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| September 29, 2009 | |
People Making News More News
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. Contact us for advertising information. We are interested in knowing what is happening in your region and within your company. Feel free to send information regarding people, products, venues, shows, meetings and events.
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Guarisco, Anding join elite group of meeting professionals
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that Jeffrey Anding, director of convention marketing, and MaryBeth Guarisco, director of convention services, received the Certified Meeting Professional designation, recognizing individuals who have achieved the meeting industry’s highest standard of professionalism.
According to the Convention Industry Council, through the CMP program, individuals who are employed in meeting management pursue continuing education, increase their industry involvement, and gain industry-wide recognition. The CMP credential increases the proficiency of meeting professionals by stimulating the advancement of the art and science of meeting management; increasing the value of practitioners to their employers; and recognizing and raising industry standards, practices and ethics.
“Every member of the New Orleans CVB team must exemplify the characteristics of strong hospitality leaders through their dedication to New Orleans' convention and tourism industry,” said Nikki Nicholson, vice president of convention sales for the New Orleans CVB. “The CMP certification of Jeffrey Anding, MaryBeth Guarisco and several members of our team further solidifies the New Orleans CVB's commitment to our customers, our industry and our city.”
Jeffrey Anding has been in the New Orleans hospitality industry since 1990. In that time, he has held positions in operations, hotel sales and 14 years in convention bureau sales at the New Orleans CVB. In his current role as director of convention marketing, Anding creates resources for promoting the city to convention customers, including tools for CVB sales managers to employ for solicitation. He is also involved in directing convention advertising as well as communicating trend information to CVB members. He currently manages key national accounts and national sports groups such as the National Football League, National Basketball Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
MaryBeth Guarisco began her career at the New Orleans CVB, as an event coordinator in September 2003. Through her commitment to the Bureau, she is dedicated to convention customers by providing convention staffing, preparing client visits to the city and coordinating other meeting details. Guarisco and her team of account executives assist all convention clients to ensure successful meetings. Prior to working for the New Orelans CVB, Guarisco became acquainted with the hospitality industry through her position with the publication, New Orleans CityBusiness.
Plappert added as national fleet sales manager to BedSlide
MEDFORD, Ore. — BedSlide, the perfect solution to easy, safe and convenient cargo retrieval, has hired Jake Plappert to handle the company’s growing fleet segment of sales.
Plappert, who has worked extensively within the automotive industry, comes well equipped with the sales knowledge to focus upon and cultivate the fleet market.
“Jake really knows and understands how the distribution chain works,” David McInturf, Vice President of BedSlide, said. “He has worked as a manufacturers rep, is familiar with dealerships, retail operations, and understands the importance of quality control and customer service. He can identify with all aspects of the tier structure. We are very fortunate to have him.”
“Our products are unique and efficient, Plappert explained. “It’s exciting to be involved with a company that continues to focus on solutions. I am proud to offer products I know will make a difference in productivity while keeping their truck organized.”
BedSlide has recently created a blog at their website that helps customers stay up to date on the latest news and products coming out of the company.
Feedback and first hand experience with their products are always welcome. BedSide also offers a free monthly newsletter.
The entire BedSlide line is available in the USA, Canada, the UK and New Zealand. Whether you operate a fleet of trucks or vans, are a professional contractor, or sportsman, “Extend Your Reach” with BedSlide. BedSlide products are Proudly Made in the USA. www.bedslide.com or call 1-888-807-0099. Visit the Moab Explorer and an array of new products at SEMA Booth No. 30113.
Seasoned account executives to enhance MC2 customer service
CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y. — Shana Carr, president of MC²’s southwest division has announced that Kelly Crawford and Rebecca Thompson have joined the company as account executives.
Crawford has 15 years experience in the trade show industry starting with Universal Expo Services in California and quickly moving to Czarnowski Exhibit Services where she held a series of progressively responsible positions in sales and account management. She directed national account teams while developing and executing tradeshow and event marketing strategies for several major brands.
