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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 DALLAS — The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released today SM 37 The Cost Effectiveness of Exhibition Participation: Part I, which includes comparative data taken from a survey conducted among sales and marketing managers of organizations from all sectors of the industry.
INDUSTRY SHOW NEWS SPRINGFIELD, Va. — New cost-effective display solutions. A live presentation. And a charity drive. These are just a few highlights of the 600 square foot exhibit (booth No. 525) that Nomadic Display will showcase during EXHIBITOR2009. Easily located on the show floor, Nomadic's exhibit features highly visible overhead signage and tall, backlit panels in signature red acrylic arching onto a central tower. Visitors are invited to attend a live presentation to learn about Nomadic Display's innovative solutions for providing exhibitors with custom-tailored designs and a lower cost of ownership. Attendees will receive a desktop Instand picture frame and have the chance to win a SignLine banner stand (valued at $160) at the end of each presentation. Through the red backlit archway located in the central tower is Nomadic's newest innovation, Foundation. It's an ingenious riser that integrates Instand pop-up systems with a new line of upscale accessory options to create unique designs that are redefining portable displays. Foundation base sections easily interlock without tools and accessories mount anywhere along its built-in front rail. "It's a breakthrough for exhibitors with budget constraints, who want a fresh, new look and all the savings benefits of a lighter weight property in one customized presentation," says Pat Goeke, President of Nomadic Display. Nomadic will host a charity drive for Helen's Pajama Party to Protect Women, founded by Kelly Sargent, president of Brainstorm Marketing, a Nomadic Display distributor. "Last year's pajama drive at Exhibitor was a huge success which prompted us to sponsor a drive again this year. Pajamas will be collected for The Shade Tree, a Las Vegas shelter that serves over 3,000 homeless and abused women and children each year. Charitable organizations need our support now more than ever", says Gwen Parsons, senior vice president of Nomadic Display. Attendees and exhibitors wishing to donate to the drive may bring a pair of new pajamas, in women's sizes small to XXL, to Nomadic's booth No. 525 during show hours. Donated pajamas must have the sales tags attached. To learn more visit: www.helenspajamaparty.com or www.the shadetree.org. EXHIBITOR2009 will take place March 23-25, 2009 TS2 2009 Conference partners with ALEXANDRIA — TS2, Total Solutions Marketing for the Exhibit and Event Professional announced today that its 2009 conference program will qualify attendees for the award of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Division of Educational Outreach. CEUs are a nationally and internationally accepted standard by which individuals may demonstrate ongoing professional development within their field of expertise. "We are proud to offer a University-affiliated education program beginning this year," said Michele Nebel Peake, TS2 Conference Director. "Not only does it demonstrate to the industry the caliber of the education provided at TS2, but it provides even more value to the attendee." The 2009 TS2 program has been designed to reach the marketing professional, who is under immense pressure in light of today's economic environment. Over four days, the powerful TS2 conference led by distinguished industry leaders-with endorsement by the University of Nevada Las Vegas Division of Educational Outreach to guarantee the highest academic standards-will provide leading-edge marketing initiatives and support for these professionals to stay relevant and economical while elevating their brand, driving sales and fueling ROI. In addition, TS2 education sessions will also carry CEU credits toward the Certified Manager Exhibits (CME) designation, the only association-sponsored certification program that recognizes professionalism in exhibit management and marketing. This program, created by Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) members, is designed to help participants earn valuable industry recognition and advance their careers. Further details on the TS2 conference program will be available on the TS2 Web site at www.ts2show.com in March 2009.
ShoWest to honor Tony Kerasotes and Dean Kerasotes with ‘ShoWester of the Year’ award LOS ANGELES — Tony Kerasotes, Chairman and CEO, and Dean Kerasotes, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kerasotes Showplace Theatres will be honored as the "ShoWesters of the Year" at the 2009 ShoWest Convention, it was announced today by Mitch Neuhauser, Co-Managing Director of the annual event. The award presentation will take place on Tuesday morning, March 31 in the Theatre of the Arts of Paris, Las Vegas. Tony Kerasotes has over 40 years of experience in the film exhibition industry and sits on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Theatre Owners. In his current position as Chairman and CEO of Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatre, his primary responsibilities include film licensing, real estate and strategic planning. Dean Kerasotes has 25 years of experience with Kerasotes Theatres. As the President and Chief Operating Officer, he is responsible for the Company's operation including theatre management, human resources, theatre design and construction and is a director of the company. He is also active in the National Association of Theatre Owners and NATO of Illinois. Kerasotes Theatres was first conceived when their grandfather, Gus Kerasotes, opened his first storefront nickelodeon in Springfield, Illinois in 1909. He continued to pioneer, opening four theatres in Springfield during the transition from the hand cranked nickelodeon to silent films and, finally, talking movies. Their company headquarters was opened on the town square in Springfield in 1926. With his four sons joining the business, Kerasotes expanded to operate theatres in central Illinois and by 1953 Kerasotes Theatres was comprised of 22 theatres and employed over 600 people. The company continued to grow after Gus Kerasotes passed away in 1960 and operated 220 screens in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri by the early 1980's In 1985, the company split in two with Louis Kerasotes and two of his brothers retaining Kerasotes Theatres with 145 screens. Tony Kerasotes then became CEO and was later joined by Dean Kerasotes as COO. In 1999 their company headquarters were relocated to Chicago where Providence Equity Partners invested in the company in 2003; and the company became Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres. The company has continued to see significant growth concentrating on building new modern multiplex theatres, entering suburban markets and acquisitions of theatres. Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres currently operates 95 theatres with 935 screens and is the seventh largest motion picture company in the U.S. Past recipients of the "ShoWester of the Year" award have included: Ellis Jacob, MaryAnn & J. Wayne Anderson, Peter Brown, Stephen Marcus, T.G. "Teddy" Solomon, Phil Harris, Michael Campbell, Kurt Hall and Bruce Corwin. ShoWest is the largest annual convention for the motion picture industry. It is the only international gathering devoted exclusively to the movie business and the single largest international gathering of motion picture professionals and theatre owners in the world. The 2009 edition of ShoWest will be held March 30 - April 2, 2009 at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas and is expected to draw more than 5,000 members of the motion picture industry.
