Archived News 2010

At the annual Event Marketing Summit held recently in Chicago, Group Delphi received top honors in the “Best Production of an Event (B-to-B)” category for its production of Virgin Galactic’s 2009 unveiling of SpaceShip Two, the world’s first commercial manned spaceship. Group Delphi was also a Silver finalist in the “Best Use of Technology” category for its incorporation of interactive multi-touch experiences into Medtronic’s exhibit at the 2009 Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

The Ex Awards is the only competition judged entirely by brand marketers and represents the year’s best experiential and event campaigns. Judging looks for campaigns based on clear strategic thinking, innovation and effectiveness. Winners have succeeded in reaching out and “touching” the hearts and minds of the target audience as well efficient use of budget.

“At Group Delphi brand-side event marketers are one of our most important audiences so we are thrilled by their strong endorsement of our work for Virgin Galactic and Medtronic,” said Justin Hersh, Group Delphi’s CEO and president. “Furthermore, we have such high regard for Red 7 Media, who are not only responsible for the ExAwards but make it their mission to promote the event industry at large. We greatly appreciate the opportunity their team has made possible for best-of-breed agencies to be recognized for innovative experiential works.”

The “Best Production of an Event” category honors the most creative, extensive, outrageous, ambitious and delicious production of an event. The lighting, music, script and entire ensemble, as well as the process between idea and execution, are all key criteria. The once-in-a lifetime reveal of SpaceShip Two, the VSS Enterprise, addressed all of these and then some. The large-scale event took place at a unique setting — the Mojave Air and Spaceport 100 miles east of L.A. — where attendees could be immersed in the experience. An international audience, consisting of 800 press, future astronauts and VIPs, gathered for a press conference and celebration as they witnessed the VSS Enterprise carried down the runway by Mothership VMW Eve, to a theatrical display of lights, music and snow.

 “All productions have challenges but building a city in the middle of the desert, in the middle of winter, in the middle of a high-security airport has a few more than usual,” said Susan Newsam, Head of Marketing Production, Virgin Galactic. “To add more complexity, our primary objectives were to speak individually and coherently to a number of discreet groups — ranging from press to princesses to government officials. By all outstanding reports, mission accomplished! Choosing Group Delphi was, without doubt, absolutely the right business decision for Virgin Galactic. They are one of the most professional, creative and technically knowledgeable production companies I have had the pleasure of working with. Equally impressive was the manner in which they translated the concept into reality without compromising in any way.”

The “Best Use of Technology” category honors the event or tradeshow program that effectively leveraged new or creative technologies to take their experience to the next level. The Medtronic multi-touch experience was the centerpiece of their 11,000 sq. ft. HRS exhibit space and enabled the company to address three stated goals: (1) attract attendees to the booth through some kind of (wow) factor; (2) serve as a vehicle to educate their audience about new products and services; and (3) reinforce Medtronic’s image as a technology leader by using innovative technology to deliver their messages.

“We are especially thankful to Virgin Galactic and Medtronic for entrusting us with the production of their landmark events,” said Hersh. “Their belief in our creative and production processes as well as our insistence that storytelling is central to effectively communicating their message, has enabled us to deliver on their goals.”

Group Delphi provides strategic and creative solutions for companies’ face-to-face marketing needs. Delphi Productions and ICON Exhibits merged in March 2009, creating a diversified enterprise with a more robust product, service and solutions offering for organizations in the event, tradeshow, museum, media and retail marketplace. Building from the strength, expertise and longevity of its founding companies, Group Delphi has nearly a century of industry experience, an extensive geographic reach with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ft. Wayne, Chicago and Berlin, Germany, and a strong industry commitment through key affiliations with EDPA, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, EMI, IFES, and AAM.

The gathering will be held Thursday, June 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ‘300 Atlanta’ in Atlanta, Georgia.

In the past three years this event has grown from 60 bowlers to now well over 100 with all proceeds going directly to benefit the good works of the RSGMC.

Individual bowlers, pairs and teams are welcome. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available as well.  For more details contact Sandra Braun (sbraun@nthdegree.com) at 404.297.5369 or Robyn Gillespie (robyn_gillespie@bellsouth.net) at 678-641-7840 if you'd like to be a sponsor of this event or would like additional information.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“The current level of exhibitor registrations is almost equal to the registration status of EuroShop 2008 at the same point in time. This is all the more positive since the situation in global retail is rather tense at the moment. Our talks with exhibitors and retail experts show that the position of EuroShop as a leading international trade fair for all investment needs in retail remains strong. Many exhibitors deliberately schedule their product innovations and portfolios according to the EuroShop dates,” said Wilhelm Niedergöker, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf.

