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Stories this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
Lightfair International celebrates 20 years
ATLANTA — The world's largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, LIGHTFAIR International, celebrates 20 years of inspiration and innovation in May when it opens the doors to thousands of lighting industry professionals.
On its 20th Anniversary, LFI promises to offer its most comprehensive conference programming and most robust trade show floor ever seen.
For the last two decades, LFI has been North America's leading lighting resource, featuring the world's best and brightest innovators, designers and educators. Its creation was the brainchild of the industry's most renowned associations and leaders, and today, encompasses more than 500 exhibiting companies and attracts more than 21,000 attendees from across the globe.
In recognition of its continued strength and to honor its new and veteran exhibitors, LFI is hosting a spectacular celebration in New York on the opening day of the trade show-complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the entrance of the show. LFI's Libby Morley-who was among the group that initially spearheaded this concept-has been invited to be in New York to celebrate with the team, in addition to other special surprise guests.
Additionally, exhibitors that have been partners with LFI since its conception will receive special recognition.
The LIGHTFAIR International Trade Show & Conference takes place May 5-7, 2009 and the LIGHTFAIR Daylighting Institute and LIGHTFAIR Institute takes place May 3-4, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY.
ASSOCIATION NEWS
CEIR examines effect of today’s economy on exhibitions
New Report Compares Data from Previous Recessions, Offers Insight
DALLAS — The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released today RCSR 21.09 The Effect of Economic Recessions on Exhibitions, which includes research that offers insight into participation at exhibitions during challenging economic times.
Last year, the National Bureau of Economic Research published news that most of the country had already realized - the United States is in a state of economic recession which may have commenced as early as December of 2007.
With the unemployment rate at its highest in 16 years and economists unable to predict when the country will see positive growth again, exhibiting companies must be able to justify exhibition participation and be assured of a strong ROI from exhibiting — more so than ever before.
In the 1980s, CEIR published two reports titled How Should Exhibitors React to a Recession? and The Effect of Economic Recessions on Trade Shows. These two reports have been revisited and supplemented to include data from each year for 1968 to 2007. These new reports indicate that even though attendance and exhibit space may decrease in recessionary periods, key buyers continue to attend each year and the percentage of attendees that actually have plans to purchase remains high.
The Effect of Economic Recessions on Exhibitions serves as a useful precursor to the 6th Annual CEIR Index, to be released in April 2009. CEIR members may download The Effect of Economic Recessions on Exhibitions for free at www.ceir.org. The cost for non-members is $48 USD.
176 individuals earn ASAE's CAE credential
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Winter 2009 class of Certified Association Executives successfully completed the CAE examination administered nationwide on December 5, 2008.
The 176 executives will be honored along with the Summer 2009 class of CAEs during ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership's 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 15-18 in Toronto. They join the more than 3,500 industry leaders worldwide who have earned CAE credentials. A listing by state of the Winter 2009 class of CAEs can be found here.
Since its inception in 1960, the CAE program has served to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of association management. To earn the CAE credential, candidates must first submit an application satisfying professional experience and education requirements. Less than five percent of all association professionals have achieved this mark of excellence.
Successful applicants must next pass a challenging examination on all aspects of association management. Candidates undertake rigorous study sessions in preparation for the exam, and only those who are able to achieve the designated examination score earn the CAE credential. Once earned, the certification must be renewed every three years through additional studies and leadership activities.
"My most sincere congratulations to the Winter 2009 class of CAEs," said Mark A. Smith, Ph.D., CAE, director of education and training at the American Society of Hematology and chair of the CAE Commission. "These individuals have demonstrated the highest caliber of association management knowledge and proved their understanding of the issues and trends affecting our profession. Earning a CAE is not an easy task and requires discipline, determination and perseverance. It is an outstanding achievement and I wish the new class all the best as they continue their diligent work in our community."
The next CAE examination will be administered nationwide on May 1, 2009. The application deadline for this exam is February 13. (Applications will be accepted through March 13 for an additional $100 fee.) The exam is held at ASAE Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and at several other locations nationally and internationally. For more details about the CAE exam, contact Lori Frison, CAE, director of credentialing, at 202.626.2759 or caedept@asaenet.org.
