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| July 31, 2009 | |
People Making News:
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Rick McConnell named president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions
Shawn Pierce named senior VP
DALLAS — Hanley Wood, one of the 10 largest B-to-B media companies in the United States, named Rick McConnell President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions and Shawn Pierce Senior Vice President. Hanley Wood Exhibitions produces 12 tradeshows, four of which are on the 2009 Tradeshow Week 200.
“Rick McConnell has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record,” said Frank Anton, CEO. “We believe he is the right person for the job and will successfully grow our exhibitions business.”
McConnell succeeds Galen Poss, who has served as President since the division’s inception in 1999. Poss resigned on June 15, along with Executive Vice President, Michael Green.
“Preserving a level of excellence while creating a new and exciting future is a challenge I look forward to tackling,” said McConnell. “We will continue moving forward as the leading exhibitions company in the building industry.”
McConnell has more than 21 years experience in the trade show industry and began his career at Hanley Wood in 2001 as Show Director. Most recently McConnell was Senior Vice President, with overall profit and loss responsibilities for the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, International Roofing Expo, Remodeling Show, JLC LIVE Residential Constructions Shows, DeckExpo and CONNECT, the online social networking tool. In addition, McConnell was responsible for sales and marketing initiatives across the exhibitions group.
“McConnell is a superb choice to lead the exhibitions group in its next era,” said Peter Goldstone, President of Hanley Wood. “Rick has demonstrated the ability to grow exhibitions and is completely onboard with the power of integrated, cross-platform selling. I look forward to working with him on growing our business.”
Prior to Hanley Wood, McConnell held senior management positions with Miller Freeman/VNU and MAGIC International.
Pierce has more than 16 years experience in the trade show industry and began his career at Hanley Wood in 2000, after seven years at Miller Freeman. Most recently Pierce was Vice President of Divisional Operations. Pierce continues to have overall profit and loss responsibilities within the exhibitions group for the e-media team and internal operations, while finding new efficiency improvements. In addition, Pierce will take on an increased role developing revenue-generating e-media initiatives company-wide.
"Shawn has played a vital role in guiding technology efforts and revolutionizing the way traditional operations are done," said McConnell. "His new position will allow him to concentrate his considerable knowledge, expertise and skill to e-media initiatives that will open up new revenue opportunities."
Pierce has been instrumental in developing and implementing many of Hanley Wood’s technology initiatives, including ADAPT (A Database Analyzer & Prospecting Tool), a database system that tracks attendee and marketing data, which was later sold to a2z. Most recently he developed and implemented CONNECT, a matchmaking/networking tool, and ConnectionPOINT, the customized portal for attendees and exhibitors of Hanley Wood events.
Pierce was the recipient of Hanley Wood’s Red Point award for the Smart category and was recently selected by Tradeshow Week as one of 14 leaders in for-profit exhibitions show management. In 2003, he received the Trade Show Executive Innovation of the Year Award.
McConnell and Pierce are long-time active members of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events [IAEE] and Society of Independent Show Organizers [SISO] and are frequently speakers at events and seminars. Pierce serves on the Board of Directors of the newly-formed International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing [The Center].
Convention Center Executive Chef Leon West cooking up other culinary pursuits
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s Executive Chef Leon West is stepping down as executive chef of ARAMARK at the Convention Center, a position he has held for 25 years.
An employee of ARAMARK since 1978, West has been at the Convention Center since 1984 and helped prepare the Convention Center for its 1985 opening. He is considered by his peers, both locally and internationally, as one of New Orleans’ most talented chefs. He has delighted the most discriminating tastes with his versatile talent and his unique ability to adapt from small elegant functions to dinners for over 10,000.
“Chef Leon’s outstanding characteristics are dedication, extraordinary creativity and being well-versed in every aspect of culinary,” said Jean-Pierre Turgot, general manager of ARAMARK at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Over the years, West has served as executive chef for high-profile events such as National Football League Commissioner’s Party, Taste of The NFL, NCAA Bowl Championship Series VIP Reception and the NBA All-Stars Players Party.
West recalls one of his more challenging experiences at the Convention Center: “One year, our team of 200 had to cook for over 35,000 people in a 24-hour period: breakfast, lunch and a reception followed by breakfast the next morning,” said West. “It was a challenge but we were able to pull it off for the client.”