The trade fair will consist of four independent but connected exhibit segments:  EuroConcept (shopfitting, store design, lighting, energy-saving refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, the EuroShop Designer Village and the EuroShop Retail Design Conference), EuroSales (visual merchandising, sales promotion and POS marketing), EuroCIS (information and security technology) and EuroExpo (stand construction, design and special events).

In addition, many special presentations at EuroShop 2011 will provide creative, innovative and informative inspiration for retail. The EuroShop Designer Village as a platform for architects and design studios will offer visitors ideas for the design of future stores and information on the latest trends. At the POPAI Village, European and international member companies of POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International) will present the complete range of POP marketing. With the “Eco-Park”, EuroShop will devote a dedicated platform to the topic of sustainability for the first time. Especially in the lighting and refrigeration cabinets sector, substantial cost saving and a positive impact on the CO2 balance is possible through energy-efficient solutions.

Forums, first-class congresses and popular award presentations will also be part of EuroShop 2011.The Retail Design Conference of the EHI Retail Institute as a special event in the EuroConcept segment traditionally marks the beginning. The relevant highlight in the EuroCIS sector will be the presentation of the Retail Technology Awards Europe while the Global POPAI Conference will be held as part of the EuroSales segment. Furthermore, trade visitors can attend free forums during EuroShop 2011: the EuroShop Forum Architecture & Design, the POPAI Forum and the EuroCIS Forum. All congresses and forums will be held in German and English.

Prior to joining ELITeXPO, Thomure was with Group360, Inc., where she served as new business developer of National Accounts. In this capacity, she managed the accounts of multiple Fortune 500 firms and was responsible for significant increases in sales revenues.

In her new role with ELITeXPO, Thomure will be responsible for account development for the company’s new Tradeshow Services Division. This new service line includes tradeshow booths, shipping logistics, project management and more. By integrating the new division into its existing offerings, ELITeXPO is now a full service, single-source tradeshow/event partner and delivers unprecedented efficiencies through streamline management of tradeshow/event programs.

“It’s such a pleasure to have Lanie join our team,” said Chuck Michel, VP of Tradeshow Services at ELITeXPO. “Lanie and I actually worked together for many years, and it is fantastic to once again team up with her.  Not only is she a fantastic relationship builder, her marketing/advertising background brings that needed brand steward clients look for in a tradeshow partner. The whole team is very excited about the new opportunities that we know she will develop.”

Bruce is a current board member of the EACA, and will assume his one-year role as the association’s president this summer at the annual meeting. He is a supporter of all industry associations, and has attended many major meetings throughout his tenure, including the annual EDPA, HCEA and TSEA events.

Using a new, award-winning technology developed by NatureXhibit, the Fullerton, California-based Yokohama Tire display at the Kentucky Exposition Center featured a “living wall” that was both decorative and left virtually zero waste, according to Jim MacMaster, Yokohama executive vice president and COO.

“We have a slogan at Yokohama, ‘excellence by nature,’ and the living wall truly represents that ideal,” MacMaster said. “It’s natural, biodegradable and lends an eye-catching, dynamic element to our booth. I think the public appreciated its uniqueness and the environmental benefit it delivers.”

Developed by NatureXhibits in Laguna Beach, California, the Vertical Exhibit Garden technology allows exhibitors at trade or consumer shows to use living plant materials instead of printed products. NatureXhibits created a similar Living Wall for Yokohama’s exhibit at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December 2009.

“We provide exhibitors like Yokohama the ability to replicate company logos in 3D using lush, oxygen-producing plants,” said Scott Hutcheon, president of NatureXhibits (www.naturexhibits.com). “It’s a perfect way to attract a crowd with something that looks spectacular, is living, recyclable and leaves almost no waste.”

“As a proud sponsor of Aidmatrix, Derse has seen the substantial impact of the Aidmatrix Network on relief efforts across the globe,” said Derse CEO Bill Haney. “We applaud EDPAF’s efforts and their decision to support Aidmatrix as the nonprofit organization of the events industry and encourage others to do so as well.”A $5,000 donation to Aidmatrix can provide humanitarian aid such as: Provide 15,000 meals to those in need via food manufacturers and food banks; Establish up to three temporary Aidmatrix emergency portals for relief agencies in times of disaster; and Facilitate the purchase of needed medical supplies for free clinics across America. Derse’s donation reinforced its EXHIBITOR2010 campaign message of “Challenge Convention.”

