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Trade Show Expo To view this newsletter online, CLICK HERE ASSOCIATION NEWS • PEOPLE MAKING NEWS • NATIONAL NEWS • COLUMNS • |
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Stories this week:
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
ASSOCIATION NEWS IAEE's 2009 Art of the Show Competition Submissions deadline is 17 July 2009
The ad/campaign must have appeared in an industry trade publication, onsite guide, Web site, signage or other marketing collateral for an exhibition or event. More details are available at www.iaee.com/aos. Mobley joins four other distinguished honorees
"We are very proud of Tom for his selection to the CIC Hall of Leaders," says CEIR President and CEO Doug Ducate. "He has shaped and advanced the industry through his initiatives, continuing to mentor young people and leading us toward a bright future. We are also pleased that Tom's induction class will include Jerry Wayne, who served as chairman of CEIR in 1997." Mobley is senior vice president for Convention Centers for Global Spectrum Facility Management. His vision and leadership have led to advancements that have been adopted throughout the industry. For example, while at McCormick Place, he conceived the idea of inviting industry associations to office in space being taken out of service for exhibitions as new space opened. CEIR was the first tenant in 1998, followed by the Trade Show Exhibitor Association (TSEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and recently, the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB). Mobley's direct, affable, even-handed nature has effectively addressed issues in advance and resolved problems before they occurred. He orchestrated major union changes in Chicago that resulted in a unified workforce and a customer-focused culture at McCormick Place. This has made a positive impact not only on exhibition and event organizers who hold events at McCormick Place, but also on thousands of exhibitors and the visitors who attend its exhibitions and events. While at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, Mobley worked to develop a random drug testing program with union labor. This program, which is not punitive in nature, is now being duplicated in other centers around the country. Mobley continues to contribute to the exhibitions and events industry through his frequent presentations at various industry organization meetings. He has contributed to many groups, including serving as former chairman and treasurer of CEIR; acting as the liaison group between IAAM and DMAI to bridge the gap between the convention centers and the convention and visitor bureaus; and as a former chairman of the CIC. He continues to hold leadership roles on the boards of the PCMA Foundation and the Exhibition Industry Foundation. His extensive involvement in the industry includes membership with various organizations including: International Association of Assembly Managers, American Society of Association Executives, Exhibition Services Contractors Association, Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, and the Trade Show Exhibitors Association. Mobley's commitment to excellence reaches beyond his professional obligations. In his earlier years, he was a volunteer leader in the Baltimore City Fair, serving as president and chair. The Baltimore City Fair is a major community event designed to showcase Baltimore's neighborhoods and bring pride and celebration to the diversity of the city. Mobley was also a founding member of the Neighborhood Resource Bank in Baltimore, an organization that secured donations of materials and supplies to support neighborhood clean-up and re-development, and provided matching of neighborhood leadership to these resources. He has also served on community association boards. As Mobley became more involved in the industry, his focus moved toward developing model programs and mentoring individuals to support growth and development for professional success. Mobley's greatest legacy is reflected in the people he has mentored along the way. Five major convention centers in the United States are currently managed by people that trained and learned under him. The CIC Hall of Leaders was established in 1985. Each inductee is honored at the Hall of Leaders Recognition Pavilion in the Washington D.C. Convention Center and on the walls of McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. The other 2010 Hall of Leaders inductees are:
2009 trade show spending CHICAGO — Budgets for trade show exhibiting and the number of shows exhibitors plan to attend are each expected to decline by 17 percent this year, according to the 300 professionals who responded to the Trade Show Exhibitors Association’s 2009 Exhibit Management Survey.
Broken down by industry, corporate private event spending is expected to decrease 30 percent from last year, while technology shows are expected to see the largest budget decrease at 46 percent. However, medical/health care/pharmaceutical industry events are expected to fare the best, with a five percent budget increase. "What we learned from this survey is that the trade show industry outlook is far from bleak," says TSEA President and CEO Margit Weisgal. "While spending is down, it's not drastic because the value of trade shows is indisputable — they produce revenue." Full survey results are available by visiting www.tsea.org.
