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December 2006 - Volume 7,
Issue 12
EDPA-WOW What an Event! More Education, More Networking Opportunities, Two Keynote Speakers, and a Sold Out Supplier Showcase EDPA hosted its 2006 Annual Convention and Supplier Showcase on November 29-December 1 in San Diego co- joined with EACA Winter Meeting. Both national and international attendees were able to enjoy a sold out Supplier Showcase, an additional half day of education, networking opportunities, and two keynote presentations.
Networking was at an all time high with a universal platform to exchange conversation along with an educational offering of 5 Industry Focus Workshops, 6 breakout sessions, 2 keynote addresses, and a special presentation by the ever-popular Jim Gilmore, Author of “The Experience Economy.” The Welcome Reception hosted over the waters of the San Diego Harbor aboard the Adventure Hornblower had great food, great conversation, and a captured audience giving the shipmates a 2-hour tour. Luckily there were no deserted islands to be found and we made it back to the dock safely. The following evening’s Silent Auction benefiting the EDPA Foundation provided attendees with bidding bargains, dancing and time to catch up with longtime and new acquaintances. The final night’s President’s Reception and Gala Dinner topped off the three-day event with Award presentations, dancing and the installation of 2007 President, Derek Gentile of Exhibit Enterprises International.
The highly anticipated EDPA Foundation’s 5th Annual Silent Auction that benefits the good works of the International Exhibit Design Scholarship, the EDPAF Scholarship Fund and beneficiaries of the RSMGC, had over 100 items up for auction. From signed sports memorabilia, to vacations, to pizza delivery, and jewelry, the silent auction raised over $55,000 for the Foundation. MaryBeth Geiser, Silent Auction Chair says, “The monies generated from the Silent Auction go to such worthy recipients. There’s nothing more important than contributing to the next generation through scholarships and helping those in need through the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. The foundation helps pay it forward so to speak”. “Never has EDPA and its sponsor support gone to such lengths to achieve the heights of this year’s Annual Meeting and Supplier Showcase,” stated 2006 EDPA President John Otten. “From education, location, special events, 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.”
 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 Brumark, second place Octanorm, and third place Dynapac Each received a trophy with a gold plated pig atop for their offices.
EDPA/EACA ABEX Display Systems EDPA Recognizes Four Industry Leaders with Ambassador, Designer of the Year, and a special Humanitarian Award On December 1st at the EDPA Annual Meeting in San Diego, EDPA awarded Russ Fowler of Derse Exhibits with the Designer of the Year Award, John McGregor of Cort Tradeshow Furnishings with the Ambassador Award, and a special Humanitarian Award to the organizers of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, Rich Johnson of Renaissance Management, Inc. and Ted Peterson of Laarhoven Design.
The Ambassador Award provides recognition for EDPA members. It was introduced during 2000 as part of EDPA’s efforts to provide “Awards for Professional Excellence.”
In its fourth year, the Designer of the Year Award recognizes not only an innovative exhibit designer, but someone who is passionate about design, enhances professional standards, commits personal time to help others grow, is viewed as a leader, championed causes and/or programs and supports EDPA and its growth of exhibit design. And, In recognition and appreciation for 12 years of compassionate dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of life, health and welfare of deserving Exhibition Industry families through the creation and nurturing of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic.
The EDPA Foundation’s mission is to provide financial support when tragedy strikes the families of industry members, to award scholarships to engage creative thinkers who will be the trailblazers and leaders of tomorrow and to ensure the future of the foundation and its good work. EDPA’s EDDIE Award for Marketing Excellence Honors Outstanding Single And Multiple Media Marketing Campaigns
Invited to present their “smart strategy, creativity and measurable return on investment” 15 companies entered the EDDIE competition with campaigns representing single and multiple media. First place was awarded to Derse, second place went to Nth Degree, and third place to Abex Display Systems.
Who Exhibited in the 2006 Supplier Showcase? This year’s sellout showcase, sponsored by Exhibit Builder Magazine featured over 75 exhibits from across the US and Europe. Supporting sponsors, K & S International, Freeman and ELITeXPO made sure the event was a success.
