November 2004 - Volume 5, Issue 11

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Karen Carney Design Director Avalon Exhibits, Inc. Empathy and it’s place in Design Too often I find that as a designer, we are over whelmed with the latest and greatest trends that we lose sight of the importance of empathy. As the creative director at Avalon Exhibits, I stress to my team and discipline myself - that listening, and even more importantly, being empathetic to our client’s needs is the key to a successful design. In college a professor once told my class to “draw what we see and not what we think we see”, these words have resonated with me for many years. In Three Dimensional Exhibit Design, we have to take this a step further we need to “design what we hear, not what we think we hear”. We really have to feel the words that our clients impart to us, blending visions and reality. The design should carry the words and needs of the clients into the structure, graphics and details of any given show. We have to imagine “If this were my product, what image would I want to project to my clients and my competition?” We need to become “one” with our client and their product and express this three dimensionally for them. A design with no empathy is not a worthy design. Even the most polished presentation will not sell if it isn’t what the client wants and needs. True Empathy is the key to bringing clients thoughts to the exhibit floor in a way that embodies their product and company with pride and success. Karen Carney has 20 plus years experience as an Exhibit and Museum Designer. Her broad experience has served her well for the last 7 years as the Creative Design Director at Avalon Exhibits in New Castle Delaware. As a result of Karen’s leadership, the Avalon Design Team has won numerous design and best-of-show awards during her tenure. Karen attended Philadelphia University of the Arts and holds a BS degree in Industrial Design as well as Sculpture.

Only 3 Weeks Until The BIGGEST Event In EDPA’S 50-Year History! – YOU NEED TO BE THERE!
The 50th Annual Meeting and Supplier Showcase is already exceeding expectations. Registration is 30% above where is was at this time in 2003 and the Supplier Showcase has never been under so much demand. The excitement could be based on all the new features of this year’s meeting. With the Cyber Café, Supplier Showcase booth traffic contest, golf clinic, fundraising EDPA Foundation Silent Auction, hard-hitting educational topics to help your company and the exhibit industry, it’s no wonder this event is so highly anticipated. If you haven’t already registered, do it today! Register below. Note: Due to overwhelming demand, hotel accommodations are going fast. Please click here to reserve your room today! http://www.edpa.com/04meetings/accommodations.html

Supplier Showcase Highlights- Why Suppliers Need to Exhibit
Exhibit at the EDPA Supplier Showcase to present your products and services to key buyers: Owners & Top Managers of Exhibit Houses and Manufacturers.

The Supplier Showcase Provides

• Dedicated Exhibit Hours: No conflicting sessions scheduled
• Targeted Audience: Industry decision makers that want and need your products and/or services
• Maximum Exposure: The show floor will accommodate only 70 exhibitors
• Extensive Networking Opportunities: Meet and talk with the owners, CEOs and General Managers of the leading exhibit and event industry companies
• Casual and Relaxed Environment: An informal and comfortable atmosphere
• One Minute Commercials: The only event offering exhibitors the chance to present a live a one minute commercial to the entire Annual Meeting

For more information visit www.edpa.com or contact Carolyn Jones at 404-303-7310 or cjones@edpa.com

CLICK HERE To Register For The Annual Meeting & Supplier Showcase

Discover the Hidden Treasures at the EDPAF Silent Auction
Would you like to bid on a signed picture of Sandy Kofax, or advertising in Exhibit City News? How about an iPpod a TiVO a Barry Bonds rookie baseball card or a roundtrip international flight to EuroShop in Germany? You can bid on these items December 3rd during EDPA’s Annual Meeting at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Florida.

You Can Give Too: What Kind Of Items Are Needed?
Almost anything and everything is welcome and greatly needed. If you wish to make a donation, items could include exhibit industry products and services, lodging, dinners for two, cash, sports or concert tickets, facials, massages, sweaters or jackets with company or association logos, premium wine and other beverages, or any other item you think would be of interest.

What Do You Get Beyond the Warm Feeling of Doing Something Wonderful for Your Industry?

You Receive
Increased awareness for your company from the following:

• Coverage in the January 2005 issue of the “Exhibit City News”
  Mention in EDPA Press Releases, emails and theJanuary EDPA newsletter
• Exposure on EDPA’s web site www.edpa.com
• Recognition at the auction and in the auction program guide
• Tax Deductible Donation to the EDPA Foundation

Who Will Benefit
Your contribution will benefit exhibit industry families suffering a severe tragedy or loss,
exhibit industry children seeking scholarships and helps ensure longevity of the EDPA Foundation.