United Nations applauds global principles for socially responsible associations, nonprofits
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Less than two years after the launch of the Global Summit on Social Responsibility, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership have presented the new Global Principles for Socially Responsible Associations & Nonprofits to the top leaders of the United Nations. The Principles, which align closely with UN Global Compact's 10 sustainability principles signed by more than 5,000 corporations worldwide, were crafted and widely vetted by a diverse group of association leaders after the 2008 Global Summit for Social Responsibility.
At the meeting, ASAE & The Center formally invited UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to attend a presentation ceremony of the Principles and the growing list of "pioneer signatories" during the 2009 Annual Meeting & Exposition, August 15-18 in Toronto.
"I applaud your initiative and hard work toward a more socially responsible future," said Kell. "We are especially pleased that the Global Compact has been such a strong model for you in your efforts to become a more socially responsible community. A set of strong principles, combined with real action and effort, can go a long way toward improving both the world and the businesses operating within it, as our thousands of corporate signatories can attest."
"This visit is another important step in the efforts of associations and nonprofit organizations to learn from and partner with other sectors to promote greater social responsibility in our community," said ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. "We thank the Global Compact staff and the United Nations for their helpful counsel as we continue to grow our movement."
ASAE and The Center boards approved the voluntary Principles in November 2008, opening the door for associations and nonprofits to sign and integrate them into their own sustainability strategies.

SHOW NEWS
World Market Center Las Vegas welcomes more than 100 new exhibitors for Winter show
LAS VEGAS — Home furnishings buyers and designers have 100 more reasons to attend Las Vegas Market next month. More than 100 new manufacturers and suppliers will debut for the very first time during the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market, held February 9 - 13 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
New to market exhibitors include leading manufacturers both domestically and internationally covering all product sectors including furniture, accessory, gift, lighting, rugs, textile and more. Attendees will also see the latest in high end, designer products and eco-friendly furnishings in Las Vegas Design Center and in the trend-setting pavilions of Living Green, Design & Living and Context.
With the recent opening of Building C, World Market Center Las Vegas now offers 5.1 million square feet and more than 1,500 exhibitors in total — making Las Vegas Market the most efficient, one stop shopping experience for retailers.
“Las Vegas absolutely delivers on the single most important reason buyers attend Market: To see what’s new," said Robert Maricich, President and Chief Executive Officer of World Market Center Las Vegas. ”We are very pleased to feature 100 ‘first time’ exhibitors which include some of the biggest and best brands in the furniture industry. Beyond these new resources, buyers will be blown away with the exciting showrooms and new products that are presented by more than 1,500 manufacturers and lines, many of which can only be seen in Las Vegas.”
Noted new furniture companies now showing at Las Vegas Market include Furniture Brands International divisions Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, Henredon, and Maitland-Smith; Hammary Furniture and Taylor King. New permanent exhibitors in the upper end floors of Las Vegas Design Center include Pearson Company, Alexander’s Collection and Jordan Spencer among others. Laura Ashley Candles & Home Fragrance, C & F Enterprises, Blissliving Home and Wildwood are just a handful of new gift, home accessories and lighting exhibitors ready to unveil new products and showrooms for attendees of Las Vegas Market.
Positive momentum for attendance, exhibitor numbers for World of Asphalt, AGG1 exhibitions
MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Savvy industry professionals looking to get an edge up on their competition and prepare for the future economic upturn will be at the upcoming World of Asphalt Show and Conference and co-located AGG1 Aggregates Forum & Expo March 9-12, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. In the short-term is the economic stimulus package with infrastructure spending, and longer term is the need to reauthorize federal transportation legislation that expires later in 2009.

Attendees at the 2009 AGG1 and World of Asphalt will have access to more companies and a broader diversity of products than ever before. The number of exhibiting companies signing on for World of Asphalt is trending higher than the last show, held in 2007, and is on target to break a show record - current numbers are 200-plus exhibitors using more than 58,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The inaugural co-located AGG1 show has surpassed all of its exhibit sales goals, with 130-plus exhibitors taking more than 27,000 net square feet of exhibit space. That's a total of over 330 exhibitors utilizing more than 85,000 net square feet.
