Archived News 2008

 

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Growth and Diversity Focus of Recognition for Abstract Displays

Cincinnati - Abstract Displays, a Cincinnati-based trade-show exhibit company, has announced the awards and recognition it has received for continuing growth and diversity in business ownership.

For the second consecutive year, Abstract Displays has been named to the Inc. 5,000, which ranks the top 5,000 U.S.-based, privately held and independent companies for achievement in three-year revenue growth. Revenue in 2004 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2007 must have been at least $2 million.

Abstract Displays has also been named to the Emerging 30, an initiative of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. A three-time winner of this award, Abstract Displays was selected for achieving annual revenue growth of 15% or greater from 2004 to 2007.

Announced recently from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, Carla Eng, President of Abstract Displays, has been named the recipient of the WE Link/ATHENA PowerLin Program for 2008. This program connects selected women-business owners with a skilled advisory panel to help the business owner achieve networking, capital, operational and strategic goals. The program also helps enhance the business owner's leadership and management skills for future business endeavors.

And, from DiversityBusiness.com, Abstract Displays has received the following recognition:

- 2007 Top 100 Business in Ohio
- 2007 Top 100 Women-Owned Business in Ohio
- 2007 Top 100 Diversity-Owned Business in Ohio

"Growth and sustainability of the company are two of the most important things we can focus on to continue to provide value to our clients and our employees," said Ms. Eng. "These awards show that our company will be there in the long run to provide outstanding service to our clients and job security for our employees. We couldn't be more pleased."

Moss Expands R&D Department, Adds Fabric Product Manager

Chicago -- Moss, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Elissa Decker to the position of Fabric Product Manager, within the Moss' R&D department. Elissa will be responsible for researching and developing new and innovative fabric products and will also be managing Moss' fire-retardancy program.

Elissa is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in textile design. She comes to Moss with more than five years of experience working as a fabric designer in the research and development department of a North Carolina textile mill with in-house knitting, dyeing, finishing and physical testing.

"The addition of this position once again highlights Moss' commitment to being innovative and cutting edge by investing in the area of research and development." said Charlie Corsentino, chairman, president and CEO of the company. Shelly Alex, VP-Sales & Marketing, added: "Elissa's experience in the world of fabrics will add significant value by bringing new and enhanced fabric solutions to our clients; we are very excited to have her on board."

From circle signs and funnels to printed banners, Moss' fabric solutions create lush signage, decorative lighting and imaginative displays for retail environments. With operations in Chicago, Maine, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Moss is the world's most comprehensive provider of tensioned fabric structures and printed graphics to the Retail, Event, and Exhibit markets.

For more information about Moss, visit Mossinc.com.

EDPA Announces New Headquarters Team

Norwalk, CT, -The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) and the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association Foundation (EDPAF) has named its new headquarters team as the trade group ramps up its effort to expand membership and grow the organization.

Stepping up as Executive Director is Jeff Provost, formerly Membership Services Manager of the Event Marketing Institute. A graduate of Yale University, Jeff has a background in the business side of the performing arts, with extensive experience in member subscription marketing and retention programs.

Also named to the team is Kimberly Wilson, who will serve as Member Services Coordinator. Wilson was previously Office Manager of Red 7 Media.

Rounding out the new squad is Andrea Quirk, who will serve as Sales and Development Associate.

"I'm honored to be EDPA's new Executive Director," Provost said in a statement. "I've worked with many nonprofit organizations before, but never have I seen the kind of dedication on the Board level that I've witnessed here over the last few weeks. Their energy and desire for new growth and rededication to EDPA's core values is more than impressive. I'm thrilled to be part of the administrative team here at EDPA's new headquarters helping to implement that vision."

Freeman Promotes Senior Sales Executives

Dallas — Executives at Freeman announced the following promotions for several members of the company’s national sales force:

Dale Leithleiter has been named vice president, national accounts. Leithleiter started with Freeman’s Chicago branch as freight manager in 1986, with previous experience at Roadway Express as national tradeshow manager. In 1993 he joined the national sales group, and since that time has developed major national account support for some of Freeman’s key national traveling accounts. Leithleiter can be reached in Chicago: , 773-379-5040.