What To Do
Click here for details on how to donate http://www.edpa.com/04meetings/silentauction.html

Who To Contact
Please call EDPA or the Silent Auction committee chair if you have any questions, ideas or want to make a contribution? Committee Chair- MaryBeth Gieser (818)764-5126 or (818) 523-9229 or at EDPA- Brook Soss (404) 303-7310

Sign Up Today for EDPA’s Networking Mission to EUROSHOP 2005
February 19-23, 2005, Dusseldorf, Germany
See the latest in designs, product launches and new concepts in exhibits and materials at the world’s largest industry event held only Once Every Three Years

• Sign up for discount admissions to Five Days of Exhibits and Education
• Attend Special Networking Social Events
• Co-Exhibit in EDPA’s Custom Exhibit – NEW!
• Visit and network with IFES members in the IFES Stand
• Sponsor EDPA Networking Events for Extra Exposure and More Contacts
• www.euroshop.de

Limited Hotel Rooms Available: EDPA’s headquarter hotel is first class and in a great downtown location! You must sign up before November 16, for special, hard-to-get rooms at the Four Points Arabella Sheraton. First come-first served. Details and order form attached!

See International News Below for More Activity and Pricing Details for EuroShop

2005 Membership Dues Are Due January 1
Hitting your office any day is your membership dues invoice for 2005. We thank you in advance for your support in the coming year. We have accomplished many successes for our members and with in the industry and we look forward to representing your company again in 2005.

Please review your member benefits. The value in being a member of EDPA is recognized when members get involved and utilizes the association’s services. Take a look at what EDPA has to offer you:

The staff at EDPA headquarters is standing by to help maximize your membership value, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you have any questions about your dues invoice, please call Alexandra Grider at (404) 303-7310.

Melinda Stewart Oct. 27th Meeting

Wayne Laube, Oct. 27th Meeting

Southeastern Chapter to Hold November 11th Meeting
"Stop calling me! Out of the box, innovative ways to reach out to prospective clients". Toby Bloomberg, President of Bloomberg Marketing will be speaking at the Southeast Chapter meeting on Novmeber 11th from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at 103 West in Buckhead. "Fireball" was the word the Atlanta Business Chronicle used to describe Toby. But there's more than fire in her belly when it comes to creating marketing strategies. Her background, grounded in research, includes over 15 years of traditional and Internet marketing experience with a wide variety of sectors; clients range from Fortune 100 companies, governmental bodies and small businesses to pre-IPO start-ups. Toby speaks nationally and serves on board of the American Marketing Association. For more information, please contact Mike Morrison at mike@octanormusa.com.

Northern California Sets 2005 Meetings and Board of Directors
2005 Meetings
January 26th - Economic Survey, Summary Review at Delphi Productions
April 27th – EACA and EuroShop Highlights at Big Picture Creative
July 27th- Golf (return engagement) at Crystal Springs
October 26th -Topic to be confirmed, but based on the core purpose of EDPA ". . . To champion the prosperity of member businesses".

2005 BOD:
Wayne Laube- Octanorm USA (President 2005)
Denise Simmons- TWI Group (VP/Treasure)
Christopher Clark- Riverview Systems Group (Secretary)
Gary Klausner- Friendlyway, Planning Committee
Rosanna Quisada-Clune- Big Picture Creative, Planning Committee
Jessica Brenner- Hood Exhibits, Planning Committee
Richard Osicka- GGE, General Graphics and Exhibits (Past President 2004)
Melinda Stewart- Laser of Northern California (Past President '00-'03)

EDPA New England Wrapped Up Its 2004 Programming & Looking to 2005
Planning for 2005 is already underway with the first meeting scheduled for February 3, 2005. The annual EDPA New England/EACA New England Golf Tournament is scheduled for June 22, 2005. For information, contact C.J. Floros, Chapter President, 508.435.6808 or cfloros@aplusservice.com.