Networking with peers and competitors is an important show component. Advance registration trending is not only more robust than expected given the economic climate, but is also ahead of the last show's numbers at a comparable time in the show cycle.
"World of Asphalt and AGG1 offer real value by connecting attendees and exhibitors in a very cost-effective way," noted Show Director Sara Truesdale Mooney. "And we have partnered with other organizations to truly make this an industry gathering place."
The broader diversity of exhibits is being highlighted through a special New Product & Technology Program designed to help attendees quickly find new and innovative products and services on the show floor. This Internet-based program is now online on the shows' Websites — check the "overview" section of www.worldofasphalt.com and www.agg1.org.
2010 International CES iLounge Pavillion
sells out in record time
2010 CES iLounge Pavilion to Feature Largest Display of iPod, iPhone and Mac Technologies in Show History
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association that the iLounge Pavilion, a unified iPod, Phone and Mac exhibition area at the 2010 International CES, has quadrupled in size since its official launch in January.
The iLounge Pavilion, co-sponsored by CEA and iLounge.com, will feature manufacturers and retailers of iPod and iPhone accessories, related products and services, and based on requests from vendors, will now grow to include leading Mac developers and retailers as well. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2010 International CES, the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology, is scheduled for Jan. 7-10, 2010 in Las Vegas.
"We have received an incredible response from companies interested in exhibiting in the iLounge Pavilion at the 2010 International CES," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. "In fact, the original space allocated for the pavilion sold out in less than one week - a CES show record - and we've quadrupled the space to accommodate the overwhelming demand. This exciting new CES Pavilion brings momentum to the consumer technology industry and reinforces the International CES as the global hub for the latest innovative technologies."
"Leading Apple developers and retailers are excited to have such an outstanding stage at the 2010 International CES," said Jeremy Horwitz, editor-in-chief, iLounge. "Whether they're showing off iPod accessories, iPhone applications, or the latest and coolest new Mac products, they know that they'll find the world's largest audience at this great new pavilion."
The iLounge Pavilion, originally floored with 4,000 net square feet of exhibit space which sold out in the first week following the launch, has increased to 18,000 net square feet. Exhibiting companies in the 2010 CES iLounge Pavilion, which will be housed in the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall 2, include Griffin Technology, Mobis Technology, Pro Clip USA, Scosche, Incase Designs, Incipio Technologies, iSkin and GelaSkins.
Companies interested in exhibiting in the iLounge Pavilion at the 2010 International CES should contact Tira Gordon, national account manager for CES, at tgordon@CE.org.
VENUE NEWS

Palm Springs Convention Center hosts 20th annual International Film Festival Gala
PALM SPRINGS — The Stars came out in force for the Twentieth Annual Palm Springs International Gala which was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Black Tie event, a cornerstone of the fourteen day Film Festival, was once again hosted by Entertainment Tonight's very own Mary Hart - an audience favorite and part-time local resident of the Palm Springs area.
This year's award winners read like a Hollywood "Who's Who," and included Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Dustin Hoffman, Sean Penn, Anne Hathaway, Gus Van Sant, Amy Adams, Dakota Fanning, Freida Pinto, Alexandre Desplat and the entire cast of Revolutionary Road (Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour, Kathy Bates, Dylan Baker, and Zoe Kazan). All the award recipients, with the exception of Kate Winslet, who was ill, were present to accept their awards, greet fans, and mingle with the equally amazing list of award presenters. That list included Donald Sutherland, Frank Langella, Ben Stiller, Cleve Jones, Rosemarie Dewitt, Josh Brolin, John Patrick Shanley, Paul Bettany, James Cromwell and Taraji P. Henson.
Cartier returned as Presenting Sponsor for the Gala, and Cartier President and CEO, Frederick de Narp was on hand to personally welcome attendees, award recipients and presenters. U.S. Representative Mary Bono Mack, widow of the late Sonny Bono, whose vision it was to create the Palm Springs International Film Festival, was in Washington, DC, for the swearing in of Congress. While unable to attend the Festival in person, she did send a video message introducing Josh Brolin, who presented the Sonny Bono Visionary Award to Director Gus Van Sant.
