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Koors and Perry will be responsible for developing relationships with global clients, especially those looking to integrate and co-brand their events and exhibits. Reporting directly to Paul Mullen, President, Pico North America, they are responsible for assisting U.S. companies looking to expand their events/exhibits globally into emerging markets.
Koors has more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience. He has worked for the some of the largest companies in the marketing communications industry and was co-owner of Ray Bloch Productions with Charlie Perry. Koors and Perry grew the firm into a full-service marketing communications agency, and entertainment and events company before merging with Caribiner International.
Perry has created and produced successful communications programs with many Fortune 500 companies. Before joining Pico, he was an EVP and associate publisher of Credit Union Business Magazine. In this position, he developed numerous marketing programs for the financial industry.
“Pico is delivering insightful activation strategies for our clients across cultures around the world,” said Mullen. “Experienced international marketing experts like Koors and Perry will help us to serve an even greater number of companies. We are pleased that Pico could reunite the Koors-Perry team with such a successful agency track record.”
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Philadelphia CVB will undergo change at top
PHILADELPHIA — The board of directors of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced that Jack Ferguson, currently executive vice president of the CVB, will become president and CEO when Tom Muldoon steps down on Dec. 31, 2010.
Ferguson, who currently leads the CVB's sales and services team, will begin transitioning to the role over the next year. Ferguson's replacement will be named next summer.
Muldoon previously announced he would step down at the end of 2010, shortly before the Pennsylvania Convention Center completes its expansion in early 2011.
SHOW NEWS

Seoul selected to host ‘Korea MICE Expo’
SEOUL, Korea — Seoul was recently selected as the host of the "Korea MICE Expo" for the next three years (2010 to 2012), thanks to the efforts of the Seoul Tourism Organization's Convention Bureau to consolidate Korea's MICE industry exhibition assets and promote the mutual development of the nation’s convention industry.
In July, 2009, the Korea Convention Bureau coordinated efforts among the members of the Korea Convention Council to create a new title for the event as part of the organization's efforts to take the former "Korea Convention Expo" to the next level of development. The decision was made on September 3rd on the host city of the newly-rebranded event.
The city of Seoul and the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) determined that building the brand presence of the new "Korea MICE Expo" was the first priority for raising the profile of the event, and Seoul was selected as the starting point of an overall vision for "joint growth among every MICE city in Korea" in order to take advantage of the capital city's international prestige. The core of the STO's plan with mutual development as its motto as well as the firm promise from the city of Seoul for focused and timely support resulted in the selection board raising the hand of Seoul as the host.
In addition, an international MICE forum on "Green Conventions" will be held concurrently with the Korea MICE Expo to build private, public and academic sector integration and mutual cooperation towards creating a true global MICE exhibition.
Exhibitors rush to pick up last-minute SEMA show booth space
LAS VEGAS — An additional 30 companies have signed up for the SEMA Show since the beginning of October, demonstrating a growing confidence in the specialty-equipment industry’s future heading into 2010. This is a dramatic increase in last-minute activity compared to the same period last year in which only 13 exhibitors signed on.
“This surge in activity can be attributed to an unprecedented launch of new programs and services aimed at saving exhibitors time and money,” says Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events.
SEMA has, for example, negotiated with nearly every major Las Vegas hotel to offer substantial SEMA Show attendee discounts. JetBlue Airways and Continental Airlines are also discounting airfare to Las Vegas during the days leading up to, and immediately following, the Show.
There’s even a ticker on SEMAShow.com updating the lowest fares to Las Vegas from several carriers.
SEMA’s new online Matchmaking Program launched earlier this year is connecting buyers and exhibitors before the Show, allowing them to schedule meetings and set agendas in advance with those most relevant to their business interests. More than 10,000 buyers and exhibitors are using the program and have exchanged more than 25,000 messages.
Exhibitors are also finding relief from drayage costs. SEMA Show exhibitors who bring their freight in a privately owned or rental vehicle (i.e. car, pickup, minivan, U-Haul, trailers or rig) weighing no more than 1,000 lbs. are provided free booth delivery of their freight. Click here for complete details on the free material handling program.
Register at www.SEMAShow.com.
DISPLAY NEWS
Messages stand out with Versaflex systems
DALLAS — Messages stand out with cost-effective, versatile Versaflex illuminated display systems from Walls + Forms.