Dominick Esposito is now vice president, national sales. Esposito began his career with Freeman in New Orleans in 1981 after two years with (then) Greyhound Exposition Services as an account executive. He helped open Freeman’s New York office in 1989. Esposito also helped open and handle business for the Philadelphia and Atlantic City area as national sales manager, and in 1995 he relocated to Southern California. Esposito is based in the company’s Anaheim office: , 714-254-3400.

Dan Foley has been promoted to vice president for corporate accounts. Foley has more than 22 years of experience in the exhibit and event marketing industry, and has been with Freeman since 1996. In his most recent position as national account director, he was responsible for the overall management of major Freeman corporate accounts. Foley is currently serving his second year as a member of the Healthcare Convention Exhibitors Association board of directors. Foley can be reached at Freeman’s St. Paul/Minneapolis office: , 651-735-7172.

Trade Show Display Company Soars 1,000 Positions Forward on Inc. Ranking

E&E Exhibit Solutions' Tremendous Growth Garners Spot on National List of Innovative Entrepreneurs

Tempe, Ariz. - E&E Exhibit Solutions, a Tempe-based trade show display company, has announce its selection to Inc. 5,000's fastest-growing companies list for the second straight year. With growth of 112.4 percent and revenue increases of $2.2 million ($1.9 million in 2004 to $4.1 million in 2007), E&E Exhibit Solutions leapt 1,000 positions forward to capture the 3,103 spot on this year's ranking.

"I am extremely proud of our dramatic jump in rankings this year and consider it a direct result of our employees' dedication," said Daniel Chaddock, president of E&E Exhibit Solutions. "We work extremely hard to deliver comprehensive, custom-fit solutions for our clients, and we appreciate the acknowledgment that this hard work has paid off."

Growth is key to Inc.'s annual ranking, and E&E Exhibit Solutions has fueled its momentum through a variety of product line expansions, including the recent addition of a "green" trade show line. E&E Exhibit Solutions was one of the first display companies to recognize the increased demand for environmentally friendly options for its clients and quickly assembled a comprehensive range of green resources including bamboo counters, recycled tire flooring, LED lighting and other partially recycled display materials. The ability to provide the latest resources and respond to customer's needs has paid dividends in the caliber of the clients E& Exhibit Solutions serves.

"E&E has been an integral player in the execution of our trade show display strategy," said Brian Eastwood, vice president of advertising and communications at Jobing.com and client of E&E Exhibit Solutions. "They have provided us with a wealth of resources to enable our marketing team to portray our products and services in unique and innovative ways."

E&E Exhibit Solution's long-term success stems from the company's ability to understand a client's overall marketing objective and translate this to what works best in a trade show environment. This approach has directly increased client satisfaction and repeat client business and, in turn, the company's revenue, ultimately securing its position as one of only 15 Tempe, Ariz., businesses on Inc.'s list. Overall, E&E Exhibit Solutions ranked 79 out of the 100 Valley companies highlighted.

"Inc.'s recognition reflects feedback we've received from our clients time and time again, that they are thrilled with the outcome of our designs and execution," said Cynthia Chaddock, chief operating and financial officer. "Given the success we've experienced by providing clients the most innovative, effective displays; we will continue to focus on developing long-term relationships through great service."

Indianapolis Trade Show Company Cited for "Fast-Track" Growth

Indianapolis -- Trade show display giant Hamilton Exhibits has been named a recipient in the 2008 Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, the company has announced.

Indiana Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates privately held second-stage companies, typically those businesses that are past the startup phase, considered to be established and facing the challenges of expanding growth. Fifty companies from across the state, including Hamilton Exhibits, were honored during the first Indiana Companies to Watch awards program held recently in Indianapolis.

John Patten, president/COO of Hamilton Exhibits said, "This is an honor both for Hamilton Exhibits, and the employees and loyal clients who have helped contribute to our sustained growth and development. We are grateful for this recognition that provides affirmation for all of us here at Hamilton as we continue to develop products and services that benefit our clients."