“Derse’s involvement and donations both in time and funding have provided Aidmatrix with valuable resources to aid in disaster relief following the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile as well as ongoing relief for hunger, medical and humanitarian development,” said Aidmatrix CEO Scott McCallum. “We are honored to receive support from EDPA and other exhibit industry professionals and sincerely appreciate Derse’s continued generosity.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

According to a release from the company, among the purposes of the guide are to:
IIncrease exhibitor value and improve the effectiveness of face‐to‐face tradeshow and convention marketing efforts;  Advocate for the full disclosure and better control over trade show and convention exhibitor costs;
Ultimately guide the industry in making adjustments that will guarantee its financial future and continued place in the marketing mix. 

To obtain a PDF of the full report, go to ExhibitIndustryCouncil.org, and click on “Best Practices.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The First Annual Tristate Success Award was founded on the premise that the Tristate’s strength as a thriving business center is built on the growth and success of its businesses. The award honors the most successful and consistent public, private and emerging companies in the Tristate region (Abstract Displays is a winner in the private company category).

“Receiving this award – especially in tough economic times – confirms that our business model of providing ‘True Service Excellence’ is meaningful and impactful,” said Carla Eng, Abstract Displays President and CEO. “Every employee in our company is committed to this model because we consistently show that we care about them and their success, and that we are committed to the overall advancement and success of our fellow businesses and local communities. This motivates our staff to provide resourceful, innovative and proactive solutions that exceed our client’s expectations.”

The Tristate Success Awards dinner will be held on April 21 at Xavier University’s Cintas Center, beginning with networking at 5:30 p.m. and the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. WLWT-TV Channel 5 news anchor Courtis Fuller will emcee the event; Gregory Williams, President of the University of Cincinnati, is the keynote speaker.

Also announced is that Abstract Displays has been named first Runner Up for the Woman-owned Business of the Year by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. The award was presented to Carla Eng, Abstract Displays President and CEO, at a breakfast ceremony on December 9, 2009 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, OH.

Jennifer brings to ECI over thirteen years’ industry experience. She began her career as an account manager, working for a number of companies including MG Design, Exhibitgroup and Folio. More recently she was an account executive at Heritage Exhibits and Lewellen and Best. She is also actively involved in the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA). Jennifer will focus on new business development for the Chicago office.

As part of ECI’s expansion plan, the company committed to opening a Chicago office in 2008 and moved into its current facility in 2009. As the economic situation deteriorated, ECI remained steadfast to its commitment to Chicago, believing it would be in an excellent position when the economy improved. “We always believed that Chicago had a tremendous resource of talent that we would be able to tap as the economy recovered. The addition of David and Jennifer is evidence to that fact. Their experience will be a great asset to our organization,” stated Gerry Hyzy, General Manager of the Chicago office.

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Exhibit Concepts is a leading designer and fabricator of exhibits for trade shows, museums and permanent installations. ECI is widely recognized for creative design, global execution and cost effective program management. Founded in 1978, ECI supports a national and international client base that represents a wide spectrum of industries. For additional information visit: www.exhibitconcepts.com.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using carbon emissions as a standard of measurement, Bowman compares real world scenarios and reveals greener options for travel, exhibits and promotions, transportation, and hospitality. The Bowman team’s extensive calculations are based on scientifically credible, peer-reviewed sources, and will be continued in a second phase of research to investigate emissions for a wide variety of popular exhibit construction materials.

Bowman says his goal is to empower exhibitors with accurate information about cost and environmental tradeoffs so that going Green is not dictated by marketing claims, gut feel, and urban myths. “These definitive results are often surprising and indicate the need for research as the foundation of our green decision making,” says Bowman.

Bowman, who writes a monthly Ask Mr. Green column for Exhibitor Online, will present at the EXHIBITOR2010 session on March 18, 2010 at 8 a.m.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moss also offers Green Moss Knit and Green UltraStretch.  Moss Green Knit is a printable polyester-based knit fabric used primarily for tensioned fabric structures. Green UltraStretch is a printable stretchy fabric most often used with Moss’ extrusion systems: Moss Max and Moss Groove.