Pictured is an eye-catching 24-inch by 36-inch illuminated Versaflex light sign system available as a double or single sided light box which can be purchased with four promotional sections for eye-catching displays at a budget price.
The system utilizes an exclusive aluminum framing system that enables the production of virtually any size high quality lighted display.
There are a multitude of options with Versaflex to get a message across. This can be accomplished on a grand scale with a large illuminated display such as the one shown and alternatively additional options at the point of sale feature standard sizes of Lights Alive single and double-sided light boxes with free standing and hanging options, a ceiling mounted model that steals existing light from the fixture, and even backlit floor stand displays.
Floor stand are available in two, three and four sided formats. Slatwall panels can be used for merchandising product or for literature holders. The Aluminum frames can also be used for wall mounted or countertop poster displays.
The Lights Alive double-sided light box catches the consumer’s eye at a cost effective price. A Walls + Forms exclusive with this unit is the ability to print illuminated logos on side panels, attracting additional attention from all angles.
The Lights Alive single sided lightbox appears floating on the wall and can be used free standing or hanging from the ceiling. It is a proven fact that illuminated or animated displays sell more product. With over 70 percent of buying decisions made in store, messages need to stand out.
The double and single-sided light boxes feature black frames with a profile size of 1-1/8-inch by ½-inch, easy side-loading graphics, have an image size of 16-¼-inch X 20-¼-inch, and contain .40-inch clear acrylic backer sheets. Both
free standing and hanging options are possible with these light boxes. They are UL approved and are designed to accept images in screenprinted, digital or photographic formats.
Articles this week:
Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
Association News
New public events track added to Expo! Expo 2009
DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has added a learning track to its annual meeting to address the issues and strategies most relevant to public events planners. The Public Events Track will take place on Thursday, December 10 during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held December 8-10 in Atlanta, Ga.
"I assure you that National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) members will learn from their trade show colleagues," says Eric Udler, CEM with Super Pet Expo. "As an active IAEE member for 18 years and a NACS member for eight years, I find both IAEE's Annual Meeting and the NACS Annual Meeting 'must attend' events, and always walk away with numerous new ideas of 'what works' and 'what doesn't.'"
The Public Events Track consists of three education sessions:
Convention News

Pasadena Convention Center expansion project recognized for excellence in construction
PASADENA, Calif. – The Pasadena Convention Center has received a Best of 2009 award from “California Construction” for its $150 million expansion project.
The best of 2009 award-winning projects are selected by an esteemed jury of prominent local construction industry professionals. Criteria includes architectural and engineering design; execution of construction; innovation; contribution to the local community and construction industry; ability to overcome challenges; and overall excellence.
The Pasadena Convention Center expansion has been recognized as an excellent government/public project. Some of this year’s other winners include LA Live! (AEG Building and ESPN Building), Ronald McDonald House, Sony Electronics North American Headquarters, Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and LAUSD Edward R. Roybal Learning Center.
The Pasadena Convention Center expansion project was completed in late February 2009. New features include a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 25,000 square feet of pre-function space, a 22,000-square-foot outdoor plaza, and administrative offices. The existing 28,000-square-foot Conference Center building was also renovated and received a new facade.
The design for the project was conceived by Fentress Architects. Using a well-known Italian Renaissance architect as inspiration, Fentress created a design that complemented the Civic Auditorium by using arcade spaces similar to those found at Pasadena City Hall, as well as details that were taken directly from the Civic Auditorium’s classical design. The general contractor for the project was Clark Construction Group.
The expanded Pasadena Convention Center has implemented a host of “go green” initiatives in the areas of water use, electricity, recycling and traffic reduction. Because of its commitment to responsible environmental practices, it is anticipated the facility will receive a minimum of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Association Show News
Houston to host Expo! Expo! IAEE’s annual meeting & exhibition 2013
DALLAS — After a rigorous selection process, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events announced Houston, Texas as the host city for Expo! Expo!
IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 10-12, 2013.The annual meeting will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center with the headquarter hotel being the Hilton of the Americas, which is adjacent to the convention center by skywalk. IAEE's Annual Meeting is the single, face-to-face meeting that offers a wealth of education sessions and networking opportunities designed specifically for exhibitions and events industry professionals.