Hamilton Exhibits is an internationally recognized, face-to-face marketing resource, providing the trade-show industry with exhibit, event and visual media design, as well as production and program services with integrated tools to facilitate efficient execution for a wide variety of industry clients. Based in Indianapolis, Hamilton has nearly 90 full-time employees-highly skilled professionals who deliver a wide range of products and services for their clients worldwide.

Indiana Companies to Watch is a collaboration among the Indiana Economic Development Corporation through its Small Business Development Centers, Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

For more information, contact Libby Springer of Hamilton Exhibits at 317-898-9300. Their Web site is at Hamilton-Exhibits.com.

Czarnowski "Makes a Difference" for Charities

Wins Best in Show at TS2

Chicago, IL-Czarnowski, a leading exhibit and event firm, earned "Best in Show" for its exhibit at TS2 2008. Czarnowski's winning program featured CHARITYMATCH, an interactive experience that matches attendees' brands with one of twelve charities based on shared values and attributes.

Exhibit visitors participating in CHARITYMATCH selected visual cues that described their company's brand. Based on their responses, a custom software program designed by Czarnowski matched the brand to the most appropriate of the twelve charities Czarnowski has elected to support in 2008. Czarnowski also made donations to the matching charities on behalf of every participating visitor.

Czarnowski was one of over 200 companies exhibiting at TS2, which took place July 28-31 in Philadelphia. In addition to CHARITYMATCH, Czarnowski's exhibit highlighted a variety of technologies that can be harnessed to increase effectiveness in exhibit and event environments.

CHARITYMATCH, which debuted at EXHIBITOR 2008, has generated donations of over $15,000. "We're delighted with the positive response we received at TS2, and that response has enabled us to further support the charities we've chosen," said Janine Makar, director of marketing.

The charities benefiting from CHARITYMATCH are: All Kinds of Minds; American Heart Association; Earth Watch Institute; American Cancer Fund; Mental Health America; Action Against Hunger; American Red Cross; American Rivers; International Fund for Animal Welfare; Union of Concerned Scientists; Oxfam America; and Americans for the Arts.

Visitors can continue to "make a difference" by accessing the online version of CHARITYMATCH via Czarnowski's Web site at www.czarnowski.com.

ExhibitCraft Sets Unique "Perspective" Show

Company Rolls Out 2008 Event Marketing Innovation Tour

Wayne, NJ - Award-winning display design company ExhibitCraft has announced its 2008 Event Marketing Innovation Tour.

The show promises to "Improve Your Vantage Point" and "Rethink the Power of Event Marketing," according to a release.

Attendees will learn about, and "kick the tires" of some of latest & greatest items in the industry. From exhibits to lighting to flooring to graphics, you'll learn it all.

The featured speaker will be author Robyn Waters, former Vice President of Trend, Design, and Product Development for Target.

Robyn is the author of several books, including The Trendmaster's Guide: Get a Jump on What Your Customer Wants Next, The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions of the New Trend Landscape, and contributing author (along with Tom Peters, Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell) for The Big Moo.

The generous support of ExhibitCraft's sponsors allows them to offer this event free of charge to a select group. However, seating is limited, and attendees are urged register now to reserve their spot. Reservations can be made at EventMarketingInnovation.com.

Freeman Launches New Web Site

Site Brings New Customized Interactive Experience for Customers and Face-to-Face Event Industry

DALLAS -- A leader in the world of face-to-face marketing events, Freeman launched the first phase of its totally new Web site September 9. The initial site redesign is the latest step in the company's repositioning to offer broader, more strategic and creative solutions, in addition to the logistics expertise Freeman is well known for. The new site will provide a wide variety of constituents a connection to educational resources, industry trends, facts and other information about the major impact of and best practices in the face-to-face event-marketing arena.

In partnership with imc2, a leader in creating innovative online user experiences, Freeman can now offer a more comprehensive, customer-centric and easy-to-navigate online experience for a diverse range of customers, as well as those seeking a career with Freeman and those with a general interest in the unique benefits of the face-to-face marketing industry.

Freeman selected imc2, one of the world's leading digital agencies, for the Web redesign and integration of the company's digital interactive customer tools. The agency has created online experiences for such major companies and brands as Procter and Gamble, the Coca-Cola Company and Pfizer, and will take Freeman's online customer experience to the level that clients expect and need in today's Web-based commerce environments.

