Stories this week:

• 40th International CES provides glimpse into the gadget future
• Free parking expected to make big splash at Boat Show
• Homewares Show offers broadest product categories for retailers of all sizes
• World Market Center plans spectacular celebration for Building B opening
• Unigroup names man, woman of the year
• Dick Blouin joins 1105 Media senior management team
• Crespo joins Cyclonix
• VNU Business Media appoints Scott Pierce vice president, travel group
• Frank Sica, Carmen Torzon join Aramark
• Is your exhibit program living up to its potential?
• Dodge Moving & Storage helps feed the hungry with two major food drives in St. Louis area
• Orange County Convention Center trade shows donate more than $1 million locally in 2006
• Kloke Group helps community with two charitable efforts
• Sparks unveils new corporate identity

CEA Executive Board of Directors at the official ribbon cutting for the 40th anniversary of the International CES. Pictured are (l to r): Loyd Ivey, Mitek Corp.; Pete Lesser, X-10 (USA) Inc.; John Shalam, Audiovox Electronics; Ed Zander, Motorola Inc.; Gary Shapiro, CEA; Grant Russell, Green-Clean USA; Patrick Lavelle, Audiovox Corp.; Rossi Rallenkotter, LVCVA; Jay McClellan, HAI.

40th International CES provides
glimpse into the gadget future

LAS VEGAS — Product launches and a major industry keynote by Microsoft's Bill Gates electrified attendees on the eve of the 2007 International CES. Produced by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the 2007 International CES, the world's largest technology trade show which runs through January 11, and celebrates the show's 40th anniversary.

"The pre-CES events generated major excitement and anticipation for what's to come this week at the 2007 International CES," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association, producer of the International CES. "With 2,700 exhibitors debuting the latest technologies and consumer electronics gadgets, the 2007 International CES is the only place to be this week for consumer technology professionals. CES attendees are experiencing, first-hand, a new convergence of consumer technology products emerging from the show floor, with new products incorporating the features, services and content that consumers crave."

On Saturday evening, the third annual CES Unveiled, the Official Press Event of the International CES, kicked off the pre-show media events at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian — CES' newest venue for the 2007 show. Featuring 60 exhibitors, CES Unveiled showcased the latest innovations and products in GPS, digital imaging, audio, home theater, robotics and more.

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Free parking expected to make big splash at Boat Show

Promoters of the event, Let’s Go Promotions, believe that the recent action of the city and the St. Charles Convention Center to remove the charge for parking at the building will make the show a big splash in 2007 after a successful start last January.  In 2006, the show’s inaugural year, it garnered the second largest attendance in the new convention center for public, ticketed events for the entire year.

For its second year, the Boat Show will feature 11 dealers displaying selling performance boats, cruisers, ski boats, runabouts, aluminum and fiberglass fishing boats, pontoons, personal watercraft and more.  Boat dealers taking part in the event are: Cook’s Boats & Motors, Cope Marine, Dan’s Boats,

Dri-Port Marine, JT Boats, Lewis Marine, Midwest Marine, Nameoki Marine, Port Arrowhead, St. Charles Boat & Motor, and Twin City Marine.

Other exhibitors will include Bluff City Tackle with a selection of fishing tackle, rods & reels and other equipment for sale. Tri-State Trolling Motor will have motors, depth finding and GPS systems on display. Also in site will be a variety of resorts, boating products and services.

Admission prices at the door will be $5 for regular admission; $2 for children 10-15 years old; and, FREE for children 9 years and under. Seniors age 60 and over will be admitted for $3 on Friday only. 

Hours:

• Friday: 2-10 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The St. Charles Convention Center is located off I-70 at Exit 229A (5th Street) at One Convention Center Plaza in St. Charles, Missouri. For more information about the show, call (314) 355-1236 or go to the show website: www.letsgoshows.com.

ORLANDO, Fla.—The new Homewares Show, co-located with the 2007 National Hardware Show, is adding to the already growing list of product categories that will be at this year’s event. The Homewares Show was created as a response to retailers’ increasing sales in the housewares product category and will take place alongside the 2007 National Hardware Show, Lawn and Garden World® and The Gourmet Housewares Show in Orlando May 8-10.

Some of these new product categories include: air purification; home storage and organization; floor coverings and floor care; cookware; kitchen accessories; gift items; decorative lighting and decor; small electrics.

