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June 2006 - Volume 7,
Issue 6
First Annual Dealer and Distributor Power Track Day at TS² Sponsored by EDPA
Go to www.edpa.com/ts2.html to register or call 404.303.7310 TODAY and ask for Robin Purnellor for more information. Non-members who join can enjoy a special reduced membership fee and qualify for the member price at the Power Track Day…. making this a power-packed day no one can afford to miss! The Portable Modular Survey & The Exhibit House Economic Survey Top the Charts! “Last year custom exhibit houses provided 52 submissions for the Economic Survey, while this year we have received 67 submissions; that is a 29% increase in participation,” Stevens reported. He added that the Portable Modular Dealer Distributor survey enjoyed a 40% increase in entries. Results of the surveys will be available in Mid-July. Please visit the Education/Survey's page of the EDPA website for past survey presentations. www.edpa.com/membersonly.html (Enhanced version & password protected. If you don't remember your password, please contact Alex Grider at agrider@edpa.com). EDPA Hosts Board Meeting At TS2 Mark Your Calendar for EDPA’s 52nd Annual Conference and Supplier Showcase The meeting features three days of excellent speakers, panel discussions and presentations tailored for the exhibit design and build community. The Supplier Showcase will feature over 70 exhibits with the latest in products and services. And, the whole event is topped off with a variety of networking and social events – including the ever-popular annual Van Lines Golf Tournament. The Supplier Showcase exhibit space is going fast with less than 20 booths remaining. For information on exhibiting contact Katie Fair at kfair@edpa.com or 404-303-7310. For more information on attending the conference contact Robin Purnell at rpurnell@edpa.com.
“EDPA Supports The Next Generation” - Las Vegas Chapter Raises Unprecedented Scholarship Funds.
EDPA Las Vegas chapter supports the next generation of scholars. On June 6th more than $11,000 was raised for the EDPA Foundation Scholarship fund, which is a $2000 increase over last year. Because of the additional funds raised three additional students will be awarded scholarship funding. This brings the total number of supported students to seven. At least one of the fortunate recipients will be a Las Vegas student and one will be available to students across the country. The tournament was held at the Legacy Golf Club in Las Vegas, NV. Sixty-eight participants gathered to raise scholarship money to provide scholarships to families of any industry member. The winning team was Dan Schapiro, Kevin Alvarez , Jeff Ducate, and Chris Aiken. For photos of the winning teams visit the following link:Scholarship applications are being accepted now for the 2006 Fall Semester. This tournament has awarded more than eight thousand dollars in scholarship money in past two years through the EDPA Foundation. More details will follow in the coming weeks. For more information visit www.EDPAF.org or email Alex Grider at agrider@edpa.com. Upper Midwest Chapter 31st Annual Benefit Golf Tournament – July 10th This years format will be a best ball "Scramble". All players will choose the best shot of the group and shoot from that location (including putts). The event fee includes 18 holes of golf, golf car rental, complementary practice range use and bag handling. Check-in: 11:15 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 12:00pm Sponsorship and Donation Opportunities: To register and for more details, please click here: UM Chapter Golf Registration EDPA/EACA Midwest Chapter Charity Golf Outing Set for August 7th The event will take place, once again, at Maple Meadows Golf Course in Wood Dale, Illinois. There will be a shot gun start at 1:00 pm followed by a dinner reception with raffle and prizes. Total proceeds of the event will be contributed to the recipients of this year’s Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic which will be held at Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth Georgia, October 9, 2006. Please mark your calendars. We are looking forward to a record turn-out!!!
Is there a Chapter Meeting in Your Area?
To place a classified ad, contact Katie Fair at kfair@edpa.com.
Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic Scheduled Networking in Madrid and London for EDPA Members! It’s not too late to join fellow EDPA members at two great international networking opportunities! The IFES International Annual Meeting in Madrid on June 22 - 23, 2006 and the Exhibiting Show in London on June 28 - 29, 2006. Attend one or both of the events, each has its own unique opportunities! International Federation of Event & Exhibition Services (IFES) Annual Meeting and Showcase--Madrid The IFES meeting will be held in the center of Madrid at a classic first rate hotel. The meeting will be attended by 125 exhibit services company owners representing 22 countries. Attendees are interested in one of three things...sharing knowledge, networking for business opportunities, or visiting one of the most memorable cities in the world. They all are looking for someone they can trust with their business in the USA. EDPA is offering a package deal for registration -- Please contact Robin Purnell at rpurnell@edpa.com for details on this great event. Opportunities to promote your company further can be achieve by being a sponsor (your name would be everywhere) or participating in the supplier showcase. Hotel arrangements and sponsorship opportunities should be made directly with IFES. Contact Pete Dicks for more information on exhibiting and lodging at pdicks@edpa.com. Exhibiting Show, June 28-29, Excel Centre-London MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD FOR TS² Alexandria, VA, June 12, 2006 – TS² - Where Trade Shows and Corporate Events Begin – is preparing for another successful event in 2006. Since it’s acquisition by National Trade Productions (NTP) in October of 2004, TS², the industry’s premier conference and exposition for exhibitor and event education, has been on a steady rise. Sweeping changes to the event have been made is addition to an aggressive marketing campaign. TS² 2005 enjoyed healthy growth and was widely considered to be a notable improvement over recent year’s shows. This years event, with more co-located events, a bold new alliance with EDPA, more exhibitors, more registered attendees, and several new feature areas on the show floor, is on pace to exceed 2005 in every metric. TS² 2006, July 25-27 at the McCormick Place Lakeside Convention Center in Chicago, IL, enables attendees to learn how to achieve new levels of excellence for their exhibit and event marketing, as well as network with the best of the exhibit and corporate events industry. TS² 2006 will again feature many of the industry’s leading associations and shows holding co-located events. “We are thrilled to see the way the industry has responded to the new TS². We are trending up on attendee registrations, conference registrations, exhibit sales and sponsorships. We have had tremendous support from show organizers and industry associations. We made a long-term commitment to take TS² to a new level and it is very rewarding to see such positive results from our efforts,” said Steve Greenspan, Executive Director, TS². “We continue to employ the things we learn from our attendees and exhibitors into TS² and we are very excited about the quality of this year’s program. We are moving ahead with some wonderful new initiatives, we have increased the number of sessions offered and we have added some fabulous case studies this year,” added Greenspan. “We’ve have a phenomenal line up of speakers and special events from Keynote Speaker Matt Weinstein to Disney’s Chris Carlucci to special focus areas on the show floor including a new Portable Modular Power Track day sponsored by EDPA and presented for dealers and distributors of portable and modular exhibits..” “TS² has been a very responsive and committed show and in a very short time the results have been obvious,” said Ray Montague, Chair of the TS² Exhibitor Advisory Committee and CEO of Avalon Exhibits. “Attendee feedback has been very positive and from an exhibitor’s standpoint, we saw a big improvement in the quality of attendees at the show.” New for 2006 is The TS² Premiere Zone where industry professionals can find, see, test and experience new products and services from the exhibitors. The TS² Premiere Zone will conveniently be located inside the exhibit hall and will feature more products with on-site and virtual demonstrations. Attendees can cast their vote for the TS² Best New Product & Service of the Year. In addition, TSEA will be on the show floor showcasing the 2006 Focus Award winners, as well as the Distinguished Service, Chairman’s and President’s award recipients. The closing session, on Thursday, July 27th from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm is a must attend event. Michael Hughes, Associate Publisher & Director of Research Services for Tradeshow Week will present the results of a brand new research project conducted for TS². During this session, attendees will learn trends and benchmarks that directly impact decisions for the exhibit and event professional. Limited exhibit space is available. For more information about attending or exhibiting, please contact NTP at 703-683-8500, or visit the TS² web site, www.ts2show.com.Exhibitus Announces Online Inventory Management System Launch The new online inventory management system will also integrate with Exhibitus’ existing ordering web sites for clients with multiple portables. “Currently our clients with multiple portable displays have their dispersed sales force order portable exhibits and graphics online. The new system will automatically integrate into these portable sites,” said President Brad Falberg. Exhibitus also announced the appointment of Bob Oswalt as Operations Manager. Oswalt, an 11-year veteran in the industry, brings to Exhibitus the operations and production experience needed to manage Exhibitus’ rapidly growing business. “It is exciting and challenging to join a fast-growing, dynamic company like Exhibitus where I believe my experience will make a difference,” said Oswalt. “Our company has experienced tremendous growth over the last three years. Bob brings the management capability and fabrication knowledge that Exhibitus needs to manage this growth,” Brad Falberg.Uniplan LiveTrends 2006: New study of the Live Communication Market in Germany Now Available. A new version of the Uniplan LiveTrends, a study on the live communication market in Germany, is now available. The study is based on a survey of close to 400 top marketing and communication executives from leading companies in the world’s largest exhibition market. In its 2006 version, the study is the third of its kind, and as the 2 prior ones, is published in conjunction with HHL-Leipzig Graduate School of Management.