Thompson comes to MC² from Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. where she served as an account manager responsible for outside sales and client support for display houses, installation & dismantle labor and event production companies.
Prior to that she worked for GES Exposition Services in Las Vegas for almost ten years with various responsibilities including primary contact for national exhibit customers, on-site support for foreign exhibitors, labor management, sales, and managing direct marketing for targeted shows.
Both Crawford and Thompson will be responsible for new business efforts as well as ongoing client support. They will report to Shana Carr, division president. “Both Kelly and Rebecca have the diversified, hands-on backgrounds and high standards of service that we look for in an account executive for MC²,” Carr said. “We are pleased to have them as part of our vibrant, growing team here in Las Vegas.”
Mary Beth Baluta joins Cincinnati USA CVB as regional sales director in Washington, D.C.
CINCINNATI — Mary Beth Baluta, a 25-year convention and tradeshow veteran, has joined the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau sales team as regional sales director, based in Washington, D.C.
For the past two decades, Baluta has honed her sales skills in a variety of industries including development, music and catering. She has extensive experience with third-party meeting management firms, having most recently served as director of national accounts with ConferenceDirect.
Prior to that, Baluta served as director of national accounts for The David Green Organization. Additionally, Baluta also has invaluable CVB experience, having held sales positions in Las Vegas, St. Louis and Chicago.
In this position, Baluta will focus her efforts on generating new business, identifying and developing target customers, and attending industry trade shows and sales missions to solicit convention business for Cincinnati. With 43 percent of national associations headquartered on the East Coast, Baluta’s presence in Washington, D.C. will help close sales efforts for accounts based in this crucial territory.
"Mary Beth’s perspective and experience, both with three different CVBs and with high-profile meeting planning organizations, will be a tremendous asset for Cincinnati USA,” said Dan Lincoln, president and chief executive officer of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Mary Beth brings serious credentials that will help us continue to land significant wins for our region and spread the word to meeting planners about our tremendous convention package."
Filling this key position adds fuel to the Cincinnati USA CVB’s recent positive momentum, generated by new business wins, successful conventions, aggressive sales efforts, and progress and development downtown and throughout Cincinnati USA. 2009 has already seen record-breaking milestones, from the recently held Gospel Music Workshop of America to the announcements that the 2012 World Choir Games and the 2013 Fraternal Order of Police National Convention will be held in Cincinnati.
Show News
2010 LFI trade show nearly sold out
ATLANTA — The momentum from the record-breaking 2009 LIGHTFAIR Internationalcontinues with the trade show floor for 2010 in Las Vegas nearing capacity — just four months after the close of the show in New York.
The floor, already more than 92 percent sold-out, features an array of lighting products and technologies, presented by innovative lighting companies that continue to be instrumental in LFI’s position as the world’s largest annual commercial and architectural lighting trade show and conference.
The 2010 trade show floor is supported by four pavilions—two of which have flourished into prime destinations for LFI attendees and two of which are set to debut. The two new pavilions poised to take center stage in Las Vegas are the Building Integration Pavilion and the Global Light + Design Pavilion—known since its 2008 introduction as the European Light + Design Pavilion.
Key pieces in place for International pool, spa, patio show
DALLAS — Pool, spa and backyard professionals have a wide variety of product, education and networking options to look forward to at the 2009 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, taking place November 16-18, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada USA. The educational conference will be held November 13-18.
“There is no better opportunity for builders, retailers, service companies and landscape architects to find the newest and best industry products than the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo,” said Donna Bellantone, Director of the Expo. “Complementing the products is a variety of customized educational offerings that make this a can’t-miss event.”