Saddle up for down under adventure in the wild west during special getaway 
ATLANTA — PRA Destination Management Atlanta has been named as a finalist in the 2008 ADME Achievement Awards for two successful programs in the Best Innovative Event ($50,000-$101,000) and Best Tour Program categories according to Rhonda Marko, DMCP, CMP, CMM, and President of ADME. Amy Johnson, DMCP, CMP, and president/owner of PRA Destination Management Atlanta along with her team of dedicated destination management professionals submitted the two programs for the 4th annual ADME Achievement awards for consideration among 80 other entries and is among a select few that made it to the final rounds. The Best Tour Program submission was for First Command Financial Services themed "Possibility Thinking" and featured a variety of Atlanta tours for the 800 guests of the company. The objective was to reward and inspire the field force and make them feel appreciated throughout their stay in Atlanta. Tours ranged from the taste factory at New World of Coca-Cola, to the Georgia Aquarium, Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site, Stone Mountain, Grant Park and Atlanta's History Center, as well as museums, botanical gardens and other cultural sites. Topping off the evening of the Atlanta adventure, guests were treated to a trip to Turner Field-home of the Atlanta Braves. With over six months of planning and coordinating, PRA Destination Management Atlanta created a historical and cultural tour program for both adults and children of all ages, giving each guest a true taste of Southern hospitality. For the Best Innovation Program category PRA Atlanta overcame several challenges and, in the end, delivered an outstanding program, exceeding the client's expectations. When a tornado ripped through downtown Atlanta, the PRA Atlanta team moved quickly to asses the venue damages, find a new location and readjust budgets for the client to utilize for its grand evening event. The only space left undamaged from the tornado was a large cement exhibit hall, requiting drastic changes to create a warm, exciting space using the innovative minds of the PRA Atlanta team. Utilizing a roaring 20's theme, the hall was draped in splashes of blacks, white and red, with large backdrops of famous Jazz musicians, while centerpieces adorned the evening's 1920's theme, later used as party favors for the guests. Tornadoes, budget cuts and venue changes did not keep the PRA team from putting on a terrific event for its client. Thinking creatively and making full use of every cent in the budget turned an incredibly challenging situation into an event, with only days to coordinate, look like it had six months of planning. The awards are presented by the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME), the only professional society for destination management executives with more than 250 members in North America and the European Community. Members of the ADME Achievement Awards' judging teams will select award winners from among the Finalists. Winners will receive a crystal award in honor of their outstanding accomplishment during a gala banquet held in March at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, TX. Destination management executives from around the world are expected to attend the event. More than 80 entries from companies throughout North America were submitted for consideration in nine categories, including Best Innovative Events in four budget categories, Best Overall Program, Best Creative Events - Tour, Recreation and Teambuilding Program and Best Logistics/Transportation. PRA Destination Management Atlanta is a Finalist in both the Best Tour Program and Best Innovative Event categories. Information about ADME and the upcoming Annual Conference is available at www.adme.org. "We are pleased to be recognized by ADME in support of PRA Atlanta's outstanding tour and event programs," commented Johnson. "This recognition is a testament to our exceptional team of dedicated destination management professionals and we are thrilled to be considered for this very prestigious award."
