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Trade Show Expo To view this newsletter online, CLICK HERE ASSOCIATION NEWS • PEOPLE MAKING NEWS • NATIONAL NEWS • COLUMNS • |
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Stories this week:
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS Also read exhibit expert Barry Siskind’s column
ASSOCIATION NEWS
The 2009 event is taking a previously tested approach-education sessions and brunch will precede an afternoon of exposition featuring hospitality vendors and destinations from across the country. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of the Emmy-nominated "Whose Line Is It Anyway," will perform an impromptu stand-up comedy show based on suggestions they receive from the audience. Gary Hirshberg, chairman, president and CE-Yo of Stonyfield Farm, will open the all-day event with "On a Mission: Integrating Business Practices With Social Responsibility," a trailblazer session focused on broad business-operation tactics that benefit organizations' bottom line by implementing socially responsible practices. A new Springtime CEO Power Breakfast, an exclusive event for C-suite association executives, will feature Denise Coll, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide North American Division, and John H. Graham IV, CAE, president and CEO of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, who will share their insight on association leadership and trends impacting the association community. Prior to the event, ASAE & The Center will host Springtime UnPlugged, a first-ever networking event for young professionals, on April 15. "Our events are all about networking and meeting people," said Amy Ledoux, CMP, CAE, vice president of meetings and expositions at ASAE & The Center. "With a growing number of young professionals and their involvement in our community, we wanted to give them an opportunity to mingle, meet each other and exchange ideas on best practices and their overall experience in planning of meetings and events. Networking is an essential part of our events and we want to make sure everyone has a chance to participate." This year, the show is intended to draw meeting professionals from the association, corporate, government and independent sectors involved in planning of meetings, events, education sessions and trade shows. Exhibitors represent airlines, audio/visual products, auto rental, CVBs, destination management companies, general service contractors, hotels/resorts, insurance, promotional products, registration services, speaker bureaus and transportation services. "Another year, another outstanding event. For 33 years, ASAE & The Center's Springtime Expo has been one of the most valuable events for meeting professionals and the hospitality industry, and this, more so than ever before, is the best way to expose your organization and make a connection with fellow attendees, exhibitors and industry partners," said Graham. Registration to the 2009 Springtime Expo is only $95 for ASAE & The Center members and $110 for nonmembers, before April 1. For more information about the event or to register, visit www.asaecenter.org/springtime2009. COMPANY NEWS SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Professional Exhibits & Graphics, an industry leader in trade show exhibits since 1987, has announced the opening of a new construction shop, bringing their building and manufacturing of traditional custom exhibits in-house. "Bringing this important function under our roof allows us to offer a true turnkey experience, all the way from conception to installation and storage," says Dick Wheeler, President of Professional Exhibits & Graphics. "The entire process will be streamlined, which will result in improved customer service, higher quality controls and an adherence to stricter standards," Wheeler continues. Under the guidance of a trade show exhibit construction veteran with 25 years of experience, the full-service shop can handle all facets of trade show exhibit manufacture, including wood, metal, and fabric. Since 1987, Professional Exhibits & Graphics offers its clients new products and services unique to the industry. The company provides collateral, web design, and event planning in addition to numerous trade show exhibits and trade show display rental options. Professional Exhibits & Graphics is leader in trade show exhibits and trade show display rental industry. They also feature trade show exhibit graphics, offer trade show exhibits storage and complete show management services. DALLAS — Freeman announced that it has acquired AVT Event Technologies, a leading in-house audio visual provider to hotels in the U.S.