Some of the industry’s key builders and retailers have already registered for the show, including Blue Haven Pools & Spas, Gohlke Custom Pools, The Deck and Patio Co, Tubs of Fun, Riverbend Sandler Pools, Artistic Pool and Spas, NorthWest Hot Spring Spas, Valley Pools & Spas, Mermaid Pool Spa & Patio, B&B Pool and Spa Center, Presidential Pools and Spas, Burnett Pools, Perry Pools, Munie Leisure Center, Cameo Pools, Johnson Pools & Spas, Premier Pools & Spas, All Seasons Pools & Spas, Pools by Bradley, Backyards of America, Pool Doctor of Rhode Island, Central Iowa Pool and Spa, Patio Pools & Spas, Eastgate Pools and Olympia Pools & Spas.
Exhibitors continue to sign up daily, with many leading industry companies already committed, including Cal Spas, Zodiac Pool Systems, SGM, BioLab, BioGuard, Coast Spas, A. O. Smith, Gecko Alliance, Aquastar Pool Products, SeaKlear, Doughboy, SmartPool, Vac-Alert Industries, King Technology, Advantis Technologies, Lucite International, Arch Chemicals, ProGuard, Water Tech, Viking Spas, Destiny River Spas, San Juan Pools, Wilbar International, Leisure Concepts, Summerset Outdoor Furnishings, Macalite Equipment, Structure Studios, Newport Controls, and Cargill Salt, just to name a few.
Click here for a PDF with information.
Ford CEO Mulally added to list of keynote speakers at 2010 CES
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Electronics Association announced that the president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally, will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2010 International CES.
The world's largest consumer technology tradeshow will take place January 7-10, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Alan Mulally has positioned Ford as a leading innovator in the automotive industry, and we are pleased to welcome him back to CES," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. "For the auto industry and all other businesses that use technology, CES is the single must-attend event where business gets done."
Mulally will deliver his keynote address at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2010, in the Hilton Center, following a State of the CE Industry keynote address delivered by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA.
Mulally joined Ford in 2006, after serving as executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Mulally is known for his innovation and focused leadership, while working to transform Ford into a lean, global enterprise. He has served as a past president of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and is a former president of its Foundation.
Additionally, Mulally served as a past chairman of the Board of Governors of the Aerospace Industries Association. He was named to Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2009, "Person of the Year" in 2006 by Aviation Week magazine and one of "The Best Leaders of 2005" by BusinessWeek magazine.
In addition to the Ford keynote stage, the 2010 CES will prominently feature the latest in-vehicle technologies including advancements in portable GPS, location based services, in-car video, wireless technology and integrated products for combining entertainment with navigation and security. Sales of in-vehicle technology are expected to top $9.3 billion in 2009.
Some of CES' major in-vehicle electronics exhibitors include: AT&T CruiseCast by RaySat Broadcasting Corp, Directed Electronics, Dual Electronics Corporation, InstallerNet Inc., Kenwood USA, Kia Motors, Metra, Mitek, Pioneer and Scosche.
Industry Innovation
Marketech set to help exhibit professionals build knowledge
WESTBORO, Mass. — Trade show and convention marketing experts from Marketech are members of the extraordinary faculty scheduled to conduct educational sessions at EXHIBITORFastTrak next week. Designed to enhance skills and build a solid foundation of marketing knowledge, EXHIBITORFastTrak is a series of four regional learning conferences for exhibit and corporate event marketing professionals. The next EXHIBITORFastTrak will be held in San Francisco at the Marriott San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf on Sep. 30 through Oct. 2, 2009.
Mim Goldberg, president for Marketech, and Marc Goldberg, founder and partner for Marketech, are among the experienced and knowledgeable industry experts who will present at this event. Many EXHIBITORFastTrak sessions qualify for continuing education units (CEU’s) or are required to earn the prestigious Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) designation. For more information, visit www.exhibitoronline.com.
Click here for a PDF with information.
Meeting Venues
Mountain resorts offer idyllic sites for Winter meetings, events
RENO, Nev. — There are two options for spectacular mountain meetings this season: The Village at Squaw Valley USA and Mammoth Mountain.