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, West began his culinary industry career as a busboy and dishwasher at Johnny’s Diner. Later, he graduated from the Massachusetts Vocational and Technical School’s Culinary Arts Program and also worked in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Las Vegas before settling in New Orleans.
West is routinely honored for his participation in charitable events for Dollars for Scholars, YMCA, Christmas in October, Friends of City Park, and Children’s Hospital. He works closely with Second Harvest Food Bank as well as Bridge House and Ozanam Inn. Following Hurricane Katrina, Chef Leon played an integral role in assisting the Convention Center and the community through the recovery process by feeding the National Guard and first responders who were stationed at the Convention Center.
West is a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs international culinary society and served as Maître de Cuisines at three annual dinners. He is an active member in the Local Chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and in 1996 received “Chef Of The Year” Honors from ACF’s New Orleans Chapter. In 1997, he was inducted into A Taste Of Heritage Foundation’s African-American Chef’s Hall Of Fame.
“Chef Leon is an icon of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Our attendees know him for his signature praline crêpes, and the community knows him for his service to charity. But we know him as ‘Chef Leon,’ a fine chef who is an integral part of our facility’s history. He will truly be missed,” said Bob Johnson, president/general manager of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
With twelve- to eighteen-hour days at the Convention Center behind him, West has some new plans under his chef’s toque. He recently debuted his new line of spices called “Spices with Chef Leon West.”
The locally-produced product line features seven original blends. “Spices with Chef Leon West” is available at Rouses’s Supermarket locations throughout the greater New Orleans area and will soon be available online at http://www.chefleonwest.com.
West is also looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with his family.
Chef Leon and his wife Joyce have been married for over 40 years and are the parents of seven daughters.
A nationwide search will be conducted for a new executive chef. ARAMARK has named Pascal Beaute as Interim Executive Chef. Beaute comes to New Orleans from the Tampa Convention Center. With 20 years of culinary experience, Beaute has worked at hotels and resorts worldwide and also served as a chef at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
Prior to joining ARAMARK, Beaute was executive chef at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and was a key participant in opening the EuroDisneyland Resort in Paris.
A native of France, Beaute received his diploma in French Culinary at the Hotel and Culinary Academy of Poligny and received his Master’s degree in the art and technique of vacuum cuisine from Ecole de Georges Pralut.
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Four named to ConventionPlanit.com advisory council
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jane Berzan, CAE, Ruth Murphy, CMP, Valerie Sumner, and Annette Suriani, CMP, have been named to the ConventionPlanit.com Advisory Council, a group that helps shape the features and content of ConventionPlanit.com, the leading online search directory in the meetings industry.
Each has extensive experience in the meetings industry and brings a unique perspective to the council, which is made up of 17 industry professionals.
Murphy is senior technical advisor for scientific meetings for the U.S. Department of State. She plans numerous meetings around the world and is skilled in international diplomacy and working with U.S. embassies and foreign governments.
Sumner is principal of VRS Meetings & Events Inc., a full-service meeting and event management firm. She was previously president for all divisions of the TCI Companies, and also worked for The Capital Informer, Radisson Hotels, and Americana Hotels.
Suriani is director of meetings with Meetings Management Group (MMG), a division of Association Management Group (AMG), a position she began in July 2009. She was previously director of PACE Meetings and Expositions, a joint tradeshow between the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. She is an expert in the creative side of meeting management, including innovative management structures, marketing strategies, special events, and more.
“Our Advisory Council is the group that originally conceived ConventionPlanit.com and the registration-free and commission-free format that has vaulted it to the top of our industry,” said ConventionPlanit.com Co-Founder Katherine Markham, CHME. “By continually bringing in new people and new ideas, we keep the Web site fresh and interesting.”
Edlen Electrical adds sales manager in Miami
MIAMI — Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, the nation’s largest independent electrical contractor to the convention and trade show industry, announced a new addition to its Miami office.
Mark Gold has joined Edlen’s Miami office in the role of national sales manager. Mark brings with him 15 years experience in the tradeshow industry. He most recently worked as publisher of Food Export Magazine, where he had the opportunity to represent his publication at trade shows around the world. His experience includes work with Facilities Magazine, and he has been active in many industry associations including IAAM, PCMA and IAEE.