Top retailers including big box, specialty and independent retailers are planning to attend the event for the opportunity to source multiple categories all under one roof. From tools and hardware, paint and décor, lawn and garden to home wares, including appliances, storage and more, the four shows under one roof at the National Hardware Show create the largest, most varied home product marketplace in which to do business.

“We are thrilled that so many new companies will be bringing a broad array of new products to the show,” said Rob Cappiello, industry vice president for the National Hardware Show. “We created this event to meet our retail customers’ purchasing needs by providing a marketplace spanning all categories of home enhancement. The Homewares Show will provide numerous opportunities for retailers of all sizes to source the products that will help diversify their inventory mix leading to an increase in their business.”

Top national exhibitors participating in the Homewares Show include Honeywell, Bemis, Phillips Accessories, Armaly Brands, Ameriwood/Dorel and Rev-A-Shelf. The companies will showcase their newest and latest products for 2007 alongside the more than 3000 other exhibitors; 250 of which are brand new exhibitors that have already signed up.

Well-known companies returning to the National Hardware Show to participate in the new Homewares Show include Lasko, Simple Green, Whittier Wood, Harper Brush Whitney Brands, Ettore, Unger and Seville Classics, along with the Holmes Group, Viking Range and Lifetime Brands which will participate in the gourmet product category as part of The Gourmet Housewares Show.

The National Hardware Show, along with the co-located Gourmet Homewares Show, currently attracts over 750 homewares manufacturers who are already participating in the events and attracts buyers from 23 of the top 25 homewares retailers who are already coming to see those products lines. Lawn & Garden World and the new Homewares Show round out the four-show event in Orlando this year.

For more information on the 2007 National Hardware Show in Orlando, visit www.nationalhardwareshow.com. 

 World Market Center plans spectacular celebration for Building B opening

PEOPLE MAKING NEWS

Unigroup names man, woman of the year

ST. LOUIS – Gerald Hoff and Mary L. Wigger have been named Man and Woman of the Year for 2006 by UniGroup, Inc., the parent company of United Van Lines, Mayflower Transit, and other transportation-related companies. The announcement was made by Richard H. McClure, president and chief operating officer of UniGroup. The company employs more than 1,300 people.

Hoff and Wigger were selected on the basis of professional performance and contributions to the achievement of corporate and departmental goals. The company has honored a Man and Woman of the Year annually since 1969.

Hoff joined the company in 1996. Prior to being named to his current position as senior application developer, he held progressively responsible positions within the company’s IT department. Hoff has been active in Therapeutic Horsemanship, an award-winning charitable equestrian therapy program for people with disabilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln County, for several years as both a rider and a judge for local horse shows.  He is also working to obtain his bachelor’s degree in information technology from the University of Phoenix Online.

Wigger began her career at UniGroup in 1979 working part-time, then began full-time employment in 1981 as a file clerk. Prior to being named to her current position as an analyst in treasury services, Wigger held progressively responsible positions within the company’s treasury department. Wigger holds an associate’s degree in clerical science.

UniGroup, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest privately owned transportation companies. Its world headquarters offices are located in Fenton, Mo. 

Dick Blouin joins 1105 Media senior management team

“We are truly excited to have Dick joining our team,” said Neal Vitale, President and CEO of 1105 Media. “His vast knowledge and years of experience with focused vertical conferences, very large tradeshow platforms, and custom programs for industry vendors bring enormous strength and power to our company. He will provide savvy leadership and direction as we grow our event portfolio. Dick will also play an important role helping us to identify and complete additional acquisitions.” The company’s more than 50 face-to-face events currently account for nearly a third of its annual revenues. In his new position, Blouin will report directly to Vitale.

“It is rare to have the chance to join a company at just the right inflection point,” said Blouin. “I believe 1105 Media represents such an opportunity, and I’m thrilled to become part of their team. Not only is the company focused on what is critical in today’s media marketplace—the delivery of integrated products and solutions that give customers strong and measurable results — but its commitment is backed by the vision, energy, and resources to make it happen. That’s a great combination, and an ideal environment for the growth of an events business.”

Blouin is an industry veteran with over 15 years of event management experience. Before joining IDG World Expo, he served as an “Entrepreneur-in-Residence” for Warburg Pincus, a New York City-based global equity investment firm. He has also held senior event management roles at Key3Media and its predecessor companies (including ZD Events), and at The Interface Group, where he served as head of Marketing, New Business Development, International Events, and Studios (a custom event group). Earlier in his career, Blouin founded, grew, and sold a Boston-based advertising agency serving technology and healthcare accounts. He has served as a Board member of SISO and has participated in a number of event industry programs.