To learn more about these and other trends and what could be done to counteract them, write Uniplan for the full summary of the study. Please contact Robert Campbell, Vice President at Uniplan (r.campbell@uniplan.com) requesting him to mail you a copy. Uniplan is an agency for live communication and creates brand promotions for events, trade shows, showrooms and roadshows. In the 2004/2005 financial year, from its headquarters in Kerpen/Cologne, Germany, Uniplan and its subsidiaries in Paris, Basel, Budapest, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei achieved turnover of EUR 60m. The agency has 500 full-time employees worldwide.Freeman Closing the Language Gap DALLAS, TX…Freeman has introduced a service that makes it easier to do business with international exhibitors. Through LLE Translation Services, a company based in Washington, D.C., Freeman can communicate by phone, e-mail, print, or even in person in any of 150 languages. This translation service is one of the many ways Freeman is being proactive with customers. The company has re‑invented many of its business processes to give its customers a better experience, from new show site exhibitor service centers to unique features now available on the Freeman OnLine® website ordering service. Wild noted that 10 percent of all Freeman’s customers are international customers. Given the multitude of challenges they may face in participating in U.S. events, Freeman wants to make it as easy as possible for them during all phases, including advance planning, once they arrive, and after the event. “Show managers really want to encourage international exhibitors to come and participate in U.S.-based events, and our translation service is one way to support that involvement,” said Wild. This immediate service, available in all U.S. and Canadian Freeman offices, allows any Freeman representative to communicate with non-English-speaking customers in a variety of ways. Freeman representatives can use the service when communicating face-to-face with customers at shows. At Freeman’s customer support call center, and in any of the branch locations, representatives dial the translators to translate for international exhibitors on the phone duringthe planning phases of their event, from shipping to invoicing. Nomadic Display Promotes Two In his new role, Zalles will be charged with managing all new product development and introduction, as well as overseeing the successful integration of new products into Nomadic Display’s manufacturing operations. He will report directly to Pat Goeke, President of Nomadic Display.
FREEMAN EXPANDS LEVEL OF DESIGN AND CREATIVE EXPERTISE Cameron has an outstanding creative and design background, as well as proven management skills, acquired during his fifteen years in the exposition and event design world. He served most recently as executive vice president, national creative director for MC2 in Las Vegas. In his new role, Cameron will oversee Freeman’s national design capabilities for both corporate accounts and exposition services, involving more than 135 designers. He joins senior design staff members Tom Yurkin, EDPA 2005 Designer of the Year, and Susan Bendily, who currently serves on the editorial advisory committee for Event Design magazine. Additionally, Freeman has expanded its talented corporate design staff with the recent inclusion of Randy Bennett and Steven Levesque, both well known in the exhibit and event design fields for their innovative ideas and environmental approaches. In making the announcement, Freeman president Joe Popolo commented, “We have a very talented creative team within Freeman, and to have someone of Jeff’s caliber lead that group to an even higher level is very exciting. When we made the commitment to become a leader in the corporate accounts area on a global level, we knew it meant taking all steps necessary to meet our customers’ unique needs, and design is a critical element of that support. In addition, our exposition services clients are looking for more creative approaches and branding of their events, and we can provide a wide range of innovative solutions for their needs as well.” Cameron can be reached at 214-670-9000 or jeffrey.cameron@freemanco.com. MG Design Begins Partnerships with Pelco and Norac Pharma PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI (May, 2006) - MG Design was chosen by Pelco, a global leader in video security systems, to design and build a new 6,360 sq. ft. exhibit environment which debuted at ISC West in April 2006. MG was also selected by Norac Pharma, a provider of chemistry services, to also create their custom 400 sq. ft. exhibit environment slated to debut at the ACS Show in September, 2006 in San Francisco. The concept behind Pelco’s exhibit design was three-fold. The largest portion was designed to simulate four different Pelco control room environments, mimicking their video security system’s control center. One of the corner sections of the exhibit contained an area with a Pelco-sponsored Sharpie NASCAR on display tying in Pelco’s “Power and Performance” theme. The remainder of the space contained the Endura Theater, where dealers and distributors were introduced to this new product line. A guided tour of the exhibit was given in order for all visitors to fully experience the environment. Norac Pharma’s new 20’ x 20’ island exhibit will launch their new branding initiative to their customers and prospective customers. This flexible and open environment will feature larger-than-life graphics, multiple media kiosks, and a semi private meeting area. Norac Pharma will also entrust their logistics management to MG Design. Norac Pharma, a subsidiary of Norac, Inc. founded in 1953, is a chemistry-based development company, focusing on synthesis and production of new and novel small molecules for prescription drugs. New Director of Design Hired at MG Design Associates
John earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Wright State University in 1978. He went on to earn a second Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design at University of Cincinnati in 1988. “I think John’s extensive experience of managing both large and small design studio environments will infuse our design team with great ideas on creativity and collaboration,” said Rob Majerowski, VP Creative. ”John’s got a great sense of humor and he’s gelled right away with the design staff. His keen interest in sharing his experience and mentoring young designers will be a great in helping us grow even stronger as a studio.” GES Promotes Dave Hall to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer GES Promotes Fred Buonacorsi to Executive Vice President of U.S. Field Operations GES Promotes David Crockett to Vice President of Planning and Corporate Development EG Expands its Design Power by a ‘Factor of 5’
“Because of the way our company-wide design team functions,” said Anne Houghton, Vice President of Design, “we look for specialization and exceptional talent. Geography is not particularly a factor, although we are usually able to locate people in the cities where they prefer to work.” The Pen is Mightier Than the Mouse
It is no argument that computer and software applications play a large role in the design process. They help us layout, render, and output ideas that we have in our minds. However, the mouse does not design for us. As I have been volunteering my time going to and evaluating student portfolios, one key ingredient is often missing: The ability to communicate an idea through a sketch. It seems many students and the academic world are stressing the ability to use computers and learning software, over being able to find a solution to a design problem. You see evidence of this by the advertising tactics many design schools use. “We teach software that was used for this movie and that movie.” Many students argue that software and the mouse is the ultimate communication solution, but there are a number of flaws in that thinking. First is the fact that you need a computer, which needs electricity. Granted tablet pc’s are starting to make an impact, but if your battery dies kiss your ideation goodbye. Second is, again, electricity. If you have a concept due and the computer is the only way to ideate then you are at a standstill if the power goes out. AND IT CAN!! NEW YORK CITY 2003 AND ROLLING BLACKOUTS IN CALIFORNIA. Third is, the value in making changes and drawing in front of a client during a meeting. The confidence that it give them in you, because you can understand and visually show them you do by using a pen and a sheet of paper. I don’t tout myself to be an old school designer. I just happen to believe that those who can ideate with a pen make better designers. I feel that those who do this are best equipped to ideate and conceptualize with the mind and are not limited to what shapes or functions a software package can provide. When I was teaching a CAD class, I remember students scrapping an idea because they couldn’t figure out how to model it on the computer. I’m sure that most of those who read this agree that inspiration decides to shoot forth when we least expect it and we need to be ready, not waiting for a boot up screen. Ready to use a napkin, towel, or with crayons on a table covered with paper over a beer at the nearest Chili’s if necessary. I had the fortunate privilege of being taught by designers who didn’t have computers in their day. They had a saying “The computer only makes things look slick. So if you have a “crap” idea (words have been changed) you’ll just end up with a slick “crap” presentation. Crap in -- slick crap out.” So if there are any students reading this, or if you are new in the design industry ask yourself one question: “Do I want to be a designer? Or, do I want to be a mouse jockey that renders, models, or makes slick what was designed by others.” It was very interesting that early in my career I applied to ILM, Disney and other production houses. They all required that I send at least 5 sketchbooks to them. They were more interested in how I think rather than what programs I knew. Programs can be taught, but ideating and designing is developed. Software and technology will change, but the process of design, the basic way humans think and problem solve doesn’t change as often. Picture the design in your head and bring it out. Don’t let the 0100010010010010s dictate and limit your design potential. Because at the end of the day, the pen is mightier than the mouse. Note From The Publisher
Exhibit Designers
& Producers Association (EDPA) |
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For EDPA Members its as clear as day: Portable & Modular exhibit dealers and distributors in the exhibit industry hold a unique and special place. This year EDPA is working in partnership with TS2, to create a special one-day program at TS2 especially for these important industry members. 
