|
|
| |
|

Stories this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column


Nick de Bois appointed to TSEA’s board of directors
CHICAGO — Arthur Veale, CTSM, CME, Chairman of the TSEA's Board of Directors, announced that Nick de Bois has been appointed TSEA's newest Allied Board Member. As the chief executive of Rapiergroup worldwide, de Bois is credited with said organization's strategic growth to its current position as one of the top three exhibits marketing providers in the United Kingdom.
De Bois began his term in August and brings years of experience and expertise to TSEA's table. He helped lead Rapiergroup's transformation to an independent company, beginning in 1991, when de Bois and colleagues led a management buyout from the then-parent company. At that time, the company operated solely in the United Kingdom; today, Rapiergroup employs 70 people worldwide.
Contributing further to the company's increasing success, de Bois recognized the critical need for innovation, industry leadership and an international perspective in order to meet a rapidly changing marketplace. Veale is excited to have de Bois on board, and says, "It is a wonderfully serendipitous to be able to have such a great leader as Nick join our team."
Veale continues, "His tremendous experience and insight will be a very valuable asset to an already hard-working, dedicated Board.“
On a personal note, de Bois enjoys golfing, writing children's stories, visiting the gym and traveling.
TSEA is the association for exhibit and event professionals. For more information, visit www.tsea.org/Join, call 312.842.8732, or email tsea@tsea.org. The association is the sponsor of the industry's leading conference and exhibition, TS2 — The Industry Event for Exhibit and Event Professionals, which will be held July 27-31, 2008, in Philadelphia, Pa.
IAEE Board of Directors issues a drug free workplace policy statement for the exhibitions, events industry
DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events announces a new policy statement focusing on a drug free workplace for the exhibitions and events industry. Inspired by the example set in 2004 by the Washington D.C. Convention Center in conjunction with several service contractors and organized labor servicing the building, a highly effective prevention program was implemented. The IAEE Board of Directors believes this program should serve as a national model and bases its policy on the fact that those who use illicit drugs and abuse alcohol create substantially higher costs for employers, exacerbate the nation's healthcare cost crisis and are ill-suited to properly serve our industry's customers while under the influence.
"IAEE feels it is important to shine a spotlight on this important issue, and raise the awareness of how a drug-free workplace will benefit exhibitors, facilities, contractors and show organizers alike. We hope the industry will join us in this effort," said 2008 IAEE Chairman Randy Bauler, CEM.
As a first step, the IAEE Board of Directors has ordered the adoption of random drug testing for all IAEE employees effective 1 January 2008. The IAEE Board accordingly commits itself and the association to the goal of achieving a drug free workplace for all exhibitions and events, and plans to implement the following:
- Promote a "Right of Entry" concept provision to all major venues that is coupled with random drug testing.
- Urge all IAEE members to support the initiative by adopting random drug testing at their workplaces.
- Inform members of the consequences and scope of the epidemic using all IAEE education and information channels.
- Urge all organizations that are active in the exhibitions and events industry to support IAEE's efforts with their own, and to join with IAEE in creating the Alliance for a Drug Free Workplace for all exhibitions and events.
"By taking these initial steps, we hope to make a positive difference for those who are organizing exhibitions and events in the U.S. and avoid the undeniable issues associated with illicit drug use and alcohol abuse in the workplace," said IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE.

TRADE SHOW PHOTOS
|
|
Intel was one of the more than 2,700 companies showing off the latest in technology during CES International in Las Vegas.
www.cesweb.org |
 |
|
NBC news anchor Brian Williams broadcast the Nightly News live from the showfloor of CESs in Las Vegas. /
Photos by Vincent Hernandez TSE |
World’s largest consumer technology trade show promises bright future amid uncertain economy
ARLINGTON, Va. — With a record 1.85 million net square feet of exhibit space – the largest in show history – featuring more than 2,700 companies launching their latest innovations, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology on Jan. 10 wrapped up four full days of technological innovation. Major trends sweeping the show floor and defining the future of the consumer technology market included digital entertainment, HDTV, green technology and free trade. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association, the 2008 International CES ran January 7-10, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nev.
“The 2008 International CES succeeded spectacularly, and will help fuel the growth of the consumer technology industry throughout 2008 and into the future,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “This year’s International CES was a show of firsts: the first leaders from the automotive and cable industries to deliver CES keynote addresses, the first time the president of a country has spoken at CES, and the first year a television station broadcast its entire nightly newscast – NBC Nightly News –live from the show floor.”
[CLICK HERE to read more]