A crowd of approximately 1,500 people attended the Awards Gala, while throngs of fans watched and waved outside as the stars arrived to walk the red carpet. Several of the stars rewarded the waiting fans (and created lifetime memories for them) when they approached the crowds to shake hands, pose for pictures and sign autographs.

Keith Seitter, Executive Director of AMS; Center (left) : Jay Green, Phoenix Convention Center Director; and at far right Walter Dabberdt, President of AMS
New Phoenix Convention Center officially opens
Newly completed north building hosts first conventions, opens restaurants
PHOENIX — The recently completed 1.1 million gross square foot North Building of the expanded Phoenix Convention Center recently hosted its first guests.
Both The American Meteorological Society and Imaging USA hosted their conventions on January 11.
"Hosting two major conventions at the same time would not have been possible without the expansion. We are excited to bring over 45,000 delegates to the downtown Phoenix area in our first month alone" said Jay Green, Director of the Phoenix Convention Center.
January's conventions included groups such as Mary Kay, P.F. Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon Expo, National Cattleman's Association, and the Arizona National Boat Show.
To serve convention attendees and the downtown community, the Metro Marche in the Phoenix Convention Center's new North Building is officially open. Hours are 10am to 2pm Monday through Friday plus additional hours based upon event activity.
The Metro Marche offers six new food venues including; Urban Wok (Asian), Crust (bringing a taste of Sicily to Arizona), Tortillas (Mexican Grill), Fresh Gourmet To Go (Innovative Meal Solutions for Lifestyles on the Go), Bistro on 3rd (gourmet mini-sandwiches called sliders) and City Central Coffee (serving gair trade certified blend created for Phoenix Convention Center).

Positive sign of things to come convention sales team increases room nights by 60 percent
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Positively Cleveland's Convention Sales team met their 2008 goal, selling more than 200,000 room nights for a 60 percent increase over 2007 results.
The goal, based on bringing meetings, tradeshows and conferences to the area, represents business turned definite in 2008 for future years.
Putting this in perspective, this means that last year the regional convention and visitors bureau was responsible for booking around 252 meetings and conventions that will ultimately result in overnight stays in some 201,000 hotel rooms and bring some 364,000 people to the area. "Hospitality is the fourth largest employer in Cuyahoga County," notes Positively Cleveland president, Dennis Roche. "Meetings and business travel are critical to sustaining the region's restaurants, hotels and attractions."
Positively Cleveland estimates the 200,000-plus room nights will result in a direct spend of at least $200 million.
Although caught between an aging meeting facility and the promise of a new convention center and faced with challenges to the travel industry like rising fuel costs and airline service cuts, Positively Cleveland made sales numbers on par with other second-tier cities with newer convention centers. "Being very accessible with thriving entertainment districts and high profile attractions like the Rock Hall, it's no wonder Cleveland is an appealing value destination for meetings," Roche said. "We just have to work a little harder to court groups that are a perfect fit. Once we get them here for a site visit, they usually love it." For the past few years, Positively Cleveland has been concentrating heavily on the religious, multicultural and hobby markets-but not to the exclusion of larger, citywide shows like NA2010 and InterWire (April 2009). The strategy appears to be paying off.
The addition of a Washington, D.C., office in late 2006 has also contributed to Positively Cleveland's sales numbers, helping to generate leads and position Cleveland as a top-notch destination for capital-based meetings and associations.
The goal for 2009 is up 10 percent to 220,000 room nights. "We're happy about 2008, but can't rest on our laurels," says Roche. "Just imagine what we will do with a new convention center."
Shed your winter coat and the winter blues
Guest at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort receive free night on next visit
when they leave behind their winter coat
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, Nassau, The Bahamas, is encouraging its guests to support the "Warm Coats Warm Hearts" drive by offering a free night on their next visit to the resort when they leave behind their winter coat.
"This winter we expect a lot of northerners to hit the warm, sunny beaches of Nassau to escape the cold," said Andrew Neubauer, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, "and we are happy to take those bulky coats off our guests' hands and donate them towards such a good cause, not to mention they won't need them in Nassau."
Upon check-in, guests will have the option to leave their winter coat with one of the resort's guest service agents. Guests will also have the opportunity to share any special stories about their winter coat on camera — maybe it was the coat they were wearing when they met the love of their life, or perhaps it was a gift from someone dear — which will be shared with the One Warm Coat organization.
