – RSMG

» Ray Baum - Core Apps » Steve Golden - CORT Events » James Zacharias – Brumark » Steven Hacker - Consultant, SMT EXPO

» Tom Clark - Game Buzz » Vince Battaglia TheTradeShowCalender.com

» and many more!

Call the toll free number for feedback at 1-833366-2636 (Toll Free 1-833- DON-AND-MIKE) or text comments, questions and sound bites to (770) 298-0695. Email for the show is TheDonAndMikeShow@gmail.com or send comments through the website from the landing page form.

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CONVENTION CENTER SPOTLIGHT

EAT

Anaheim Convention Center & Arena

By F. Andrew Taylor

T

he 1.8 million sq.ft. ACC opened in 1967 across the street from Disneyland on Katella Avenue. It was designed by Adrian Wilson & Associates and built by the Del Webb Corporation, known for building various Sun City communities around the southwest. It has undergone six major expansions in 1974, 1982, 1990, 1993, 1999–2000, 2016-2017 and is the largest exhibit facility on the West Coast. The ACC is within a 20-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean and a 42-mile stretch of Orange County coastline and enjoys an average temperature of 67 degrees with nearly 300 days of sunshine, and just 13 inches of rain annually (no snow).

The convention center is part of the “Anaheim Resort.” When Disneyland was undergoing major expansion and renovation in the 1990s, the 1,078-acre portion of the city of Anaheim was specially designated for recreation and tourist/convention-related activities and supporting uses. The landscaping, pedestrian avenues, traffic thoroughfares, signage and infrastructure were renovated to create a more attractive look. The area is surrounded by the lush gardens of the new resort environment.

The “ACC Campus” includes the Hilton Anaheim (1,576 rooms and 150,000 sq.ft. of function space); the Anaheim Marriott (1,030 rooms &

100,000 sq.ft. of function space); the Sheraton Park Hotel (486 guest rooms and 30,000 sq.ft. of function space) and, opening in 2020, the Westin Anaheim (613 rooms and 42,000 sq.ft. of function space). The four hotels ring the convention center.

The ACC was a filming location for Star Trek: Picard and will make an appearance in the show as a part of Starfleet Headquarters. It has also hosted and been the continuing home for several pop culture conventions, including Anime Expo three times, the 2012 VEX Robotics World Championship, Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Celebration fan gathering in 2015, MineCon, a Minecraft convention in 2016. It has been the continuing home to Wondercon, one of the country’s largest comic and pop culture conventions, since 2012; the D23 Expo, a biannual exposition for Disney fans since 2009; and BlizzCon, video game developer and publisher Blizzard Entertainment since 2005.

The ACC’s largest annual event, the Winter NAMM Show, is a music-equipment convention tradeshow that is not open to the general public and has been at the ACC every year since 1977 with the exception of a three-year break while it was under major renovations.

While the area around the ACC is flavored heavily by its proximity to Disneyland there are several fine dining options within walking distance.

Both Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Mortons The Steakhouse are on Harbor Boulevard, just east of the ACC and McCormick & Schmick’s Grille is just a little farther east. Tastes from around the world are available nearby, including Agio Ristorante, Mi Casa Mexicana, Tanor Fresh Mediteranian Grill, and Roy’s, a high-end chain serving chef Roy Yamaguchi’s Hawaiian fusion fare. Downtown Disney has several choices including Catal Restaurant and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.

SLEEP Like the dining, much of the area is dominated by big chain hotels including the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, the Anaheim Marriott, the Hilton Anaheim and the Doubletree Suites by Hilton. There are also a number of smaller places marketed towards families with children, such as the Candy Cane Inn, the Alpine Inn and the Kings Inn. Be forewarned that the more family friendly the place the more likely they are to be filled with the joyful chaos of excited children, which might not be conducive to business travel.

PLAY Did we mention Disneyland? The area is also home to another amusement park, Knott’s Berry Farm. Angel Stadium and Anaheim Ice are nearby for the sports minded. For those looking to get out and stretch their legs, Yorba Regional Park has biking, fishing and a picnic area.

Oak Canyon Nature Center offers hiking and an interpretive center. For those seeking education and enlightenment, the Museo Museum & Cultural Center in downtown Anaheim has local culture, history and art.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

EDPA Midwest Chapter accepting Chapter of the Year award at EDPA ACCESS 2019

EDPA Chapter News Roundup

E

DPA chapters across the country are celebrating new leadership and opportunities for growth in 2020. At EDPA ACCESS 2019, Dec. 4-6 in Tucson, Ariz., Amy Sondrup was welcomed as the organization’s 53rd president.

During the President’s Gala, she underscored her commitment to EDPA and her vision for the future. “I want to continue the momentum by elevating content, engagement and attendance at key meetings, as well as the conversation about the value we bring to our members.

Our growth strategy needs to include reaching out to the next generation, embracing sustainability and focusing on audience engagement. I’m thrilled with the opportunity to move EDPA forward.”

“Amy is both passionate and collaborative,” says EDPA Executive Director Dasher Lowe. “She has shown time

and again that she cares about EDPA, about expanding our membership, and about the quality of education and networking we offer. Part of her mission up to this point has been focusing on the ‘E’—experiential in EDPA— and sourcing speakers who help our members grow their businesses. Her message is one of inclusion, attracting all participants in the experiential process. I’m delighted to be working with her.”

EDPA Midwest Earns Chapter of the Year at ACCESS 2019 Every year, members anticipate the awards ceremony presented during the President’s Gala at EDPA ACCESS. This year, EDPA Midwest Chapter was honored as Chapter of the Year, a distinction that is awarded for excellence in eight categories and acknowledges members for demonstrating

By H. K. Wilson

the organization’s mission of driving growth within the experiential, exhibit and event industry through advocacy, networking, education and good works.

Chapter President Jacqueline Hake says, “We are so proud that our chapter has been acknowledged for making an outstanding contribution to our organization and the industry.

We continuously set new goals for our chapter and strive to bring value to our members above and beyond their expectations. Thank you to all of our sponsors, members and volunteers for getting us to where we are!

We are looking forward to a fantastic 2020!”

A Night to Remember in the Upper Midwest EDPA members in the Upper Midwest are looking forward to their winter meeting at Holman’s Table in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 3, 4-7:30 p.m.

According to the planners, this one-of-a-kind venue is the ideal location to inspire a group of experiential designers and producers, with luxurious surroundings and a finely curated menu that pays homage to the “beau monde essence of jet-set travel.” The restaurant offers dinner and a helicopter ride with Minnesota Helicopters to the adventurous.

Bemidji State students will be present to showcase their exhibit design work in advance of ExhibitorLive 2020, and Dan Greene will repeat his ACCESS 2019 presentation by recapping the industry’s economic outlook at the meeting.

EDPA Las Vegas Has a Heart for the Community The EDPA Las Vegas Chapter just completed its annual food drive for Whitney Elementary School.

Through the efforts of chapter members and corporate EDPA Las sponsors, they Vegas Whitney Food Drive were successful in providing 400 meals for low- income families of the school, including turkeys, pies and all the trimmings that go with traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts.

The Las Vegas chapter is also looking forward to a New Year Kickoff mixer in January.

For details, contact Chapter

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President Mike Sunseri at msunseri@dslgroup.com or visit www.edpalv.com.

EDPA Northeast Honors Our Nation’s Veterans For the fourth year in a row, EDPA Northeast members banded together to raise funds for military families in need through a partnership with Project New Hope. The organization exists to help veterans rebuild with honor by providing mutual support, targeted services and the camaraderie of friends. “Together, we raised $1,800 to help spread holiday spirit,” says EDPA Northeast President Michael Vallone.

EDPA Expands in the Great Lakes Region EDPA recently activated in

the Great Lakes region under the leadership of Chapter President Kevin Sacharski. He says, “The Great Lakes Chapter is a new presence in the area and hopes to attract the best and brightest minds in the experiential space to make a difference.”

On Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m., the EDPA Great Lakes Chapter hosts its January association event at the newly-named TCF Center in Detroit, Mich. The guest speaker will be Andrea Trudeau, Exhibit Compliance & Show Floor Director for NAIAS. “With the North American International Auto Show moving to June in 2020, it was vital to become informed as to what this change means for the metro-Detroit

EDPA SE Light Up the Night Toy Drive with Denny Spaulding, John Lamb and volunteers

area and exhibiting industry as a whole,” Sacharski says.

EDPA Southeast Chapter Members Make the Holidays Happy for Children in Need Members of the EDPA Southeast Chapter recently participated in their second annual Light Up the Night toy drive. Toys were collected by the chapter in cooperation with the Peachtree City Police Department to ensure that

needy children in the community would receive something special this holiday season.

“More than 10 companies in the Atlanta area helped to make this happen,” says EDPA Southeast President Sandra Braun.

According to John Lamb, EDPA Southeast Chapter Board Member and Business Development Manager for Champion Logistics Group, “We collected and filled over 100 stockings and six

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

larger boxes/bags of toys and clothing too big to fit in stockings. This year’s participation by the chapter members far exceeded last year. We are hoping this continues to be a successful event as we look forward to year number three.”

EDPA NorCal Names its 2020-2021 Leadership Roster EDPA NorCal Chapter is coming into the new year strong with the announcement of its incoming board of directors. It includes: President Naveen Koneru, Expand International of America, Inc.; Vice President John Peck, CORT, Trade Show & Event Furnishings; Treasurer Kate

Mosley, Platinum Cargo Logistics, Inc.; President Emeritus Melinda Stewart, OnSite Exhibitor Service; and board members Blaize Wheaton, Brumark Total Flooring Solutions; Emma Christen, beMatrix USA; Nicole Klein; and Stan Bender, AAA Flag.

EDPA SoCal The SoCal EDPA chapter invited industry friends to gather for a fun after party during ACCESS in Tucson,

Ariz. In a suite on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort EDPA & Spa, with ACCESS a stunning networking view of the dinner city lights in the valley below, old friends reconnected, new friendships were made and jokes were shared over snacks and beverages provided by the event’s sponsor, Color Reflections.

EDPA SoCal Vice President Antonia Nuzzulo says, “The SoCal EDPA chapter is looking forward to 2020.

We are working through plans for next year’s educa-

tional events, social events and charity activities. We are actively conscious about staying true to our goals of offering value to our members—including sharing knowledge, providing a platform to network and fostering community development—and feel that next year’s events will allow us to accomplish this.”

A Big Howdy From EDPA Texas!

EDPA Texas Chapter is newly activated and looking forward to its first meeting in January 2020. The chapter will establish its board under the direction of Chapter President Matthew D. Little, general manager at Nuvista.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Mike Boone receives his Ambassador of the Year award from Dave Flory

Don Neal, keynote speaker on Thursday morning, asks the group, “What Business are you REALLY in?”

EDPA ACCESS 2019: What’s Your Formula?

The first recipients of the new award for International Collaboration are Chris Dorn of Idea International and Hill & Partners’ Mark Holmes and Michael Vallone pictured with Donna Shultz and Dasher Lowe

By Pat Friedlander ited answers to the question: What’s your formula? Sessions were both educational and interactive, encouraging extensive audience participation. General sessions focused on business and personal development as well as sales initiatives.

The highlight of the meeting was announcing the EDPA presidency of Amy Yag-Sondrup, president, Access TCA, as well as the winners of the EDPA awards: the Hazel Hays award to Robert Laarhoven, president, beMatrix USA; the Ambassador of the Year award went to Mike Boone of Coastal International and Stephanie Pheneger of Skyline was named the Designer of the Year, while CeCealia Schultz won the Student Design Competition.

The 2019 Eddie Awards went to the following companies:

Right: Robert Laarhoven, president, beMatrix USA, accepts EDPA’s top honor, the Hazel Hays award; below Keynote speaker Kai Knight asked, “Why do some people play the notes they are handed while others write new music in the world?”

» Best Large Exhibit & Best End-To-

End Campaign, Derse » Best Small Exhibit, Access TCA » Best Multimedia Campaign, Acer Exhibits and Events » Best Print Media, Idea International » Best International Collaboration, a new category, Idea International and Hill & Partners.

Two EDPA chapters took home “best of” awards: the Midwest chapter won for large chapter, while the Northeast chapter won for small chapter.