SHOW NEWS
Robotics Trends announces
5th annual RoboBusiness Conference & Exposition
'Achieving Autonomy' is theme of International Business focused mobile robotics and Intelligent systems event
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Robotics Trends, a division of EH Publishing, Inc., announced its 5th annual RoboBusiness Conference and Exposition, the international business development event for the personal, service and mobile robotics industry. RoboBusiness Conference and Exposition will be held April 8-10 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
RoboBusiness Conference and Exposition is the only robotics event that enables decision-makers from business, government and academia to easily grasp the potential opportunities arising from emerging robotics technologies.
From developing new products, services and markets to enhancing existing ones, RoboBusiness Conference & Exposition addresses critical sales, marketing and partnering strategies.
The RoboBusiness conference program will feature more than 35 sessions presented in nine tracks on April 8-9. The overarching theme for the 2008 RoboBusiness event is 'Achieving Autonomy.' In addition, the event will feature two full days of dedicated healthcare robotics sessions under the heading 'RoboMedicus.'
On April 10, conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to attend two local robotics site visits at The National Robotics Engineering Center and Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute. The site visits are hosted by the Technology Collaborative and Carnegie Mellon University.
Additional program features and special events include an Expo floor showcasing over 75 companies, opening night Networking Reception on April 8, sponsored by iRobot and Foster-Miller, 'Open Door' Keynote by iRobot CEO, Colin Angle, and the Robot Hall of Fame cocktail reception and induction ceremony sponsored by CMU's Robotics Hall of Fame, honoring the world's greatest achievements in industrial and entertainment robots, as well as robots from science fiction and popular culture.
RoboBusiness has garnered support from the world's leading robotics vendors, associations and media channels including: Founding Sponsor, iRobot; Premier Sponsor, The Technology Collaborative; and Gold Sponsors, Corware and the Korea Advanced Intelligent Robot Association (KAIRA). A complete sponsors listing is available at www.robobusiness.com.
For additional event information or to register visit www.robobusiness.com.
DESTINATION NEWS
It’s a new day in New Orleans
New Governor, recent tourism victories signal an optimistic future
NEW ORLEANS — As 36-year old Rhodes Scholar Bobby Jindal is inaugurated as Louisiana Governor, New Orleans tourism officials are looking to the new year with optimism, fueled by his new leadership, recent tourism victories such as three college bowl games, and a lineup of major conventions, festivals and sporting events that will pump millions of dollars into the local economy in 2008.
The first Indian American to serve as Louisiana Governor, Jindal is known for his role as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, where he turned a $400 million budget deficit into a surplus of $220 million. He has served as a U.S. Congressman, executive director of the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, and president of the University of Louisiana System. He plans to create a fresh start for Louisiana in ethics, education, economic infrastructure and healthcare.
Tourism officials such as J. Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, are confident that the fresh new leadership will strengthen the city's reputation and stimulate convention business. According to Perry, "Governor Jindal's fresh, new leadership and ethics reform will translate into a completely reformulated reputation for the city and the state, and a renewed environment where corporations will want to bring business. We cannot underestimate the power that Governor Jindal will have on New Orleans' vital tourism industry. We truly feel that it's a new day ... we have a new Governor that will be a strong salesperson for New Orleans tourism; we had a successful fall 2007 with consecutive citywide meetings; three recent bowl games with thousands of people went off without a hitch; cultural celebrations are booming; and we are continuing to prove everyday why New Orleans remains one of the best destinations for business or leisure."
[Read entire story]
[BACK TO THE TOP]
DESIGN NEWS
Cyclonix Inc. delivers two exhibits for Capcom Entertainment within two weeks
Transformer, power supply manufacturing leader for low voltage lighting used throughout industry reaches milestone
MORGAN HILL, Calif. — Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic brand architecture, fulfilled a tight show schedule for Capcom Entertainment by delivering separate exhibits and approaches for both of the company's key markets-at shows held less than two-weeks apart.
E3 Media and Business Summit and Comic-Con are attended by two distinct audiences-and therefore required Capcom to take two different exhibiting approaches. For E3, which is held in a hotel ballroom, Capcom's goal was to reach a controlled audience of 5,000 buyers, media and press. To fulfill the attendees' objectives of evaluating games for their stores or creating game reviews and media coverage, Cyclonix designed simple, semi-private game demonstration alcoves.
For Comic-Con, a consumer show, Capcom wanted to get its titles into the hands of as many of the 125,000 gamer attendees as possible. To achieve this, Cyclonix designed an attention-grabbing elevated boxing ring where gaming tournaments were held. Instead of re-using the semi-private gaming alcoves from E3, Cyclonix created wide-open stations with elevated monitors that drew gamers from the aisles and enabled large crowds to gather at each demo. The exhibit also included a store where Capcom game titles were available for purchase.
"Our new exhibit created a real buzz throughout the hall. We were very pleased with the results and very impressed with how the Cyclonix team addressed our distinct needs within such a tight time frame," says Francis Mao, senior director, creative services for Capcom.
Cyclonix's vice president of design, Peter Gallagher tells us, "I enjoyed having the opportunity to design for two audiences that are so diverse. The Capcom folks are fun to work with, their product is great and Mao has a great sense of adventure."
Cyclonix uses creativity and innovative design solutions to bring passion, energy and momentum to exhibits and environments. Capabilities include strategy, design, fabrication, management and execution. Learn more at www.cyclonixinc.com or by calling (800) 470-0062.
Capcom Entertainment is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games. Capcom's "E" rated games for Everyone (content suitable for persons six and older) include the Mega Man franchise of games. Capcom's "T" rated games for Teens (content suitable for persons 13 and older) include the Street Fighter, Breath of Fire, and DarkStalkers franchise of products. Capcom's "M" rated games for mature audiences (content suitable for persons 17 and older) include the Resident Evil, Devil May Cry and Onimusha series of products.

