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
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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,
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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. AUGUST: With the 2020 World’s Fair just around the corner,
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