November 2007 - Volume 8, Issue 8

New at EDPA | Your Chapter News | EDPA Foundation | International News | Industry Pulse | Designer Tip of the Month

Marquee Sponsor

For more than a year, EDPA leadership has been concerned with the use of bundled discounts within the trade show industry in a manner that may violate antitrust laws.

A special Bundling Task Force, acting in conjunction with legal counsel, has concluded that the prospect of illegal discount bundling is of sufficient concern that EDPA should issue a statement condemning any such unlawful conduct. The EDPA Board of Directors, therefore, has authorized the distribution of the attached White Paper that describes this practice and states EDPA’s position, which opposes any form of bundling that may be illegal. In this White Paper EDPA is also confirming that the organization supports a competitive marketplace and all legal forms of competition.

If you have any comments or questions concerning this issue please feel free to contact Pete Dicks in writing.

EDPA white paper (pdf)

Join the EDPA International Chapter at the Worlds Largest Industry Event

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, EuroShop.

EDPA’s International Chapter has been busy planning this exciting event. Our appreciation goes to the Organizing Committee volunteers including, International Chapter Chair, Mark Johnson, Larry Kulchawik, Robbie Blumenfeld, Ben Ipema, Robert Campbell, Horst Tondasch, Mike Crosson, Tim Searle and Jana McQuilkin.

This year’s special features include:

• Co-Exhibit in New Expanded EDPA’s Custom Exhibit
• Special Rates: For EDPA members staying at Headquarters Hotels
• Discounted show passes to Five Days of Exhibits and Education
• Two Very Special International Networking Social Events
• Tour a leading European stand-building facility — Uniplan
• Visit and network with IFES members in the IFES Stand
• Sponsor EDPA Networking Events for Extra Exposure and More Contacts

Limited Hotel Rooms Available: EDPA has secured room blocks at two four-star hotels in a great downtown location! You must sign up before November 9th, for special, hard-to-get rooms at the Holiday Inn Düsseldorf and the Holiday Inn City Centre, Düsseldorf. First come-first served. Please note, during the last EuroShop in 2005 our room block sold out quickly. If you want to be part of our group please do not delay!! For details and pricing, see the order form below.

EuroShop-EDPA Mission to EuroShop Highlights!

Special Networking Events are planned for EDPA Members to meet and network with exhibit/stand designers, builders and service providers from across Europe and around the world.

The World-Famous, Traditional “Pub Crawl and Dinner,” Presented by EDPA’s International Chapter is Saturday, February 23rd (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 we were sold out and overflowing with more than 150 people – half EDPA and half IFES guests enjoying the party and vowing to meet again in 2008! All events are open to EDPA Members, but there is a limited capacity for this event! Special discounts are given to EDPA International Chapter members. Registration and price information is below.

Maximize your exposure by being a sponsor!

Euroshop (pdf)

EDPA South Central Chapter to hold 3rd Meeting

The EDPA South Central Chapter we would like to invite you to the 3rd meeting at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Plano.

Date:  December 5th, 2007
Time:  11:30am to 2:00pm

Lunch will be served at 12:00pm

Please see the attached invite for more information along with the form to register for the event.  Your support is appreciated.

EDPA Invite (pdf)
Meeting Registration (excel sheet)

Is there a Chapter Meeting in Your Area?

Check out the latest meeting calendar at www.edpa.com/events_chapters.html and review chapter news and contact information.

EDPA is happy to announce that their well recognized Student Design Competition has become much more inclusive to the student population.

Historically, the Student Design Competition has only been limited to sophomores and juniors.  This intense competition provides the winners with a scholarship for their college education, and exposes these future talents to industry leaders.

This year, EDPA has decided to include graduating seniors as well as graduate students!  This is now a great opportunity for the entire student population wishing to participate in this competition.  Also, to adapt to this amazing change, EDPA will now be offering a cash prize option to the graduating seniors who will be going out into the work force.

“We are so excited to be including graduating seniors and graduate students this year!  We hope that with this we will be able to discover the hidden talents of all of the students,” says Wendy McGar, Associate Director of EDPA.  “Also, this year we’re able to give the winner a year’s subscription for Exhibitor Magazine to ensure that they keep up with the upcoming trends in the industry and expand their talents!”