With Mammoth Mountain’s new direct air service on Horizon from San Jose, Seattle, Portland, Reno, plus two flights from L.A., it is even easier to get to this spectacular hidden gem in the Eastern Sierras. With many lodging, dining and activity options, it’s perfect to get away from it all and keep focused.
The Village at Squaw Valley is offering a winter meeting space deal.
Easily accessible via the Reno-Tahoe Airport or the I-80 corridor, The Village is nestled at the base of the stunning Squaw Valley peaks, steps from the ski lifts, with many activity, dining and shopping options. Squaw Valley will celebrate its 50th anniversary of hosting the Winter Olympics and its 60th of first opening this season.
Articles this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
Association News
CEIR reports on effective methods for visitor promotion
More than 40 percent of exhibitors use social networking for exhibit promotion
DALLAS — The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released Effective Methods for Visitor Promotion Part II, a research study based on a survey conducted among organizers and exhibitors in order to statistically validate the most effective methods for visitor promotion.
Insights from this study are highlighted in two CEIR reports, the first of which, released in July, examined responses from 483 exhibition organizers from all sectors of the industry. Findings in Part II of this study are based upon 218 exhibitor respondents. Among other key findings, the research explores online marketing tools used for exhibiting, factors for success measurement and offers new benchmarking data for the average spending on pre- and post-exhibition promotion.
CEIR's study concluded that exhibitors' promotional budgets are distributed over a range of activities, with the most spent on print advertising, direct mail, giveaways, hospitality, signage and sponsorships, and that 36 percent of those exhibitors expect to see a decrease in their advertising budgets in 2010.
This study was conducted by Exhibit Surveys, Inc. during the first quarter of 2009. CEIR members may download Effective Methods for Visitor Promotion Part I: Exhibition Organizers and Part II: Exhibitors for free at www.ceir.org or by simply clicking here. The cost for non-members is $24 USD.
TS² announces 2009 intensive
co-located with IAEE’s Expo! Expo!
One-day intensive education for exhibitors and event marketers in Atlanta this December
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — National Trade Productions, Inc. (NTP), owner and operator of TS², Total Solutions Marketing for the Exhibit and Event Professional, announced the TS² 2009 Intensive conference program, taking place Thursday, December 10, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia will be co-located with Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition.
The TS² 2009 Intensive is an in-depth educational opportunity designed specifically for exhibit and event marketing professionals. The program content is an extension of key sessions and topics featured in July at TS² 2009.
"The TS² 2009 Intensive is designed to be a day jam-packed with education on the most time-sensitive and relevant issues facing exhibit and event marketing professionals today," said Robert Harar, Chairman and CEO, National Trade Productions. "Due to tightened budgets, many exhibit and event marketing professionals have been unable to travel to conferences. This Intensive is one way for TS² to reach even more exhibit and event marketers looking for solutions to their current marketing challenges."
The Center elects names Gishler to leadership chair
DALLAS — The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (The Center) announced that Kimberley Gishler, Americas Marcom manager for Hewlett-Packard Company, will serve as the first chair of The Center and Doreen R. Biela, CEM, senior planner of Meetings & Events for McDonald's Corporation, will serve as vice chair.
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Kim Gishler |
The Center's board of directors members are chosen for their experience and represent a broad cross-section of the exhibition and event marketing industry. Directors help build policy and procedures through a genuine and cooperative working partnership within the board to benefits all members of The Center.
The board of directors has been charged with setting the ongoing direction for the organization and building the invaluable foundation for the future of The Center.
Directors will concentrate on designing and creating methods and programming for education programs that truly complete the connection between exhibitors, event marketers exhibition organizers and suppliers as each target audience further expands into the global marketplace.
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to chair the inaugural board of directors for The Center. This is a very important initiative in our industry and one that will benefit every professional who takes advantage of the resources offered," said Gishler.