Freeman said the purchase follows its corporate strategy of continuing to invest long-term in the face-to-face industry where there is opportunity for growth. According to industry reports, with the recent change in the economy and some reduced travel to national events, there is an upswing in holding regional meetings, often at hotels. "In today's turbulent times, all companies are doing what they can to reduce short-term business impact, but at the same time, we continue to look for opportunities to add value for our clients," said Joe Popolo, chief executive officer of Freeman. "AVT has demonstrated they are the technology and creative leader in their space. With the addition of AVT to Freeman's resources, we are positioning Freeman for additional growth in an important segment of the face-to-face industry." Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. AVT's business model and culture are a good match for Freeman, Popolo added. "Like Freeman, AVT is privately owned," Popolo said. "They are regarded as leaders in their field, and also have a reputation for outstanding customer service. Their employees understand the value of partnering with customers." As part of Freeman, AVT will be known as AVT Event Technologies, a Freeman Company. AVT's executive leadership team will remain in place to manage operations and customer relationships independently of Freeman. Within the Freeman organization, AVT will report to Ken Sanders, president of the U.S. audio visual division. "AVT has a strong executive team under the guidance of Martin Kwitschau, the company founder and a 30-year veteran of the hospitality meetings industry," said Sanders. "AVT is recognized both for innovative products and the five-star service that distinguish the company from others in the field. The acquisition brings additional depth to Freeman, and likewise, AVT's clients will now have seamless access to the vast event resources that Freeman can provide." "Becoming a Freeman company is a wise move for AVT," said Kwitschau, chief executive officer of AVT Event Technologies. "Freeman is viewed by its customers as the premier supplier in the face-to-face industry. As part of Freeman, AVT will leverage its own premium reputation and service offerings to expand Freeman's reach into the hospitality marketplace. We are very excited to be part of a team with the industry experience and depth that Freeman has," he said. Longtime AVT customers believe the Freeman and AVT combination will be a winning one. "We have worked with Freeman in many capacities through the years, as well as on a large scale with AVT. Having a company of Freeman's stature invest in hotel event services to this extent is a very positive sign for the hotel industry," said Michael Robertson, hotel manager of the Beverly Hilton. Prior to AVT, Freeman's most recent acquisition was the purchase of ProActive Inc. in April 2007. GES to serve as official services contractor for all EH events shows LAS VEGAS — GES Exposition Services, a leader in exhibition and event services, announce the addition of EH Events shows to its portfolio of world-class clients. Starting this year, GES will serve as the official services contractor for all four shows produced by EH Events — Electronic House Expo (EHX), TecHome Builder Conference and Expo (TBX), Worship Facilities Expo (WFX) and RoboBusiness Conference and Expo.
Year one of the contract includes EHX Spring 2009 in Orlando, WFX Spring 2009 in Long Beach, WFX Fall 2009 in Charlotte, and RoboBusiness 2009 in Boston. "GES is excited to be selected as the new official services contractor for the award-winning technology and construction focused shows produced by EH Events, and we look forward to helping EH Events continue to grow its shows," said GES President and CEO Kevin Rabbitt. "GES is committed to helping show organizers and exhibitors realize a strong ROI by providing innovative solutions, including our state-of-the-art show planning tool, GESCORE Connect, which allows show organizers to access all critical show information from any Internet connection." EH Events' shows have been named to Tradeshow Week magazine's prestigious Fastest 50 growing shows list every year since 2003. INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS Champion expands partnership with event management program at Johnson & Wales University Aspiring event professionals obtain hands-on, experiential learning experience via simulated trade show and event training lab provided by Champion Exposition Services
"Providing this kind of "real world" opportunity for Johnson & Wales students gives them the unique opportunity to see exactly what it takes to pull together a professional event or tradeshow from every angle," said Bob Priest-Heck, CEO, Champion. "This hands-on style of learning is much more effective than simply lecturing students about tradeshow and event management in a classroom setting. In tandem with Johnson & Wales' exceptional class-based curriculum, this innovative educational approach offers a vital experience that will prepare students for the various challenges that they will confront during their career in the industry." During each semester, JWU students will spend four weeks at the on-campus lab, where they will plan, create and execute every detail of a tradeshow, rotating through four roles:
"It's great to see the enthusiasm displayed by students when they are given the chance to test their skills in a way that they never could before. Champion's generosity in creating this unique classroom lab setting will make a tremendous difference as our students begin their careers. This practical application gives each student the tools and confidence they need to know that they will succeed in the event management industry and further reinforces the future success of the tradeshow and event industry as a whole," said Dr. Karen Silva, Department Chair, Sports, Entertainment and Event Management Department. Johnson & Wales University is a world-class university, where students have an opportunity to pursue a career education in business, hospitality, culinary arts, or technology. Scores of majors and degree programs are offered at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level. Johnson & Wales' four campuses are located in Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Nimlok Chicago Managing Partner Deb Venable crosses the finish line of the Deep Freeze Half Marathon carrying her 2-year-old son Zachary. Venable helped organize