Save Money and Time: Book Your Travel at EDPATravel.com EDPATravel provides members access to exclusive discounted travel worldwide including air, hotel, car rental, cruises, packages as well as other services. You and your employees can save on business and personal travel. You can gain access to the site by visiting www.edpatravel.com direct or via www.edpa.com. EDPATravel.com provides access to:
Why not make EDPATravel.com part of your travel plans? Try it out now! Contact Wendy McGar at 404-303-7310 with any questions. EPDATravel doesn’t guarantee the best rate on every travel search. Boat Fires Unable to Burn EDPA So-Cal Chapter While walking past the Embarcadero on the San Diego Bay, members and guests of EDPA’s Southern California Chapter were first to bear witness to the second of two unrelated boat fires that destroyed an estimated amount of $1.3 million dollars worth of property. Though the cause of the second fire is still under investigation, arson has not been ruled out by local authorities, with an electrical problem to blame for the first.
The members and guests of The Social Event were led to their intended destination. Spirits were still high and undaunted. Old friends were reacquainted, while new friends began to lay the groundwork for a lasting relationship. Once bellies were full and drink tickets gone, the night came to a close. Despite the events that occurred only an hour ago, the EDPA So-Cal’s First Annual Social Event was a success with much thanks to it’s members, friends, officers, and supporters. On a personal note, thank you to anybody and everybody who made the social event such a magnificent success! We couldn’t have done it without you! Christopher Dupras, EDPA President Scheduled to Speak at Next Upper Midwest Chapter Meeting EDPA President, Derek Gentile will be speaking at the Upper Midwest Chapter Meeting on Wednesday, January 10. The meeting will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in St Louis Park, MN with cocktails/networking from 5:30 - 6:30pm and dinner and the program from 6:30 - 9:00pm. Derek will be sharing his thoughts on the "State of the Association" along with his vision for the EDPA over the next year. He'll also be walking us through a part of the Economic Survey. For more information, click here www.umedpa.org. Las Vegas Chapter Thanks Individuals and Their Companies For Their Support A very special thank you to these individuals and their companies for repeated support of the Las Vegas Scholarship Golf Classic since it's inception in 2002. They were each presented with a small token of appreciation at the annual conference last week. Mark Brauer – Interlock Structures Mark The Date - The 5th Annual EDPAF Las Vegas Scholarship Golf Classic will be held June 12, 2007 at the Las Vegas National Golf Club. Support this most worthy cause by signing up today for a sponsorship! 2007 Officers are: President - Rebecca Thompson, Display Supply & Lighting, rthompson@dslgroup.com Now forming committees and setting 2007 schedule. We encourage all members in the Las Vegas area to get involved by contacting any of the people above. Midwest Chapter hold final meeting of 2006 on November 14th There were 85 people in attendance for the presentation, "Design As A Powerful Sales Tool." Both designers presented their marketing approach to the RFP and the resulting design. Gary Bates opened the floor to questions. Many attendees had the opportunity to ask direct questions of these two designers. Mr Green comments further, “The format was very interactive and the attendees responded well to this. The subject matter was a "real world" issue that designers and producers are challenged with on a daily basis.”
Is there a Chapter Meeting in Your Area? Job Description
Thousands of Dollars Raised from the Silent Auction to Help Build FIT Scholarship Fund & Support the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic EDPA’s 5th Annual Silent Auction raised more than $55,000 on November 30th in San Diego. Thanks to the help and support of both the donators and the buyers! The Auction had more than 100 items up for auction- donated by industry members. The Silent Auction was a night for raising funds for families within the exhibit and event industry and personal bargain hunting among thousands of dollars worth of items. Thanks to many, many generous bidders, including, Brian Cree of Southwest Displays and Events the Silent Auction was able to exceed the goal by $20,000.
If you’d like to give additional funding to the EDPA foundation please visit www.edpaf.org.
Do You Know a Student interested in Exhibit Design, and Ready to take on the Tradeshow Industry? Then pass this on and tell them how they can test their design skills in a most unique competition. Sophomores or juniors (second or third-year student) enrolled at a college or university, are eligible to take part in this exciting competition. In the International Exhibit Design Scholarship Competition, presented by the EDPA Foundation, entrants are challenged to create an exhibit for the fictional client, and if judged to be a winner, they will receive a tuition scholarship paid to the college or university where they are currently enrolled.