PEOPLE MAKING NEWS Cynthia Mitchell named president, CEO of GEP Utah
Mitchell brings more than 17 years of meeting planning experience in marketing, events and promotions to GEP Utah, where she will lead the office's sales, marketing and operations activities. Her most recent position was with Agel Enterprises, where she was the Senior Director of Global Events & Promotions. Prior to Agel, she was the Global Meeting Director with Unicity and the Corporate Event Manager at ACS Inc. Prior to her corporate planning experience, she owned her own destination management company, Eventiv Inc, and also worked at another DMC, Meetings America. Before moving to Utah in 2000 Mitchell had her own events and catering company as well; she and her husband, David worked for OC Tanner to develop the Canadian recognition market. Mitchell said "I am very excited to join GEP and have the incredible opportunity to lead GEP Utah." Mitchell concludes, "Having lived in Utah for the past 9 years, and being a planner myself, I'm looking forward to showing planners all the potential Salt Lake City and the outlining markets has for both the incentive and meetings market." In addition to Salt Lake City, GEP Utah recently opened a satellite office in Deer Valley-Park City and plans to expand with other satellite offices in Moab, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. GEP Utah is a Destination Management Company (DMC) specializing in high-end corporate meetings and incentive business. Chris White, Chairman and CEO of Global Events Partners also announced the acquisition of Atlanta Arrangements, Inc, a 40-year-old DMC company based in Atlanta, GA. The company retains its key executives and will operate under the name Atlanta Arrangements, a GEP Company. The acquisition was effective Jan. 1, 2009. Atlanta Arrangements will continue to offer the finest in DMC services, specifically focused on corporate and association groups, under the continued direction of Susan Henderson as President and CEO and Michele Lend as COO. Both executives retain an equity position with the company. Henderson states "By combining Atlanta Arrangements' local knowledge and expertise in the metro Atlanta area with the world-class marketing and brand recognition of Global Events Partners, we are set on a path of growth and continued recognition as the best DMC in Atlanta." GEP Atlanta will be the sixth DMC owned and operated by GEP. According to White, "This was a very opportunistic acquisition. Atlanta Arrangements has been a very strong GEP Partner for years and they will be a great fit to our owned DMC companies. Atlanta Arrangements is strategically located in a city that has historically been a key destination for meetings and conventions, is serviced by excellent airlift, and is the home to a significant number of corporate headquarters." Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority announces new management appointments ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA), recently named a series of management appointments in the convention and tourism departments in order to support the Authority's programs and initiatives. Margie Hurley, Assistant Manager, Convention Services Freeman’s Louise Upshaw-McClenny named one of ‘Top 25’ Marketers at HSMAI Awards Gala
The 2008 “Top 25” recipients were judged by a panel of senior industry executives for their recent work based on the following criteria: creativity and innovation; cutting edge sales or marketing campaigns; triumph in challenging situations; and sales efforts that resulted in dramatic gains. Upshaw-McClenny joined Freeman in 2008 as a sales training manager, with her objective to spearhead the development of a comprehensive sales training process for its 500+ salespeople. Inspired by the forward-thinking sales and marketing vision of Freeman’s leadership team, Upshaw-McClenny eagerly made the transition from outsourced consultant to employee when she joined the $1.3 billion industry leader full-time late last year. Prior to joining Freeman, Upshaw-McClenny headed up Achievers International U.S., which she founded in 1995, a very successful sales training and consulting firm with clients as varied as Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Harrah's Entertainment, Super Bowl XXXVIII, and numerous independent hotels, resorts and conference centers around the world. Prior to that, Upshaw-McClenny had more than 13 years experience in sales and marketing management with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. “This year, HSMAI received more nominations than ever,” said Dorothy Dowling, HSMAI board of directors’ chair and senior vice president of marketing and sales at Best Western International. “The quality of the field of candidates was outstanding and is truly representative of the creative work being implemented throughout the industry by top professionals today.”
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…] DURHAM, N.C. — The Durham Civic Center is being renamed the Durham Convention Center by co-owners the City and County of Durham. Located in the City Center district of Downtown Durham, the 20 year old facility, along with 8 major convention hotels including the adjacent Marriott Durham, enables Durham to host approximately 5,000 conventions and meetings each year, attended by nearly 270,000 delegate visitors generating 338,000 person-stays. Durham, a cultural leisure destination, still out performs the national average, generating 15 percent of its commercial lodging room-nights with conventions and meetings. The top four reasons meeting professionals and volunteers select Durham as a destination include:
A wide range of meeting facilities including the convention center, major convention hotels and four accredited conference centers and capacity to host up to 80 percent of the meetings and conventions held in the US. To submit a request for proposal to hold a convention, meeting or reunion in Durham, planners can submit information online or call the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 446-8604. Advertisement  |
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Companies are under more pressure than ever before to measure ROI, determine value from event participation and justify exhibition dollars -- and this report helps them do exactly that. The research in this report compares the cost of making the initial face-to-face contact with a customer through an exhibition versus without an exhibition lead. It also compares the similar cost to identify a potential customer, as well as outlining the perceived value of exhibitions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Global Events Partners, the leading partnership of destination management companies worldwide, announced new President and CEO, Cynthia Mitchell of GEP Utah and bolstered its company-owned DMC portfolio with the acquisition of the Atlanta based DMC, Atlanta Arrangements, Inc.
GEP Utah is owned and operated by the leading provider of worldwide destination management services, Global Events Partners and was founded in 2007. It is one of the leading DMCs in Salt Lake City.
DALLAS — Louise Upshaw-McClenny of Freeman has been named one of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing” for 2008. Honored at HSMAI’s annual Adrian Awards held January 26 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Upshaw-McClenny was recognized as one of the “best of the best” minds in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries.