Gold is excited to join the Edlen team where his responsibilities include establishing new accounts and maintaining existing relationships in the Miami market and nationwide. Mark Gold can be reached at 16110 NW 13th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169. Phone (305) 623-5335 Fax (305) 623-5337 or mgold@edlen.com.
Hilton names Andrew Flack as VP of Global Brand Marketing
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) today announced that Andrew Flack has been promoted to Vice President of Global Brand Marketing for the Hilton brand.
In this newly created position, he will have oversight for Hilton brand marketing strategies and functions worldwide.
Those functional areas include advertising, public relations, strategic partnerships and brand promotions for the leisure and business segments, as well as Hilton Hotels Corporation graphics and, identity and hotel online tools and resources. Additionally, Andrew supports Hilton Worldwide Resorts marketing and business development efforts for the Customer Marketing group, Hilton HHonors programs, and hotel opening marketing initiatives.
“Andrew has a wealth of experience of expanding Hilton’s position in existing markets as well as identifying new opportunities in emerging growth markets,” said Dave Horton, Global Head – Hilton Brand. “We are confident in his abilities to take our organization to the next level as Hilton continues its mission to advance as a leading global company,” Horton added.
A 20-year hotel industry veteran, Andrew was previously Vice President Sales and Marketing – Hilton Asia Pacific, where he created a new marketing organization in support of our emerging growth markets and extended our global sales network into new countries such as India and Korea. Previous assignments have taken Andrew to Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.
Between 2003 and 2006 Andrew led Sales & Marketing for Australasia, where he was part of the team that re-built and re-launched Hilton Sydney. Andrew’s earlier career included seven years as a Hotel General Manager, managing Hilton properties in the UK and Australia.
Born in Malta, Andrew is a dual citizen of Britain and Australia and holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management.
Articles this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
TS2 2009 experience industry firsts
Qualified buyers, industry partnerships and new technology are forefront of 2009 event
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — TS², Total Solutions Marketing for the Exhibit and Event Professional staged July 20 through July 23 at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Ill.
The four-day conference and two-day expo, featuring 150 exhibiting companies and 70 powerful conference sessions held strong in spite of the sagging economy. National Trade Productions, Inc., owners and operators of TS² since 2004, announced today that the event experienced only a 15 percent decrease in attendance from the 2008 event, which boasted its best attendance since the 2004 purchase of the show.
"The largest decrease we saw this year was in booth personnel, which made the exhibitor to attendee ratio much more favorable. Additionally, more decision-makers attended alone as opposed to bringing lower-level staff to this year's event, increasing the level of qualified buyers," said Robert Harar, Chairman of National Trade Productions.
Exhibit Surveys wins TSEA ‘Exhibitors’ Choice’
Winners nominated and voted by industry professionals
RED BANK, NJ — Exhibit Surveys, Inc., the leading provider of research and measurement services exclusively for the exhibition and event industry, today announced that it has won the 2009 TSEA Exhibitors Choice Award in the “Favorite of the Rest (all other types of suppliers)” category.
Approximately 5,100 event marketing professionals cast their votes on the Trade Show Exhibitors Association's (TSEA) web site prior to the TS2 conference in Chicago. Twelve companies were nominated in the category.
Joe Federbush, vice president of sales and marketing, Exhibit Surveys, Inc. accepted the award on July 22 at the TSEA Foundation Gala during TS2. “It is truly an honor for Exhibit Surveys to be nominated and chosen by professionals in our industry,” commented Federbush. “This award inspires all of us at Exhibit Surveys to keep raising the bar to provide the most innovative measurement and consulting, practical resources, and the best customer service in the industry.”
Established in 1963, Exhibit Surveys, Inc. specializes exclusively in conducting market research and measurement for the exhibition and event marketing industry. The company has conducted research on more than 3,000 exhibitions and events and measured over 10,000 individual exhibits in all major segments of commerce on six continents. Its clients represent all segments of the event industry, including exhibition organizers, exhibitors, private events organizers, suppliers, CVBs and convention facilities. “Be a “knowbody” and visit www.exhibitsurveys.com or call 732-741-3170.
Nth Degree wins a TSEA Exhibitors’ Choice Award
ATLANTA — Nth Degree, a leading full-service global event marketing and management company, won a TSEA Exhibitors’ Choice Award as the industry’s “Favorite I&D Company”. The award was presented during the TS2 Gala in Chicago, IL in conjunction with the TS2 show and was accepted by Nth Degree’s Chicago sales team.