Board members include: Aaron R. Bludworth, chief operating officer of George Fern Company representing the Exhibitor Services & Contractors Association (ESCA); Robert F. Dallmeyer, CEM, president of RD International; Beate Halligan, president of H+A International, Inc.; Noel Hoekstra, CEM with CEP International Chicago; Marilyn Kroner, principal at Kroner Communications; Michael D. Lynn, CME, CMM, CMP, CEM, CPC, director of MarComm, Exhibitions, Events & Protocol at L-3 Communications; Yulita Osuba, CMP, senior director of Sales, Marketing & Event Management for the Orange County Convention Center; Shawn Pierce, vice president of Operations for Hanley Wood Exhibitions; Warren S. Sellers, president of Sellers Expositions; Barry Siskind, president of International Training Management Company; and David Causton, general manager at McCormick Place representing the Center for exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). Steven Hacker, CAE, president of IAEE and Robert E. Harar, chairman of National Trade Productions, Inc. serve as ex-officio members.
The Center was launched in July 2009 at TS2. Find out more at www.iceem.net.
Influenza Pandemic plan for show organizers now available
IAEE Offers Model Crisis Management/Communications Plan
DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control, has developed a plan for show organizers in the event of a flu pandemic.
The Model Pandemic Crisis Management/Communications Plan defines the phases of a pandemic and offers strategies for action during each phase. The importance of the proper messaging during each phase is also outlined, as well as providing examples of communications an organization would want to send for different scenarios. An implementation structure is also included, as well as helpful charts defining how to delegate responsibilities within an organization throughout the process.
IAEE Chief Operating Officer and Crisis Prevention Committee Liaison Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, said, "It has been very satisfying to work with our members and other organizations to create and provide this critical tool for anyone planning an exhibition or event. By being prepared and having a crisis plan in place, event organizers will have one less concern when the doors open at their event."
IAEE's Model Pandemic Crisis Management/Communications Plan is available by clicking here.
Study shows more optimism as
economy remains a concern
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Association members from across the country are now more optimistic about the impact of the economy on their involvement in the association community, according to a new survey released by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership at its annual Meeting & Exposition, August 13-15. The results show that professionals who belong to associations believe their employment outlook will improve in the coming year.
ASAE & The Center has now conducted three surveys as part of its “Impact Study: Beliefs, Behaviors and Attitudes in Response to the Economy.” This third installment is a follow up to the winter study of professionals who belong to at least one association to determine how their perspectives may have changed based on the shifting economic climate. 77 associations agreed to share their membership lists, culminating in more than 7,000 responses from highly educated people like lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, counselors, architects, accountants, scientists, engineers and meeting professionals, representing both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
“The economy appears to be positioned for recovery and many members of associations across the country are much more optimistic than they were earlier this year,” said ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. “Associations, however, are typically a late indicator of the economy and it may be another year before we see any improvements. Despite the predictions on the future of this economic downturn, it’s important for our organizations to remain nimble and ready to adjust our offerings based on what our members need and expect.”
Show News
Social media business summit offers solutions for businesses
2009 BlogWorld & New Media Expo at Las Vegas Convention Center October 15 – 17
LAS VEGAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) The 2009 BlogWorld & New Media Expo, the first and only industry-wide trade show, conference and media event dedicated to the dynamic business of blogging and new media, takes place Oct. 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Combining BlogWorld and the New Media Expo in one event for the first time, three days of all things social media kicks off with the Social Media Business Summit on October 15, and continues with the conference and expo proper on Oct. 16 – 17, including both a thought-provoking conference and extensive exhibit hall.
BlogWorld is a one-stop-shop for the most eager minds in social media and marketing to come together to collaborate and learn from industry gurus, as well as one another.
Travel News
Landmark study showing strong ROI of business travel
Atlantic City CVA supports results
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A first-ever study by the respected Oxford Economics firm offers proof that business travel impacts the bottom line of business. The landmark research shows that for every dollar invested in business travel, businesses experience an average of $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits. Supporting research from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (2009) also shows that the average cost of identifying a potential customer at an exhibition is $215, while it costs $443 to identify a potential customer outside of an exhibition.
Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) agrees that, “This further solidifies the notion that business travel in general, and conventions and meetings in particular, can play a large role in economic recovery. We’ve tracked the impact of delegate spending on the Atlantic City area for years, and now we have a full picture of how business travel positively benefits the businesses that hold their trade shows, meetings and conventions here.”
In 2008, bookings at the Atlantic City Convention Center brought more than 520,000 attendees, who used nearly 141,000 room nights and generated $231.6 million in estimated delegate spending to the Atlantic City area. According to Vasser, “We now know that the economic impact of this type of travel is much larger than the impact on our local economy alone. It also spreads to the businesses that send exhibitors and delegates.”
Conversely, the research also shows that curbing business travel can have a strong negative impact on corporate profits. The average U.S. business would forfeit 17 percent of its profits in the first year of eliminating business travel and it would take more than three years for profits to recover. “It’s clear that businesses should not cut their travel and convention budgets when times get tough,” Vasser said.
The Oxford Economic team’s comprehensive research spanned 13 years and examined 14 economic sectors. The findings were also reviewed by Dr. Martin A. Asher, adjunct professor of finance at the Wharton School. It is sponsored in part by the Destination & Travel Foundation, a combined effort of the U.S. Travel Association and Destination Marketing Association International. For additional information about the study, CLICK HERE.
Venue News
Mission Valley Hotel to close temporarily for overhaul
SAN DIEGO — The Handlery Hotel and Resort in San Diego announced it will spend nearly $4 million on a renovation project that will bring
the property to levels of comfort and guest service of that of a four-star hotel while
maintaining their strong three-star rating.
The hotel announced that it will be temporarily closing its doors effective at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 to complete the renovations as efficiently and quickly as possible without any guest disruption.
The hotel will reopen around mid-February, 2010.
The improvements being made to the property will include a complete renovation of all 217 guest rooms, public space and event space.
The pool deck and spa will be resurfaced and the property will undergo complete landscape redesign as well as general improvements to some of the hotel’s infrastructure.
Venue News
Phoenix Convention Center projects earns Valley Forward
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The 2009 Valley Forward Association Environmental Excellence Awards recognized two Phoenix Convention Center projects.
PCC’s Habitat Water Harvesting Garden earned the first place Crescordia Award in the Site Development and Landscape category and the convention center’s Public Art Project received an Award of Merit in the Art in Public Places category.
The Water Harvesting Garden consists of native flora watered by condensate from PCC’s air conditioning system. At certain times of the year, thousands of gallons of water flow into the living wall and garden below to nourish plants in the v-shaped trough. The design is inspired by the sheltered canyon habitats found in the desert and the settlement of the Hohokam Indians that once inhabited the current site of the Phoenix Convention Center.
The convention center’s $3.2 million public art program consists of 10 works of art by national, regional and local artists, which were selected by a panel of community members in a competitive process. The public art project is funded through capital improvement bond funds as a part of the recent expansion project.
The artwork located throughout the North, West and South buildings was recently featured on PHX11’s DiverseCity program. Click here to visit to download the brochure.
The Phoenix Convention Center’s commitment to sustainability includes numerous programs and sustainable features incorporated into the building’s design. PCC received LEED-silver certification in 2006 and the Executive Conference Center is an International Association of Conference Center’s (IACC) green-certified meeting space. In November, PCC will host the 2009 U.S. Greenbuild national conference.
International News
GDS 2009 encourages visitors with brand variety and information
CHICAGO — The recently held shoe trade fairs GDS — International Event for Shoes & Accessories and GLOBAL SHOES — leading trade show for sourcing, demonstrated that the atmosphere in the international shoe sector is cautiously optimistic. According to preliminary estimates, about 28,500 buyers from 82 countries came to the three-day events held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
A total of 6,400 of these attendees also visited GLOBAL SHOES. A combined 1,145 exhibitors from 42 countries presented their latest footwear collections at GDS and GLOBAL SHOES 2009. At GDS, 765 exhibitors with over 1,800 collections showed the trends for Spring/Summer 2010 and the current season. With 380 exhibitors, GLOBAL SHOES recorded an increase compared to last year’s event.