EuroShop Special Networking Events & Highlights

“IFES Saturday Night Fever” Networking Party
Co-sponsored by IFES, FAMAB (Fachverband Konzeption und Dienstleistung Design Exhibition Event) and EDPA on Saturday evening, February 19th;
FAMAB, is EDPA’s corresponding organization representing exhibit designers and producers from Germany, and IFES, is the Federation that brings together EDPA and 13 more National Exhibit Building Associations from across Europe. This exciting event builds upon the infamous “Pizza Party held at EuroShop 2002.” When it comes to combining fun with making new contacts for future business, there is no better way to kick off your EuroShop experience.
Maximize your exposure by being a sponsor! Event Sponsors will receive special recognition. For details and pricing, see below.

World-Famous, Traditional “Pub Crawl and Dinner,”
Presented by EDPA & Exhibit City News
February 22nd (tentative). This festive evening of free-flowing beer, food and fun is a long-standing tradition for EDPA’s EuroShop attendees. At our last outing nearly 150 people – half EDPA and half IFES guests enjoyed the party and vowed to meet again in 2005! All events are open to EDPA Members, but there is a limited capacity for this event! It’s by invitation only and has limited access to the first 120 people. Special discounts are given to EDPA International Chapter members. – Registration information is below.
Maximize your exposure by being a sponsor! Event Sponsors will receive special recognition. For details and pricing, see below.

Co-Exhibit in the EDPA Member Exhibit: For the first time, EDPA has reserved a 24 M Exhibit to showcase our organization and to provide our members with a place to meet and introduce their products and services at EuroShop. If you want an easy, cost-effective way to test the waters in the European market, become a co-exhibitor in the EDPA stand. We have limited capacity for less than a dozen members who will have a graphic panel mounted on the exhibit wall, access to a semi-private meeting room that can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and limited storage for brochures, etc. The booth will be staffed at all times leaving you free to come and go as you please while we greet visitors on your behalf. For details and pricing, see below.

Order Discounted Admission Tickets and Save: Daily admission to EuroShop is EUR 28. By ordering in advance you can save nearly 1/3! Use the advance order form below and pay only EUR 20 per day (US$27.00 per day) Complete the attached order form and we’ll send you admission vouchers! It’s that easy!

Join us in our Booth and our IFES Booth: In addition to the EDPA booth described above, EDPA is also co-exhibiting in the IFES stand too. The booths are side-by-side and members will be able to use both locations for networking, rendezvous, and rest stops as the visit EuroShop. Rest stops will definitely be needed at the global No.1 retail trade fair: EuroShop February 19-23, 2005, Messe Dusseldorf Fairgrounds, Dusseldorf, Germany.

Click here: Pricing and Order forms for the above activities and events.

TSEA Sells TS2
As you know, last week TSEA announced the sale of TS2 to National Trade Productions. While NTP assumed ownership and overall management of the TS2 trade show and conference, TSEA will continue to develop and manage the educational programming associated with TS2. TSEA will also continue to hold its annual meeting at TS2 and will partner with NTP as the vent sponsor. In addition, TSEA Members still receive cost-saving benefits through discounts for attending and exhibiting in TS2.

Points of Access Debuts
The first issue of Points of Access, an exhibit marketing newsletter published by Access TCA was released this week. Six pages of customer-focused material is the latest initiative from Access, and the second issue is already in process. According to CEO Michael Yag, “We are trying to initiate a dialog with our customers and the marketplace in general. We embrace collaboration, and Points of Access is a conduit for partnerships.”

To request a copy of Points of Access, call 1.800.509.9791 for east coast and west coasts requests, 1.800.858.8192 for the southern U.S. Or send an email to mikeyag@accesstca.com.
Access TCA and its event-marketing group, M2 Creative, are leaders in experiential marketing, exhibit design and fabrication, program management, meeting and event management, and creative and technical production. With teams in Boston, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Europe, Access delivers fresh creative and exceptional service. www.accesstca.com

Poretta & Orr’s Sharon Werner Earns CMP Designation
The Convention Industry Council (CIC) recently notified Sharon Werner, Global Marketing and Event Manager at Poretta & Orr, Inc., that she achieved the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. Werner passed the certification examination held in 28 cities throughout North America on July 24, 2004, which tested the candidates’ knowledge of meeting management. To date, 9,854 meeting managers have earned the CMP credential - the highest standard of proficiency in the meetings industry. Upon receiving this commendation, Sharon Werner said, “I am very proud to be among the select group of meeting professionals who have earned the CMP designation.” Poretta & Orr, Inc. is also very excited for Werner and would like to congratulate her on her success.