Also, DON’T PANIC, because the deadline for this competition has been extended from December 18, 2007 to February 15, 2008!  This will give everyone a chance to get their applications and projects done in time.  Now, the students have the holidays to work on the amazing and creative projects!

mg Design’s ACCOUNTING TEAM ADDS UP

MG Design Associates is pleased to welcome Danielle Schwabenlender to their Accounting Team.  Danielle brings to MG Design a proven ability to achieve and exceed all internal development goals.  Danielle received her Bachelor of Science degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Danielle will be responsible for overseeing all accounts payable functions while paying special attention to maintaining good vendor relationships with an emphasis on monitoring and keeping these relationships running smooth. “We are excited to add Danielle to the accounting department and know she will be a true asset to the MG Design Accounting Team”, stated Mark Zickert, Vice President of Operations.

Moss Goes Green!

Moss is pleased to introduce Moss Green Knit, a fabric made with recycled content.   Sixty percent of the yarn used in making Moss Green Knit is 100 percent recycled. Moss Green Knit can be used for structures, such as custom projects, Moss Shapes and Entasi, and also for banners.  Moss Green Knit can be printed using Moss’ state of the art Photo Fabric and UltraPrint IDS printing options.  

Seven carbon producing manufacturing steps are eliminated in the production of the recycled yarn.  For every pound of yarn produced 61,000 BTU’s are conserved (equivalent to .5 gallons of gasoline).

The introduction of this fabric is another example of Moss's commitment to environmental responsibility.  Moss Inc is proud of its many initiatives in this area that include:

• Our Photo Fabric Dye-Sublimation printing is produced without the use of solvent inks.
• All aluminum scrap is recycled at our three manufacturing plants.
• All paper, cardboard and shipping tubes are recycled at our three plants.
• Moss offers a rental program – encouraging our customers to rent rather than buy and discard after limited use.
• The Moss Belfast plant uses BioHeat instead of standard heating oil.
• The Moss Salt Lake City plant uses swamp coolers instead of air conditioners.
• Moss has been a part of the State of Maine’s Step-Up program since 2002. 

Recognition for Excellence: Moss Receives International Awards

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) awarded Moss three International Achievement Awards for outstanding specialty fabric projects.

Moss won an Award of Excellence for the Nokia "NGage" Tradeshow Booth and an Outstanding Achievement Award for “Crashing the Culture,” PepsiCo Consumer Day 2007, both in the Trade Show, Display & Stage category.

Large fabric walls enclosed the NGage 2006 booth at E3 creating a lounge environment within the space where attendees could escape the booming noise of E3.  Moss also fabricated truss covers for the lights and custom fabric kiosks.  The Nokia NGage booth was designed by Art Guild.

Last January PepsiCo lunched a multi-city event for their marketers exploring trends in health and wellness. Printed tensioned fabric structures created a stunning stage set and five smaller rooms for breakout sessions. TruEvents designed, produced and managed this event.

Spanning more than half a century, the IFAI International Achievement Awards is an annual world-class competition that recognizes companies for their innovations in design and/or technology in the specialty fabrics industry.

HAGSTETTE AND KIRSCHNER PROMOTED AT FREEMAN

Joe Popolo, President of Freeman, has announced the following executive promotions:

Steve Hagstette has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Nevada Region.  Hagstette has been with Freeman since 1981, in several management positions in New Orleans, and Las Vegas, his most recent position being regional VP, Nevada.  In his new role, Hagstette will oversee the Reno and Las Vegas Freeman offices, which are among the fastest-growing in the company.  He is also active in volunteer leadership within the exposition and events industry, currently serving as president-elect for ESCA (Exhibition Services Contractors Association), and as past president of EACA (Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association). 

Al Kirschner has been promoted to Vice President, Account Management for Freeman. Kirschner joined Freeman in 2006 as corporate director, I & D Services, and the company subsequently expanded his role to include oversight of corporate account management.  Kirschner came to Freeman with over 20 years experience in the event marketing industry, having worked for George P. Johnson as executive director of event services, and Atlas Van Lines prior to that.

Popolo commented, “Both Steve and Al have made significant contributions to our recent growth and success, and we are very pleased to be able to expand their level of leadership with Freeman.”

MG DESIGN ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN SHOW SERVICES DEPARTMENT

MG Design Associates is pleased to announce the expansion of their Show Services department with a highly skilled and seasoned Show Services Manager, Cindy Hart.