“We are thrilled to receive this honor,” said John Yohe, President, Nth Degree. “This award is a reflection on our entire company, and recognizes our commitment to our customers and our track record of service excellence.”
Nth Degree was awarded following nominations from its customers and a public online vote open to trade show exhibitors and event industry professionals. Nth Degree came out on top from more than 5,000+ votes in the competition.
“It was great to see Nth Degree awarded the Favorite I&D company honor at TS2. Nth Degree continues to uphold the philosophy of “whatever it takes” service which serves as a hallmark of our industry. We congratulate them and the people who make it happen every day on the show floor,” said Francesca Lendrum, Director, Marketing Services, NAVTEQ.
Show News
ICON Expo 2011 co-location with CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 enhances value for exhibitors, attendees
WEST ALLIS, Wis. — New for the next CONEXPO-CON/AGG exposition, to be held in 2011, is the co-location of the 2011 International Concrete Exposition, also known as ICON Expo. The shows will be held March 22-26, 2011 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Nev.
ICON Expo is organized by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) in conjunction with other leading industry groups, and serves the needs and interests of the concrete products industry, including producers, suppliers, designers, architects, and specifiers. The expo rounds out exhibits with product demonstrations, a robust education program and social networking events.
A successful ICON Expo was first staged in 2009 and is held annually. The expo continues NCMA’s longstanding commitment to an industry-wide show for concrete, masonry and hardscape products, with the history including Masonry Expo and the more recent Manufactured Concrete Products Exposition.
“We are very pleased that ICON Expo is joining with CONEXPO-CON/AGG. They represent an important industry segment, and their participation broadens the scope of products for attendees and enriches the quality of industry interaction,” stated Show Director Megan Tanel.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our members. Our industry is becoming much more global, and what better place than CONEXPO-CON/AGG to gain exposure to the wider construction marketplace and the latest trends worldwide,” stated NCMA President Robert Thomas.
Tanel noted that ICON Expo is an industry-run show just like CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and the two events share a similar philosophy of partnering to provide additional value to participants. “We both want our members, exhibitors and attendees to get the most ROI out of their trade show experience,” she stated.
Joining with NCMA in ICON Expo 2011 as partners are the Cast Stone Institute (CSI) and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI). The Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute (ESCSI) and Portland Cement Association (PCA) also participate as show sponsors.
Joining in CONEXPO-CON/AGG as principal sponsors are Association of Equipment Manufacturers, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, with Associated General Contractors of America as sponsor.
Int’l Roofing Expo assigns more than 76 percent of the show floor
DALLAS — The 2010 International Roofing Expo recently concluded its annual Space Draw process, assigning 76 percent of the show floor to 247 companies in 650 booths.
Taking place Feb. 22-24, 2010, in the D & E Halls at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, the show will offer roofing contractors, builders, remodelers, building owners, facility managers, and architects a comprehensive preview of the roofing construction and maintenance marketplace.
“We’re quite pleased with the number of companies who have committed to exhibit at the 2010 International Roofing Expo,” said Donna Bellantone, Director of the Expo. “Attendees will have access to virtually every product category and price point.”
Making up the 247 companies who have reserved space are key manufacturers such as ABC Supply Co., CertainTeed, GAF, Firestone Building Products, Johns Manville Roofing Systems, Metalforming, OMG Roofing Products, Owens Corning, Soprema, and 3M Industrial Mineral Products Division, just to name a few.
Exhibitors returning to the show after an absence of a year or more include Kennedy Skylights, Modi-Systems, Sealoflex, Sunbelt Vacuum Service, and TDR Systems.
Participating in Space Draw for the first time included companies such as Ambassador Energy, East Coast Metal Systems, On Top Safety, and R.M. Lucas Co.
“The fact that so many companies have signed up for booth space is a testament of their commitment to the industry,” said Bill Good, Executive Vice President of NRCA, the show’s official sponsor. “This promises to be another exciting, must-see event for the roofing industry.”
Although Space Draw has concluded companies can still contract for booth space, which will now be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To view the available space on the online floor plan, visit www.TheRoofingExpo.com.