Sharon Werner has worked for seven years with Poretta & Orr, Inc., a Global Exhibit Marketing and Event Management company in Doylestown, PA. Her accomplishments within the company include developing the international department, which accounts for a sizeable percentage of the company’s sales; developing Event Planning and International Meetings & Events Planning Guidelines for internal training, speaking engagements, published articles in the industry, and establishing an in-house events resource library.

Poretta & Orr, Inc. is a communications firm specializing primarily in global exhibit marketing and event management including complete concept, development and management services. Check out our website at www.porettaorr.com.

Sparks Exhibits and Environments Hosts X-PLORATORIUM
Event Marketing Symposium Comes to Life in Philadelphia on December 7th
Sparks Exhibits & Environments, a leading creative event marketing agency, will be hosting its first SpeedLearning™ symposium, X-ploratorium, on December 7, 2004 in Philadelphia, Pa. Designed to engage, motivate, educate and inspire, X-ploratorium provides attendees the information needed to increase the power and performance of their face-to-face marketing and event strategies.

With over forty percent of companies acknowledging the importance of event marketing in their company’s future the industry has evolved from a fragmented specialization to a strategic component of successful corporate marketing plans. Attendees will hear from Xerox, Hewlett-Packard and Shout Creative on how they are leveraging event marketing to build brand and drive sales. Event Marketer Magazine’s President & Publisher, Kerry Smith, will speak on the trends and future of event marketing while key notes will be given by noted futurist, Corbin Ball, who will present top technologies that are shaping the event industry as well as renowned exhibit and event marketing designer, Mitchell Mauk, who will speak about design trends. “X-ploratorium is designed to be a one-day, in and out, totally immersive symposium” explains Chris Kappes, Sparks’ executive vice president, sales & marketing. “The sessions selected will address the three most important objectives of marketing events: increasing revenue, ROI and generating sales.” For more information about Sparks Exhibits & Environments visit http://www.sparksonline.com. For more information about X-ploratorium please contact Kristy Elisano or Robin Lickliter at (800) 925-7727or via email at kelisano@sparksonline.com or rlickliter@sparksonline.com.

Seasoned Trade Show Senior Account Executive Joins the H.B. Stubbs Company’s Midwest Sales Team
The H.B Stubbs Company is pleased to announce the addition of Patty Brown as a new member of our sales organization. Most recently with Pico in Atlanta, Patty brings over 16 years experience in the trade show industry to her new position as Senior Account Executive. Patty has serviced telecommunications, integrated technology and food manufacturing clients in the areas of tradeshows, VIP events, mobile exhibits, seminars, web tools, art direction, employee recognition programs and tournament management.

“During my search for a new place to call home, I was introduced to a company that is on the verge of celebrating 60 years of exemplary service to its exhibit and event marketing clients. I feel a true sense of camaraderie and comfort in knowing that H.B. Stubbs people ARE truly people you can count on!” stated Patty.

The H.B. Stubbs Company is a single-source solution provider of exhibit and event marketing services. The company is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan with sales and support locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Diego and Scottsdale. Founded in 1945, we are a third-generation family owned and managed business. For additional information, visit us at www.hbstubbs.com, or call 800-968-2131, ext. 341.

Derse Exhibits Promotes Russ Fowler To Vice President-Creative
Derse Exhibits, an experiential marketing company specializing in custom exhibit design and construction, announced the appointment of Russ Fowler as Vice President/Creative, effective September 23, 2004. Russ was formerly National Creative Director. Over his ten years at Derse, Russ has been a creative force and design leader, helping shape the creative direction of the company. With the tremendous growth the company has realized in the last year, and the changes in the creativity landscape, this change in our organization assures that creative will continue to be a major driver in our organization.

Derse Exhibits creates engaging and memorable environments that support our client’s marketing message. Through creativity these environments immerse the audience generating excitement and learning, build brand awareness, and stimulate buying interest for our client’s target audience. Derse has full-service divisions located in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh. In addition, Derse’s international department produces exhibits and events worldwide.

Exhibit Designers & Producers Association (EDPA)
5775 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd.
Bldg. G, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
404-303-7310
fax 404-252-0774
www.edpa.com