the 13.1 mile race run in single digit temperatures that benefitted the Marallac House and Nimlok Chicago provided pampering surprises for all the race participants. NILES, ILL. — At Nimlok Chicago, it's standard to go the extra mile but Nimlok Chicago managing partner Deb Venable took the adage even further when she ran 13.1 miles in sub zero wind chills to raise money for charity. Venable recently helped organize and participated in the "Elmhurst Deep Freeze Half Marathon" that benefited the Marallac House, a Chicago social services agency. Venable and 15 other working and stay-at-home moms ran the half marathon in six degree temperatures in Elmhurst, Ill. on January 24. Up until now, Venable has never been a long distance runner. So why run 13.1 miles in the middle of a Chicago winter? "I needed to do this for me personally, the more I do the better I do," explains Venable who ran 5 to 11 miles three times a week before work to train for the race. "It calms me. By the time I get to work, I've already accomplished something and it motivates me to think I can take on anything during the day." Nimlok Chicago supported the race by donating pampering surprises to all the runners after the race and providing the sign for the finish line. Participants were able to raise $800 for the Marallac House. It all started when three of the moms who wanted to stay in shape through the holidays started training to run in a half marathon in Naples, Florida in January. But logistically it just didn't' work out so they decided to organize their own half marathon closer to home. The group trained together twice a week at 5:30 in the morning to run the race that passed by every participant's house in Elmhurst. Venable, a mother of three, enjoys the non competitive camaraderie of the moms that still run together in the freezing Chicago temperatures, even though the race is over. "Everyone is so supportive, instead of playing Bunco we're a group of friends that get together at 5:30 in the morning to run a half marathon. It's a good outlet for everyone," explains Venable. In addition to running an award winning exhibit firm with Nimlok Chicago managing partner Peter Crouch, Venable is a mentor for female business leaders, a Brownie leader, and a hockey mom. Continuously one of the leading distributors, Nimlok Chicago is part of the Nimlok international network, a global leader in creating environmentally sound, marketing focused custom modular trade show exhibits, portable displays, event environments and permanent solutions. In its fourth decade, Nimlok continues to offer inspiring designed and client focused face-to-face solutions are delivered globally through more than 200 distributors in 56 countries. Nimlok's environment philosophy of reconfigurability, reusability and recyclability enhances clients' flexibility in their face-to-face marketing objectives. To learn what Nimlok can do for you, visit www.nimlok-chicago.com. BUREAU NEWS
The Atlantic City Convention Center is now operating the largest single-roof solar power array in the United States. The 2.36 megawatt rooftop solar power system covers 290,000 square feet and contains 13,486 solar modules/panels that generate approximately 26 percent of the Center’s electrical consumption. Atlantic City CVA Renews as $750 million expansion will provide additional 75,000 square feet of meeting space WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a time when the environmental initiatives of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) are reaching new heights, the organization is renewing its Founding Industry Membership in the Convene Green Alliance (CGA), the leading association, meeting and hospitality industry organization focused on "green" programs. "What CGA has done is given us a platform to tell the story about our environmental programs," explains ACCVA Vice President of Convention Development Gary Musich. "We have been doing green initiatives for years but we didn't really tell the story until CGA came along. We often find that our CGA partnership stimulates questions from clients and opens doors to discuss even more things we can do." Atlantic City is a very progressive area in green technology, and that has helped the ACCVA launch several significant initiatives, including:
"The example that ACCVA sets for the meetings industry is astonishing, and we are thrilled to have them renew after they helped launch CGA a year ago," said CGA Executive Director Tracey Messina. CGA now has more than 400 members, including associations, corporations and hospitality industry partners, representing strong interest and commitment in green meetings across a wide range of industry sectors and professions. The Convene Green Alliance is a nonprofit grassroots, industry initiative spearheaded by several high-profile associations that seek to effect positive environmental practices through national, regional and local outreach and education. This initiative was developed in response to members' demands that their association (and the meetings and events they sponsor), reflect best environmental practices. Learn more at www.convenegreen.com.
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS
Rubinsky has wide experience in the field of corporate events and communications. During the past 20 years, Mark has produced hundreds of events for corporations such as Canon, IBM, AT&T, Northern Telecom, American Express, McDonald's, Nike, Ford Motor Company, Lincoln Mercury, Toyota, Pfizer and Novartis. His experience includes launch meetings, recognition events, senior management meetings, ground breaking celebrations. He has even turned the Los Angeles Cinedome Theater into a giant Arch Deluxe Hamburger. Recently Rubinsky produced and co-directed a live multimedia play as part of the Alexander Hamilton exhibition at the New York Historical Society in Manhatan and is currently advising the Special Olympics in preparation for the 2009 Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. For MC2, Rubinsky will be concentrating on extending the company's event production capabilities and programs. MC2 specializes in design, production and management of integrated marketing programs including events, exhibits, permanent and mobile environments and executive briefing centers. With 10 locations throughout the United States and alliances around the world, the company serves customers such as Canon USA, Samsung Electronics, Michelin North America, Pioneer Electronics, Fuji, and Rubbermaid.