EXHIBITOR2009 NEWS
VENUE NEWS
Downsized Javits Center expansion approved NEW YORK — The Empire State Development Corp.'s Board of Directors has approved a $463-million plan to renovate and expand the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The plan is a down-sized version of an earlier $1.7-billion proposal designed to double the Center's exhibit space, which former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer halted after proposed project costs had swelled to nearly $3 billion. The new plan calls for a 100,000-square-foot expansion, which includes 40,000 square feet of new exhibit space. The majority of the new project's costs will go toward renovating and upgrading the existing facility. The headquarters hotel included in the earlier version of the plan was also dropped from the current plan. Pending final approval of New York's Public Authority Control Board, construction on the project would be completed in 2010. SHOW NEWS
Patricia Clarkson to receive ShoWest Independent Award for Excellence in Acting
Clarkson will be presented with the ShoWest Independent Award for Excellence in Acting at a special luncheon "Celebrating the Importance of Independent and Specialty Film" on Thursday, April 2, at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas. "With a diverse resume that includes work on stage, television and the big screen, Patricia Clarkson's work has earned her great accolades and success around the world," noted Neuhauser. "We could not be more honored to present such a highly respected and talented actress as Patricia Clarkson with the ShoWest Independent Award for Excellence in Acting." This summer, Clarkson can be seen in Woody Allen's "Whatever Works," a Sony Pictures Classics release opening on June 19. An eccentric New Yorker, played by Larry David, abandons his upper class life to lead a more bohemian existence. He meets a young girl from the south and her family; and no two people seem to get along in the entanglements that follow. This comedy also stars Ed Begley Jr., Conleth Hill, Michael McKean, Evan Rachel Wood, and a number of other amusing types. Clarkson can also be seen this year in Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," with Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Michelle Williams; and playing the lead role in Ruba Nadda's "Cario Time," filmed in Egypt. Since making her film debut in Brian De Palma's "The Untouchables," Clarkson has gone on to appear in such films as "Lars and the Real Girl," "Phoebe in Wonderland,""Goodnight, and Good Luck," "Far From Heaven," and "The Green Mile," to name just a few. Her work in the independent film "Pieces of April" earned her nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award, Broadcast Film Critics Award and an Independent Spirit Award. In addition, her performance in "The Station Agent" earned her a SAG Award nomination for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Cast. The National Board of Review and the National Society of Film Critics named her Best Supporting Actress of the Year for her work in both "Pieces of April" and "The Station Agent," while the Sundance Film Festival awarded her the Jury Prize for Outstanding Performance in "Pieces of April," "The Station Agent" and "All the Real Girls." On television, Clarkson won an Emmy in 2002 and 2006 for her guest-starring role on HBO's acclaimed drama, "Six Feet Under." Clarkson made her professional acting debut on stage. Her theatre credits include "Eastern Standard," "Maidens Prayer," "Raised in Captivity," "Oliver Oliver," "The House of Blue Leaves," and "Three Days of Rain." ShoWest is the largest annual convention for the motion picture industry. It is the only international gathering devoted exclusively to the movie business and the single largest international gathering of motion picture professionals and theatre owners in the world. The 2009 edition of ShoWest will be held March 30 - April 2, 2009 at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas and is expected to draw more than 5,000 members of the motion picture industry. Each year, ShoWest attracts delegates from more than 50 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. ShoWest is produced by the Film Group at Nielsen Business Media, the leading trade show producer in the U.S. The Film Group also includes ShowEast, CineAsia, Cinema Expo International and Film Journal International. Nielsen Business Media also produces the Film Group's sister publication, The Hollywood Reporter. The 2009 edition of ShoWest will be held March 30 - April 2, 2009 at
SHOW NEWS SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (WCWGA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announced today that the WCWGA is now a supporting organization of AG CONNECT Expo 2010; the WCWGA's 40th annual convention will be held in conjunction with AG CONNECT EXPO 2010. AG CONNECT Expo 2010 is the new agricultural trade show slated for January 13-15, 2010 (preview day January 12 by special admission) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. AG CONNECT Expo 2010 will showcase the latest innovations, products, services and technology in all agriculture sectors and offer access to leading worldwide industry experts. Spokespersons for the two organizations said the partnership will help foster the exchange of cutting edge global agricultural practices and the newest ideas in profitability and sustainability in agriculture. "We're excited about the event," says Kevin Bender, WCWGA president. "We think it will be great for our members to see the latest equipment technology and to exchange ideas with leading farmers from around the world. That's why WCWGA has chosen AG CONNECT as the home for its annual convention." Charlie O'Brien, AEM's vice president of agricultural services, agreed. ""Agriculture today is global and dynamic and producers want access to the best information and the best people possible, without boundaries. We're pleased to gain the support of WCWGA and look forward to their participation in AG CONNECT." Founded in 1970 as the Palliser Wheat Growers Association, the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is a voluntary farm organization dedicated to creating a policy environment that improves the profitability and sustainability of farming and the agricultural industry as a whole. WCWGA's membership consists of progressive farmers and entrepreneurs who believe open and competitive markets, innovation, and investment are critical to creating a stronger and more prosperous agricultural sector. The association is governed by a voluntary board of directors, all of whom are farmers who share a passion for agriculture and a determination to make farming more profitable. AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the capitals of Washington, D.C., Ottawa, Beijing and a European presence in Brussels. It represents more than 800 companies in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors. DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Exhibitors and buyers will benefit from substantially discounted hotel room rates — the lowest in six years — at nearly all Las Vegas hotels for Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week 2009. SEMA and Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX) organizers have negotiated rates 25 to 45 percent lower than last year. More than 30 Las Vegas hotels plan to drop room rates for AAPEX and SEMA Show attendees. Organizers are currently negotiating with other properties, and Show organizers plan to announce specific hotel room rates soon. The SEMA Show will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Tuesday, Nov. 3-6. Visit www.SEMAShow.com for more information. AAPEX will be held at the Sands Expo Center, Tuesday, Nov. 3-5. For more information, visit www.aapexshow.com. DESTINATION NEWS LAS VEGAS — Meetings are vital business tools and a critical element of the Las Vegas economy and will help stimulate our economy. Recent publicity on the meetings and conventions has impacted the state of the industry. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is working hard to provide its hotel partners, clients and the business community with the tools and incentives to offer balance to the discussion of meetings and continue productive business travel. "We have to ensure that the value and importance of the meetings and convention industry is made clear," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "It is essential that we work hard to continue to promote business travel to Las Vegas." The LVCVA recently launched a comprehensive, online toolkit to provide relevant and timely information, as well as resources, for clients and hotel partners to stay abreast of developments in the meetings industry. Clients can access statistics, client testimonials and other information showing the reasons events are successful in Las Vegas. Hotel partners will find tools to promote group travel to the destination, as well as updates on developments in business and Congress on the industry. The toolkit can be found at www.vegasmeansbusiness.com. The LVCVA has taken a leadership role in the recent issue facing the meetings industry, reaching out to various stakeholder groups to stress the economic stimulus the industry provides to both the nation and Las Vegas. The organization has met with Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill, reached out to other elected officials to ensure the value of the industry is understood, conducted numerous media interviews, and partnered with industry associations and the hotel community to ensure any legislation on the industry is based on facts. The LVCVA has launched several initiatives in the past several months to address the economic downturn, including a massive sales call effort, attendance promotion programs for existing clients, booking incentive programs for potential clients and industry outreach to travel and hotel partners. To continue to entice meeting planners to plan events in Las Vegas, the LVCVA is running a booking incentive program that will award one planner with a new hybrid vehicle for any meeting booked and held between June 1 and August 31 through their eRFP program. Another incentive will award three VIP trips to Las Vegas for an event in the same date range. Las Vegas is committed to promoting and protecting the travel and tourism industry, which includes the meetings and convention industry. The LVCVA continues to promote fair and balanced discussion of the industry to ensure it remains a critical tool for business and economic stimulus for the nation. The 22,000 meetings and conventions annually in Las Vegas provide 46,000 jobs and $8.5 billion in economic activity. ALSO... LVCVA to Award Meeting Planner a New Hybrid LAS VEGAS — Meeting planners can turn their Las Vegas program green this summer through the LVCVA's "You Could Win Your Ride Home" sweepstakes. Any planner who books a program through the LVCVA's eRFP system that is held between June 1 and August 31 in Las Vegas will be entered into a drawing for a brand new 2009 hybrid vehicle. "Las Vegas is an advocate of environmental responsibility within the meeting industry, and this program is a way to promote our efforts to a broader audience," said Michael Goldsmith, director of convention sales for the LVCVA. "Given the current state of the meeting industry, it is also a great program to promote continued business travel." Planners have until June 25 to book their event to be included in the sweepstakes, and the vehicle will be awarded in September. For more information, visit www.lvcva.com/meetings and click on the "hot dates" button at the top of the page. Business continues full speed ahead at award-winning resort and spa PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Village Hospitality, L.L.C. has purchased The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, the award-winning 349-room resort and spa located 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The transaction closed in late February 2009. The prior owner of the resort sought reorganization in April 2008, and the acquisition by Village Hospitality concludes a 10-month bankruptcy period. "The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is an extraordinary acquisition for Village Hospitality, and the new relationship with the hotel's management team is extremely positive," said Michelle Russo of hotelAVE, the Providence-based asset manager for Village Hospitality, L.L.C. "No services were interrupted during this remarkable resort's 10-month ownership reorganization period, and we look forward to seeing The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas continue to serve its guests with world-class service and superior facilities as we move forward with them on behalf of the property owner." LAS VEGAS — CityCenter has been called the most expensive privately-financed development in U.S. history, and now Las Vegas braced for more bad news when the story broke that the mega-resort could file for bankruptcy late last week. Workers were relived the next day when MGM Mirage had made a $200 million payment to keep the project funded for at least another month. Partners MGM Mirage and Dubai World have been at odds over the near $9 billion project. This is a major setback for this massive project that was supposed to revive the Las Vegas economy. Rumors had been swirling around the 76-acre Strip work site that Friday might be their last day because CityCenter might have to file for bankruptcy, possibly shutting the $8.7 billion project down. The prestigious New York-based and world-renowned law firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf, is now representing CityCenter, LLC in a potential bankruptcy filing. That filing could come as soon as this weekend if the money does not come in from Dubai World. A source within MGM Mirage wants to stress it was CityCenter, LLC that hired the bankruptcy firm, not MGM. This week, Dubai World sued its partner MGM Mirage for breach of contract citing concerns over the projects financial stability. MGM Mirage spokesman Gordon Absher said Friday the company was continuing to work with its partners and remained enthusiastic about the project. Shares of MGM Mirage stock was down 16 percent shortly after the market opened Friday morning.