Attendees from across all segments of the industry returned to their businesses with the question, “What’s your formula?” challenging them to find their own answers.

Photos by Padgett and Company

H

ow do you celebrate 65 years of growth, change and adaptation to the face-to-face marketing environment? The Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) did it with unrivaled networking, top-drawer education and fireworks.

At ACCESS 2019, held the week after Thanksgiving at the J.W. Marriott at Starr Pass, the group helped the EDPA Foundation reach its million-dollar endowment goal, applauded CeCealia Schultz, a student at Bemidji State, for winning the 2019 EDPA EuroShop Exhibit Competition, and embraced the initiative, headed by Chris Griffin, president, TS CREW, to develop a new generation of skilled talent for the industry.

The two education tracks, management and design, elic-

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

IAEE’s Expo!Expo!

2019 Recap

by

by Cynthya Cynthya Porter Porter

I

t stands to reason that if you are going to an expo that is selling to people in the exposition business, exhibitors and hosts are going to bring their A game to the event, and Expo!Expo! 2019 delivered that and then some.

Anchored at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the event by day was a dizzying array of hundreds of education sessions aimed at honing the exhibition craft from myriad angles, and by night a networking extravaganza spread across ballrooms, private suites and even Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub, located at the Cromwell Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, for the closing party.

The Expo!Expo! show hall boasted nearly 300 exhibitors that specialized in everything

from high-brow technology to straight-forward services to destinations both around the country and the world that attract exhibitions and events. A “Tech Huddle” area offered an endless stream of experts addressing all manner of technology available to the industry today, an international pavilion gave attendees a glimpse at services available around the world, and a Brews and Views Hub made for a relaxing space to listen to industry experts expound on topics affecting the industry today.

Transportation providers, general service contractors, giveaway companies, marketing companies, digital service providers and more rounded out the space, making two days of show hall access barely

enough to consume the wisdom it contained. Fortunately, BodyWorks, The Attendee Wellness Company, was on hand to deliver free massages throughout the show, easing the aching muscles of attendees and reminding those who plan events that taking care of attendees in such a fundamental way builds a relationship with them like no other.

If the quantity and quality of education sessions and exhibitors wasn’t enough, also nearly impossible to completely consume was the flowing food and beverage service that marked the show hall and the event, with each breakfast, lunch and evening event trying to outdo each other with beautiful, interesting food and luxurious cocktails. It was,

without question, a “dress-toimpress” event in that regard, featuring stunning table-top ice sculptures with cubby holes for delicate desserts, all manner of food stations showcasing some of Las Vegas’ best fare, and in-booth offerings that provided a taste of that destination to the show floor.

Louisville brought its bourbon, Orlando flew in its signature chef from the Orange County Convention Center, and New Orleans served up signature hurricanes to woo attendees with delicious flavors that might sway their next venue decision.

On the serious side, a swath of industry associations held their gatherings at the event and attendees seeking the coveted Certified Event

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Manager designation had endless resources to move them along in their quest. On the fun side, celebrity lookalikes dazzled, local lounge performers crooned, and showgirls glittered, in the end providing an experience that only Las Vegas can. The 2020 Expo!Expo! is slated for Louisville, Kentucky, home of bourbon, race horses and southern charm Dec. 8-10.

And a year from now, it will also be the home of one of the exhibition industry’s most impactful gatherings— one that gives the professionals who attend all the resources, connections and education they need to go forward into a new year of exhibition and event planning.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Fall Educational Session 2019 Discussed Show Venue Security “Situational Awareness” is Key to Deterrence

by Leslie Mujica & Jeanne Brei

S

ponsored by EDPA, ESCA, EACA, IAVM and IAEE’s Chapter Educational Grant, the Anaheim Convention Center was the site for a fall education session on show venue security.

Held last Oct. 23, nearly 100 industry folks attended the luncheon as others listened to a live Facebook feed of the event.

ESCA Executive Director Larry Arnaudet began by sharing information and a presentation regarding the Worker Identification System (WIS) badge program. Currently, the program is operating at 20 venues and has issued more than 40,000 badges nationwide with two more venues being added in January.

WIS operates with no cost to the venue and minimum cost to the contractor that wants to register their workers, Arnaudet said, explaining that ESCA identified the need to create a vetting/credentialing system that didn’t rely on labor having

“to find out what the magic handshake is” in order to enter a venue to do their job. When scanning technology is used, the badges create a log and timestamp of when the workers gain access to the building upon entry and exit.

Featured speaker Mark Herrera, a seasoned law enforcement officer and trainer of 20 years with the Hobbs, N.M., police department, was up next. Herrera is currently the director of education for the International Association of Venue Managers and teaches Situational Awareness-Mindset training. He also represents the Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection through the Public Assembly Facility Sub-Sector Council.

Herrera emphasized the importance of increasing observational capabilities by understanding behavioral indicators and patterns that are not appropriate. He believes

that the industry focuses primarily on traditional security measures but underestimates the importance of “situational awareness.” Through his training, once observations are made regarding suspicious or unusual behavior, risk mitigation is made through guest service intervention.

He believes this approach is a win-win even if the observations are incorrect. He highly recommends a “guest service approach,” which is meant to deter and diffuse potential hostile situations and requires training and a skill set that goes beyond what most are training on today.

He asked the audience, “Can you detect a threat, and are you prepared to prevent it?” explaining that it starts with programing our minds and observational capabilities to learn how to spot an individual who has “checked out” or an unusual device that has been left unattended.

He believes that lack of awareness is a major issue and showed a video taken on the Las Vegas Strip where people just walked by an unattended black bag and didn’t do anything. The filming of the video occurred after the Harvest 91/1 October massacre and he talked about how he will go into businesses and people will be oblivious to an unattended bag but will refuse to enter a room with an unattended bag immediately after a local shooting. But then, weeks or months later, they return to being oblivious to the unattended bag. He talked to two women in the video and asked them if they saw the bag, and both women said that bag wasn’t there. He then showed them the video of them walking by the bag, and they couldn’t believe it and chastised each other.

Herrera said that in order to respond quickly and control a threatening situation one must disrupt the suspicious individual’s ability to quickly make a decision. By doing what he calls a “loop reset,” perpetrators can’t orientate themselves quick enough to continue with their intended action, which then thwarts their plans. He emphasized how important it is to not be oblivious to one’s surroundings and recommends that everyone begin mental preparation with “actionable response objectives in advance” in order to have a personal plan of action for any situation. “We must remove hesitation and complacency from our lives,” Herrera said.

“This prevents us from reacting to a perceived or actual threatening situation.”

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EVENTS/VENUES

Juneau’s Convention Center Embraced by Capital City Residents

by Aleta Walther

W

hereas locals avoid the LVCC during the Consumer Electronics Show or San Diego Convention Center during Comic Con, Juneau residents embrace events hosted at their convention center.

Yes, Alaska’s capital city of about 32,000 residents has a convention center that offers 18,000 square feet of exhibit space, encompassing four meeting rooms and a ballroom with a stage and room to host 115 10x10 booths. Although petite, Juneau’s Centennial Hall Convention and Civic Center is innately more community centric than many mega convention centers.

Owned by the City of Juneau and managed by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council (JAHC), the con-

vention center hosted 143 events during its last fiscal year, including corporate and association conferences, concerts, banquets and other cultural events. The JCCC is also home to “Celebration,” a multi-day event and the second-largest gathering of Southeast Alaska Native people. According to the Sealaska Heritage Institute website, Celebration attracts about 5,000 participants during its biennial gathering and generates an economic impact of about $2 million.

Larger public events, by JCCC’s standards, include music festivals, a public market and a Christmas bazaar.

“Centennial Hall is the largest open plan events venue in Juneau,” says Kathleen Harper, house manager for the

JCCC. “We work to attract events from across the U.S., even worldwide, to experience what Juneau has to offer; a wonderful small town with a big city heart, as well as the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Alaska.”

If a convention or conference requires more area than offered by JCCC, additional floor space is available at the JAHC complex adjacent to Centennial Hall.

Harper adds that the partnership between the convention center and arts and humanities council also strives to serve the community by offering events and activities that attract locals as well as visitors. In July, nine-time Grammy Award winner Norah Jones dropped into Juneau for one sold-out concert at the JCCC. The two entities also host weekly or monthly swing and ballroom dances, art shows and pickleball tournaments. Rock Around the Block parties, held Friday evenings during the summer, attract locals and cruise ship passengers.

About 500 cruise ships will drop anchor in Juneau this year with 1.3 million passengers aboard. In fact, specialty cruise lines such as UnCruise use JCCC’s meeting rooms as hospitality suites during multi-day stopovers in Juneau.

“Centennial Hall tends to be more of a venue for annual events,” Harper adds.

“Many nonprofits in town host large fundraising banquets at the hall each year.

The Folk Festival and Juneau Jazz and Classics use both the JAHC (venue) and Cen-

tennial Hall for their annual music festivals.”

Having spent five summers in Juneau, this writer can attest that although the JCCC is small by lower-48 convention center standards, Juneau’s mountain landscape looms large above Centennial Hall, and that alone leaves convention, conference and event attendees in slackjawed astonishment.

After sitting in a class or standing at an exhibit all day, conference and meeting attendees have an array of options for fun, food and brew, all just minutes from the convention center. Juneau offers a variety of food trucks, fine dining and, of course, fresh fish and crab venues. Alaskan brewed beers are on tap at all downtown drinking establishments, including the historic Red Dog Saloon and the Alaskan Hotel and Bar, both throwbacks to Juneau’s gold rush and mining heydays.

Juneau also offers a plethora of free or low-cost activities and adventures. The city’s waterfront boardwalk offers spectacular views of cloud-shrouded mountains and the Gastineau Channel.

Memorials, statues and placards along the boardwalk and throughout downtown offer a glimpse into Juneau’s eclectic past and present. Free tours of the state capital are available during the week. Across from the capital are the Alaska State office building and the Juneau Douglas City Museum.

The state office building offers an eight-story high viewing deck overlooking downtown Juneau. Not free, but only $6 for admission, the Juneau Douglas City Museum high-

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lights the area’s Alaska Native and gold mining histories.

Just around the corner from the City Museum is the Governor’s mansion. For more athletic and/or outdoor-loving visitors, Juneau offers 300 miles of walking and hiking trails with access to nature just minutes from downtown.

More costly, but understandably so, are opportunities to go whale watching, sled dog mushing, sight seeing, glacier trekking, gold panning, sport fishing, guide-led hiking and city tours. For $18, one can meander through the delightful Alaska State Museum and Archives just across the street from the JCCC. Juneau’s number one attraction is the Menden-

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hall Recreation Area visitor center with its majestic Mendenhall Glacier and roaring Nugget Creek Falls.

In late July, sockeye salmon spawn in nearby Steep Creek and soon after, black bears arrive to gorge on the brilliantly red fish. Located about 13 miles from downtown, a variety of transportation options are available to whisk visitors to the visitor center.

The city offers a variety of downtown hotels, motels and bed and breakfast options, including three within a block of the JCCC; Four Points by Sheraton, Ramada by Wyndham and Driftwood Hotel.

The Juneau Hotel and the historic Alaskan and Baranoff

hotels are an easy stroll from the JCCC. “Juneau really is a place like no other,” says Harper.

“People are often enchanted by the natural beauty they can see even when walking through the heart of downtown. We love our city and want to show it off to everyone who comes. Centennial Hall’s staff embodies that spirit and we work to make each event a success.”

Aleta Walther is a marketing communications professional and freelance writer with several years’ experience as a corporate exhibit manager. She spends her summers in Juneau, Alaska, as a naturalist tour guide.

Contact her at aleta@prwriterpro. com or visit www.prwriterpro.com.

CENTENNIAL HALL CONVENTION AND CIVIC CENTER FACILITY SPECIFICATIONS Exhibit Space: 14,285 sq. ft.

Rental Fee: $530-$1,320 per day Parking Available: 400 spaces Seating Capacity Theater: 432 Banquet: 690 Classroom: 276 Exhibit Hall Entry Doors: 12 x 12 feet Ceiling Height: 25 feet Floor Load: 300 lbs./sq.ft.