Also, each of the top three winners has the potential opportunity for a paid internship at one of the sponsoring companies’ design studios/fabrication facilities in North America. In addition, the winning entries will be showcased at the Exhibitor Show in March in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information please visit www.launchyourcareerinexhibitdesign.com
EDPA Exhibits at EXPORAMA SHOW in Athens, Greece
“We are exhibiting at this show in order to promote opportunities to develop new business relationships with members of the EDPA International Chapter and to build awareness for global reach of our organization and all of its members,” says Pete Dicks, EDPA Executive Director. “In addition to exhibiting we will be providing speakers to share our knowledge on the international trade show industry,” he said, and added “any EDPA members interesting in exploring this region of the world market should consider attending this event with us.” Mark Johnson, Star Exhibits & Environments and Larry Kulchawik, 3 D Exhibits, as co-chairs of the EDPA International Chapter and delegates to IFES attended the event with Pete Dicks. They reported a successful first-time event, which generated many new contacts from the emerging Greek market. Larry Kulchawik gave a presentation to the international audience on providing exhibiting services to international clients in the USA. Pete Dicks reported that EDPA received several new business leads and enrolled a new member, Procedes Chenel of France, during the event. EXPORAMA SHOW aims at hosting under the same roof companies offering services and products to the Events Industry and companies seeking for high quality solutions for their next trade fair participation or their corporate event. EXPORAMA SHOW is a biennial event, held on December 8th for 3 days in Athens at the facilities of the HELEXPO PALACE - Attica Exhibition and Congress Center. This first show is geared towards the Greek market, although the Hosted Buyers program shall feature companies from all major exhibition destinations. EXPORAMA SHOW is a destination for top executives in charge, exhibition managers, and trade show professionals, corporate event managers; people who dictate the event policy of their companies. EDPA members who are serious about doing business with EXPORAMA exhibitors may qualify for the Hosted Buyer program and free or discounted travel to the event. For more information contact Pete Dicks at pdicks@edpa.com. EXPORAMA SHOW took place at the HELEXPO PALACE which is a well-known and recently renovated exhibition center. It offers state-of-the-art exhibition and congress infrastructure.New Marketing Study of Senior Brand Marketers Illustrates Commitment to Experiential Marketing and its Growing Share in the Marketing Mix MICE releases results from new international experiential marketing survey (LAS VEGAS, November 9, 2006) Experiential marketing leader MICE has released a report, “Experiential Marketing: It Works” based on exclusive findings from a comprehensive survey of senior brand marketers across the globe on their use of experiential marketing, where they see this strategic marketing discipline going in the future and what constitutes experiential marketing best practice. Based on the survey, use of experiential marketing is expected to continue to grow in the next five years and cover a larger percentage of marketing spending compared to other forms of media. Eighty percent of respondents described experience-based activities as important within their marketing mix, accounting for one-third of their entire marketing budget. In the next two to three years, 43% of respondents anticipate increasing their marketing budgets and more than half anticipate growing their experiential marketing spend. Key Survey Findings When defining experiential marketing, those with familiarity focused on the personal interactive elements, particularly giving the target audience an opportunity to interact with the brand directly, but were less clear about the media or techniques that the discipline encompasses. MICE defines experiential marketing as an engagement tactic influencing behavior of a consumer or an audience. Experiential marketing programs are designed to create, increase, enhance or extend a brand relationship and typically involve a sensory, emotional or interactive technique to create an active connection between a target audience and a company. “MICE has been applying experiential marketing techniques for over three decades and we have seen the impact it has on our clients’ messages,” said Bill Callejas, North American chief marketing officer for MICE. “The experiences we create from face-to-face meetings to computer-based learning initiatives to branded selling centers connect people to a message, a product, a service or a brand, even to each other in ways that create a response. They are strategically based, integrated and measurable. In our goal to make our customers’ businesses stronger by making their communications programs more effective, experiential marketing pays a large role in making it happen. This recent survey confirms that more and more global brand marketers are in agreement.” As experiential marketing budgets increase many feel the need to justify the spend. Seventy percent of respondents indicated measurement was important but most measure experiential marketing informally with 60% using staff feedback followed by customer feedback and the majority welcoming more effective measurement tools. Measurement will become a standard element of experiential marketing as the discipline matures. “Measurement is something many companies talk about but few actually do,” said Callejas. “We have helped to pioneer effective measurement and MICE addresses this critical issue by implementing program evaluation tools in many clients’ projects demonstrating ROO in a number of ways.” For a complimentary copy of this report, please visit www.experientialmarketing.org. About “Experiential Marketing: It Works” Study 2006 The market research study was commissioned by the MICE Group and undertaken by an independent research consultancy, David Burton Associates. It comprised threes stages of research, carried out in April and May 2006, among senior marketing personnel in major national and international organizations in North America, the U.K., and continental Europe. Transformit Recognized for Custom Solutions Created with Rental Components Gorham, Maine— Transformit has earned two Awards of Excellence in the 2006 International Achievement Awards sponsored by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Both projects are examples of how Transformit’s catalog solutions can be mixed and matched to create cost effective custom applications.