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS Oncenter Complex board of directors names Toennies as president and CEO SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Oncenter Complex board of directors voted Wednesday to appoint Terri Toennies as president and chief executive officer of the Oncenter Complex. Toennies will oversee the multi-venue complex, which includes the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the War Memorial Arena and the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. She is expected to begin April 13.
A nationwide search for the position was conducted with the assistance of Searchwide, a national leader in recruiting executive level professionals for the public assembly and hospitality industries. "After extensive interviews, background and reference checks done by our search team in conjunction with Searchwide's professional staff, the search team and the Oncenter board of directors found that Terri's executive level management experience and dynamic personality were the perfect fit for the Oncenter," said Stefano Cambareri, chairman of the Oncenter board of directors and member of the search team. "Based on her extensive public assembly, meeting, convention and hotel experience, the Oncenter board is excited to welcome Terri back to Syracuse and expect that she will immediately build upon the tradition of excellence at the Oncenter." Toennies is a Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) who served as general manager of Sunset Station, a four city block venture in San Antonio, Texas that hosts functions for up to 20,000 guests at a time. Sunset Station includes 10 event spaces, more than 100,000 square feet of venue space, and also presents up to 30 concerts per year. At Sunset Station, Toennies oversaw events surrounding the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in 2004 and 2008, the annual Alamo Bowl pre-game festivities, World Cup Soccer pre- and post-game activities, and the New Orleans Saints pre-game events following Hurricane Katrina. She was responsible for incorporating in-house catering into a venue that had previously relied solely on outside catering. During her more than five years at Sunset Station, banquet revenues increased from $987,000 to approximately $4.5 million in 2008. Toennies also served as the vice chair of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Commission, an advocate group that oversees the CVB, and as an executive board member for the San Antonio Area Tourism Council. She said she looks forward to partnering with the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau to attract meetings and conventions to Syracuse. "Terri Toennies is a true professional with great vision," said Scott White, executive director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, an organization that worked closely with Toennies to bring business to San Antonio. "She is well-respected for anticipating the needs of existing and potential clients in order to make their events exceptional." Toennies was the associate general manager at the House of Blues New Orleans in 1998, where she oversaw all aspects of the restaurant, music hall and banquet operations. In March 1999, she opened the House of Blues Las Vegas as director of sales and marketing, where she helped grow the catering business revenue from $4.5 million to $10 million by December 2003. She also worked on a national sales level to increase special event business across the House of Blues venues. Prior to the House of Blues, she was employed by Hyatt Hotels in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, California, Texas and Louisiana for nearly 15 years. She served as the director of catering and convention services and played an integral role in convention, association and social event planning. She managed catering sales teams with revenues that ranged from $3 million to $10 million per year depending on location. She was also responsible for new business solicitation, marketing and budgeting. Toennies oversaw the grand opening of the Hyatt Regency La Jolla in California. She was also responsible for managing all host hotel activities surrounding Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans. "I am thrilled to be returning not only to my hometown, but to such a fantastic event facility," said Toennies. "The Oncenter Complex is unique in all that it offers to the community and to convention and entertainment clients. I look forward to becoming a part of this vibrant city once again, this time with my nine-year-old daughter, Haynes, as we immerse ourselves in the culture, history and charm of Syracuse and its surrounding areas." The Oncenter search team consisted of Cambareri, board chair and attorney at Cambareri & Cambareri, LLP; Doug Snavely, search team chair, board member and general manager of the Doubletree Hotel; Padma Patil, board member and director of marketing for the Syracuse Symphony; David Holder, president, Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau; Edward Kochian, deputy county executive; and Patrick Kilmartin, a member of the Onondaga County Legislature. GREENBELT, MD — OAO Technology Solutions, Inc. (OAOT), a global leader in managed Information Technology (IT) solutions announced today that Sidney E. Fuchs, president and CEO of OAO Technology Solutions, Inc., has been named Chairman of the Tower Club Tysons Corner Board of Governors. A Club Member since 1999, Mr. Fuchs has served on the Tower Club Board since 2001.