All guests who leave behind their winter coat will automatically receive a voucher good for one free night on their next visit to the resort (limit of two vouchers per room). The drive will run through March 19, 2009, which marks the last day of winter. The coats will then be shipped to One Warm Coat, which provides warm coats to people in need, free of charge, so that they can live productive lives year round.
For more information and/or reservations, call the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort at (877) 782-0149 or visit www.Sheraton.com/Nassau.
Boot-Düsseldorf 2009 provides
economic stimulus for industry
CHICAGO — Despite the difficult economic situation worldwide, the recent staging of boot-Düsseldorf, 40th International Boat Show, provided economic stimulus for the yacht and watersports industry.
The 238,000 high-caliber visitors from 65 countries ensured that exhibitors in the majority of the product segments were pleased with their results — some reported surprisingly good business. A total of 45,000 of the visitors arrived from outside of Germany and an increased interest in the event from the Americas and the Middle East was noted. On 2.3 million square feet of exhibit space in 17 halls, the world's No. 1 yachting and watersports trade fair featured 1,641 exhibitors from 57 countries with their boats, new watersports gear as well as equipment and accessories. When boot-Düsseldorf was last held in 2008, 267,000 visitors took part.
"boot 2009 was staged under some of the most difficult conditions imaginable for a consumer trade fair. As anticipated, there was a decrease in visitor numbers but we managed to retain those yachting and watersports enthusiasts with high purchasing power and they have given the industry new impetus. boot has once again proven its status as an economic barometer and source of stimulus for business," commented Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.
This was confirmed by Jürgen Tracht, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Watersports Industry (BVWW): "At the end of the first weekend, a collective sigh of relief went through the halls. That was the psychological turning point."
The high caliber and purchasing power of the boot 2009 attendees is apparent in the results of a visitor survey: 71 percent of the visitors indicated that they intended to buy boats, equipment or watersports gear in 2009. Almost 60 percent made purchases or placed orders at boot 2009 and over 90 percent reported that their expectations were met. The majority of the attendees were interested in boats and yachts. Other areas of interest were boat equipment, engines and technical accessories, water tourism, boat and yacht charters and diving.
According to Jürgen Tracht, the market for boats and yachts is characterized by a distinct trend: "Customers value innovation and quality over price. Companies that are creative and offer convenience, top quality and service are able to hold their own on the market."
This is especially apparent with sailing boats and yachts this year. "boot 2009 was a big success for us. In terms of sales, it was one of the best runs we've had in years - it was a truly excellent trade fair all around with great visitors from the outstanding start to the very end. Our expectations were far exceeded," stated Michael Schmidt, CEO of HanseYachts AG.
However, demand for both motor and sailing boats in the middle price range (Euro 80,000 to Euro 200,000) was sluggish.
Although business in the large yachts segment was not as brisk as in previous years, some leading yards and dealers still reported good sales and plenty of interest from potential buyers based abroad. Albert Drettmann, Head of the yachting agency Drettmann, declared that boot was again the most important event for his company. The agency made good deals and new contacts that promise a strong post-show business.
Regarding equipment and accessories, the trend for greater comfort and security continues. Demand in this segment was close to last year's level.
Charter companies and exhibitors in the water tourism section reported good business. According to a survey, 54 percent of the boot visitors were planning a watersports vacation, while 42 percent were looking for their next vacation destination.
As always, the Diving Show was a visitor favorite. Every fifth visitor went into Hall 3 and manufacturers of scuba equipment and agencies for diving tourism were particularly pleased with their participation in boot 2009.
In 2010, boot-Düsseldorf will be held from January 23-31. For further information visit www.mdna.com.
M-PLAS 2009 to serve needs of
Malaysian Plastics Industry
CHICAGO — M-PLAS, 4th International Plastics and Rubber Trade Fair for Malaysia, will return to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from November 4-7, 2009. The event will be organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia, with the support of the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association, the Malaysian Rubber Products Manufacturers' Association and K - the leading international trade fair for plastics and rubber.