"Freeman is known for our personalized and responsive customer service in live experiences, and our new Web site is focused on replicating that experience in the digital world as closely as possible," said Toby Purdy, executive vice president of marketing for Freeman. "The new freemanco.com will also encourage prospective and current customers to 'think Freeman' for services they may not be aware we have within one single resource, such as strategy and creative, in addition to logistics," Purdy added.

The redesign was based on extensive research among all types of Freeman customers. Beginning with the home page, all site graphics have been redesigned from a customer's perspective. Show organizers, corporate customers and exhibitors can tell at a glance where to go depending on their individual interest.

The new site will be particularly useful to first-time exhibitors, identified in the research as frequent users of freemanco.com. Those new to the industry will be able to more effectively participate in shows and to learn how they can make the most of their face-to-face marketing opportunities. Resources are categorized in stages of their planning process from before the show, to show site and beyond.

All exhibiting clients will benefit from easier and more accessible show service interaction tools, such as Freeman's very popular and proprietary Material Handling Estimator and Exhibitor Wizard tools. Also, based on previous customer feedback, these tools ease customer "points of pain" regarding advance budgeting for material handling costs and the need for guided assistance through the sometimes complex process of ordering show services.

The new Web site not only provides information and assistance about Freeman, but it also is intended as an interactive center and information resource for the face-to-face industry as a whole. It will be able to host Webinars, podcasts and, in keeping with today's fast-paced news cycle, the site will provide more opportunity for late breaking news about the industry and Freeman. The site will provide a central resource for information on industry trends and professional organization sites; links to published reports and statistics; and case studies of innovative projects to provide ideas for corporate event organizers, exhibitors and exposition show organizers.

"As a long-standing leader in the industry, we are often consulted by many who are interested in gaining more knowledge about the major economic impact of and effective participation in the world of face-to-face events," said Purdy. "Because Freeman is so involved in this widely diverse community of people interested in F2F event marketing, we want to provide a place for them to learn from each other."

Additional enhancements will be added to the site in the fall of '08, with a full second phase launch to be unveiled in spring '09.

"We are using sophisticated, leading-edge technology to provide a highly individualized experience to those who use our site," Purdy said. "Our goal is to offer personalized, relevant information and content to site visitors based on their interests. We will continue to develop and hone the level of personalization available with custom content, tools, and even more robust online ordering capabilities."

To view the new site, go to www.freemanco.com.

Moss Inc. Launches Moss Groove Product Line

Company expands product offering

Chicago, IL -- Moss Inc. launches another new product line. The company, best known for its tensioned fabric structure capabilities, recently expanded its already vast product offering with the addition of the new Moss Groove collection.

Moss Groove is a revolutionary fabric framing system that uses a unique smooth-surface aluminum extrusion system to showcase richly printed fabric graphics with minimal emphasis on the frame itself. Constructed with strong, yet lightweight anodized aluminum, the system features a unique Solid Lock mitered corner connection that fastens firmly into place with one turn of a torque wrench. Perfectly patterned fabric graphics slide into the extrusion's groove for a clean and evenly tensioned fit. Multiple extrusion sizes and bending capabilities allow for flexible design and countless configuration possibilities while powder coating options and decorative wood grain veneer applications give these polished displays an extra finishing touch.

Shelly Alex, vice president, Sales & Marketing says, "We are pleased to offer our customers capabilities that the market has never before seen in extrusion applications. Our patent-pending mitered corner frame system features a single turn Tension Lock connection that's as strong as it is easy to assemble. And Moss Groove has the flexibility to be both horizontally and vertically bent."

Moss Groove can be hung on the wall, suspended from the ceiling, floor-supported, self-supported or even attached to another Moss or third party display system. Single-sided and double-sided graphic windows allow Moss Groove to be built into a variety of applications, ranging from simple retail window displays to complex, four-walled trade show exhibits.

Moss Groove will be produced in all three of Moss' production facilities, providing more convenient and economical shipping options. These fully integrated facilities produce both graphic and frame together, ensuring a perfect fit every time.

"We are constantly striving to meet the customer's needs and provide them with more options," says Moss chairman, president, and CEO, Charlie Corsentino. "I believe the development of the Moss Groove line demonstrates our dedication to growth and innovation."