Representatives from many renowned retail stores such as Apropos (Cologne, Germany), Betsy Palmer (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Breuninger (Stuttgart, Germany), Deichmann (Essen, Germany), Görtz (Hamburg, Germany), KaDeWe (Berlin, Germany), Office (London, Great Britain), Prange (Düsseldorf, Germany) and Stiefelkönig (Graz, Austria) were at the trade fairs.
Overall, every second buyer came from outside of Germany (with Benelux, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and France as the most strongly represented counties). At the same time, GDS and GLOBAL SHOES significantly extended their reach within Germany and welcomed more buyers with decision-making authority. Visitors were particularly pleased with the range of brands and trends presented, the seminar program at the new Speakers Lounge as well as the fashion shows. Consequently 93 percent of the attendees rated GDS as good to very good.
“We are very satisfied with the way GDS and GLOBAL SHOES went. Over the last three days both events presented themselves as reliable fixtures in unsettled times,” explained Kirstin Deutelmoser, GDS Project Director. “The combining of the individual lifestyle worlds and the extension of the information program for retail has proven to be good steps to take. Strong premium and quality brands have continued to bank on GDS. At the same time, buyers were able to discover many new brands. This combination of brand variety and information gives GDS its appeal.”
Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, added: “The trade fairs have shown that the shoe sector still feels very much at home in Düsseldorf even after over 50 years. And to ensure this continues to be the case we intend to develop GDS and GLOBAL SHOES further, continually adapting them to changing market conditions.”
Confirming the views of German exhibitors, Ralph Rieker, Chairman of the German Shoe Industry Association (HDS), stated: “The dark clouds of the economic crisis are slowly starting to clear. The shoe industry is still here. And thankfully the buyers are still here, too. Instead of the anticipated reticence it has primarily been small and medium-sized shoe stores that have placed orders. This is a good sign. GDS has managed to fulfill or even exceed the expectations of most exhibitors in these unstable times and has therefore been able to confirm its position in the international shoe business.”
The next staging of GDS and GLOBAL SHOES will take place from March 12-14, 2010 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visit www.mdna.com for more information.
International News
Messe Düsseldorf Group opens second company in China
CHICAGO — The Messe Düsseldorf Group is expanding its business in China and has founded a second company: Messe Düsseldorf China Shanghai (MDC Shanghai). The Pudong government gave their approval on July 31 and the Chinese business license was issued on August 17.
The CEO of the new company will be Tony Fung, currently CEO of the already existing Messe Düsseldorf China Hong Kong (MDC Hong Kong). Wilhelm Niedergöker, CEO of Messe Düsseldorf in Germany, will be Chairman of the Board of MDC Shanghai as well as of MDC Hong Kong.
“The founding of the new company gives us — and consequently also our Chinese and international customers — more options in the Chinese trade fair market,” explained Wilhelm Niedergöker. Under Chinese law, MDC Hong Kong is a foreign company which cannot apply for trade fair licenses. In China, a trade fair licence must be applied for individually for every event. Messe Düsseldorf is therefore dependent on the authorities and the local Chinese partner who are authorized to apply for a license, particularly in the development of the product portfolio and the annual license allocation. In addition, foreign companies may in principle not do business with Chinese trade fair exhibitors in China.
Unlike in 1999 – the year in which MDC was established — it is now legally possible to set up corporations which are completely owned by foreigners in the service sector. The wholly owned MDC subsidiary in Shanghai will thus be founded as a wholly foreign owned enterprise (WFOE) through the Hong Kong company MDC (80 percent Messe Düsseldorf, 20 percent Hong Kong partners). “Essentially, it is our “grandchild company”. And it is not only necessary for tax reasons, it also strengthens our successful position together with MDC Hong Kong in the market,” stated Wilhelm Niedergöker.