Malaysia's plastics and rubber processing sectors are faced with ever increasing regional and global competition and M-PLAS 2009 will be the ideal platform to experience the latest in machinery and equipment, plastics and rubber products, raw materials and services. The 4-day trade fair will cater to the needs of the industry by bringing together international manufacturers and suppliers and providing a comprehensive overview of high-end technology and solutions.
According to a survey by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Malaysia is ranked among the top five nations (out of 55 leading economies) when it comes to high-technology exports as a percentage of overall exports — and this is expected to continue. Concerning economic growth, Malaysia is continuing to perform strongly: the country's Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by 5.2 percent in 2008 and to hold relatively steady at 5 percent in 2009.
Recent statistics from leading global organizations highlight the importance of Malaysia as a manufacturing base. Malaysia improved its position from the 23rd to 19th place in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2008, placing Malaysia ahead of Great Britain (21st position), Japan (22nd position), Thailand (27th position) and South Korea (31st position). Malaysia also ranks among the world's top 20 most attractive countries for foreign direct investment according to the World Investment Prospects Survey 2007-2009 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
When last held in 2007, M-PLAS welcomed 6,729 visitors from 60 countries who saw the latest developments, innovations and solutions for the plastic and rubber industry presented by the 158 exhibiting companies from 18 countries. Close to 90 percent of the visitors were from Malaysia and a significant number of the attendees came from neighboring ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.
For more information, visit www.mdna.com.
Melville recruits new director of contracting services for Melville Middle East
BIRMINGHAM — Melville Exhibition and Event Services, a GES Worldwide Network company, today announced the appointment of Yasser al Maaytah as director for Melville Middle East full-service contracting services.
Al Maaytah joined the business on the 5th January and is working from Melville Middle East's offices at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Al Maaytah was formally senior operations director, Middle East at dmg world media Middle East. He has a MBA degree from Kent Business School in the U.K., a BA in Business Administration from the University of Jordan and is fluent in English, Arabic and Russian.
Melville Middle East is the exclusive provider of venue services at ADNEC, providing rigging and specialist lighting features in addition to exclusive venue services, including electrical mains, piped services, primary rigging and floor mark out. The full-service offering will extend Melville's business into shell scheme, stand wiring, furniture, carpet, graphics, logistics, custom design and build, and data and registration.
Melville CEO Nick Marshall says, "The appointment of Yasser is the next stage of our drive to bring Melville's full-service business to our organiser clients in the Middle East. His focus is launching Melville's official services contracting business in the United Arab Emirates. Yasser will have the support and resources of both Melville in the U.K. and the entire GES Worldwide Network."
Melville COO Jason Popp adds, "Yasser comes to Melville with a wealth of experience on the contractor and the organiser sides of the business. He intimately understands the key venues throughout the Middle East and is familiar with Melville's dedication to unparalleled customer service. He is a great addition to our growing team servicing Middle East organisers and exhibitors."
Global Spectrum hires Neil McMullin as assistant general manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center
CINCINNATI — Global Spectrum, the management firm responsible for the daily operations of the Duke Energy Convention Center has announced that Neil McMullin will be the new Assistant General Manager at that facility.
McMullin replaces Bob Balsam, who was promoted to General Manager of the Global Spectrum managed Miami Beach Convention Center.
"Neil has several years of experience in the industry," said Global Spectrum's General Manager at the Duke Energy Convention Center Ric Booth, "he has worked in multiple roles in arenas, convention centers, and performing arts venues."
McMullin comes to Cincinnati after serving as the General Manager of the Global Spectrum managed Clovis Civic Center in Clovis, New Mexico. At the Clovis Civic Center, he was responsible for pre-opening management which involved hiring staff and implementing policies and procedures. As a result of McMullin's leadership, the Clovis Civic Center exceeded budgeted net income by 68 percent in its first full fiscal year and by 23 percent in its second fiscal year.
Prior to the Clovis Civic Center, McMullin was the General Manager of the IKON Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The IKON Center is a multipurpose facility that can accommodate ice skating, roller skating, concerts, trade shows, conventions, and banquets. McMullin was able to increase revenue at the facility by 50 percent within one year of becoming the General Manager.