Crespo joins Cyclonix

MORGAN HILL, Calif. — Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic face-to-face sales, marketing and experiential environments has announced that industry veteran Emilio Crespo has joined the company as an account executive.

Crespo, who started his career as a designer, was most recently an account executive with PPI. Prior he was design director at Contempo Design and before that, a designer with Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. “I think it’s important to really understand the client’s marketing objective and respond with a solution that works on all levels—design, function, operations and cost efficiency,” says Crespo. “I selected Cyclonix because the entire team shares my commitment. They really take ownership of every project on behalf of the client—all the way from concept to the show floor.”

“Clients love working with Emilio because he understands both design and customer service—and applies that expertise to creating best-of-all-worlds solutions for his clients,” said Marty McGreevy, president of Cyclonix. “We are very proud that Emilio selected Cyclonix. When good people seek you out, you know you’re doing something right.”

Cyclonix uses creativity and innovative design solutions to bring passion, energy and momentum to exhibits and environments. Capabilities include strategy, design, management and execution. Learn more at www.cyclonixinc.com.

VNU Business Media appoints
Scott Pierce vice president, travel group

NEW YORK — VNU Business Media, Inc. has named Scott Pierce Vice President, Travel Group.  In his new position, Pierce will be responsible for the planning, marketing, sales and P&L of VNU Business Media's travel portfolio, which includes Business Travel News, Successful Meetings and Meeting News, as well as the Corporate Travel World exhibition and eight one-day Marketplace events throughout the United States. The announcement was made by William (Bill) Cooke, Senior Vice President for Travel, Performance & Marketing Services at VNU Business Media.

"Scott's extensive experience and market knowledge will be invaluable as he works to identify opportunities for new launches and acquisitions," said Cooke. "I have no doubt that his endeavors will generate growth for the travel brands both domestically and internationally, as we continue to see revenue increases in the business travel industry in general."

Pierce has more than 20 years of experience in publishing, trade shows and e-media. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, a non-profit organization that provides education, training and professional certification to hospitality schools and industries in over 160 countries.  Prior, he was an Executive Vice President at Advanstar Communications where, in one year alone, he launched the Luxury Travel Expo, two new conferences and six electronic magazine titles with combined circulations of over 250,000. Before Advanstar, Pierce was Associate Publisher for the Travel Group at Reed Business, overseeing five national and international editions of Meetings & Conventions magazine and The Official Meetings and Facilities Guide Directory.

A graduate of Long Island University, Scott has garnered numerous awards throughout his career, including being named one of the "Top 50 Most Influential People in Media" by FOLIO magazine, and being honored with the Chairman Award for Outstanding Achievement at Advanstar. He will be based in VNU's New York office.

Frank Sica, Carmen Torzon join Aramark

PHILADELPHIA — ARAMARK, a leader in providing professional services, announced the addition of two new members to its Sports and Entertainment team.  Frank Sica joins as Vice President - Client Solutions & Strategy, and Carmen Torzon as Director of Business Development, Western Region. 

"Both Frank and Carmen bring a wealth of experience and industry expertise to their new roles," said Liza Cartmell, Group President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment. "They will help us to continue to deliver on our promise of superior customer experiences, environments and outcomes."

As Vice President - Client Solutions and Strategy, Sica will lead the strategic direction of ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment's premium services, retail services and facility services through maintaining standards, ensuring appropriate development programs exist and fostering best practices. He reports directly to Cartmell.

Prior to joining ARAMARK, Sica spent 27 years working for Mobil Oil Corporation and ExxonMobil where he developed his leadership skills in marketing, operations, retail, franchise development and strategic planning.

Torzon, a recognized veteran in the food and beverage industry, joins ARAMARK as Director of Business Development for the Western Region, where he will be responsible for cultivating new business relationships in both the Convention Centers & Cultural Attractions and Stadiums & Arenas marketplace.  Torzon reports to Dave Miles, Vice President, Sales, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment.

Most recently, Torzon was a food and beverage consultant with the Torzon Group LLC.  He also served in vice president roles for both Centerplate and Canteen Corporation for 20 years.  Throughout his career, Torzon has managed many high-profile events, including Super Bowls, the MLB World Series and All-Star Games, the Republican National Convention, and the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Sica has a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Long Island University and Torzon graduated from LaVerne University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Through its Sports and Entertainment Group, ARAMARK provides a wide range of professional services, including food, facility and other support services. For more information about ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment, please visit www.aramarkentertainment.com.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 240,000 employees serving clients in 18 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Randy Brown, project/quality control manager for Dodge Moving & Storage, at the Dierberg’s KTVI-TV food drive.