Cindy has spent over 12 years in the tradeshow industry and brings to MG Design a diverse array of abilities that range from accounting, account management, and show services.  Her previous work experience has been in the role of Senior Account Manager for Contempo Design and most recently with Catalyst Exhibits.

“This is a highly influential part of the core capabilities of MG Design and we are confident that Cindy will add value to the internal departments of MG Design, but more importantly to our clients”, said Michael Grivas, President of MG Design.  Cindy will be responsible for spearheading the show services department of MG Design and the day to day activities of handling show service orders and managing vendors.

“Cindy’s in-depth knowledge of the industry, coupled with her enthusiasm and passion for providing superior client service, will undoubtedly strengthen and contribute to the dynamics of MG Design’s core capabilities.” said Eileen Randle, Manager of Client Services.

Exhibit Resources Moves To New Corporate Headquarters

Local Exhibit Design Agency Completes Move To New Brier Creek Location

Lana Calloway, president of Exhibit Resources, has announced that the firm has moved to its new corporate headquarters located at 7521 Exhibit Court.  The agency broke ground on the new 68,000-square-foot facility in October 2006, and the new headquarters will allow the firm to consolidate all operations into one location with a state-of-the-art showroom, an expanded preview/staging area, additional warehousing and production capabilities and administrative offices. 

“We are proud to announce the completion of our move,” said Calloway.  “We have developed a strategic plan for our organization’s growth and expansion, and will continue to offer the high quality services and products to our expanding client base.”

This move coincides with the launch of a new corporate identity and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and the “Greening of the Trade Show Industry” effort.  The full-service exhibit design agency has gone green to create awareness and become a positive influence on employees, clients and others in the industry, while maintaining the firm’s goal of reducing environmental impact.  The organization strives to improve the environment by using recycled products in the office, closely monitoring waste generation and management practices, and choosing vendors who support an eco-sensitive perspective.

The new corporate identity has been launched in conjunction with Exhibit Resources’ move to reflect the agency’s continued growth and committment to its core principles of high-quality service and products to meet the needs of its expanding customer base. 

Exhibit Resources was formerly headquartered at 3707 Neil St. in Raleigh, with additional storage at an off-site location.

Pinnacle Exhibits Adds Four Industry Veterans

Pinnacle Exhibits has announced the addition of four new team members who will be based at its Irvine, California location. They are: Robert Simon, Senior Account Executive; Kris Cerola, Senior Designer; Keady Perkins, Contract Administrator; Mark Brown, Engineering Manager.

Sr. AE, Simon comes to Pinnacle Exhibits from Studio Concepts, where he spent two years as Director of Sales and Marketing. With ten years experience in the exhibit industry, Simon says he chose Pinnacle Exhibits for its “High level of business ethics, impeccable reputation and exquisite design capabilities.”  He also says this move will enable him to provide clients with an extended range of services including special events planning, corporate communications development and the incorporation of their exhibit program into their overall marketing strategy.

Cerola, who has over eleven years design experience in the exhibit industry, was most recently creative director at Sparks. His move to Pinnacle Exhibits was motivated by his desire to return to the drawing board. Cerola says his designs, “Are eclectic because every project is client-driven and gives rise to a unique design solution.”

Perkins worked for MICE DisplayWorks for 14 years, most recently as operations coordinator. As Pinnacle Exhibits’ contract manager her can-do attitude and solid foundation in all aspects of the contractual process will support Pinnacle Exhibits’ focus on customer service.

Brown joins Pinnacle Exhibits with over 24 years of experience. He worked most recently at Exhibit Works, also in the role of Engineering Manager. Brown looks forward to applying his understanding of shop operations to ensure precise execution of projects.  “Some of the best people in the business are here at Pinnacle. It’s a great group to work with,” he says.

Russell Hoverson, Director of Operations for Pinnacle Exhibits’ Irvine office is pleased with the expansion of his team.  “Each of these talented individuals contributes a critical capability that guarantees our clients’ success. Their expertise will allow us to expand our client base and build on the high level of service that our clients have come to expect from us.”

Cyclonix Team Grows Through Additions and a Promotion

Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic brand architecture, has expanded its team and promoted one of its own. John Stanger and Eddie Vaughn are new additions to Cyclonix and Ashley Araiza has returned to the company. Kristie Botelho has been promoted to Director of Administration.