"As an exceptional business leader with experience that spans both the federal government and commercial sectors, Sid provides the vision and leadership required to meet and exceed the Board of Governor's charter," said John Nicholas, Tower Club General Manager. "His ability to leverage relationships, deliver results, and build communities of interest makes Sid an excellent selection for Chairman." "Over the past 20 years, the Tower Club has developed a rich and prestigious history of fostering long standing business relationships and events that make the Club a unique asset and competitive advantage for the Washington, DC business community," stated Mr. Fuchs. "I am honored to have been elected to this three-year appointment and look forward to working with the Board of Governors, Tower Club management and staff, and the Club Corp Group in support of our local business leaders and the community." As a leading executive and recognized thought leader, Mr. Fuchs has extensive experience in the public sector, commercial and international markets, and is a published author and speaker on topics such as leadership and team development, business strategy and operations, and National Security strategy and policy. In 2008, he was named by the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence to the Defense Science Board's Permanent Task Force on Intelligence, and in 2002, was nominated by the White House and appointed by the Secretary of Defense to the National Defense University's Board of Visitors. Prior to joining OAOT, Mr. Fuchs was a senior executive with Northrop Grumman Corporation and is a former Central Intelligence Agency officer. He received his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU).
By Barry Siskind Visitors at a trade show quickly learn that there is simply too much information and too little time to absorb it all. Often what peaks their interest is an exhibitor who moves away from pure information and gives this tired visitor a break by offering them some entertainment. We have all seen a plethora of games and contests that exhibitors have devised. It can be as simple as a putting green to some of the popular games like Guitar Hero or other X-box games. So, the use of games has real value: it helps you stand out in the crowd of information clutter; it gives the visitor a well needed respite from the pressures of walking the show and it helps draw attention to your display. Advertisement  |
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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 Web site 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. E-mail or call Vincent Hernandez at Trade Show Expo
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DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is now accepting entries for its 2009 Art of the Show competition. The Art of the Show provides a stage for defining excellence in the quality of promotional materials and setting the standards for the industry. The competition awards those who show excellence in the development of promotion for their exhibitions and events.
DALLAS — The Center for Exhibition Industry Research congratulates Thomas M. Mobley, Jr. on his selection to join 97 fellow leaders in the Convention Industry Council's (CIC) Hall of Leaders. He was nominated by the CEIR board of directors for the 2010 CIC Hall of Leaders to represent the most outstanding leaders and innovators in the industry. He and four other inductees will be recognized at the Hall of Leaders Gala to be held in January 2010 in Dallas, Texas.
TSEA found that exhibiting budgets are expected to decrease to $381,000 this year, compared with $459,100 in 2008. Exhibitors also expect to attend 25 trade shows in 2009, compared with 30 last year.
LOS ANGELES — Academy Award nominated and Emmy winning actress Patricia Clarkson will receive the ShoWest Independent Award for Excellence in Acting, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the event, which will be held March 30-April 2, 2009, in Las Vegas.
Toennies, a graduate of C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, N.Y., returns to Syracuse with 28 years of experience in the hotel and special event business, including 24 years in executive level management positions. She has managed meetings, conventions, concerts, theater shows, receptions and sporting events throughout the United States.
Founded in 1988 by a group of Northern Virginia leaders, the Tower Club is the leading venue in Washington, DC for distinguished events, forums and activities for the business, professional and social community. The Tower Club is a sanctuary from the hectic pace of the Nation's Capital, as the elegant and relaxed atmosphere of the Tower Club is conducive to building relationships and enriching the lives and businesses of Club Members and their guests. From Member-sponsored events to business meetings and social functions, the facilities exude the very essence of a premier private club, including camaraderie of membership, fine dining, gracious personal service and an exceptional ambiance.