For more information about the Moss Groove collection and to download a catalog visit: www.mossinc.com.

Pictura Graphics Certified as First Sustainable Green Printer

Pictura Graphics Hopes to Lead the Printing and Graphic Communications Industry in Increasing Environmental Stewardship

MINNEAPOLIS - Digital graphics company Pictura Graphics has been named as the first nationally verified "Sustainable Green Printer." The SGP is the first and only national certification for printers that have implemented environmentally sustainable business practices. Nearly 40 companies offered their facilities to the SGP for evaluation, and 11 were selected as beta test sites. Of the companies in the beta test group, Pictura earned the honor of being the first to achieve certification by the SGP.

"Pictura Graphics believes that sustainability is an integral business practice. We strive to achieve continuous improvements in all areas of environmental stewardship within the visual communications industry," stated Paul Lilienthal, president of Pictura.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Pictura recently launched its ecoIMAGES line, featuring products that are recyclable, biodegradable, and that use inks that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Pictura's dedication to environmental responsibility has also earned them designation in the Printing Industry of Minnesota's "Great Printer Environmental Initiative." Pictura has identified additional opportunities to improve its environmental stewardship in the categories of air, waste, water, energy and natural resource conservation.

"We are proud to announce the certification of Pictura as a Sustainable Green Printer under the SGP Partnership," stated Marcia Y. Kinter, vice president of Government and Business Information at Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, a founding partner of the SGP. "The stakeholders and founding partners have worked diligently to produce a set of criteria that will encourage the print and graphic communications industry to reduce its environmental impact and increase social responsibility."

EDPA Launches Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase, December 3-5, 2008 in Miami, FL

Everything you have always looked for in the EDPA Annual Conference and Supplier Showcase – with a new look and twist.

EDPA Announces Partnership with Red 7 Media

PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 28, 2008 - At its Board of Directors meeting today, the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) announced that it has reached an agreement with Red 7 Media for the management of EDPA and the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association Foundation (EDPAF). During the month of August, EDPA and EDPAF management responsibilities will be transitioned from the Kellen Company to Red 7 Media.

With the leadership of EDPA's Board of Directors and active participation of its membership, Red 7 Media will assume responsibility for EDPA and EDPAF operations and related education, programming, member advocacy and events. "We are thrilled to be associated with Kerry Smith, Dan Hanover and their team at Red 7 Media. EDPA's relationship with Red 7 and the Event Marketing Institute (EMI) will dramatically enhance member services and broaden our participation in the dynamic world of event marketing," said MaryBeth Gieser, President, EDPA.

Management of EDPA, the EDPA Foundation and Red 7 Media's Event Marketing Institute will fall under a newly created Membership Development Group, which will focus on creating and managing member-based businesses and organizations. "We are very excited to assume the management of the EDPA and the EDPA Foundation," commented Red 7 Media President and CEO Kerry Smith. "This relationship fits with our strategy to expand the scope of our business beyond media by leveraging our marketing, content, media and management resources to create, grow and serve strong business communities."

EDPA and EDPAF headquarters will be relocated to the offices of Red 7 Media, 10 Norden Place, Norwalk, CT, 06855. EMI Executive Michael Westcott will serve as EDPA's interim Managing Director.

"EDPA is very grateful to the management and staff at the Kellen Company for their ten years of leadership and support during a decade of vast change throughout our industry," said Gieser.

The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association, founded in 1954, is an internationally recognized trade association with more than 400 corporate members from 18 countries that are engaged in the design, manufacture, transport, installation and service of displays and exhibits primarily for the exhibition and event industry.

Red 7 Media is a privately held business media company that publishes magazines and newsletters, as well as produces conferences and trade shows in the Event Marketing, Media and Publishing industries. The Event Marketing Institute is a think-tank, educator, and global professional resource dedicated to the advancement and development of best practices, insights and business intelligence for individuals and companies using live marketing as a strategic marketing initiative.

Contact

MaryBeth Gieser
President - EDPA
marybeth@proctorproductions.com

Michael Westcott
Interim Managing Director - EDPA
mwestcott@edpa.com