Ashley Araiza has returned from a one year sabbatical. Her new position is Administrative Assistant. Araiza will work directly with clients and suppliers as she supports the Cyclonix team.

John Stanger joins the Cyclonix warehouse team from Skyline Displays. During his 14 years in the industry, Stanger has also worked for Exhibit Dynamics, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Color & Design.

Eddie Vaughn has joined Cyclonix as a Journeyman Cabinetmaker. Vaughn has twelve years of experience in custom cabinet making and was most recently with Custom Craft Cabinets. Vaughn left the residential cabinet industry to join Cyclonix because he was excited by the impressive scale and scope of projects and by Cyclonix’s fine craftsmanship.

Kristie Botelho, who has been an Account and Project Manager with Cyclonix since its launch in April 2006, has been promoted to Director of Administration. In addition to general administrative duties, she will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures that will support Cyclonix’s growth. She will continue to manage a few key client accounts.

 “We are very fortunate to have John and Eddie join our team and to have Ashley back with us.  They are great talent and will contribute to our efforts to provide first class service to our customers,” say Marty McGreevy, president of Cyclonix. McGreevy also praised Botelho, who was part of the original Cyclonix launch team. “Kristie has worked very closely with us in many areas and has been an integral part of our growth. She earned this promotion through hard work and by being responsive to her clients and teammates,” says McGreevy.

TradeshowLogistics’ President, B.J. Enright Named Finalist In
4th Annual Stevie® Awards for Women In Business

B.J. Enright, president, TradeshowLogistics was named a Finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Award category in the 4th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, presented by Infiniti.

The nomination recognizes Enright’s pioneering efforts in the exposition industry. Her company, TradeshowLogistics, a general contractor, is built on Enright’s alternative business model where the show organizer and general contractor work in a consulting relationship rather than the traditional client vendor relationship. The key benefits to this new model is show organizers have control over rates, service and operations as well as being the recipient of profits generated by the show floor.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run – worldwide.  The Stevie Awards have been hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars.”  (New York Post, April 27, 2005).

More than 800 entries were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Executive, Best Entrepreneur, and Best Community Involvement Program. Finalists were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging. Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs select Stevie Award winners from among the Finalists during final judging. Winners were announced during a gala event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Monday, November 12.

 “Being named a Finalist in The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an important achievement,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards.  “It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of recognition.  We congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition.”

“B.J. grew up in this industry. She has an infinite amount of knowledge and has chosen to apply it in a way that truly benefits her clients. This is an exceptional characteristic and I am very pleased that The Stevie judges and advisors have chosen to honor her for this,” says Bonnie Aaron, CEO TradeshowLogistics.

Details about The Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/women. 

Peter Gallagher, Chief Creative Officer Becomes Partner At Cyclonix

Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic brand architecture, has announced that Peter Gallagher, its Chief Creative Officer, has been made a partner with the company.
Gallagher, an award winning designer and industry veteran, joined Cyclonix in June 2007. Prior, he was the general manager of the southern California division of Pinnacle Exhibits. His experience also includes tenures at Color and Design and Cyclonics—where he was also a partner.

“Peter has been a major contributor to the success Cyclonix has achieved. He’s creative, understands marketing and is a leader that people enjoy following. All of these traits make him invaluable to both our clients and our internal team,” says McGreevy, President, Cyclonix. “Coming back to work with Marty and other folks I have worked with over the years is really fulfilling. Our company is young in spirit, seasoned in experience and ready to grow—you can’t ask for better opportunity,” says Gallagher.

Senior Project Manager Eric Carr Joins MC2 Las Vegas

MC2 has announced the hiring of Eric Carr as Senior Project Manager. Based at its Las Vegas division, Carr will work within the environments group for the western region. He will lend his expertise to the management of permanent marketing environments and displays including corporate presentation facilities/briefing centers, museum displays, and retail environments.

Carr will be responsible for coordinating estimating, purchasing and vendor bids, as well as assisting in estimating across all Las Vegas projects and in the development of the next generation of MC2 rental inventory. His experience in production is extensive. Prior to joining MC2, he worked for Derse and Exhibitgroup/Giltspur as a production manager. Carr, who holds a degree in industrial design from the University of Illinois at Chicago, has also worked as an exhibit designer for Exhibitgroup/Giltspur and Nimlock. 