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IN MEMORIAM

Patti Shock

Oct. 29, 1941Nov. 22, 2019

O

ne of the events industry’s shining stars, educator, consultant, speaker, and author, Patti Shock, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 22. She was a respected and beloved fixture in the event and experiential event industry.

Patti grew up in Oakland, Calif., and in her family’s restaurant. She owned a restaurant before she was 20 at a time when female-owned businesses were a real rarity. She had aspired to be a general manager of a Hyatt Regency hotel, but when she realized how much of the job was accounting and not directly interacting with the people and the direction of the hotel, she dropped that and eventually became a beloved and respected educator. In the late 1970s she developed the first college courses in convention management. She chaired the Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Department at Georgia State University in Atlanta for a decade before serving for 28 years as a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For 18 of those years at UNLV, she was the chair of the tourism and convention administration. She also served as director of distance learning at Harrah College of Hotel Administration UNLV. She became a professor at The International School of Hospitality

(TISOH) in Las Vegas in 2006, and there is a scholarship in her name there in conjunction with the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) for the Meeting and Event Catering Certificate program.

Shock was inducted in the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders in 2014. In a video tribute to Shock on the EIC Hall of Leaders website page, Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of global sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, credited Shock with being an early

adopter of online learning. She served as director of distance learning at Harrah College of Hotel Administration UNLV and had taught online for Florida International University since 2013.

In an article about her death in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Marcus Lam, director of admissions and recruitment at The International School of Hospitality, summed up why she was such a force.

“Patti was the greatest connector of people,” says Lam “While her legend was built

on textbooks and pioneering achievements in catering education, it was the numerous people she brought together that truly made her so special.

If there was an introduction to be made, she managed to make it, despite the difficulty or boldness required.”

Among her numerous other industry achievements, Shock was recognized by the Professional Convention Management Association as Educator of the Year in 1996 and Author of the Year in 2002.

When she received her PCMA Educator of the Year Award, Howard Reichbart, Professor Emeritus at Northern Virginia Community College spoke at length about her: “Her philosophy on teaching has always emphasized a hands-on approach,” Reichbart says. “Almost 30 years since she first taught students about convention management by putting on a convention in Atlanta, she and her students maintained that legacy by producing the Las Vegas International Hospitality and Convention Summit each June for the past 10 years.”

Shock was also known for her sense of humor, mixing funny quotes into her professional web page and for a time she produced a “Wacky Hospitality” web page that won a humor award from MSNBC. Her celebration of life took place on Dec. 9. at TISOH. The announcement likely would have pleased her.

“As we celebrate her life, we will do so in typical Patti fashion. Which means, expect to share a laugh, connect with old friends and meet new ones.”

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Bob Lessin October 4, 1954 November 19, 2019

BY JULIA SMITH

B

ob Lessin passed away last month after a short illness.

Bob, 65, did much to move the tradeshow industry and the relationship between labor and management forward.

Bob started his career at age 17 as a tradeshow installer for Stuart Sauter, then joined the Los Angeles office of GES to work in warehouse operations.

In 1992, Bob became the business representative for Local 831, and ultimately became business manager, earning the designation of Certified Employee Benefit Specialist to better prepare him to oversee trust finances. Bob was a valued trustee for a variety of health, pension, apprenticeship and training trusts during his career. He was passionate about training, and was instrumental in establishing the training trust for Local 831, as well as assisting with training programs throughout the country.

Bob served as assistant business manager of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT), District Council 36, and as a tradeshow advisor of the IUPAT, was appointed as a Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles on the Convention Center Authority, and served on the Los Angeles City Planning Association. He was a member of the ESCA board of directors, as well as the board for the Exhibit and Events Marketing Association. @ExhibitCityNews

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Bob had a rich personal life.

He came from a large close family that spends many holidays and vacations together. He and his wife, Adele, were married nearly 44 years, and raised two daughters, Carrie and Michelle, and he was a happy grandfather to two granddaughters. He and his family loved camping and hiking, and Bob was famous for cooking for large crowds of family, friends and neighbors. He was the guy who helped neighbors with home repairs and projects, and could fix almost anything. Bob never did anything part way.

He loved to go to Alaska in the summers to mine for gold, and ultimately helped design a piece of equipment that is used in gold mining today. He and Adele also raised and showed Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.

Bob will be missed for his knowledge and enthusiasm for advancing the exhibition industry.

Although he has no online memory book, his family requests that you remember him with a donation to www.lustgarten.org/research/earlier-detection, a Foundation that is

funding research for a screening to aid in early detection of pancreatic cancer. With earlier detection, they may have been able to prevent his stroke and prolong his life.

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

People on the Move

E

merald Expositions announced Dec. 10 that Sally Shankland would step down as president and CEO due to personal health reasons on Jan. 1. She will remain with Emerald in the newly created role of executive director and senior advisor and remain on the company’s Board of Directors. COO Brian Field will serve as interim president and CEO while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement.

In other executive search news, VisitPITTSBURGH’s CEO Craig Davis announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, and a nationwide search for the next CEO has begun. The Board has appointed Jerad Bachar, current executive vice president of VisitPITTSBURGH, to lead the organization during this transition period.

PRA, a leader in the business events industry, is very pleased to announce that Mike Fiber (right), previously COO, has been appointed CEO after Tony Lorenz stepped down to pursue other opportunities, Fiber has served as COO of PRA since 2017, leading all business operations, including 28 office locations in North America.

GES, a global full-service marketing partner to many of the world’s leading brands, announces the promotion of Jay Altizer to president of the global company, and Ian Dunhill is joining the company as executive VP of finance.

Freeman, a world-leading brand experience company, has promoted Michelle Johnson, the company’s current SVP and CIO, to executive VP of Freeman.

Johnson first joined Freeman in 2009 as the VP of application development, and she was promoted to SVP and CIO in 2012.

Gerri LeCompte recently celebrated her 20th anniversary as the VP of payroll services at Employco USA, a human

by Exhibit City News

resource and outsourcing firm, in Westmont, IL. Employco is also pleased to announce the growing expansion of its staff including Julian Raczka (left), an accounting associate; Brenda Brummell, a workers’ compensation claims coordinator; and Robert “Griffen” Wilson, who has joined the firm as an assistant vice president after interning for several summers. Wilson’s primary focus will be overseeing Employco’s national brokers program and connecting the firm’s broker partners with its sales and operations teams.

Exhibit Connections, a wholly-owned division of London-based stevensE3 that is located in Toronto, Canada, and provides full-service tradeshow display and kiosk services across Canada and the U.S., is pleased to welcome Graeme Titman as its new operations manager.

Most recently, Titman was the construction manager at Juiceworks Exhibits in Toronto.

Maryland-based Hargrove, the long-established and rapidly-growing experiential events, exhibits and expositions company, is thrilled to announce the hiring of Scott Finlayson (right) as their new senior VP of operations.

Finlayson started his career at the Disneyland Resort in Calif., where he managed operations, stage shows, parades and fireworks, stage management & talent operations.

He later served as the director of entertainment operations for Universal Studios Hollywood and, most recently, he was the COO for Blue Man Group.

Complete Show Services, a nationwide exhibition service contractor with offices in in Las Vegas, Orlando and New Jersey, has launched its newest location in

Nashville, Tenn., and has named Randy Butram as the general manager-CSS Nashville/Southeast. His years as a sanctioned NASCAR driver taught him a quick proactive vision of the whole scope of producing a convention with calmness, no matter how fast the pace.

Streamlinevents, a leading meetings management company based in the San Francisco Bay area, welcomes Ellide Smith (left) to the company as VP, event operations.

Moving from operations to design, Tom Frisby has joined Steelhead Productions as chief design officer. In his new role, Frisby will oversee Steelhead’s design and development teams, as well as help drive its ongoing commitment to bringing more sustainable solutions to the exhibit and tradeshow industries. Widely considered an industry visionary, Frisby said he chose Steelhead because he sees the company at the forefront of where the industry is going.

Global experiential marketing agency Impact XM has hired Erik McKinney as an executive creative director. McKinney comes to Impact XM with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Most recently, as part of George P. Johnson, he was able to deliver award-winning work for clients like Mazda, Lexus and Amazon.

BlueHive Group is proud to announce the recent formation of the new leadership team for its affiliate company, Trigon Creative, comprised of Caitlyn Correia, VP, operations; Jillian Fafard, creative director; Chris Gregoire, VP, brand & strategy; Eric Troy, social media manager; and Jessica Chase, art director. BlueHive Group’s in-house marketing agency was branded to Trigon Creative in conjunction with the arrival of the new team, who Continued on p. 78

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Continued from p. 76 will be managing the digital and experiential marketing agency’s services and operations.

Carol Lim (right) has joined Skyline Displays of Orange County as a senior exhibit consultant, according to John Funk, owner and president of Skyline OC. Lim, a graduate of UC Berkeley, is a 17-year Skyline veteran, having worked in sales for Skyline Exhibits Los Angeles, Santa Fe Springs and later with Skyline Exhibits West in Simi Valley.

Las Vegas-based Marquis Exhibits announce two recent new hires to their North American operation. John Larson has joined as director of business development, and Adryenne Johnson joins the team as an account manager.

Larson, who lives in Wisconsin, brings more than 20 years of experience in exhibit sales and planning, and prior to joining Marquis, he worked with industry giants Derse and GES as an award-winning senior account executive. Johnson grew up in an event industry family, and she’s worked at GES and Steelhead Productions.

Optima Graphics, Inc., a premiere wholesale supplier of graphics and exhibits to tradeshow resellers, is excited to announce the return of Dave Brown and Reid Sherwood to the company’s sales staff. Brown and Sherwood will join Gina Porcaro as senior account executives. The three have a combined base of nearly 70 years of tradeshow industry knowledge and expertise. Brown has been a fixture in the exhibit and event industry since 1991, having worked in manufacturing/supply positions and sales.

A member of the Optima team for 20 years, Brown most recently held an operations position for a multi-location custom house.

Sherwood has been a vendor to exhibit houses since he joined the industry in 1987. His path has included not only working at Optima from 2000-2007, but also working for two manufacturers in

the portable modular market and with two providers of graphic solutions. Porcaro began in graphics in 1995 and has been a member of Optima’s sales team since 2008.

Magline, Inc., manufacturer of Magliner aluminum material handling equipment, announces the addition of John Baird as chief financial officer and Karen Perry as a customer service manager.

Baird’s most recent position was CFO/VP of operations at Paragon Technologies, Inc., based near Detroit, Mich.

Perry will oversee the customer service team, providing training and coaching programs designed to provide the company’s customers with the highest level of support, and she will also be responsible for developing and growing the Magliner Authorized Dealer sales channel, made up of more than 375 global dealer partners.

Shawn Willis, the “Strategy and Collaboration Expert” with more than 30 years of success in marketing and business development, has been named CEO & SVP of business development for 5AM Global, a strategic marketing agency.

MGM Resorts International has appointed Stephanie Glanzer as SVP and chief sales officer, overseeing the company’s convention sales and operations efforts. Glanzer has been with MGM Resorts since 1998.

Bruce Goldman (left), director of sales at Corporate Communications for the last three and a half years, has decided it’s time to slow down and enjoy life on Long Island.

Goldman started in the tradeshow/ exhibit world in 1990, working for Fahey Exhibits, followed by Innovations, Folio Exhibits and The Exhibit Emporium. He had his own company, Top Dog Marketing from 1998-2016 before going to work

for Corporate Communications.

Also retiring, Brad Gessner, SVP of North American Convention Centers, will retire at the end of 2019 from ASM Global, the leading provider of innovative venue services and live experiences. Gessner will continue to serve as a consultant with the company. Gessner served as general manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center until 2018, taking it from running a deficit to $10 million to an annual operating surplus of $10 million.

Prior to joining AEG Facilities in 2012, he worked for 14 years at the San Diego Convention Center.

Claire Kilcoyne (left) is retiring after 35 years of devotion to METALCON which she launched in 1991. “After 29 years of partnering with the Metal Construction Association, 35 years at PSMJ Resources and 800,000 miles on the Mass Turnpike, I am hanging up my tradeshow sneakers,” says Kilcoyne. Conference and tradeshow planner Judy Geller is joining METALCON as vice president of events. She is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience as a strategist, producer and marketer in the conference and tradeshow industry. Prior to joining PSMJ Resources, Geller was an event consultant for ICD Events.