ELK VILLAGE, Ill. — 3D Exhibits has expanded its dynamic team with the addition of Jim Rehm, Ron Weil, and Marianne Driscoll. Rehm has been named v.p. and account executive; Weil has been named v.p. and account executive; and Driscoll has been named account manager. Rehm, Weil, and Driscoll all were previously with the Fritkin-Jones Design Group, which is discontinuing operation-a decision made pursuant to the death of Fritkin Jones company founder, Ron Fritkin, who passed away in early 2008. Both Rehm and Weil had been with the Group for more than 25 years. Rehm, who was a v.p. at the Fritkin-Jones Design Group, is best know for the strong relationships he builds with clients and his attention to detail. "We made the decision to move to 3D Exhibits for many reasons-the quality of its work, its financial stability, and its total solutions approach that extends beyond the structure of the exhibit. The 3D Exhibits brand says, "Everything Matters" and that has pretty much been my personal brand for years," says Rehm. Weil, who has some client relationships that go back over 25 years, prides himself on his responsiveness to his clients' needs. "The 3D Exhibits team was so right on. They were quick to step in and ask how they could help. They did everything they could to make the transition seamless for us and for our clients," Weil said. Driscoll, who has five years industry experience and a background in corporate marketing, is what Rehm calls, "A natural." He says Driscoll is great with clients, and is able to work with all sorts of personality types-which makes her exceptionally adept at managing multi-divisional programs. Gene Faut, president of 3D Exhibits, says he is pleased that Rehm, Weil, and Driscoll have chosen to come onboard. "The Fritkin-Jones Design Group created a legacy of great work. Our staff and our clients will benefit from having Jim, Ron, and Marianne on our team," he said. Privately held 3D Exhibits is an exhibit design, fabrication and management company based in Elk Grove Village, IL. The company's focus on client service, attention to detail and total program management has propelled the eleven-year old firm to an annual sales volume over $40 million. For more information visit www.3Dexhibits.com. or email ngenarella@3dexhibits.com.
By Barry Siskind If you have ever attended the world’s biggest car show in Detroit you were undoubtedly overwhelmed by the orgy of extravagant car promotions, wild stunts, spare-no-expense promotions and the best of what you would expect from an industry prepared to spend over $100 million to introduce their newest models. This year it was different. Opulence was replaced by austerity. A struggling industry was now exhibiting to the bare bones. Some companies like Nissan pulled out completely. Yes, it’s true that when times are tough we all need to tighten our belts a notch or two and yet when times are good we seem to forget the basics and throw gobs of money into the air hoping for some sort of a return. This year’s Detroit show is a direct reflection of the global financial scene. But sometimes rolling back isn’t a bad thing. When all your energy goes into creating too much glitz and glamour, often the question, “Am I getting a return for the investment in all this excess” is not asked. [CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF SISKIND'S COLUMN…] Finding a mustom exhibit rental made fast and stress-free MORGAN HILL, Calif. — Cyclonix Inc, a creator of dynamic brand architecture has launched a new website that is faster, easier to navigate and more dynamic. With its intuitive layout and user-friendly design, the site embodies the energy and enthusiasm that defines Cyclonix. Navigation of the site is designed so that from the landing page, any piece of information is just two clicks away. There are also a minimum of features that slow page-loading time. "Our customers are busy people, and we wanted to show that we respect their time," says Marty McGreevy, president of Cyclonix. In addition, Cyclonix has a new web address. Cyclonix has obtained the rights to use the www.cyclonix.com address and will be phasing out www.cyclonixinc.com. A notable addition is Cyclonix's new rental catalog, featuring Cyclonix's comprehensive collection of custom rental exhibit options, which can be downloaded from the home page. The catalog provides one-stop shopping for custom rental exhibits, signage, lighting, furnishings and promotional items-at a substantial savings versus purchasing an exhibit. Cyclonix's new website can be viewed at www.cyclonix.com. Cyclonix uses creativity and innovative design solutions to bring passion, energy and momentum to exhibits and environments. Capabilities include strategy, design, fabrication, management and execution. Advertisement |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The largest one-day hospitality show for meeting professionals, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership's Springtime Expo, is back early this year, April 16, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
AVT is based in Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb. Founded in 2000, AVT services 21 hotels in such major chains as Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Hilton Hotels Corp. With more than 200 employees, the company offers full-service audio visual, lighting, staging and production capabilities through on-site operations that work in tandem with facility staff to produce events of all sizes held in the facility.
"EH Events is pleased to select GES as our official services contractor," said General Manager of EH Events Jim Wagner. "GES' commitment to innovation, customized solutions and customer service are impressive. We think GES can help grow our shows."
MIDDLEBORO, Mass., — 
CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y. — 
