2004 Annual Meeting Press Release

(December 7, 2004) Atlanta, GA— Exhibit Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) hosted its 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting and Supplier Showcase on December 2-4 in St. Petersburg, Florida. More than 300 attendees from around the world had the chance to participate in Supplier Showcase exhibits, networking, golf and educational sessions.

More than 40 first time attendees and past attendees raved about the thought provoking and “can’t find anywhere else” educational sessions. Networking was at an all time high with a universal platform to exchange conversation. The Welcome Reception overlooking the Bay, Silent Auction, President’s Ball and drinks on the veranda all provided attendees with time to get acquainted with old and new friends. The EDPA Zone, new in 2004, connected the attendees with the Internet, an information desk, a lounge area and pictures from the past.

EDPA also hosted more than 85 golfers in a scramble during the 15th Annual Van Lines Golf Open and eight in a first time golf clinic. Winners included Ray Steinher, closest to the pin; Shelly Justice, longest drive ladies; Rodney Brannon, longest drive men and Tom Hoganson, longest putt. Jay Barnwell, Bill Haney, Mike Hansen, and Larry Kulchawik’s team placed first; Stacey Barnes, Brian Cree, Bill Glasser and Dave Walens placed second and Gene Faut, Bob Prihoda, Susan Renner and Steve Matranga placed third in the Open. Each group of four that placed in the tournament and every individual winner donated their monetary winnings to the EDPA Foundation.

“Never has EDPA and its sponsor members gone to such lengths to achieve the heights of this year’s Annual Meeting and Supplier Showcase,” stated EDPA’s Executive Director, Pete Dicks. From A/V, education, location, networking, decor, attendee base, diverse exhibit floor and service, EDPA has set the bar and will continue to rise to the occasion to serve the industry.

EDPA’s highly anticipated 8th Annual Supplier Showcase was a huge success with 61 booths and 55 total companies exhibiting. Thirteen excited first time exhibitors covered the show floor. Each exhibitor got maximum exposure through a new technique to excel booth traffic. The Grand Prize Supplier Showcase Award was created so each attendee would visit each booth. Michael Parrot of ICON visited each booth and won a $3,ooo gift card to Best Buy. "Participating in the 2004 EDPA Supplier Showcase was the best experience over the past 3 years. Booth traffic and the business contacts made were great," stated Richard Maddox of Malekko Software Systems. It was no doubt a success with more than 25 companies submitting rebook forms for the 2005 Supplier Showcase in Tucson, Arizona hosting only 70 booths.

In conjunction with the Showcase, were the coveted one-minute commercials and the Golden Ham Award sponsored by Exhibit City News. The award given out for the best commercial portrayed by a Supplier Showcase exhibitor, went to first place winner Optima Graphics, second place ELITeXPO Cargo Systems, Inc. and third place Brumark. Each received a gold plated pig award for their offices.

The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) is an internationally recognized national trade association with more than 370 corporate members from 18 countries that are engaged in the design, manufacture, transport, installation and service of displays and exhibits primarily for the trade show industry.

EDPA’s purpose is to provide education, leadership and networking for the advancement of its members and the exhibition industry. In addition to providing regional industry education programs through its eleven chapters, EDPA organizes one annual convention, tradeshow and golf tournament in a resort location for industry members and their suppliers. EDPA holds quarterly Board meetings and publishes a quarterly newsletter and monthly electronic news bulletin. EDPA also sponsors several annual industry awards.