"Cincinnati is a great city that has a lot to offer," said McMullin, "it has become a destination for major conventions and trade shows and under Global Spectrum's management the Duke Energy Convention Center has become one of the top convention facilities in the country. I look forward to continuing the success."
McMullin graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Facility Management. His first day is February 12, 2009 — just in time to attend the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting being held in the Grand Ballroom at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
Cyclonix adds veteran talent
MORGAN HILL, Calif. — Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic brand architecture, has enhanced its expertise-and increased its event production capabilities-with the addition of three new team members. Industry veteran Russell Ahmed has been named v.p. of operations, Steve Holt has been named account executive, and Alan Poat has been named project manager.
Ahmed's responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of operations with an eye towards system improvement. He will analyze and streamline Cyclonix's sales-to-production process, leveraging his experience in both exhibit and event production.
"Russell's experience and savvy will help elevate our fast-growing company to the next level," says Marty McGreevy, president of Cyclonix.
Based in Southern California, Holt will focus on the healthcare, medical device and technology sectors, leveraging his extensive background in event production and marketing.
"Marty McGreevy's enthusiasm, philosophy and ethics set Cyclonix apart as the up-and-coming company in our industry," Holt said.
Poat delivers expertise in large and small projects in the exhibit, event and permanent installation arenas. "Clients enjoy working with Alan because he is always able to find a solution that fits their needs," McGreevy said. Ahmed, Holt, and Poat were previously with George P. Johnson.
Edlen loses a member of its family
LAS VEGAS — It is with a very heavy heart and a great deal of sadness that Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services announces the passing of a member of its Edlen family, Steven Mark McMahon.
McMahon had worked in the audio visual industry for many years in Chicago, Miami and finally in Las Vegas. He was the assistant general manager for the in-house audio visual department at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Resort for more than 10 years. In 1994, Steve and his wife, Michell, decided to move to Las Vegas, where Steve worked for GES at the Las Vegas Hilton. A few years after their move, in September of 1997, Steve joined Edlen in the capacity of Vice President of Administration.
During his many years at Edlen, McMahon was very involved in several industry associations such as LVHA (Las Vegas Hospitality Association), IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events) and ESCA (Exhibition Services and Contractors Association).
Most notably, he was a board member of AOHT, the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. This organization supports the Las Vegas high school and college students interested in careers within the trade show industry. McMahon took great pride in these students, often spending one-on-one time with them and giving them personal insight and mentoring.
McMahon was a friend and colleague, but more importantly, he was a member of the Edlen family. Always ready with a smile, a handshake or a hug, Steve brightened the day of all he met.
He will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit, his quiet faith and his absolute love for his family and friends. It was summed up best by company president Jim Wetterling, "You could not find a more devoted and loyal friend than McMahon.
McMahon is survived by his wife, Michell, and their children John, Kyle, Karson, Kaley and Konnor, as well as Steve's sister and his mother. Services for Steve were held on February 2 at Hope Baptist Church in Las Vegas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (earmarked for melanoma research), to Odyssey Hospice on McLeod Drive or to a scholarship fund c/o Edlen Electrical on behalf of Steve and Michell's youngest children, Karson, Kaley and Konnor.


EXHIBIT EXPERTISE

The good news about bad times
By Barry Siskind
If you have ever attended the world’s biggest car show in Detroit you were undoubtedly overwhelmed by the orgy of extravagant car promotions, wild stunts, spare-no-expense promotions and the best of what you would expect from an industry prepared to spend over $100 million to introduce their newest models.
This year it was different. Opulence was replaced by austerity. A struggling industry was now exhibiting to the bare bones. Some companies like Nissan pulled out completely.
Yes, it’s true that when times are tough we all need to tighten our belts a notch or two and yet when times are good we seem to forget the basics and throw gobs of money into the air hoping for some sort of a return.
This year’s Detroit show is a direct reflection of the global financial scene. But sometimes rolling back isn’t a bad thing. When all your energy goes into creating too much glitz and glamour, often the question, “Am I getting a return for the investment in all this excess” is not asked.
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…]
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Add my e-mail to your press release e-mail — vincent@trade-show-expo.com.
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E-mail or call Vincent Hernandez at Trade Show Expo
Bus: (702) 858-8214 • FAX: (702) 838-0064

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