EDPA Membership

Why It's Important, Member POV

Larry Kulchawik Author- Trade Shows from One Country to the Next 

Way back in 1997, I was honored to serve as President of EDPA. The company I worked for at the time was Exhibitgroup, a division of the Greyhound Corporation. They also owned GES (Greyhound Exposition Services). I served a role in management and we were required to present our profitability quarterly. We were members of EDPA, paying $2000 a year as dues. Greyhound management often asked why we are paying to be a member. Do we really need to be a member and can’t we use $2000 more wisely? 

One year Exhibitgroup (a group of 18 exhibit companies nationally) was asked to conduct an industry survey to determine how we were competitively positioned within the industry. Upon doing a through search to find a qualified accounting company to conduct the independent survey, we located a well know, and very qualified firm, to conduct the survey. The cost to do so was nearly $400,000. 

We submitted the proposal to Greyhound and also mentioned that EDPA conducted an economic survey yearly that collected financial data from its members to come up with a combined P&L statement with operating cost averages broken down by the size of the companies. The exhibit supplier companies that provided their numbers were then given a copy of the final report. Greyhound concluded that this EDPA survey provided most all the data they were looking for, at a cost of the $2000 EDPA membership fee. What a bargain! 

Now there are (22) exhibit industry associations to choose from in the USA that focus on specific segments of trade show marketing. Membership to any one or more of these can offer help in managing your business. Successful industry associations function as a kind of club. Although many companies belong to an association, they seldom consider their structure and true purpose. A club is a voluntary group deriving mutual benefits from shared costs and shared knowledge regarding the mutual services the club provides. The gains from being a member of a successful club can be large when you seek out the true benefits. Companies who choose not to be a member, but use the data that an association provides publicly, in my opinion are considered ‘free riders’. Being an active member to any of the exhibit industry associations can deliver real value, especially during these challenging times. 

While Covid19 has kicked the exhibit industry in the teeth, it shall return. Being prepared to compete in a changed marketplace is a must for survival. Seeking out a club (association) to help you collect your thoughts for a changing world strategy, and compete in a new environment, can serve you well.

I guess I am biased when sharing my thoughts about EDPA. In any case, work with any of the exhibit industry associations that relate to your particular piece of the market. They can help you adapt and survive. 

Over EDPA’s 65 years of service they have changed their colors and focus to address the challenges of the times. From the boom years of the 1980’s, the recession years in the 90’s, and new product /service boom of 2000’s (portables, systems, fabric, ink jet printers, computer technology, AV & lighting, international, and experiential design) EDPA forged it’s way to help its members to better serve their customers. 

So today, EDPA benefits of membership still offer value rather than going it alone. Benefits offered… * Educational Sessions. * Annual Convention * New Products & Services * Connections with other Expo Associations * Power of a Joint Voice in the Industry * Sharing Knowledge. 

Join the Club and take advantage of the shared knowledge that is changing every day. Good luck on this new post covid journey. Connect with your industry associations for added guidance.