Companies beginning with the letters A-H should contact Sandi McMullen at 972.536.6386 or SMcMullen@HanleyWood.com and I-Z should contact Stephanie Garcia at 972.536.6381 or SGarcia@HanleyWood.com.
Show Competition
Winners of 3rd annual Chicago Canstruction competition announced
CHICAGO — The 3rd annual Chicago CANstruction Competition successfully raised over 70,000 pounds of food for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In addition, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) donated $2,500 to the organization, both of which will help make significant strides towards feeding hungry people across Chicago.
The gala event on June 11 was attended by over 200 guests, and among them were guest celebrity guest judges Mitchell Obstfeld, President/Publisher, i4 Design Magazine; Jackie Koo, AIA, Koo and Associates and Chris Sowers, Meteorologist, Fox Chicago.
CANstruction is a design and build competition that benefits local food banks across the nation. This unique competition allows local architects, engineers and construction companies to create incredible structures using canned goods, while using their design skills to fight hunger. All of the canned goods used in the structures are donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Show News
LIGHTFAIR Int’l marks 20 years with record-breaking show
ATLANTA — The 20th annual LIGHTFAIR International (LFI), the world's largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, ended with record-breaking attendee registrations of 23,416 industry professionals and conference participants. Celebrating two decades of lighting excellence in New York, LFI 2009 offered the most robust trade show and conference in its 20-year history. LFI 2009 increased attendance by 8.5 percent and exhibit booths by 6 percent from LFI 2007 in New York.
Boasting an exhibit hall of more than 170,000 square feet, the 2009 trade show floor-the largest space in LFI's history-was sold out, featuring 476 national and international manufacturers showcasing the latest product designs and introductions, technological advances and lighting solutions in 1,643 booths.
Attendees from 73 countries and every U.S. state discovered national and international manufacturers on the trade show floor-88 of which represented countries outside of the United States. LFI 2009 also welcomed 80 first-time exhibiting companies, adding more product and innovation to the show.
Medical Show News
Major medical conventions sign New Orleans Contracts
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and American Academy of Ophthalmology commit to New Orleans with plans to bring major city-wide conventions in 2013 and 2017
NEW ORLEANS– New Orleans recently signed Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society in 2013 and American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2013 and 2017, confirming the city’s status as a premier meeting destination.
March 3-7, 2013
In 2007, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) brought the first city-wide meeting of the year to New Orleans with an estimated 24,600 attendees, including 860 exhibitors.
Founded in 1961, HIMSS is the healthcare industry's membership organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of healthcare information technology (IT) for the betterment of healthcare. With more than 23,000 individual members and over 380 corporate members, HIMSS frames and leads healthcare public policy and industry practices through its advocacy, educational and development initiatives designed to promote information and managements systems' contributions to ensuring quality patient care.
Nov. 15-18, 2013 & Nov. 10-13, 2017
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) last visited New Orleans November 10-13, 2007, and estimated an attendance of more than 22,000. AAO consists of more than 7,000 international members making it the largest membership association of Eye M.D.s. Eye M.D.s are ophthalmologists, medical and osteopathic doctors who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care.
“The City of New Orleans graciously hosted and welcomed all of our attendees of the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in 2007,” said R. Norris Orms, HIMSS executive vice president and COO. “Our plan to return in 2013 reflects our confidence in the city, the excellent convention facilities and its exciting collection of hotels. We again look forward to enjoying New Orleans’ genuine hospitality, its great cuisine, and exciting music and entertainment.”
Medical Show News
Leadership and health head APCO’s 75th conference in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced today the keynote and supersession speakers for its 75th Annual Conference and Exposition taking place next month in Las Vegas.
Commander Kirk Lippold, (Ret.) U.S. Navy, commanded the USS Cole when terrorists attacked it one of the seminal events in the war on terror. Attendees will learn the principles of accountability and integrity at his keynote of the Opening Session on August 17 at 8:30 a.m.
Sam Glenn, founder of Attitude Digest Magazine, will help attendees find the opportunities in their adversities and use humor as a stress buster in his Supersession on attitude being held in conjunction with the Distinguished Achievers Breakfast on August 18 at 8:00a.m.
Jim Sayih, of 9-1-1 Fitness, will teach attendees to become self-motivated and invigorate their lives through health and fitness specifically geared towards public safety professionals in his supersession on 9-1-1 fitness on August 19 at 3:30p.m.