Kerri Otto (left), formerly Kerri LaGrutta, event design expert and district account executive at CORT Events, recently received two MPI Style Awards for “Best Event Under $25K” and “Best Event Over $50K” for her creativity and program collaboration efforts. One of the events had a tight timeline of under two weeks to execute the design from start to finish, and the other required seating for more than 400 guests at a venue Otto has never stepped foot in.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the 21st annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame, inducting four Continued on p. 80

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

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Continued from p. 78 new members for their immense contributions to the city’s hospitality industry.

Held on Nov. 6 at the Delta Flight Museum, the event highlighted the achievements of the inductees, the Volunteer of the Year and honored the Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year award recipient. 2019 Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees are Leona Barr-Davenport, president and CEO, Atlanta Business League; Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines; Renee Perdue Rucker, security director, SecurAmerica; Gary P. Stokan, CEO and president, Peach Bowl, Inc. The 2019 Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year was Hyatt Regency Atlanta and the 2019 Volunteer of the Year: Brenda Archie, Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Downtown.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau has hired Kayla Donahue (right) as manager, national sales, joining their in-house sales team.

In convention center news, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center has been busy: they named Gina Locatto as special events sales manager, Linda Baynham as new director of sustainability & corporate social responsibility, Rosalie Mortillaro as director of marketing and communications, Kris Maleig as director of facility management, Austin Deeks as ancillary sales manager, Eric LeBlanc as creative services manager.

The Los Angeles Convention Center, owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by ASM Global, is proud to welcome Scott Banks (right) as the new VP of security & guest services and Patrick Smart as the new general manager of Taste of L.A.

by Levy at the LACC. The Orange County Convention Center hired three for their marketing and communications dept.: Nadia Vanderhoof as marketing and communications manager, Katarina Dos Santos as marketing and communications assistant

manager and Lynsey Schionning as marketing and communications coordinator.

Visit Indy hired Jon Hixon (right), CMP, CDME, to be senior director of sales. Hixon started his career in the Experient family of companies and his most recent position VP of sales and services for the Arlington CVB. Spectra, the providers of venue management and food services & hospitality to the Atlantic City Convention Center, has named 20-year industry veteran and New Jersey native, Ronnie Burt, as VP of sales & marketing of the Atlantic City Convention Center.

SportsPITTSBURGH’s Executive Director Jennifer Hawkins has been named to the advisory board of the EventConnect Sportology Conference.

In association news, Amy Sondrup, president, Access TCA, became the 53rd president of EDPA at ACCESS 2019 meeting. Robert Laarhoven, president of beMatrix USA, received the 43rd annual Hazel Hays Award which is hailed as the “highest honor bestowed

by EDPA.” EDPA recently hired Kari Peters to handle membership services and Rick Klimek (right) to focus on business development and sales. Peters brings more than 25 years of client operations experience to EDPA and Klimek owned Skyline Tradeshow Marketing and Epic Experiential Marketing.

SGIA and NAPCO Media announce that Andy Cvitanov has been appointed COO. He most recently held the position of president and CEO of Vizant, a privately held independent advisory firm.

PCMA named Marco Bloemendaal as global VP of business development as of Dec. 2. He joins PCMA from VISIT Milwaukee, where he was senior VP of sales.

PCMA Announced “20 in Their Twenties” Class of 2020, who will receive a scholarship to attend Convening Leaders, PCMA’s annual signature event, as well as complimentary registration to PCMA’s EduCon event, PCMA membership and access to PCMA educational products. The 2020 class will also be featured in PCMA’s Convene magazine, other PCMA communications and be invited to participate in a PCMA focus group to provide emerging-leader insights. Winners were Alexandra Larach, Derica Clarke, Diana Frederiksen, Hannah Poyo, Jaclyn Rosenberg, Jillian Cardinal, Joy McIntyre, Julia Hachenthal, Kelly Thomas, Kimberly Hoffman, Krista Whaley, Lauren Washburn, Lindsay Miller, Lisa Jeller, Marie-Claire Caldwell, Meagan E. Prescott, Rebecca Doser, Rebecca Lino, Robert Lutz and Shanae McFadden.

Ben Goedegebuure, VP and global general manager at Maritz Global Events; Bill Grusich, CMP, FASAE, SVP at Associated Luxury Hotels International; and Lisa Delpy Neirotti, director of the MS in the Sport Management program at George Washington University, will be honored as Lifetime Achievement award recipients at PCMA Visionary Awards 2020, an annual event celebrating the best in the business events industry. The April 23 event at the Hilton Washington, D.C., will also recognize 18 Professional Excellence finalists.

In international news, Géraud de Dieuleveult joins UFI as business development manager, CCH’s Heike Mahmoud received the 2019 JMIC Profile & Power Award, and Wolfram N. Diener was named new president & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. ExCeL London appointed Caroline Grange as General Counsel, named Matt Abbott as PR & communications manager and Sindri Hjartarson was appointed to account manager.

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

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

Anaheim White House Clams, Branzino, and Tomahawk

DINING

The Anaheim Packing District Packs a Punch!

As regular readers know, I love everything vintage and retro. And when Anaheim began revitalizing their downtown, they started by restoring three historic landmarks—a 1919 Sunkist orange packing house, a 1925 Packard car dealership and a 1917 orange marmalade factory—which became known as the Anaheim Packing District. The Anaheim Packing House was the former Sunkist citrus-packing facility that was abandoned for decades, and has now been reborn as a multi-story food hall, with live music and events. Inside, more than 30 food stalls and eateries—many focusing on local ingredients—are there to tempt you. According to Visit California, you should try soul food at Georgia’s, ramen noodles at Orange Tei, the street foods of India at Adya (one of the O.C.’s top new eateries), and dessert at Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream. There’s also a great restored 1920s railroad boxcar inside the Packing House at The

BXCR Wine Bar (also known as the Underground Wine Society).

For the more adventurous, there’s a wonderful speakeasy inside the Packing House known as The Blind Rabbit where proper attire (and a reservation) is required after 5 p.m. Camouflaged floors within the Packing House restaurant give way to a concealed 550-square-foot bar that seats 35. To find the exact location, look for “The Black Rabbit Handle” and enter through the sake barrels. The place plays hard to get, which is part of the fun, and while there’s no passcode, there is a dress code. This 1920s-style club features low lighting, eclectic glassware and a 1905 working piano.

Next door is the Packard Building, built in 1925 as a showroom for luxury cars.

Today, it houses foodie-favorite Umami Burger (check out the license plate chandelier) and Anaheim Brewery, the re-imagining of a brewery closed during Prohibition (the bar was salvaged from an old saloon nearby).

The Packing District complex also includes Farmers Park, an inviting twoacre space with room to stroll and relax.

There’s outdoor yoga classes, ping-pong tables, movies on an outdoor screen,

and al fresco dining at 18 Folds (modern Chinese) or the vegetarian- and vegan-friendly shovel-to-fork eatery Cultivation Kitchen. As for safety, it is such a priority that Anaheim is one of four U.S. cities to have a specialized Tourist Oriented Policing team.

Or, if you’d prefer a more fine-dining experience, there’s several within walking distance of the ACC, including Morton’s The Steakhouse which specializes in USDA Prime-aged steaks and the Anaheim White House which is known for its Northern Italian fare and seafood, as well as its banquet and private dining rooms.

And just an Uber ride away, across the street from Angel Stadium and the City National Grove of Anaheim, The Catch has served fresh, hand-cut fish, chops and 28day aged steaks for more than 30 years.

Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, (714) 533-7225.

Morton’s The Steakhouse, 1895 Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802, (714) 621-0101 Anaheim White House, 887 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, (714) 772-1381 The Catch, 2100 E. Katella Ave #104, Anaheim, CA 92806, (714) 935-0101

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ENTERTAINMENT

From the House of Blues to The Ranch, Anaheim Has Entertainment for Grown-up Kids Too! Anaheim’s attractions may bring out the kid in you but its entertainment offerings will make you glad you’re over 21. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, a hidden gem inside the Disneyland Hotel, becomes a 21+ oasis at 8 p.m. with Polynesian-style libations that come in vessels ranging from a shrunken zombie head to a miniature rum barrel.

The Fifth, Anaheim’s only rooftop restaurant and bar, serves up craft cocktails in a swanky outdoor lounge. Located above the Grand Legacy at the Park, the bar becomes adults-only after 10 p.m.

Anaheim is a craft beer mecca as well, with a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Check out more than a dozen breweries, including Towne Park Brew, Brewheim, and the comic-book-themed Unsung Brewing Co. Or for a mellow night out, Anaheim offers several wine bars including Pali Wine Co. at the MAKE building and Colony Wine Merchant in downtown Anaheim.

But it’s just not entertainment to me unless there’s music playing, and if you can dance to the music, that’s even better. And several places in Anaheim are real stand outs. Brianna Socha, communications specialist at Visit Anaheim, recommends the House of Blues at Anaheim GardenWalk as the go-to place to enjoy world-class live music. The famed venue has four separate performance areas, including the exclusive Foundation Room for the ultimate VIP experience. There’s live entertainment every night of the week in the restaurant and bar, plus major headliners performing in the main music hall.

Also at the Anaheim GardenWalk, she recommends you check out Rumba Room Live, a Latin-themed nightclub that offers free weekly salsa lessons, live entertainment, VIP bottle service upgrades and drink specials all night long. Of course, reg@ExhibitCityNews

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Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

ular readers know they’d find me at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney, sitting in with the Dixieland band!

But also not to be missed is The Ranch— which has it all! Located in the heart of Anaheim, the award-winning Ranch has one door for its amazing restaurant (featuring food from their very own local organic heirloom farm), one door for its saloon (voted Best Place for Country Music & Line Dancing in Orange County two years in a row with a 40-foot concert stage, state-of-the-art sound system and dance lessons twice nightly) and an events center (on the sixth floor above the restaurant and saloon, with six private dining rooms)

all under one roof. Guests can learn the two-step, West Coast swing and line dancing from top country dance instructors, sip an exclusive selection of whiskey and local craft brews, and feast on a menu that includes the famous 58 oz. Cowboy Ribeye.

Socha also recommends seeing concerts at the Honda Center, which doubles as a 19,000-seat performance space when the hockey team isn’t playing. Next door is the City National Grove of Anaheim, offering a more intimate experience for as little as 50 or up to 5,000 concertgoers. And don’t forget that Disneyland puts on a fireworks show every night at 9 p.m. that can be seen from nearly everywhere in Anaheim!

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

Dining, Entertainment, Attractions & Lodging

ATTRACTIONS

Anaheim Brings Out The Kid in Nearly Everyone Just stepping into Anaheim’s fresh air— not hot, not cold, not humid—you are immediately struck by all the possibilities of fun and adventure. Everywhere you look, there’s a “district” (like the Packing District or Downtown Disney), a “campus” (like the ACC Campus) or a GardenWalk (an open-air, multistory mall that is a short walk from the ACC), beckoning you to just enjoy being outdoors. Downtown Disney will frequently have swing bands and dancers playing on an outdoor stage where the only thing you have to pay for is parking. The GardenWalk also has live music venues, a bowling area (Bowlmor Lanes has glow-in-the-dark lanes, with VIP-style food and drink service along with pool tables, a video game arcade and a sports bar), movie theaters, stores and eateries (and the first hour of parking is

free). May I recommend the outdoor patio and fire pits at Fire + Ice Grill + Bar? Or if you’re traveling with hyper children, head to Billy Beez, which features an indoor play space with slides, trampolines and plenty of runaround room. There’s even an on-site babysitting service, so the kids can play with adult supervision while the parents dine.

Perhaps you’ve planned a few days at Disneyland to be transported to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, or perhaps you’re planning to drive to the beach or to take a day trip to Catalina. Anaheim also has local favorites like Angel Stadium or the Honda Center. And now there’s a reinvigorated downtown shopping and dining area, making Anaheim an outstanding destination for everyone from families to foodies. So, whether you are a die-hard sports fan, a live music aficionado, an adrenaline junkie, artisan shopper, food lover or brew connoisseur, Anaheim offers something for everyone.