Dodge Moving & Storage helps feed the hungry with two major food drives in St. Louis area

ST. LOUIS — Dodge Moving & Storage, an agent of Mayflower Transit, recently helped with two major food drives in St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri that resulted in the collection of more than 2.5 million pounds of food for the area needy.

Dodge helped with the area’s largest food drive, conducted by the local Boy Scouts on Nov. 18, 2006. For that drive, which Dodge has supported for several years, the Boy Scouts delivered bags all over the area, encouraging people to fill them with canned goods and boxed food items. The bags then were collected by the Scouts and taken to 54 local fire stations where they were packed in boxes and loaded on skids.

Dodge provided two of the moving trucks and drivers that helped deliver the goods to area food banks. About 2.5 million pounds of food were collected.

The second food drive was held on Nov. 20 at a Dierberg’s grocery store in St. Charles, Mo. That food drive was done in conjunction with Dierberg's and KTVI-TV in St. Louis, and resulted in more than 4,000 pounds of food collected and delivered to Operation Food Search in St. Louis.

“We know that the people of St. Louis and St. Charles counties are generous and want to help,” said Tom Linhares, general manager of Dodge Moving & Storage. “We were honored to be able to help make their generosity possible by getting the food to the people who need it during this busy time of year.”

Mayflower Transit, founded in 1927, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest van lines and transports household goods, electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art, and specialized freight, utilizing a network of 700 affiliated agents throughout the United States and around the world. Mayflower’s headquarters offices are located in suburban St. Louis. More information about the company is available at www.mayflower.com.

ORLANDO, Fla. – While the Orange County Convention Center is known for providing an economic boost to the Central Florida community, it's also become a major source of donations for several of the area's charitable organizations. In 2006, it's estimated more than $1 million in funds and goods were donated to local organizations by visiting conventions and tradeshows and their exhibitors and attendees.

More than two dozens visiting shows made donations that included nearly 100,000 pounds of food to local food banks, more than $200,000 in educational supplies and grants and more than $100,000 in monetary donations.

"We're very proud of all the conventions and shows that choose to make a donation to one of our local groups," said Kathie Canning, the convention center's Deputy General Manager. "It's great to see our visitors are providing a positive economic impact to our community not only by spending locally, but also giving locally."

[Click here for a list of trade shows and conventions that made donations]

Kloke Group helps community with
two charitable efforts

MANASSAS, Va. — Kloke Group, an agent of United Van Lines, recently helped with two major community charitable efforts in Prince William County, Va.

Kloke helped with the area’s largest food drive, conducted by the local Boy Scouts on Nov. 17. For that drive, which Kloke has supported for several years, the Boy Scouts delivered bags all over the area, encouraging people to fill them with canned goods and boxed food items. The bags then were collected by the Scouts and packed in boxes and loaded on skids.

Kloke provided the moving trucks and drivers that helped deliver the goods from local schools to the SERVE Food Closet. Nearly 20,000 tons pounds of food were collected and will keep the SERVE stocked for more than four months.

For the second drive, held Nov. 22, Kloke donated the transportation and use of a 53-foot trailer to SERVE for their use in storing toys collected for underprivileged families during for the holiday season.

“We know that the people of our community are generous and want to help,” said Larry Peterman, vice president of Kloke Group. “We were honored to be able to help make their generosity possible by getting the food to the people who need it during this busy time of year.”

SERVE, Inc. is a non-profit community organization dedicated to strengthening the Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park community through comprehensive programs and partnerships that provide basic needs and promote economic independence for homeless and underprivileged individuals and families.

Utilizing consistent training and specialized duties, Kloke Group has teams of professionals that understand the specific concerns associated with local, national or international moves.  With locations throughout Virginia, Kloke stands ready to make your move worry-free. For more information, please visit www.kloke.com.

United Van Lines transports electronic equipment, trade show exhibits and displays, works of art, and specialized freight, in addition to household goods. United, with headquarters located in suburban St. Louis, maintains a network of 1,000 affiliated agencies in 135 countries around the world. More information about United and its services can be obtained through the company’s Web site at www.unitedvanlines.com.

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