“Carr is a multi-talented individual with deep experience in all of our processes. He has an elevated awareness of both the esthetic and the pragmatic side of a project, which benefits the company and our clients,” say Mike Garrity, President, MC2, Las Vegas.

AFCOM®’s Data Center World® Named to TSW Fastest 50 for 2nd Year

AFCOM’s Data Center World has made Tradeshow Week’s Fastest 50 list of the fastest growing trade shows for the second year in a row. The TSW editorial and research staff selected the Fastest 50 based on the criteria for having achieved a minimum of 50% total net square footage growth and 50% net percentage growth between 2004 and 2006.

Data Center World has increased its net square footage by 75 percent and its net growth by 57 percent since 2004. AFCOM’s strategy to achieve this success was to leverage the cost-efficient business model of next-generation exposition general services contractor TradeshowLogistics. TradeshowLogistics’ methodology enabled AFCOM to increase its revenue without increasing costs to exhibitors. “We reinvested our profits—redirected our sales effort by purchasing new overseas mailing lists and implementing new marketing plans to attract more global attendees. Our objective was to achieve better Return on Investment (ROI) for both the exhibitors and the attendees,” said Jill Eckhaus, CEO, AFCOM.

Eckhaus and AFCOM have worked with TradeshowLogistics since 2002.  “Seeing the show make the Fastest 50 for the second year in a row feels good. It confirms that our contribution to AFCOM is helping increase the association’s success,” says B.J. Enright, President, TradeshowLogistics.

AFCOM’s Data Center World occurs twice a year—in the fall and the spring.

Champion Logistics Group joins Smartway Transport Partnership

EDPA is always seeking to bring new and innovative design ideas to its membership. If you or someone you know would like to share their ideas and tips we'd be glad to give them and their company their deserved recognition. All write-ups and headshots should be sent to Wendy McGar at wmcgar@edpa.com.

Tom Cannon Designer Shepard Exposition Services Atlanta Office

The Effective Eye!

Exhibiting at a trade show/event costs bucks. With so much cost spent on the show floor, your first impression is the most important. This can add pressure to the best designers and could lead to the success or failure of a show.

As you start to develop the structure, there are several important factors to consider. The two most important are the effectiveness of the structure and whether or not the structure is eye-catching. While there are other things to consider, don't get ahead of yourself. Always remember to keep in mind the quality of the structure and mold that with the effective message the client has chosen.

Effectiveness:

No matter if the structure is well balanced or leaning toward Picasso on a bad day, it is most important that the structure penetrates. The job of an exhibit designer is to get people to stop for six seconds. Short of having a trained bear ride a bike, take the time to develop locations that will effectively market the message. Remember, less is more. Every element you add to the design has the potential to distract your audience from the main marketing message. At a tradeshow, many spend their time scanning each booth trying to avoid contact with anyone who does not fit their need. So, much like a NASCAR event they do laps until they find what they are looking for, crash or someone is declared the winner and everyone goes home. So stick to your guns and keep it simple

Eye Catching:

Graphics are one of the biggest keys to developing an eye-catching display. While they do provide an exciting dynamic, different materials and lighting can create a dramatic result with relatively low cost. By looking to other, less expensive, sources the client gets a more custom display without the custom cost. The savings will benefit all and the boss will offer up a free lunch or two. Maybe.  So keep an open mind and remember to smile when the client rejects your design for a 10' pop up. Oh, and try not to kick the cat when you get home!

Notes From The Publisher
EDPA.COMmunications is EDPA's monthly electronic newsletter and is intended for all member employees. Please feel free to forward this to your co-workers or send us an email with their contact information and we would be pleased to add them to our distribution list. If you have news about your business or concerning the industry that would be of interest to your fellow EDPA members please forward it via email to Wendy McGar at wmcgar@edpa.com. EDPA reserves the right to edit, amend, or not publish any submitted materials.Classified and display advertising is encouraged and EDPA members receive very reasonable pricing.  Please help support your newsletter by placing an ad today. Contact Wendy McGar at wmcgar@edpa.com or call 678-303-2997 for rates and details.

Exhibit Designers & Producers Association (EDPA)
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