When looking for things you can’t do back home, there’s the thrill of Flightdeck, where you can experience what it’s like to

have control of a Boeing 737 commercial airplane or a F-16 fighter jet. First, you get dressed in the same gear a high-flying pilot would wear (all gear provided). Then you step into a Boeing 737 or F-16 cockpit for pilot “training programs” that last from 30 minutes to three hours—you can climb, bank, and even (safely) crash. All “flights” are in simulators that seem so real that your adrenaline doesn’t know that it’s not.

You can experience the thrill of competing in air-to-air combat while flying at 600 knots as you try to blow the other jets out of the sky or you can “fly” a Boeing 737 commercial plane through the friendly skies. They even offer private events for up to 80 people for teambuilding or birthdays.

If you like your flying a little closer to the ground, you can head to Sky Zone Trampoline Park and play volleyball, dodgeball or basketball on the trampoline courts. If you’d like to do some free-falling, drop into the Foam Zone for an amazing sense of weightlessness.

There’s one thing for sure: Anaheim brings out the kid in nearly everyone—no matter how old they are.

Photo by Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California transports guests to Black Spire Outpost, a village on the planet of Batuu. Guests will discover two signature attractions – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, now open, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opening Jan. 17, 2020.

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LODGING

Anaheim Campus, Disneyland or RMS Queen Mary ... Hmmm ...

Of course, you could do the luxurious, convenient hotel stay on the Anaheim Campus, and stay at the Anaheim Marriott, the Hilton Anaheim, the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort or the Westin Anaheim resort (opening this year), which are all practically attached to the convention center, and share the ACC’s outdoor space, including the Arena Plaza, Palm Court and Grand Plaza. Or you could go across the street to Disneyland and stay at one of their spectacular resorts like Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Or if you like brand-new, just-opened hotels, Orange County’s first JW Marriott is slated to open in April and will be adjacent to the Anaheim GardenWalk in the heart of the Anaheim Resort District.

The 12-story $150 million property will have 466 guest rooms, a rooftop garden and 24,000 sq.ft. of meeting space while the new Westin Anaheim Resort, scheduled to open in August, will have 600+ stylish guestrooms including 101 suites, three restaurants, two bars including a rooftop lounge overlooking Disneyland’s nightly fireworks, a resort-style pool and a marketplace. The Westin Anaheim will also feature 23 meeting rooms totaling 47,542 sq.ft. of customizable and hightech meeting space including a 16,000sq.ft. grand ballroom.

But, speaking as your tour guide for time travel, I recommend spending a night or two aboard the Queen Mary.

Docked just 16 miles from Anaheim in Long Beach harbor, The RMS Queen Mary is a retired British ocean liner that sailed primarily on the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936-1967 for the Cunard Line. The Queen Mary lives on as a full-service Long Beach hotel, historical landmark and entertainment venue, giv-

ing visitors a glimpse into a bygone era of regal traveling by steamship.

The Queen Mary features some of the grandest, most intricate and beautiful interior designs ever aboard an ocean liner. Art Deco-inspired, the interior design includes strong curves and geometric forms representing elegance, glamour, function and modernity.

Whether it’s the authentic polished wood paneling, the 1930s artwork, the Art Deco style or the operable porthole(s), the Queen Mary Hotel is unlike any other. Each of the original 347 first class staterooms and suites are unique.

In addition to choosing between a full or mini suite, a deluxe, family or standard stateroom, you could stay in Stateroom B340 which has had a lot of recorded paranormal activity and haunted encounters noted in the ship’s logs.

The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA 90802, (877) 600-4313, www.queenmary.com.

Photo by Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks

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Tradeshow Calendar TRADESHOW RECAPS AND PREVIEWS

by Amadeus Finlay SOUTHWEST

SOUTHEAST

Consumer Electronics Show, 11 Locations in Las Vegas, Jan. 7-10

AHR Expo (Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition), Orange County Convention Center, Feb. 3-5

CES came to Sin City on Jan. 7 and it was an absolute doozy of a show, even by the standards of this global colossus.

Spread across 11 locations totaling 2.5 million sq.ft., the 52nd annual CES shook the industry to its core. More than 4,500 exhibitors, including manufacturers, developers and suppliers of consumer technology hardware, content and technology delivery systems populated the various show floors, together representing more than the $401 billion of consumer technology.

A number of key trends took center stage, including transportation and tourism, (Delta Airlines being a keynote), digital health, the race for 5G supremacy, and, perhaps most exciting, the potential of 8K displays. Eureka Park was as popular as ever, as groundbreaking new ideas in the “buzzworthy startup arena” were presented to investors seeking the next big thing.

Privacy was the elephant in the room as industry leaders discussed how-and where-to strike the balance between intrusion and accessibility. ABI Research, a global tech market advisory firm, estimating that biometric hardware revenue for facial recognition will reach $19 billion by 2024. For more info, visit www.ces.tech.

The world’s biggest HVACR marketplace moves a little south this year, as it switches sunny Atlanta, Ga. for even sunnier Orlando, Fla. Currently in its 89th year, this venerable figure is far from showing its age; on the contrary, the aging process seems to be in reverse. Be sure to attend the AHR Expo Innovation Awards, the annual competition that honors the most inventive and original products, systems and technologies showcased at the show. A first for 2020 sees the inclusion of the Podcast Pavilion, where industry leaders and influencers will be recording live, sharable content with guests from the show floor. Delta Airlines (making their second appearance) is offering discounts between 2-20 percent on domestic and international flights to Orlando for the show. A number of key dates are coming up, including Jan. 23, when all warehouse shipments should arrive on site, with set-up to be completed by 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

For more info, visit https://ahrexpo.com.

NORTHEAST NORTHWEST

Seattle Boat Show, CenturyLink Field Event Center, Jan. 24- Feb. 1 Moving the conversation from cars to catamarans and all things nautical, SBS returns to the northwest at the end of January for nine days of deep dives into the boating industry. Operating under the mantra, “Year of the Boat,” SBS will spread beyond the exhibit hall into live demonstrations on South Lake Union, with an estimated 80,000 attendees set to survey the wares of more than 400 exhibits. Note: exhibitors will not be allowed to utilize elevated decking for display of merchandise, boats or office space where the public has access. Exhibit fixtures, components and identification signs are also restricted, with a maximum height of 12 ft. in perimeter-wall booths. Move-in begins on Jan. 20 and will close at 8 p.m. on Jan. 23. All exhibit components must be off the show floor by 6 a.m. on Feb. 4. New this year is a discounted $5 per day parking rate during move-in.

For more info, visit https://seattleboatshow.com.

Washington Auto Show, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Jan. 24- Feb. 2 The season’s biggest show in terms of attendance (sorry CES), WAS will see more than 950,000 attendees from across the world descend on the nation’s capital for 10 days of high-octane entertainment. Recognized among the nation’s top five auto shows by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, WAS will showcase more than 600 new models from 35 manufacturers, as well as VIP tours led by award-winning automotive writers. Other highlights include a special exhibit area for the live painting of “art” cars, plus onsite visits from celebrities and sports personalities. Of course, no car show would be same without the hands-on experience, and the ever-popular Camp Jeep and Jaguar Land Rover Above & Beyond Experience are both set to return. Expect all-new off-road obstacle courses and test tracks, as well as other wheel-spinning challenges. Good news for exhibitors, too, with advance shipping being announced for the first time. The window of opportunity closes Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. For more info, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

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

MIDWEST

Chicago Dental Society Winter Meeting, McCormick Place, Feb. 20-22 Dental professionals will be chomping at the bit come the end of February, as more than 29,750 of their colleagues link up with 651 exhibitors to discuss all things teeth, mouth and gums. And it’s all change in Windy City, with a score of exciting new features added to the show.

Highlights include Student Scientific Research Posters where students from UIC College of Dentistry, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine and Southern Illinois College of Dental Medicine will display their research projects, while a select number of professional courses will offer 1.5 CE credits. Follow the hashtag #Road2MWM to keep up with all the pre-show news. Some important dates: move-in commences at 8 a.m. on Feb. 17, with move out to be completed by Feb. 24. Advanced freight is also available, with the deadline set at 3.30 p.m. on Feb. 7.

For more info, visit https://www.cds.org/ meetings-events/midwinter-meeting

CENTRAL

NAPE (North American Prospect Expo), George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Feb. 3-7 As far as the industries that anchor national business go, NAPE is one worth paying attention to. Dubbed the marketplace for the oil and gas industry to buy, sell, trade of prospects and produce properties, NAPE brings together all industry disciplines, with a particular draw for industry decision-makers. Exhibitors be aware: if you are employing a tower in your design, installations in excess of 8 ft. should have drawings available for inspection. Set-up commences at 8 a.m. on Feb. 3, closing at 7 p.m. on the Feb. 5. On the flip side, move-out runs from 1 p.m. on Feb. 7 until noon on Feb. 8. Top tip: if you are using Freeman, order online by Jan. 17 to take advantage of advance order discount rates. For more info, visit http://napeexpo.com. @ExhibitCityNews

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CANADA

Lift & Co. Cannabis Business Conference, Vancouver Convention Centre, Jan. 9-11

British Columbia has long been considered a mecca for cannabis, with “BC Bud” heralded among those in the know as some of the finest on the market. Furthermore, since Canada is only the second country to fully legalize the product and LCBC follows so quickly on the tails of MJBizCon 2019 (which set a precedent upon which other cannabis expos will be judged), all green eyes will be on Vancouver this January. More than 280 exhibitors will make the pilgrimage to the shores of the Pacific, meeting-up with an anticipated 18,000 attendees from across the world. But be careful. In accordance with the Cannabis Act, cannabis cannot be sold, displayed or given out by exhibitors on the expo floor, and it is highly illegal to do so. Don’t risk it. Exhibitor move-in begins on Jan. 9, with all exhibits due to be removed by 4 p.m. on Jan. 12.

For more info, visit https://liftexpo.ca.

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Tradeshow Calendar U.S. CENTRAL Show Topeka Farm Show Western & English Sales Market - WESA American Bus Marketplace - ABA National Western Rodeo and Stock Show Joint Mathmatics Meetings - JMM NorthEast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show Northwestern Building Products Expo North Rocky Mountain Dental Convention - MDDS Texas Association of School Administrators - TASA Midwinter Conference Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week - HDAW Underground Construction Technology - UCT DistribuTECH Outdoor + Snow Show The ASI Show!

Texas Computer Education Association - TCEA NAPE Summit - North American Prospect Expo International Roofing Expo - IRE - NRCA SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference ProGreen Expo National Cattlemen’s Beef Association - NCBA Agribusiness Association of Iowa - AAI American Physical Therapy Association (CSM) - APTA Texas Music Educators Assocation Clinic/Convention - TMEA Heart of America Contact Lens Society - HOACLS Subsea Tieback Forum & Exhibition - SSTB American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons - ACFAS Star of the South Dental Meeting - GHDS Western Farm Show SHARE - Technology, Connections, Results

You Built It!