FREIGHT NEWS

Hidden Valley Moving & Storage
orchestrates ‘Grand’ move
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Very few people ever get to see the bottom of the Grand Canyon, let alone live there, but Dr. Richard Caldwell, a Captain with the U.S. Public Health Service, and his wife Susan Herber have lived there…twice! After being re-assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, N.J., Capt. Caldwell had to arrange to move his possessions out of the Canyon. That’s where Hidden Valley came in. Capt. Caldwell’s shipment coordination fell under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Springs Joint Personal Property Office and when Hidden Valley was offered the job by JPPSO-COS, General Manager Roy Towne readily agreed to accept the challenge.
On a sunny and slightly windy day in early January, Hidden Valley helicoptered in packers David Towne and Leon Juan, along with Towne, for a “once in a lifetime” ride into the Grand Canyon. The team expertly packed the Caldwell’s belongings and then flew them out via cargo slings attached to the bottom of the helicopter. A Hidden Valley truck was waiting on the Canyon rim to then transport the shipment to Ft. Dix.
Hidden Valley did a super job, their people love what they do!” said Herber.
Capt. Caldwell was assigned to the Indian Health Service to provide medical care to members of the Havasupai Tribe that reside at the bottom of the Canyon. Dr. Caldwell’s wife, who is a physician’s assistant, provided additional women’s and pre-natal health care to the tribe. Previously the Caldwell’s had served in the Canyon from 1988 to 1990. Their recent stay in the Canyon lasted about a year and a half.
Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines, Mayflower transports household goods, electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art and specialized freight utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarters are located in suburban St. Louis. Further information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.
Hidden Valley Moving & Storage, headquartered in Escondido, Calif., was founded in 1964. The company specializes in corporate, residential and military household goods moving. For more information, visit www.hvmoving.com.
DESTINATION NEWS
Break convention with Reno-Tahoe’s meeting venues
RENO, Nev. — Meeting planners seeking a departure from traditional meeting facilities have a wide variety of creative venues to choose from in Reno-Tahoe. With everything from a subterranean magic theater to a historic estate with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe, the region is home to indoor and outdoor locations that inspire business results and serve as a catalyst for team building. With non-traditional meeting spaces and social function sites for that will be talked about for years to come, Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place allows planners to unleash their creativity.
When it comes to company parties, there’s nothing like friendly competition to break the ice, and there’s no better activity than bowling. Dubbed the "Taj Mahal of Tenpins," the National Bowling Stadium (NBS) is the only facility of its kind in the world where groups of 50 to 2,000 can relax and have fun. Guests can discuss the art of the deal over beer and popcorn or enjoy a sit-down dinner and full-service bars for a more formal gathering.
The stadium includes 78 championship lanes, disco lighting and special effects, sound systems for music and announcements, 30 mile-per-hour ball return, the world’s longest video screen and stadium seating for over 600. Also housed within the center is a 172-seat theater, making the stadium an ideal location for off-site meetings. For more information, visit www.visitrenotahoe.com/facilities/national_bowling.
Featuring more than 220 vintage and collectible automobiles, guests of the National Automobile Museum will feel as if they’ve cruised into another time. Ranked among the nation’s top 10 automobile museums, the downtown facility is ideal for meetings, receptions, dinners, luncheons and theme events, and can accommodate groups as intimate as 50 or as large as 1,200. Plus, there is a 157-seat theatre with the latest projection and sound technology and a 19-foot-by-11-foot high-definition screen. For more information, visit www.automuseum.org.
The Midway of Fun at Circus Circus Reno provides an entertaining, off-beat breakfast venue for up to 50 people. Groups can mix business with pleasure by playing one of the 28 carnival-style games. The hotel casino will work with groups to customize circus performances with acts such as the Rinny Troupe from Argentina, which performs an energetic Rolla Bolla juggling show. Other acts include Imperial Acrobats of China, a troupe of eight girls performing foot juggling and unicycling, and the Flying Vargas, a trapeze performance and aerial silk show from Mexico. For more information, visit www.circusreno.com.