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on July 25th registered attendees will participate in a networking breakfast that will be followed by four educational sessions designed to give dealers and distributors new tools to help grow their business. There will also be time to visit the exhibits and an invitation to join the crowd at the 2nd Annual TS2 Block Party. For only $45 for EDPA Members and $95 for non-EDPA members, you can experience a day like no other. 
Springfield, VA—June 1, 2006—Nomadic Display has announced that effective immediately, Mike Zalles will assume the role of Vice President of Product Research and Innovation and Lynn Reves will become Vice President of Customer and Design Services. Previously, Zalles was Vice President of Global Services and Reves was Director of Sales and Distribution.
As Vice President of Customer and Design Services, Reves will manage the day-to-day operations of both the Customer Service and Solutions departments. Reporting directly to Nomadic Display president Goeke, she will ensure that the Nomadic Display distributor network continues to receive the innovative design solutions and responsive service necessary to serve their clients. 
Dallas, TX…Jeff Cameron has joined Freeman as vice president, design & creative, in the Dallas corporate headquarters.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI (June, 2006) - MG Design Associates is pleased to announce the addition of John Henken as Director of Design. He has 18 years of experience in the exhibit design business holding various roles including: senior designer, design director and account executive. 
Dave Hall was recently promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer of GES. Previously, Hall was the executive vice president of operations of GES’ Eastern region. Hall has also served as general manager of several cities including vice president and general manager of Chicago, general manager of Phoenix and general manager of Texas during his 15 years at GES. Prior to joining GES, Hall was vice president of finance at Concept Convention Services and a CPA at Toback CPAs in Phoenix. Hall received his degree in accounting from Northern Arizona University. 
Fred Buonacorsi was recently promoted to executive vice president of GES’ U.S. field operations. In his expanded role, Buonacorsi will oversee all city operations in the United States. Buonacorsi joined GES as vice president of logistics in 2002 and was promoted to executive vice president of operations for the West region in 2005. Prior to joining GES he spent 25 years in the transportation industry, primarily with Consolidated Freightways where he held several senior leadership positions, including director - tradeshow division and West region vice president of sales. Buonacorsi earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from California State University, Fresno and is a member of the ESCA, IAEM, Las Vegas Hospitality Association and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. 
David Crockett was recently promoted to vice president of planning and corporate development. In his new role, Crockett is responsible for GES’ growth plan including internal development projects and potential external acquisitions; he was previously general manager of furnishings and analysis. Crockett joined GES in 2002 and has been promoted to positions of increasing responsibility. Prior to joining GES, Crockett was an associate consultant with Bain & Company, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. Crockett received his bachelor of science in accounting, cum laude, from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While in college, he co-founded his own professional services company, Impact Management Solutions, LLC as well as spent two years as a volunteer for a charitable organization in Brussels, Belgium.
Dicie Carlson, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, is now working in the New York office. Formerly an environmental graphic design with Gensler Studio 585 in New York and Selbert Perkins Design in Cambridge MA, Dicie’s resume includes industrial design, branding and graphics as well as sports apparel design—specifically the updated Harlem Globetrotters uniform--for Reebok International.
Chris Sovie has joined the design team in Boston, bringing his expertise in graphic design that includes tradeshow environments, corporate lobbies and visitor centers. He has worked with clients in healthcare, technology and the music industry.
Michael Lotenero, also a graphics designer, is once again a member of the Pittsburgh team. After working at EG in the mid to late 90s, Lotenero opened his own design firm. He has returned to EG with a wealth of experience and fresh insights to bring to design projects. 
Dana Martinelli has also joined the Pittsburgh design group. A graduate of Carnegie-Mellon, his most recent work has included the formation and direction of the new Hollywood.com website. He has worked at the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute and has a breadth of experience designing for the technology sector.
And finally, Eddie Chin is the newest designer to join EG. Based in the Chicago office, Eddie, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a multi-disciplined designer with extensive exhibit industry experience. His credentials include work at Contempo Design and General Exhibits, as well as co-founding DesignCentrix, LLC.
By Terry Jun