Start 01/07 01/10 01/10 01/11 01/15 01/15 01/22 01/23 01/26 01/27 01/28 01/28 01/29 02/03 02/03 02/03 02/04 02/04 02/05 02/05 02/11 02/12 02/12 02/14 02/18 02/19 02/20 02/21 02/23

End 01/09 01/13 01/14 01/26 01/18 01/16 01/23 01/25 01/29 01/30 01/30 01/30 01/31 02/05 02/07 02/07 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/07 02/12 02/15 02/15 02/16 02/20 02/22 02/21 02/23 02/28

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

Venue Stormont Vail Events Center Denver Mart Complex CHI Health Center National Western Complex Colorado CC Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex River’s Edge CC Colorado CC Austin CC Gaylord Texan Fort Worth CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Colorado CC Ft. Worth CC Austin CC George R. Brown CC Kay Bailey Hutchison CC Woodlands Waterway Marriott Colorado CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Iowa State Fairgrounds Colorado CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC Sheraton Crown Center Henry B. Gonzalez CC Henry B. Gonzalez CC George R. Brown CC American Royal Complex Fort Worth CC

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City Topeka Denver Omaha Denver Denver Norfolk St. Cloud Denver Austin Dallas Ft. Worth San Antonio Denver Ft. Worth Austin Houston Dallas Houston Denver San Antonio Des Moines Denver San Antonio Kansas City San Antonio San Antonio Houston Kansas City Ft. Worth

St KS CO NE CO CO NE MN CO TX TX TX TX CO TX TX TX TX TX CO TX IA CO TX MO TX TX TX MO TX

Att 35K 4462 3300 687K 6400 4000 2000 8911 4500 2000 3000 13.5K 33K 3540 9109 17K 9337 2000 6500 8010 853 16.7K 30K 1200 2271 1200 5059 20K 1200

Exh Nsf 300 55000 750 109K 252 90000 70 17000 125 115 12800 300 92000 400 45000 230 100K 200 125K 520 131K 877 387K 470 67300 476 94180 1K 465 118K 120 400 65000 271 95000 99 70000 436 66082 550 145K 375 249 58200 150 180 500 175K 50 10500

Industry Agriculture & Farming Apparel Transportation Agriculture & Farming Education Agriculture & Farming Building & Construction Healthcare Education Building & Construction Building & Construction Energy Apparel Advertising & Marketing Computers & Apps Energy Building & Construction Energy Landscape & Garden Agriculture & Farming Agriculture & Farming Healthcare Education Healthcare Energy Healthcare Healthcare Agriculture & Farming Computers & Apps

Now Flaunt It! SHOW OFF YOUR GREATEST EXHIBITS WITH THE GREATEST PHOTOGRAPHY!

88 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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

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

U.S. MIDWEST Show The Midwest Clinic - International Band & Orchestra American Beekeeping Federation - ABF Conference & Tradeshow Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show Archery Trade Association - ATA Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Convention AED Summit - Associated Equipment Distributors Fort Wayne Farm Show Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association - IFCA Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association - Ohio Produce Network Wisconsin State Education Convention Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police - IACP Mid-Winter Conference iLandscape - Horticultural Trade Show Ohio Parks & Recreation Association - OPRA Conference & Trade Show Illinois Pork Expo Routes Americas (Aviaiton) Wisconsin Construction Municiple & Landscape Expo - WCMLE Mid-West Truck Show National Reading Recovery & K-6 Classroom Literacy Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Chicago Auto Show Cam Expo WWETT - Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show Midwest Veterinary Conference - MVC Chicago Dental Society - CDS Midwinter Meeting LMT Lab Day Chicago Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual Mid-America Restaurant Expo PowerTest - NETA Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo - C2E2

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 12/18 01/08 01/08 01/09 01/13 01/14 01/14 01/21 01/21 01/22 01/22 01/29 02/02 02/04 02/04 02/05 02/07 02/08 02/08 02/08 02/12 02/17 02/20 02/20 02/20 02/21 02/23 02/24 02/28

End 12/21 01/11 01/12 01/11 01/15 01/17 01/16 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/31 02/05 02/05 02/06 02/06 02/08 02/11 02/09 02/17 02/13 02/20 02/23 02/22 02/22 02/23 02/24 02/28 03/01

Venue McCormick Place Renaissance Schaumburg CC McCormick Place Indiana CC Lansing Center Hyatt Regency Chicago Allen County War Mem. Coliseum Peoria Civic Center Columbus Airport Marriott Wisconsin Center Crowne Plaza Hotel Renaissance Schaumburg CC Kalahari CC Bank of Springfield Center JW Marriott Wisconsin State Fair Park Peoria Civic Center Greater Columbus CC Donald E. Stephens CC McCormick Place Suburban Collection Showplace Indiana CC Greater Columbus CC McCormick Place Hyatt Regency Chicago Detroit Marriott Greater Columbus CC Hyatt Regency Chicago McCormick Place

City Chicago Schaumburg Chicago Indianapolis Lansing Chicago Ft. Wayne Peoria Columbus Milwaukee Indianapolis Schaumburg Sandusky Springfield Indianapolis West Allis Peoria Columbus Rosemont Chicago Novi Indianapolis Columbus Chicago Chicago Detroit Columbus Chicago Chicago

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

Att 900 54K 9261 900 1675 37K 1200

Exh 350 80 297 659 100 98 410 110

2109

287

12K 1400 1400 800 1600 7000 2000 13K

14K 6400 30K 4600 1300 5300 34K

152 130 175 200 60 150 200 501 175 661 250 300 90 453

Nsf Industry 45000 Art, Music & Culture Agriculture & Farming Boats 221K Sporting Goods & Rec. 23350 Agriculture & Farming 76000 Building & Construction 105K Agriculture & Farming 35000 Agriculture & Farming Agriculture & Farming 38000 Education Police Landscape & Garden 19200 Sporting Goods & Rec. 13000 Agriculture & Farming Aerospace & Aviation 83000 Building & Construction 130K Automotive & Trucking 12600 Education 20000 Travel Industry 900K Automotive & Trucking Building & Construction 277K Pollution Control 17000 Healthcare 176K Healthcare Healthcare Healthcare 45000 Food & Beverage Electrical & Electronics 40000 Toys and Hobbies

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

Exhibit City News, of Course!

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

GO TO EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL 702.309.8023

@ExhibitCityNews

086_Tradeshow_Calendar_0120.indd 4

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Tradeshow Calendar U.S. NORTHEAST Show PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology - NYSSA American Historical Association Annual Meeting - AHS Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show - MANTS Association of Performing Arts Presenters Annual - APAP National Retail Federation - Retail’s BIG Show - NRF Transportation Research Board - TRB New England International Auto Show International Apparel Sourcing Show Winter Texworld USA New York National Boat Show Baltimore Boat Show New York Times Travel Show American Library Association - Midwinter Meeting - ALA Washington Auto Show Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gormet Show TOTAL PRO Landscape Expo & Conference The Pool & Spa Show Yankee Dental Congress NY NOW - New York International Gift Fair Surtex - Selling & Licencing Original Art & Design National Stationary Show & The Supply Side New York Water Environment Association Annual - NYWEA LegalTech New York LBM Expo - NRLA LumberNation New England Boat Show American International Toy Fair - TIA Credit Union National Association - CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference American Academy of Pain Medicine Annual - AAPM New York Farm Show

Start 12/13 01/03 01/08 01/10 01/11 01/12 01/16 01/19 01/19 01/22 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/24 01/26 01/28 01/28 01/30 02/01 02/02 02/02 02/03 02/03 02/05 02/08 02/22 02/23 02/26 02/27

End 12/17 01/06 01/10 01/14 01/14 01/16 01/20 01/21 01/21 01/26 01/26 01/26 01/28 02/02 01/28 01/29 01/30 02/01 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/06 02/07 02/16 02/25 02/27 03/01 02/29

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

Venue Marriott Marquis New York Hilton Baltimore CC New York Hilton Midtown Javits Center Walter E. Washington CC Boston Conv. & Expo Center Javits Center Javits Center Javits Center Baltimore CC Javits Center Pennsylvania CC Walter E. Washington CC Crowne Plaza Philadelphia New Jersey CC Atlantic City CC Boston Conv. & Expo Center Javits Center Javits Center Javits Center Marriott Marquis New York Hilton Midtown Hynes CC Boston Conv. & Expo Center Javits Center Walter E. Washington CC Gaylord National New York State Fairgrounds

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City New York New York Baltimore New York New York Washington Boston New York New York New York Baltimore New York Philadelphia Washington Cherry Hill Edison Atlantic City Boston New York New York New York New York New York Boston Boston New York Washington Washington Syracuse

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

Att 3700 5000 10.2K 3600 38K 13K 613 3560 80K 25K 29K 11K 950K 3500 11K 27K 51K 7150 6987 1200 13K 7000 50K 30K 4000 1000

Exh 105 100 972 400 800 200 50 104 264 400 219 525 450 125 200 200 430 463 2.8K 274 623 150 300 300 500 1.2K 200 100 400

Nsf 12640 13000 300K 37000 220K 430K 12561 40645 263K 161K 80000 95000 551K 60000 100K 93200 523K 28016 91173 14000

415K 19000 211K

Industry Healthcare Associations Landscape & Garden Art, Music & Culture Stores & Store Fittings Transportation Automotive & Trucking Textiles Textiles Boats Boats Travel Industry Libraries Automotive & Trucking Food & Beverage Landscape & Garden Building & Construction Healthcare Gifts Art, Music & Culture Paper Water Financial & Legal Building & Construction Boats Toys and Hobbies Banking Healthcare Agriculture & Farming

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

Contact Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com For Rates and Details. (Design Services Available) 90 January/February 2020 2019 Exhibit City News

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

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

U.S. NORTHWEST Show The Alliance for Continuing Education in Health Professions - ACEhp Modern Language Association - MLA Silicon Valley International Auto Show Western Fairs Association Convention & Trade Show - WFA Winter Fancy Foods Show - NASFT Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium - American Society of Clinical Oncology Seattle International Boat Show Association For Research In Otolaryngolgy - ARO Nevada Academy of Family Physicians - NVAFP DesignCon Nevada Independent Insurance Agents - NIIA InsurTech Tradeshow Photonics West & BiOS - SPIE Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Spokane Ag Expo ATD TechKnowledge Conference & Exposition Safari Club International - SCI Council for Exceptional Children Convention & Expo - CEC Western Association of Chamber Executives - W.A.C.E. Annual Conference California League of Food Processors Expo - CLFP American Association for the Advancement of Science - AAAS Genitourinary Cancers Symposium Northwest Food & Beverage World SMX West - Search Marketing Expo CASMEC - California Association for Music Education - CMEA Oregon Logging Conference & Equipment Show California Academy of Physician Assistants - CAPA SPIE Advanced Lithography RSA Conference Public Agency Risk Management Association - PARMA Conference

@ExhibitCityNews

086_Tradeshow_Calendar_0120.indd 6

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/08 01/09 01/09 01/19 01/19 01/23 01/24 01/25 01/26 01/28 01/30 02/01 02/04 02/04 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/12 02/13 02/13 02/17 02/19 02/20 02/20 02/22 02/23 02/24 02/25

End 01/11 01/12 01/12 01/22 01/21 01/25 02/01 01/29 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/06 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/08 02/08 02/07 02/13 02/16 02/15 02/19 02/21 02/23 02/22 02/22 02/27 02/28 02/28

Venue Marriott Marquis Washington State CC San Jose CC Grand Sierra Resort & Casino Moscone Center Moscone Center CenturyLink Field & Event Ctr. San Jose CC Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Santa Clara CC Atlantis Reno Moscone Center Cal Expo Spokane CC San Jose CC

City San Francisco Seattle San Jose Reno San Francisco San Francisco Seattle San Jose Lake Tahoe Santa Clara Reno San Francisco Sacramento Spokane San Jose Reno Portland Portland Marriott Downtown Portland Santa Clara CC Santa Clara Washington State CC Seattle San Francisco Moscone Center Spokane CC Spokane San Jose Fresno Lane County CC Eugene Napa Valley Marriott Napa San Jose San Francisco Moscone Center Monterey Conf. Center Monterey

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

Att

Exh

Nsf

Industry Healthcare 7000 Associations Automotive & Trucking 1200 100 20000 Associations 24K 1.5K 230K Food & Beverage Healthcare 77K 600 306K Boats Healthcare 200 Healthcare Electrical & Electronics 6000 135 300 Insurance 20K 1.2K 116K Healthcare 11.3K 500 160K Food & Beverage Agriculture & Farming 8000 290 1500 70 7500 18K 969 235K Sporting Goods & Rec. 5000 200 Education Government 2500 260 Food & Beverage 10K 100 21000 Education Healthcare 3524 350 40000 Food & Beverage 2000 60 Computers & Apps 3000 100 10000 Education 6000 248 390K Agriculture & Farming 200 20 1500 Healthcare 4000 100 16000 Printing 40K 386 98000 Computers & Apps Government

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Tradeshow Calendar U.S. SOUTHEAST Show American Baseball Coaches Association - ABCA The ASI Show!

Surf Expo American Football Coaches Association - AFCA SportsTurf Managers Association - STMA Florida RV SuperShow Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market Atlanta Boat Show VMX - Veterinary Meeting & Expo Imaging USA - PPA PGA Merchandise Show - Professional Golfers’ Assn.

Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition - TPIE Fire-Rescue East Society of Thoracic Surgeons - STS Golf Industry Show Hotel Motel Restaurant Supply Show of the SE - HMRSSS IPPE - International Production & Processing Expo National Pavement Exposition AHR Expo - International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition Pri-Med South Annual Conference CAMEX - National Association of College Stores JIS January - Jewelers International Showcase The ARA Show The Energy Expo (formerly MiaGreen) National Farm Machinery Show Miami International Boat Show True Value Market Spring & Rental Reunion Global Pet Expo - APPMA Graphics of the Americas

Start 01/02 01/04 01/08 01/12 01/13 01/15 01/15 01/16 01/18 01/19 01/21 01/22 01/22 01/25 01/25 01/28 01/28 01/29 02/03 02/06 02/08 02/09 02/09 02/12 02/12 02/13 02/14 02/26 02/27

End 01/05 01/06 01/10 01/14 01/16 01/19 01/19 01/19 01/22 01/21 01/24 01/24 01/25 01/28 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/01 02/05 02/09 02/11 02/11 02/12 02/13 02/15 02/17 02/16 02/28 02/29

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

Venue Gaylord Opryland Orange County CC Orange County CC Gaylord Opryland Palm Beach County CC Florida State Fairgrounds AmericasMart Georgia World Congress Center Orange County CC Gaylord Opryland Orange County CC Broward County CC Hilton Daytona Beach Resort Morial CC Orange County CC Myrtle Beach CC Georgia World Congress Center Music City Center Orange County CC Broward County CC Morial CC Miami Beach CC Orange County CC MACC CC Kentucky Expo Center Miami Marine Stadium Morial CC Orange County CC Miami Beach CC

All Information Is Subject to Change*

City Nashville Orlando Orlando Nashville Palm Beach Tampa Atlanta Atlanta Orlando Nashville Orlando Ft. Lauderdale Daytona Beach New Orleans Orlando Myrtle Beach Atlanta Nashville Orlando Ft. Lauderdale New Orleans Miami Orlando Miami Louisville Miami New Orleans Orlando Miami

St TN FL FL TN FL FL GA GA FL TN FL FL FL LA FL SC GA TN FL FL LA FL FL FL KY FL LA FL FL

Att 3350 6066 27K 6658 1600 63K 95K 24K 18K 10K 42K 8500 6000 2600 14K 22K 30K 2400 67K 4900 3800 10K 12K 4000 300K 145K 8056 16K 9765

Exh 325 739 1K 183 170 355 2.5K 170 700 913 500 250 130 530 500 1.2K 145 2K 155 445 600 742 200 850 1.1K 1.2K 230

Nsf 43538 116K 250K 45000 37000 785K 1.1M 300K 278K 70000 332K 52000 125K 47000 177K 50000 490K 40000 427K 44400 102K 110K 345K 44800 750K 890K 278K 352K 250K

Industry Sporting Goods & Rec. Advertising & Marketing Sporting Goods & Rec. Sporting Goods & Rec. Landscape & Garden Recreational Vehicles Gifts Boats Healthcare Photography Sporting Goods & Rec. Agriculture & Farming Fire & Fire Protection Healthcare Sporting Goods & Rec. Hotels & Resorts Food & Beverage Building & Construction Building & Construction Healthcare Stores & Store Fittings Jewelry Building & Construction Building & Construction Agriculture & Farming Sporting Goods & Rec. Hardware Printing

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

Exhibit City News, of Course!

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

GO TO EXHIBITCITYNEWS.COM/SUBSCRIBE OR CALL 702.309.8023

92 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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

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

U.S. SOUTHWEST Show Consumer Electronics Show - CES American Correctional Association Winter Conference - ACA PPAI Expo - Promotional Products Association International Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show Creativation by the Associationfor Creative Industries NAMM International Music Market Impressions Expo - The Imprinted Sportswear Show Long Beach Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference - KBIS The International Builders’ Show - IBS - NAHB Oasis Gift Show SHOT SHOW International Salon & Spa Expo - PBA ISSE Las Vegas Market/Winter (Furniture) Heli-Expo The International Surface Event - Surfaces/StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas/TileExpo OFFPRICE Wholesale Apparel Show WWIN - WomensWear In Nevada - February World of Concrete IPC APEX EXPO Intersolar North America MAGIC - Business of Fashion - February Medical Design & Manufacturing - MD&M West World AG Expo National Automobile Dealers Association - NADA Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show Vacuum Dealers Trade Association - VDTA International Limousine & Chauffeur Transportation - LCT Western Veterinary Conference - WVC Awards & Recognition Association - ARA

All Information Is Subject to Change*

Start 01/07 01/09 01/12 01/16 01/16 01/16 01/17 01/21 01/21 01/22 01/22 01/25 01/26 01/27 01/27 02/03 02/03 02/03 02/04 02/04 02/05 02/11 02/11 02/14 02/15 02/16 02/16 02/16 02/18

End 01/10 01/14 01/16 01/18 01/20 01/19 01/19 01/23 01/23 01/24 01/24 01/27 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/06 02/06 02/07 02/13 02/13 02/17 02/16 02/18 02/18 02/19 02/21

Venue Las Vegas CC San Diego CC Mandalay Bay Mandalay Bay Phoenix CC Anaheim CC Long Beach CC Las Vegas CC Las Vegas CC Phoenix CC Sands Expo Long Beach CC World Market Center Anaheim CC Mandalay Bay Sands Expo Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Las Vegas CC San Diego CC San Diego CC Mandalay Bay Anaheim CC International Agri-Center Las Vegas CC Los Angeles CC Las Vegas CC The Venetian Mandalay Bay Paris Las Vegas

City Las Vegas San Diego Las Vegas Las Vegas Phoenix Anaheim Long Beach Las Vegas Las Vegas Phoenix Las Vegas Long Beach Las Vegas Anaheim Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas San Diego San Diego Las Vegas Anaheim Tulare Las Vegas Los Angeles Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas Las Vegas

St NV CA NV NV AZ CA CA NV NV AZ NV CA NV CA NV NV NV NV CA CA NV CA CA NV CA NV NV NV NV

Att 180K 5000 20K 1841 3972 115K 11K 37K 50K 4000 64K 36K 50K 19K 39K 14K 7700 55K 9796 18K 62K 22K 100K 22K 26K 3500 3800 15K 5000

Exh 4.5K 400 1.2K 374 401 1.9K 352 566 1K 350 1.6K 378 627 714 639 525 480 1.5K 440 500 3.7K 2.2K 1.6K 504 550 200 100 550 250

Nsf 2900K 175K 311K 73360 119K 616K 105K 307K 608K 240K 634K 119K 750K 307K 311K 132K 180K 725K 150K 168K 813K 380K 2.6M 259K 60000 53000 60000

Industry Electrical & Electronics Police Advertising & Marketing Advertising & Marketing Toys and Hobbies Art, Music & Culture Apparel Building & Construction Building & Construction Gifts Sporting Goods & Rec. Beauty & Healthcare Home Furn. & Int. Design Aerospace & Aviation Building & Construction Apparel Apparel Building & Construction Electrical & Electronics Energy Apparel Healthcare Agriculture & Farming Automotive & Trucking Travel Industry Housewares Automotive & Trucking Healthcare 55000 Business

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

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

086_Tradeshow_Calendar_0120.indd 8

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

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

ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 93

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Tradeshow Calendar CANADA Show Landscape Ontario Congress Lift & Co. Cannabis Expo The National Franchise & Business Opportunities Show Truck Loggers Association Annual Coastal Forestry Convention & Trade Show - TLA Montreal International Auto Show The Franchise Canada Show - CFA Western Retail Lumber Association Prairie Showcase - WRLA Human Resource Professionals Association of Ontario - HRPA Canadian Gift Association - Toronto Spring Gift Fair CANNEXUS National Career Development Conference Ontario Library Association - OLA Super Conference Canadian Society of Association Executives - CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau TETE A TETE Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists - CSHP Professional Practice Conf. - PPC Pharmacy U Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association - SUMA NACE Northern Area Western Conference Promotional Product Professionals of Canada TOPS+ Northwest Urological Society - NWUS Globe Buildex, Construct & Design Northwest Canadian International AutoShow - CIAS Salon Expo Habitat Canadian Health Food Association - Expo West - CHFA The Franchise Canada Show - CFA Esthetic and Spa Trade Show Alberta Gift Show - Winter Ontario Good Roads Association - OGRA Conference

Start 01/07 01/09 01/11 01/15 01/17 01/18 01/22 01/22 01/26 01/27 01/29 01/29 02/01 02/01 02/02 02/04 02/06 02/08 02/10 02/12 02/14 02/20 02/20 02/22 02/23 02/23 02/23

End 01/09 01/11 01/12 01/17 01/26 01/19 01/24 01/24 01/30 01/29 02/01 01/29 02/04 02/01 02/05 02/06 02/06 02/09 02/12 02/13 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/23 02/24 02/26 02/26

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

Venue Toronto Congress Centre Vancouver CC Metro Toronto Congress Ctr. Westin Bayshore

City Toronto Vancouver Toronto Vancouver Montreal Calgary BMO Centre Calgary Toronto Toronto Congress Centre Toronto Shaw Centre Ottawa Metro Toronto CC Toronto EY Centre Ottawa Hilton Toronto Downtown Toronto The International Centre Toronto Queensbury CC Regina Delta Hotels Regina Regina International Centre Toronto St. Paul’s Hospital Conf. Centre Vancouver Vancouver CC Vancouver Vancouver CC Vancouver Metro Toronto CC Toronto Fair Centre of Quebec Quebec City Vancouver CC Vancouver Toronto Vancouver Edmonton Expo Centre Edmonton Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto

All Information Is Subject to Change*

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

Att 13K 18K 5000 2000 196K

Exh Nsf 600 268 150 35000 60 22000

Industry Landscape & Garden

2800 4500 22K 800 4500

Business Forest Products Automotive & Trucking Business 265 61000 Building & Construction 235 Business 1.1K Gifts Education 180 23000 Libraries

1100

75

1800

165 71 1717 232 200 60 11K 250 13.5K 600 320K 300 300 2500 4015 16K 2300

23477 Healthcare Healthcare 35500 Government 8700 Advertising & Marketing 4800 Healthcare Pollution Control 57500 Building & Construction 500K Automotive & Trucking

Food & Beverage 45 Business 100 27500 Beauty & Healthcare 740 190K Gifts 96 Government

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

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

Contact Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com For Rates and Details. (Design Services Available) 94 January/February 2020 Exhibit City News

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

Aadvantaged Displays 99 ABCOMRENTS 96 BWC Visual Technologies 96 CDS (Corporate Display Specialties) 101 CEP (Chicago Exhibit Productions, Inc.) 98 Champion Logistics 100 Clementine Creative Services 96 Condit 98 Corporate Communications 97

Corporate Events Equip, Inc. Exhibitrac Direct Marketing Horizon Print Solutions Jami as Marilyn Monroe Tribute Artist KB Lines King Size LED Displays KKOM Larry Kulchwik Consulting

97 101 101 100 97 100 99 98 96

Las Vegas Power Professionals Last Minute Venues Lip Smacking Foodie Tours Prism Lighting Quality EFX Massage MasterClass / TSEMA.org SISTEXPO (in Mexico) TWI Group YOR Design Your Event Audio

99 101 99 100 97 101 98 100 98 96

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

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

ABCOMRENTS At ABCOMRENTS, we push the boundary of possibilities.

We specialize in IT & Digital Signage Solutions; partner with manufacturers globally, and bring the technology of the future to the Rental & Staging Industry. With full service locations throughout the U.S. we can deploy and support our technology wherever your customers are. For more info, visit www.abcomrents.com.

ABCOMRENTS is your premier source for Digital Signage, AV Production and IT needs for events and tradeshows NATIONALLY! LED Tile | Interactive Kiosks | Transparent Displays | Digital Signage

Audio Visual Technology

Audio Visual Technology

Consulting

Creative Design Services

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Corp-Events New England Since 1986 we’ve provided installation and dismantle labor throughout New England and Upstate New York and at the Hynes, BCEC and many of Boston’s Hotels. We provide general contractor services to small and medium sized events; Looking for last minute exhibit repairs or graphic design & production? With a Boston warehouse, our team can help fulfill last minute orders with ease.