Cindy Thompson, President of Transformit says that these projects’ success shows that creative rental solutions can be as exciting as custom designs. “I designed the components in our collections to be used as cost-effective building blocks,” says Thompson. “It’s very satisfying be recognized for our success in combining them in dynamic new ways.” Exhibitus names Edwards as new General Manager (Atlanta, GA) - Michael Edwards was named General Manager of Exhibitus on November 3rd by President Brad Falberg. Edwards will lead the Exhibitus team of industry professionals towards company growth through superior operational and creative services performance that will increase overall client satisfaction. The company provides branded sales solutions through environmental marketing applications that include, exhibits, events and full-service exhibit program management. Falberg stated, “We are very excited to have Michael lead Exhibitus as we move forward. His depth of experience, passion for environmental design, and commitment to customer satisfaction will be of great benefit to Exhibitus and our clients.” With over twenty-five years of industry experience ranging in size from small privately owned groups to venerable companies such as Kitzing and Exhibitgroup, Edwards brings a wide breadth of knowledge base to Exhibitus. Prior to joining Exhibitus, Michael was part of the team of managing partners that lead the growth of Atlanta, GA based Architectural Concepts Inc. ACI became one of the largest most successful independently held environmental marketing groups in the southeast and was acquired in May of 2002 by Pico Far East Holdings, a Hong Kong-based international exhibition and marketing firm. Edwards said, “I am pleased to be joining a company with the qualities and values that Exhibitus subscribes too. Brad has built a tremendous organization with some great personnel and I am very excited about the opportunity to contribute too the continued growth of this company.” PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI (November, 2006) − With the customer base growing and the desire to expand sales territories around the country, MG Design has added the following new employees; Karole Hannes-Sellers, Account Executive, Dorothy Karole’s event marketing and promotional background combined with her business development and project management experience will contribute to the overall success of MG Design. Until recently Karole held an account executive position at GMR Marketing, Inc. and subsequently spent four years with Upshot Marketing. In September, Dorothy Perry joined MG Design as a Sr. Account Manager. Her 10 years of trade show and marketing experience, along with her strong organizational and time management skills will allow her to meet her client’s needs seamlessly. Dorothy has spent the last 3 years working on the client side and will bring a fresh perspective to the client services team. Dee joined the company earlier this year and brings with her over ten years of trade show and show service related experience. “These ladies bring unlimited sales and customer service management skills to the organization. As we continue to expand our marketing and customer solution focus, their combined tenure and leadership will be a great asset to the company and to the clients they support.” stated Gordon Eyre, VP of Sales. Exhibit Resources Celebrates Fifteenth Anniversary RALEIGH, N.C. – Lana Calloway, president of Exhibit Resources, has announced that the exhibit design agency is celebrating its 15th anniversary of operation. Over the past 15 years, the company has added more employees, expanded its divisions and increased its client base to include such major companies as Syngenta, Cendant Car Rental Group and Sprint Nextel. Exhibit Resources broke ground on Oct. 17 for a new 68,000-square-foot facility that will have a larger showroom, a preview/staging area, expanded warehousing and administrative offices. “We are proud and excited to celebrate 15 years of continued success,” said Calloway. “Our staff has worked hard to establish a high standard of quality for our clients and because of it we have built a solid international client base. We look forward to enjoying many more anniversaries in the future with our dedicated staff and clients.” Charlie Corsentino Named Chairman, President and CEO of Moss Inc. Effective November 1, 2006, Charles J. (Charlie) Corsentino has been appointed as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moss Inc. Charlie brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the trade show industry. He served for 10 years as the President and CEO of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and during that time he and his team brought the organization to a position of industry leadership, both domestically and internationally. Most recently Charlie served as President and Chief Executive Officer of East Coast Sign & Advertising Company in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Enthused about his new position, Charlie commented “I’ve known Moss as the premier company in the tension fabric industry for many years and I am delighted to be a part of the Moss Management Team.” Before his tenure in the exhibit industry, Charlie was Senior Vice President & General Manager for Bon-Art International, Vice President & General Manager for Cerro Conduit Company and Group President & Chief Operating Officer for the Jacobson Group. Mr. Corsentino holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University and an MBA from Monmouth University. Dan Steenstrup Promoted to Vice President Sales for Freeman