"We are very pleased that we will be holding our annual event in Houston for the first time since 1988," says IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE. "Because so many of our members attend Expo! Expo! partly to visit potential sites for their own events, we are excited to showcase all that Houston now offers. With its unique amenities such as a world-class exhibition facility that embraces environmental sustainability, new trendy shopping pavilions, restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment venues near the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston now offers an outstanding overall experience for attendees. Its two close airports, Hobby and George Bush International, offer convenient and frequent air connections across the world."
Association News
IAEE announces 2009 individual award winners
Recipients to be recognized at annual meeting in December
DALLAS — The International Association of Exhibitions and Events announced this year's recipients of the IAEE Individual Awards. IAEE's awards program recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. The winners will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 8-10 December 2009 in Atlanta, Ga.
Award winners are chosen after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and the IAEE Board of Directors.
"I congratulate the recipients of this year's individual awards as well as those who submitted nominations," says 2009 IAEE Awards Committee Chair Julia Smith, CEM. "It is rewarding to see that the industry is filled with such dedicated members who define excellence, and elevate the presence of exhibitions and events in the general marketplace."
Thirty-nine nominations were considered this year, from which seven outstanding individuals were selected for recognition.
Industry Technology
DALLAS — Hanley Wood Exhibitions announced the launch of a new message application: an email center called ‘Your Message Center.’
Marquee features of the email application include the ability to save searches, build and send custom HTML emails through hanleywoodCONNECT, Hanley Wood’s recently re-branded social networking system. The application is accessible through ConnectionPOINT, Hanley Wood’s customizable online portal system for exhibitors and attendees.
Your Message Center is a central location where exhibitors and attendees can read, write, send, archive and/or delete messages received across all Hanley Wood Exhibitions’ events. Because it is a global product, Your Message Center is available beyond the traditional show cycle, which aligns it well with Hanley Wood’s new initiative to extend the life of all face-to-face events throughout the year.
Association News
Association executives heading to South America for exploration of Association and nonprofit Management Alliances
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following several successful study mission trips to cities around the world, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership is planning a first trip to South America.
In partnership with MCI, association executives will visit Buenos Aires, Argentina and Sao Paulo, Brazil, with an optional weekend in Rio de Janeiro, April 24-May 2, 2010, to explore potential markets and establish contacts with local association and nonprofit executives.
Recently, Latin America has seen very strong economic growth and Brazil, one of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and G20 countries, continues to be the motor of regional growth, thanks to its large population, proactive government and vast reserves of natural resources. Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo are further strengthening their position as regional centers where multinational organizations, NGOs and associations set up their base to service their stakeholders in the region.
“Latin America promises a great deal of potential for the association and nonprofit sector and we are very excited about this study mission trip,” said ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE. “After trips to Asia and the Middle East, we’re headed to South America and I think many association and nonprofit professionals will find it an attractive destination. Both Argentina and Brazil have a promising future as leading economic powers with potential benefits for our sector.”
Developed primarily for trade, professional and philanthropic associations and nonprofit organizations, the Study Mission will also have several activities for associations in the same concentration, like healthcare, science and engineering, and manufacturing. This year, participants will have the opportunity to meet senior policy makers, government officials, and local and regional authorities to understand the programs available to associations looking to establish a regional presence. The trip will also allow participants to network with leaders of the local association communities, establish a relationship with corporate executives and educators, visit healthcare and scientific facilities, and learn about the economic, social and cultural environments of these South American countries.
For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org/studymission.
International News

REHACARE ’09 demonstrated potential of rehabilitation market
CHICAGO — The recent staging of REHACARE 2009, International Trade Fair and Congress Rehabilitation — Prevention – Integration - Care in Düsseldorf, Germany, demonstrated that the rehabilitation and care market has great potential. “The Industry’s prospective is enormous. But demand is currently restrained due to cuts in health care technology supply. Nevertheless, given the demographic development, we are convinced that the need for assistive devices will continue to grow and REHACARE as the leading platform for the industry will profit from this,” commented Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf.