By Barry Siskind
When it comes to creating a powerful exhibit, the old saying, less is better, has never been truer. Often exhibitors have a tendency to simply put too much into their display. They mistakenly assume that they need to tell everyone everything as quickly as possible and their back-wall ends up looking like a brochure. Let’s take a step back and look at the problem and see if there isn’t a better solution.
The first thing to focus on is those people that you are designing for – the visitors. Put yourself in their position. You chose to go to the show for a number of reasons. Likely at the top of the list are to see new products and services and learn about new tools and technologies. That’s good and bad news. The good news is that as a visitor if you have chosen the show well, you have an excellent chance of learning and seeing lots of new products. The bad news is that there is simply too many. It’s like drinking from a fire-hose. Eventually your brain shuts down and you can’t take in additional information. You suffer from information overload.
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…]
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau appoints associate president media relations, promotions
MIAMI — The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau has appointed Jennifer Diaz to Associate Vice President, Media Relations and Promotions, announced GMCVB President & CEO, William D. Talbert III, CDME.
"We are delighted to have Jennifer join the GMCVB team and head up our Media Relations Division,” said Talbert. “She brings not only enthusiasm, but also a strong, diverse background in public relations and marketing to her position at the Bureau.”
“The department’s role has been expanded to leverage our media partnerships to help develop strategic consumer promotions. Jennifer’s experience and relationships in this area will prove invaluable as we continue to evolve the Miami brand,” said Rolando Aedo, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Tourism for the GMCVB.
Diaz will supervise four staff members carrying out all aspects of the Bureau's public relations efforts in key markets such as U.S./Canada, Latin America and Europe/Asia. Her responsibilities include overseeing three in-market public relations firms, national and international media programs, as well as government and industry partner relations. In addition, she will be responsible for the development of media promotions.
Most recently, Jennifer was with Perry Ellis as Marketing Manager for Latin Brands. In that role she managed public relations and advertising functions and was responsible for preserving brand integrity. Her prior experience also includes positions at Del Monte Fresh Produce and the international public relations firm of Burson-Marsteller.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing from Florida International University and a Masters in Business Administration specializing in International Business from The University of Miami.
Bowman Design Group adds Hannah Ashor
as project manager
SIGNAL HILL, Calif. — Bowman Design Group continues to expand its capabilities with the addition of Project Manager Hannah Ashor. In this newly created position, Ashor will be responsible for project development and account management.
Ashor was most recently Project Manager for Jaguar and Land Rover, where she managed the company’s auto show program for seven years. Her transition from client to supplier will benefit Bowman Design Group’s clients. “I look forward to translating my practical understanding of a client’s goals and challenges into creative projects that communicate each client’s unique message,” says Ashor.
“We are pleased to have a talented individual like Hannah join our team. Her previous experience on the client side of the exhibit world reinforces our company’s customer-centric philosophy,” says Tom Bowman, President of Bowman Design Group.
Los Angeles-based Bowman Design Group translates complex ideas into engaging stories. The results are unique and memorable exhibitions, events, multimedia, and print communications for corporations, museums, and other institutions. Clients include Florida Crystals, Clif Bar, Northrop Grumman, Kid City (The Children’s Museum of Tampa, World Cup USA 1994, and the National Academy of Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography in collaboration with Ed Hackley. Learn more at www.bowmandesigngroup.com.
MC2 adds account executive,
designer to Western Region

CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y. — MC2 has enhanced its Western Region operations with the additions of San Jose, California-based account executive, Patricia Berry and Las Vegas-based designer, Elisa Carmona.
Berry will focus on expanding MC2’s portfolio of healthcare business in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was most recently an Account Director at Access TCA where she managed new business development and supported clients with their product launches, brand messaging and in the creation of marketing and communication solutions. In addition, her diverse career experience includes working as a Designer/Developer at Lawrence Hall of Science and as an Exhibits Director at the Aquarium of the Americas. She was also an Account Executive at Exhibitgroup/Giltspur.
“Berry says she was impressed with MC2’s meeting expertise and strong rental inventory—capabilities which extend the portfolio of solutions she can offer to clients. “These services coupled with the company’s high level of professionalism position MC2 as a company able to meet our industry’s needs both now and in the future,” she said.
Carmona will apply her background in product, graphic and exhibit design to creating dynamic experience marketing solutions for MC2 clients. Most recently, she was an exhibit designer with Derse Exhibits. She holds a Masters of Industrial Design degree from Auburn University.
Carmona says she selected MC2 because it will provide her with the opportunity to grow and develop her skills “My love is environmental design and being a member of the MC2 team gives me the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the industry’s most experienced designers,” she says.
Mike Garrity, Division President of MC2 Las Vegas says the dynamic and creative approach Berry applies to her business strategy will benefit MC2 clients, as will Elisa’s broad design experience. “We are pleased that both of these industry professionals chose MC2,” Garrity said.
Advertisement

|
|
We provide information and exposure to exhibit builders, show & meeting planners and attendees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade Show Expo
offers advertisers a chance to reach Show managers,
Association members, venue managers,
exhibit builders, vendors, convention bureaus,
CEOs and attendees.
• Show Floor – exhibits, models, employees and networking •
• Venues – where to meet • Tchotchke • Destinations & resorts •
• Graphics & fabrication news • Show calendar • People making news •
•
Association links and news •
Send comments, press releases and letters to: editor@trade-show-expo.com
|
|
|
Trade Show Expo is a Web site for the trade show, convention and exhibit industries. This is an invitation to be a part of this new venture by placing a banner or link on our site. If our publication meets your advertising needs, contact us.
Add my e-mail to your press release e-mail — vincent@trade-show-expo.com.
We are interested in knowing what is happening in your region and within your company. We are looking forward to receiving editorial submissions, photos, letters and comments. Feel free to send information regarding people, products, venues, shows, meetings and events.
E-mail or call Vincent Hernandez at Trade Show Expo
Bus: (702) 858-8214
FAX: (702) 838-0064

|
|