For more info, visit: http://www.corp-eventsid.com/cene/

Upstate NY

Montpelier, VT

Concord, NH

Boston, MA Worcester, MA Springfield, MA

Hartford, CT

Creative Entertainment Services

(508) 366-8594 info@corp-eventsne.com

Providence, RI

Creative Entertainment Services NVMT 4993

Chair Massage Foot Massage Stress Release Massage and More...

Convention Chair Massage Services We use massage techniques & tools that surpass services provided by the competition.

Massage services range from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.

Advanced massage services that engage the highest level of convention services.

www.QualityEFX.com

Exhibit Management

Call or Text (702) 336-9362

Exhibit Training

Exhibit / Trade Show Displays | Event Planning | Sporting Event Décor

@ExhibitCityNews

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Condit “Every project that comes through our doors is unique and requires custom, collaborative attention. What Condit will provide for you and your brand is a tailored, comprehensive menu of services to get your job done thoroughly, seamlessly, and sustainably from start to finish. With in-house teams dedicated to design, fabrication, shipping, installation/dismantle, storage, and repair/maintenance, Condit is the single source for your exhibit solution. For more info, visit condit.com.

Exhibits

Exhibits

Enhance your look.

BOOTH DESIGN & RENTALS PORTABLE SIGNAGE & HARDWARE BRANDED PREMIUMS VIDEOS & PRESENTIONS SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTIONS

6 30.378.4 8 4 8 w w w.cepexhibits.com

PRINT & DESIGN SERVICES 262-250-2060 EXT 232 | RKOHL@KKOMINC.COM

Exhibits

Exhibits

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

The Attention You Deserve Displays Starting at $69.95

Aadvantaged Displays Aadvantage offers innovative graphic and display solutions, world-class products and unparalleled customer support. With convenient lightweight portability and exceptional craftsmanship designs in every product, Aadvantage displays and graphically delivers important messages directly to the target audience.

Special events, tradeshows, fundraising, recruiting and retail are just a few of the many applications of the Aadvantage line. For more info, visit www.aadvantagedisplays.com.

941-758-8444 866-239-8056

Visit us online for more of our products & services

AadvantageDisplays.com Exhibit Services

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE GUIDE •Added value with your ad in print and on our website.

•Engage a captive audience with 38,000 readers every month!

•Increase revenue and gain marketshare!

Print and Digital Distribution (Ads in print issues will run concurrently online.)

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

Food Tours

@ExhibitCityNews

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Lighting

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

r Silve Horizon Print Solutions Horizon Print Solution brings decades of experience in all types of printed products with forms, tags, labels, promotional products and corporate attire. They work together with extraordinary manufacturing and decorating partners, mostly from the wholesale only marketplace, to bring the very best solutions to clients—every project and every transaction! For more info, visit https://printefficiency.com.

Lighting

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

• 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

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

EYE-CATCHING LIGHTING SOLUTIONS •Perfect Lighting for Exhibits, Retail Environments & Special Projects •Full Line of Innovative LED Products; Flexible Strip Lighting, Recessed Lights, Arm Lights, LED DMX and so much more!

•Fast Connect Cable System Saving Time and Labor •Eco-Friendly Battery Solutions •Easy to Install, Plug And Play Lighting Solutions

PRISM – INNOVATION LIVES HERE!

WWW.PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM | 1.866.620.1380 | SALESUSA@PRISMLIGHTINGGROUP.COM

Logistics

Chicago | Atlanta | Boston | Dallas | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | New Jersey

800.323.5401 | info@champlog.com | www.champlog.com

Logistics

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INDUSTRY SERVICE GUIDE

Equipinc.

Equip Inc. has been manufacturing custom covers for retail displays and equipment as well as delivering commercial furniture, fixtures and equipment nationwide since 1999. All of our furniture and site amenities are commercial grade and built for years of service in high traffic public spaces with 1-10 year warranties.

All custom covers are designed and manufactured in Colorado Springs, CO (no outsourcing!) and ship worldwide with an industryleading, two-year product guarantee. We have supplied custom sized covers to over 600 shopping malls, 200 retailers, 40 airports and thousands of customers. No minimum orders required. Qty pricing available for wholesalers. www.equipinc.com

Printing

FIXTURE & DISPLAY COVERS TRADE SHOW DISPLAY COVERS COMMERCIAL FURNITURE

EQUIP YOUR SPACE inc

BEST QUALITY. BEST RATES. CALL TODAY!

W W W. E Q U I P I N C . C O M

7 1 9. 5 9 9. 0 3 0 0

Tradeshow Lists

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

WHOLESALE Warehousing, Storage, Prep, Delivery Graphics, Supervision, & Rentals CDSpartner.com

800-367-2531

We Can Provide You A Local Presence Venues

ADVERTISE IN THE SERVICE GUIDE •Added value with your ad in print and on our website.

•Engage a captive audience with 38,000 readers every month!

•Increase revenue and gain marketshare!

Print and Digital Distribution (Ads in print issues will run concurrently online.)

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

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2020

Exhibit City News Presents the 2nd Annual 2020 I&D ACE Awards Accepting nominations for 2020 until Jan. 30 Submit at ECNACEawards.com

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Classifieds

BE YOUR OWN BOSS! Tradeshow Business Opportunity!

National Recruiting Practice with current database of key leaders of tradeshow industry companies and potential candidates is available for purchase. The owner is retiring but available for coaching and mentoring.

Call (775) 253-9166 for details.

Project Manager

(POSITIONS IN DC AREA) We are seeking experienced supervisors to plan, install and dismantle trade shows. Minimum of 3 years experience.

You can make a difference with your drive and enthusiasm as a self-starter.

Excellent opportunity for growth from the oldest Trade Show company in the country. If you have good common sense and a desire to achieve satisfaction from a job well done, come see what the Brede difference is all about.

PROJECT MANAGER TO PLAN, INSTALL & DISMANTLE TRADE SHOWS/CONVENTIONS. Do you have at least 3 years’ experience supervising crews on the trade show floor?

Have you supervised at least 50 people for more than 2 years?

We are seeking experienced supervisors who can lead by example; can expect our customers to rave about how well you treated them and manage multiple groups of union employees efficiently.

We have immediate openings for project managers that have the drive and enthusiasm to lead groups from inception to completion both internally (within our company) and externally (with on-site customers and labor). @ExhibitCityNews

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POTENTIAL CANDIDATES SHOULD: • Be self-motivated • Be able to think & work independently • Have a high level of common sense • Identify and manage ever changing priorities • Be comfortable working directly with clients, building staff and exhibitors • Can contribute to controlling the bottom line • Have a strong administrative and organizational methodology • Have experience with Microsoft Office, particularly excel • Control labor by way of planning, scheduling, task assignments and foresight • Embrace the concept “of a job well done” because of your direction Some weekends and evening work required. Location based in Maryland outside of Washington D.C. Relocation will be considered. Compensation is commensurate with experience; range between 60k and 75k.

401K, mileage reimbursement/auto allowance, vacation, health insurance and employer contributions are part of the compensation plan.

Email resume and letter to: exhibitmanager@gmail.com

HIRING ADDITIONAL STAFF?

Need an administrative clerk, project manager, CAD detailer, account executives? Exhibit City News Classifieds can help fill your positions with our popular digital and print postings.

To place a classified ad: Call (702) 309-8023 or e-mail to: Sales@ExhibitCityNews.com ExhibitCityNews.com January/February 2020 103

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2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* *Content is subject to change

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

MARCH-APRIL

January (print & digital)

March (print & digital):

February (digital only)

April (digital only):

• Feature: LV New Building Code Regulations Fight • Transportation/Warehousing/Material Handling • Year in Review International Focus: Columbia

• Feature: EXHIBITORLive Preview • New Product Showcase • Booth Staff/Talent/Brand Ambassadors • International Focus: Russia

• Technology Show/Products • AV/Lighting/Graphics/Photography • Corporate Social Responsibility Regional Focus: Northeast U.S.

• Exhibit Building & Design • Show Management/Kits • Vendors • Regional Focus: Southwest U.S.

MAY-JUNE

JULY-AUGUST

May (print & digital):

July (print & digital):

June (digital only):

August (digital only):

• Feature: Museums/Exhibits • ECN’s 2020 I&D Ace Award Winners • EXHIBITORLive Post Recap International Focus: Japan

• Feature: Women in the Industry • Feature: ECN's Convention Center Parking Survey • Industry Salespeople Show Security/Safety • International Focus: Spain

• Insurance/Legal/Contracts • Floor Coverings/Flooring • Tension Fabric Regional Focus: Midwest U.S.

• Mobile Exhibits • Warehousing/Material Handling • Extrusions Regional Focus: Central U.S.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

September (print & digital):

November (print & digital):

October (digital only):

December (digital only):

• Feature: Labor/Unions • Associations • Healthcare •Nifty Over 50 • International Focus: Italy

• Feature: Giveaways/Incentives • General Contractors • Furnishings • International Focus: Canada

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

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

• Special/Corporate Events • Hybrid/Co-location Events • Corporate Social Sustainability Regional Focus: Southeast U.S.

Deadline / Space reservation: 8th day, or closest business day, of month prior to print issue.

We would love to hear from you! Share the coverage you would like to see in future issues at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com 3

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Advertiser Index 4 Productions

13

4Productions.com

D.E. McNabb

17

DEMcNabb.com

5AM Global

71

5AMGlobal.com

Design to Print

65

ABComrents.com

EACA

63

69/108

Aluvision.com/us

EDPA

49

81

AnglesOnDesign.com

EDPA Foundation

64

2

beMatrix.us

Brumark

25

Brumark.com

Camden Tradeshow Furnishings

27

CamdenTradeshow.com

Carpenters Union

45

CarpentersUnion.org & BuiltToLastTV.com

CTA - CES Thank You

107

CTA.tech & CES.tech

ChampionLogistics

79

ChampLog.com

91

ClementineCS.com

ColorReflections

106

ColorReflections.com

Corporate Communications

55

Corpcom-Events.com

Corporate Events

85

Corp-Eventsid.com

CORT Events

7

Cort.com

Crown & Anchor Pub

67

Facebook.com/CrownAndAnchorVegas

Orbus

65

Oscar & Associates Photography & Video Services

61 15 73

19

OscarAndAssociates.com & OAVisuals.media

Employco.com

Rosemont – RES

Experience Transport Agency

Employco

77

Rosemont.com/DESConvention

ETALV.com

Sho-Link Inc.

Exposures Ltd. Photography

88

Sho-link.com

ExposuresLtd.com

ShowNets, LLC

Full Circle Events

75

ShowNets.net

FCELV.com

SMT expo

Highmark Tech

49

SMTexpo.com

HighmarkTech.com

Storage West

Hill & Partners

43

StorageWest.com

93

Sunset-LV.com

PrintEfficiency.com

Superior Logistics

IFES

HillPartners.com

Clementine Creative Services

OnSite Exhibitor Service

Orbus.com

EDPA.com/edpafoundation

beMatrix

5

OnSiteExhibitorService.com

EDPA.com

Angles On Design

Octanorm Octanorm.com

EACA.com

Aluvision

79

NolanAdvisory.com

DesignToPrint.com & Pillows4show.com

ABCOMRENTS

Nolan Advisory Services (NAS)

Horizon Print Solutions

Sunset Transportation

53

ShipSuperior.com

IFES.org

TCF Center (formerly Cobo)

Laborinc.

51

TCFCenter.com

LaborInc.ca

Total Show Technology (TST)

Las Vegas Mannequin/ Las Vegas Store Supply

TotalShowTech.com

43

LVMannequin.com & LVStoreSupply.com

Momentum Management MomentumMgt.com

West Coast Exhibit

63 45 33 59 77 4 81 61 21 31

WCExhibit.com

3

Willwork

40

Willworkinc.com

WS Display

29

WSDisplay.com

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

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THANK YOU LAS VEGAS With the hard work and tireless support of the people of this extraordinary city, CES 2020 yielded inspiring innovations that are making a worldwide impact.

CES continues as the global stage for innovation, and we couldn’t do it without your support and hard work.

Thank you, Las Vegas, for once again being a monumental asset to the CES team.

SAVE THE DATE

CES.tech

CESÂŽ 2021 | JAN 7-10

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