A total of 48,000 international visitors came to REHACARE 2009 to view the latest rehabilitation technology presented by 706 exhibitors from 29 countries. “As befits the cycle, REHACARE’s range of presentations was comparable to that of 2007 and attracted 47,000 visitors,” explained Wilhelm Niedergöker. The majority of the visitors were interested in walking and mobility aids, transportation devices and wheelchairs. Every second visitors was looking for daily living assistive devices.
Marketing
Marketech Teams with AEM to help exhibitors prepare for a more successful trade show experience
Exhibit staff training expert conducts educational sessions for exhibitors participating in AEM-managed events
WESTBORO, Mass., — Trade show managers who represent companies exhibiting at trade shows managed by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) honed their marketing skills through their participation in an exhibitor education session conducted by Marketech recently.
The web-based training, “Effective Use of Literature and Giveaways,” was offered to AEM members as well as exhibitors at AEM shows, which include AG CONNECT EXPO, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and ICUEE – The Demo Expo.
“Literature and promotional items can provide a memorable link between the exhibitor and the booth visitor long after the trade show is over,” said Mim Goldberg, president for Marketech. “But to build the bridge and accomplish real results, exhibitors need to adopt strategies that ensure their exhibit staffers use giveaways and other promotional materials effectively. Through yesterday’s webinar, participants learned how collateral and giveaways can successfully support the goals of their exhibiting program.”
Transportation & Freight

Liberty Moving and Storage celebrates 70 years during grand opening of new headquarters
COMMACK, N. Y. — Liberty Moving and Storage, an agent for United Van Lines, had a lot of moving going on at its new corporate headquarters on Oct. 2, and it wasn’t furniture. The moving was the more 300 guests who came out to celebrate the official opening of Liberty’s new building and its and 70th year in business as a leading moving and storage company.
Guests at Liberty’s new state-of-the-art building in New York were treated to champagne tours, catered food, live music, entertainment and a ribbon cutting ceremony. United Van Lines COO Rich McClure delivered a keynote speech at the ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of Liberty’s facility.
“At United Van Lines, we're proud of Liberty's accomplishments over the past seven decades and the quality service they consistently deliver to customers,” McClure said.
In June, Liberty consolidated its existing locations in Riverhead and Hauppauge into a new 75,000-square-foot warehouse on the outskirts of the Hauppauge Industrial Park. The facility includes 65,000 square feet of warehouse space equipped with 14 loading bays, 6 G-11 rooms, a new product warehousing/record storage department and company owned repair shop.
Since its inception with one truck on Liberty Ave. in Jamaica, Queens, in 1939, Liberty is now one of the largest moving companies serving New York City and Long Island.
Community involvement
UniGroup’s United Way 5K raises more than $31,000
ST. LOUIS — UniGroup, Inc., the parent company of United Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, and other transportation-related companies, held its sixth annual “5K For The United Way” run/walk on Saturday, Sept. 12.
The event raised more than $31,000 for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
This year’s participation was at an all-time high with nearly 500 attendees.
“UniGroup has always been a large supporter of the United Way and the agencies it serves within the St. Louis area,” said Gary Dollar, president of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “UniGroup’s initiative of the “United Way 5K” shows the commitment and enthusiasm this organization has for community involvement."
The event featured comments by the chairman of UniGroup’s United Way effort Gale Preston; Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock; and United Way representatives. St. Louis television and fitness personality Heather Hawk served as the guest emcee. This year’s event also had fitness activities, including a personal trainer-led warm-up.
“We are very pleased that we were able to hold this event to help the United Way,” said Gale Preston, president of Vanliner Insurance Company, a UniGroup company, and chairman of UniGroup’s United Way effort. “The day was enjoyable for all involved and best of all, helped to raise much needed funds for such an important organization.”
Optimists and pessimists
By Barry Siskind
Two groups stare at the same half-filled glass of water and reach different conclusions. It’s always been that way as the optimists and pessimists wage their war of opinions. But lately, I have to admit, in the current world of exhibitions, the pessimists seem to be winning.
All the major indicators point to a clear pessimist’s victory: reduction in net square feet of exhibit space, a decline in professional attendance, a decrease in the number of exhibiting organizations, fallen revenue, lower consumer spending, reductions in travel and the GDP has plummeted, The only two indicators that have increased are show cancellations and unemployment. It’s been so gloomy in the economy that even the die-hard optimists are having trouble keeping a straight face.