Daniel Burrus, author, will teach attendees to both anticipate and capitalize on new opportunities, as well as predict problems, long before they happen, and use the new tools and rules of leadership to accelerate growth in his supersession on August 20 at 2:15p.m.
“Attendees will walk away from this conference with the tools and knowledge that make them better public safety professionals,” APCO International President Chris Fischer said.
The APCO International 75th Annual Conference and Exposition will be held August 16-20 in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information visit www.apco2009.org.
Destination Management
Memphis hosts to more than 200 industry leaders at 2009 Global Events Partners Executive Summit
MEMPHIS. Tenn. — Global Events Partners, the leading partnership of destination management companies worldwide held its annual Executive Summit in Memphis, Tenn. from June 25–28.
GEP, in partnership with Destination King and The Peabody Memphis, welcomed meeting professionals and GEP Partner DMCs from more than ninety destinations worldwide.
Planners came from all throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe to experience a series of educational seminars, networking opportunities, one-on-one appointments and social and cultural events designed to showcase the best meeting venues Memphis offers.
The educational topics began with a keynote presentation from Cindy Novotny, Master Connection Associates on “Innovation in Today’s Leadership”, which focused on how to effectively manage and lead different types of employees in today’s tough market. Attendees gained a better understanding of how to effectively motivate and communicate to employees during these times of high stress and economic insecurity.
In addition, panels of planners and DMCs were formed to discuss various solutions as to how they can work together to achieve the goals and objectives defined for meetings/programs while conforming to new budget restrictions and further learning how to maximize the value of DMC services.
How to measure
exhibit staff training
By Barry Siskind
It’s an age-old problem. Managers intuitively know that providing staff with specialized training makes them more proficient, helps increase confidence and improves the bottom line. So, you might ask, what is the problem? The answer is simply they can’t prove it. And, proof is what’s needed in order to justify the time and cost of providing training.
The challenge of creating a ROI for training is that it needs something to be compared to and without the ability to know what the training investment is being compared to, calculating the ROI is next to impossible. The root of the issue is the establishment of benchmarks.
Here is where many exhibit managers fall down in their ability to collect meaningful data from their exhibit experiences and to use that data to establish a benchmark from which future performance is compared.
Here is an example of a few of the bits of data that should be included in a post-show statistical analysis:
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…]
Contractor News
Melville wins Official Contractor of the year at the AEO Excellence Awards 2009
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — GES Exposition Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Viad Corp, announced that GES Worldwide Network company Melville Exhibition and Event Services was recently selected as the Official Contractor of the Year by the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) at the prestigious AEO Excellence Awards 2009. AEO, an association representing companies in the United Kingdom’s trade show industry, held the annual awards at the famous London Hilton in front of 800 industry leaders.
The Official Contractor of the Year category was new for 2009. In previous years, general categories highlighted individual services and divisions.
This new category recognizes what companies do as a combined business across all products and services.
The award was accepted by Melville Group Sales Director Bob Cheeseman on behalf of the Melville team. In addition to the Official Contractor of the Year award, Melville’s Logistics, Floorcoverings and Electrics were finalists in their various categories.
“I’d like to thank all my staff for their hard work and effort,” said Melville CEO Nick Marshall. “I’ve firmly believed for a number of years now that we have the very best people in the industry who reflect all of our core values in everything they do. Winning this coveted award reinforces that belief and their efforts have been clearly reflected in Melville winning it.”
“I’m very proud of the Melville team for earning the AEO’s prestigious Official Contractor of the Year award,” said GES CEO John Jastrem. “Melville continues to set the standard for executing successful shows in the United Kingdom.”
Since the AEO Excellence Awards were launched in 1995 to celebrate organizational and service excellence for organizers and suppliers to events around the United Kingdom, Melville has enjoyed an unrivalled level of success at the annual event. Since the year 2000 Melville has been awarded a record number of successes including:
For more information on the AEO Excellence Awards please visit www.aeo.org.uk
An exhibit space rate freeze is in effect for the next World of Asphalt and AGG1 to better serve the industry, with rates the same as the 2009 events. The shows provide additional value to exhibitors with a “package plan” of booth-related services, such as material handling, included at no charge in the space rates. Exhibitors also have access, at no charge, to a variety of print and electronic marketing tools to help them promote their companies’ presence at the shows.