Venue News
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The City of Dallas broke ground on the 23-story Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, endorsed by voters in May and backed by the sale of nearly $500 million in revenue bonds in August. In photo, from left to right, are Bruce MacMillan (MPI), John Graham IV (ASAE) , Deborah Sexton (PCMA), Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, Philip Jones (Dallas CVB) and Cathy Breden (IAEE). |
DALLAS — In a ceremony featuring Mayor Tom Leppert, the Dallas City Council and a broad spectrum of civic and community leaders, the City of Dallas broke ground today on the 23-story Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, endorsed by voters in May and backed by the sale of nearly $500 million in revenue bonds in August. When the property opens in early 2012, Dallas will boast a luxurious, 1,000-room hotel with state-of-the-art features and convenient skybridge access into one of the nation's largest convention centers.
During opening remarks and the groundbreaking ceremony that followed, Mayor Leppert was flanked by the Dallas City Council, city officials and project supporters from the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau; Downtown Dallas; Dallas Regional Chamber; Asian, Black, GLBT, Hispanic and Oak Cliff Chambers of Commerce and hospitality industry, as well as other community leaders who supported the year long effort to move forward with the hotel.
"This has never been about a building," said Mayor Tom Leppert. "It has always been about positioning Dallas for success and about keeping Dallas competitive. This hotel is a symbol of our city's confidence and willingness to invest in its future."
Owned by the City of Dallas, the hotel is located on eight acres in the heart of the nation's eighth-largest city, which is now experiencing a renaissance from more than $14 billion in new development underway in and near the urban core.
Within its six-acre design are a signature restaurant, lounges, retail, a high-end Mokara Spa, pool deck and other features. The remaining two acres of the site are slated for dining, retail and other venues that will enhance entertainment opportunities for those who visit, work or live downtown. Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm recognized the many years of work it took to get to this point.
"For more than two decades, City Councils and our staff have known this is a critical step in keeping the Dallas Convention Center competitive and boosting our convention and hospitality industry," said Suhm. "We are grateful for the many people who kept this dream alive. It just shows that vision and perseverance do pay off."
Matthews Southwest President Jack Matthews, whose firm was selected as convention hotel developer, has developed commercial, industrial and residential projects throughout North America including the South Side on Lamar residential complex in Dallas. "We see the hotel as being a great economic engine for additional development around the convention center," said Matthews. "It is our goal to continue to build a strong connection between downtown and South Dallas, and the hotel will be a true catalyst for helping achieve that vision."
In addition to connecting 1,000 rooms via skybridge to the Dallas Convention Center, the new hotel will offer a minimum of 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, with a 33,500 square-foot Senior Ballroom, a 16,500 square-foot Junior Ballroom, 10,000 square feet of usable outdoor area and Internet access throughout the entire property.
Watch the masters and improve
By Barry Siskind
If you want to improve your golf game watch and learn from Tiger Wood as he drives, pitches and putts. Re-run each swing in slow motion and when you are ready practice…. practice…. practice.
While the chances of you or I ever being as good as the master is next to zero, the chances of improving our game, even a little bit, is pretty good.
Modeling the techniques of those who excel at what they do applies to all pursuits. Let’s say you want to improve your exhibit. Find to a guru then watch and learn. The problem is that that amongst organizations that choose exhibit marketing there is no one superstar. Many are pretty good, but those who consistently tower above the rest, year after year, are hard to find.
Does this mean improving your exhibit is a lost cause - not at all? In fact watching what other people do – both the good and the not so good – can be a fantastic method of gathering information that will make a powerful difference in your exhibit program.
Compiled by Penton Media's Corporate Meetings & Incentives magazine, the leading information source for the $40 billion corporate meetings and events industry, the CMI 25 provides an essential resource for corporate executives and meeting professionals seeking partners for outsourcing all or parts of their programs. The CMI 25 appears in the September issue of Corporate Meetings & Incentives and is available on 