Steenstrup is a graduate of DePaul University, and also holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He started his career in the exposition industry with Greyhound Exposition Services as an audiovisual technician in 1978, and joined Freeman’s Chicago office in 1981 as a claims and collections supervisor. He was promoted into sales in 1984 as account executive, and in 1989, Dan assisted in opening Freeman’s New York branch as director of sales. In 1995, he transferred back to Chicago as assistant general manager before moving into the Executive Sales Group in January of 2006. JEFFREY BYRNE RETURNS TO FREEMAN, MIKE MARLBOROUGH JOINS COMPANY Freeman’s Expertise Expands on a Global Basis Dallas, TX…Two seasoned industry experts have joined Freeman in national account service roles. Jeffrey Byrne returns to Freeman in the new position of director of international business development, where he will be responsible for directing the recent expansion of Freeman’s presence globally. Also joining Freeman’s corporate team is Mike Marlborough, who is national accounts director, corporate accounts. In addition to supporting U.S. based accounts, Marlborough will also lend his expertise towards new global business opportunities.
Byrne brings a unique set of skills and experience to his new role. During his twelve years with Freeman, he started as I & D manager in Washington D.C. before being promoted to the corporate office as corporate account manager, I & D Services. From 1999 to 2004, he was national sales director, corporate accounts for Freeman. Prior to joining Freeman in 1992, Jeffrey spent four years in operations management for Reed Exhibitions. Most recently, he served in an executive role for Exhibit Works. In making the announcement, Bob Moore, executive vice president, sales, for Freeman noted, “Over the course of his career, Jeffrey has had the opportunity to build extensive relationships with partners around the globe, which will be a great resource for Freeman’s continuing expansion of international business support for our clients.”
Marlborough also has a unique combination of design, sales and client service expertise. Prior to joining Freeman, he co-founded Design Dimensions in 1994, an international design and project management firm for trade associations that hold events on a global basis. In 2005, he sold Design Dimensions to GES, and has since served as director, national accounts before joining Freeman. During his 25-year career, Marlborough has also served as vice president of client services and account development for several firms in the conference and exhibition industry. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Albany State University, Albany, New York. Moore commented, “Michael Marlborough will bring a unique expertise in design, coupled with strategic and logistics planning, to our clients’ projects, and we are very pleased to have him join our team.” Note From The Publisher Classified and display advertising is encouraged and EDPA members receive very reasonable pricing. Please help support your newsletter by placing an ad today. Contact Katie Fair at kfair@edpa.com or call 404-303-7310 ext. 2991 for rates and details. Exhibit Designers
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A record-breaking eighty-one first time attendees helped set an attendance record of more than 325 attendees were able to experience heightened educational sessions and had the opportunity to see and source the latest and greatest to remain competitive in the market place at the Supplier Showcase. They were able to explore exhibits featuring new product ideas from transportation to fabric to truss and lighting. “Our goal is to produce a convention without limitation, and to have our attendees leave with that “WOW” feeling and we really hit the mark”, said Pete Dicks, Executive Director of EDPA. 
EDPA also hosted more than 85 golfers in a scramble during the 17th Annual Van Lines Golf Open. The long-standing tradition for EDPA was held at the Steel Canyon Country Club, part of the Steele Canyon Estates. Prizes, Breakfast, refreshments and lunch rounded out a fun filled day.
Garnering 75 plus booths, the 2006 Annual Supplier Showcase was a huge success. With three dedicated exhibit sessions and absolutely no scheduling conflicts, the Supplier Showcase was filled with eager attendees. Each exhibitor received 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. It was no doubt a success with more than 36% of the companies submitting rebook forms for the 2007 Supplier Showcase in Marco Island, FL. 
John McGregor, of Cort Tradeshow Furnishings, was honored as the seventh Ambassador Award recipient for his generous support of EDPA and the EDPA Foundation for many years. John has recently retired from Cort Tradeshow Furnishings. What a way to go – award in hand! Honored for his industry experience and dedication makes him the perfect candidate for the Ambassador Award. 
Russ Fowler, Vice President of Creative for Derse Exhibits, was presented with the fourth Annual Designer of the Year Award. Russ has dedicated 20 years to the exhibit industry and is passionate about exhibit, environmental and experiential design and the important role these play in the exhibit industry. He is also passionate about the overall development of the industry and contributes to the development by using his design talent to help develop other designers as well as to help clients advance their programs.
The Humanitarian award acknowledges the major contributions of Rich Johnson and Ted Peterson for their efforts to promote the quality of life and the welfare of exhibition industry members and their families. The EDPA Foundation Humanitarian Award is a special award established in 2006 to celebrate the accomplishments of supporters of the EDPA Foundation who emulate the purpose and mission of the organization. 
Exhibit industry companies, including Derse, Nth Degree, and Abex Display Systems displayed effective self-promotion marketing programs and were rewarded for their efforts last week with an EDDIE Award at EDPA’s Annual Meeting awards luncheon in San Diego. 
The EDDIE entries were selected by an appointed panel of three judges representing professional expertise in the fields of advertising and exhibit industry marketing. Jill Brookman of Exhibit Builder Magazine, Susan Brauer of Brauer Consulting Group and Rebecca Thompson of Display Supply & Lighting, Inc., served as the competition’s judges.
The EDDIE recognizes how well you, the exhibit builders and industry supplier, promote your company to exhibitors and others in the industry. Show off your best self-promotions, in direct mail, advertising, exhibits, and more. Companies submitted entries for single or multiple marketing media produced and released between November 1, 2005 and November 1, 2006. Membership in EDPA was not a requirement to enter. For more information on the EDDIE Awards and specific requirements, visit 
After first meeting in the Coronado Room in the Marriot, the members and guests of EDPA’s So-Cal were en-route to their much-anticipated First Annual Social Event held at the San Diego Pier Cafe. Chapter President, Wayne Laube, was the first to point out the fire to the group. Not much longer, the first 911 call was placed to the local authorities, at approximately 7:58 p.m.
The blaze soon spread to five other boats, destroying three, and also causing damage to the surrounding docks. Witnesses recall seeing people diving from the docks in fear of an explosion once the fire reached the propane and fuel tanks. Some stayed behind and did their best to put out the already out-of-control fire with what little facilities at their disposal. The miniature fire hoses built into the docks were no match for the blaze that raged before them. Others remained trapped, while Marriot Hotel Management and Good Samaritans rushed to help those in need; doing what they can until additional help could arrive. Luckily, no injuries or fatalities were reported. 
Buyers got geared up to the familiar voice of live auction emcee, Scott Tokar of Corporate-FX. “Thanks to Scott and the Copa Cabana Girls provided by Convention Models and Talent, there was an exciting buzz,” stated Silent Auction Chair, MaryBeth Gieser of Proctor Productions. “The generosity of bidding and donations is no surprise to me. Our industry is a supporting industry and I’m pleased to see everyone pitching in to help support the foundation.”
This year, a portion of the proceeds will be set aside to support students enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Masters Degree Program in Exhibit Design sponsored by EDPA and its Foundation and will also be used to contribute to the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic fund.
EDPA exhibited at EXPORAMA SHOW on December 8-10 in this new strictly business-to-business event organized by Greece’s EXHIBIT Magazine and the Events portal EXPORAMA.com. 
The stage set for the Commerce Bank 2006 WOW Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the Special Events category. Designed by Declan Weir Productions, the set was created entirely from rented elements from various Transformit product collections, leveraging an array of giant shapes—both freestanding and suspended—as eye candy, projection surfaces, and entry points for performers. Through the application of a variety of lighting techniques, the set was given a unique look for each segment of the program.
Transformit’s décor design for the Laureus World Sports Awards in Barcelona, Spain received an Award of Excellence in the Interior Projects Category. This exciting interior space consisted of dynamically shaped rental components suspended at a variety of levels and angles to create a giant fabric chandelier. The use of organic shapes ensured that the design was consistent with Barcelona’s famous Gaudy architecture.
Dallas, TX…Dan Steenstrup has been promoted to vice president, sales, exposition services for Freeman’s Executive Sales Group in Chicago. Steenstrup has been a valuable contributor to Freeman over the past 25 years in both sales and management positions. 