Moss’ line of environmental fabrics is another example of Moss’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Moss Inc. is proud of its many initiatives in this area that include:

• Their Photo Fabric Dye-Sublimation printing is produced without the use of solvent inks;
• All aluminum scrap is recycled from their manufacturing plants;
• All paper, cardboard and shipping tubes are recycled at their three plants;
• Moss offers a rental program for their event and tradeshow exhibit clients – encouraging customers to rent rather than buy and discard after limited use;
• The Moss Salt Lake City plant uses swamp coolers instead of air conditioners;
• The Moss Belfast facility is heated with Bio Fuel.

Kulchawik will continue as an advocate of the exhibits and events industry, supporting efforts by the Chicago Chamber of Commerce to provide marketing services to international companies who wish to establish a presence in the United States. He will also work with the International Federation of Exposition Services (IFES) to publish a series of booklets outlining the regulations and rules of trade show engagement in international environments such as China, the Middle East, India, and Russia.

“Larry is a leader and an expert. His contributions to our industry have impacted us all for the better. This is a logical transition which allows us to still call upon his expertise for years to come,” said Gene Faut, president of 3D Exhibits.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ELITeXPO Chief Operating Officer Jim Hayes said “Dean brings a wealth of experience from both the General Contractor side of the business and the Trade Show Carrier side. We look forward to his input as we continue to expand our business model.”

Dean’s career in freight transportation spans nearly 20 years. He has held management positions at EXEL North American Logistics, EGL Global Logistics and GES to name a few.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Super magnets are used to quickly attach the Expand BrochurePocket to the graphic of most of Expand’s roll-ups and banner displays. Simply “sandwich” the graphic between the pocket and the super-magnet and the Expand BrochurePocket is ready for your handouts.

Users will find pre-drilled holes underneath the table top of the Expand Podium Case. Just use the included screws to attach one or both brackets. The Expand BrochurePocket can now be hung from the bracket(s). The Expand BrochurePocket can also be linked together (top to bottom) so that you could hang up to four pockets from one Expand PodiumCase (two Expand BrochurePocket kits are required for this configuration)

The Interactive Timeline Explorer is an interactive tabletop display that features an animated timeline of significant events in the history of the converted aircraft carrier and U.S. naval history. Users explore any of seventy events ranging from the creation of the earliest aircraft carriers to the Intrepid’s recent restoration, and watch those iconic milestones come to life through photos, videos, and oversize animations. Guests may read about the naval battles of World War II and send a kamikaze aircraft careening from one touch screen to another, watch a video detailing the Intrepid’s role during the space race against the Soviet Union, send an animation of the Gemini 3 space capsule hurtling across the exhibit, and much more.

Blue Telescope makes exhibits come alive with spectacular media displays, high-energy activities, and state-of-the-art interactive presentations. From game shows and 3-D movies to informational kiosks and internet cafes, innovative solutions are developed using the latest technology to build traffic, deliver brand messages, and get people interacting at exhibits and events.

For more information about Blue Telescope’s custom-designed interactive services, call (212) 675-7702 or visit them online at Blue-Telescope.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The decision to co-locate evolved from successful past collaborations. Plus, both companies share creative, client-centered corporate cultures. “Putting our design teams in one space amplifies creative synergy and intensifies collaboration. Our clients will benefit from thoroughly integrated and consistent exhibit and event programs,” says Gene Faut, president of 3D Exhibits.

The newly created Plexus studio space supports both teams’ creative methodology — which is interactive, technology-rich and collaborative. Joe West, creative director of Plexus, says 3D Exhibits and Plexus share much more than a building. “The culture and spirit of our firms mesh perfectly. Both Plexus and 3D Exhibits develop strong client relationships and provide individualized solutions based on client needs.”

Privately held 3D Exhibits is an exhibit design, fabrication and management company based in Elk Grove Village, IL. The company’s focus on client service, attention to detail and total program management has propelled the eleven-year old firm to an annual sales volume over $40 million.  For more information visit www.3Dexhibits.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cunningham, who began her career as an exhibitor care representative, embraces TradeshowLogistics’ philosophy: create individualized solutions that provide both exhibitors and show organizers with a better tradeshow experience. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all industry and TradeshowLogistics’ products — from TL Advisor Services to TLOnline Manual — provide clients with cost-effective solutions that increase both exhibitor satisfaction and the bottom line.”

Cunningham has more than 21 years’ experience in the tradeshow industry and comes to TradeshowLogistics after sixteen years at GES, where she was most recently a senior sales manager for clients across the healthcare, financial, medical and technology sectors.

Stevenson joins Group Delphi as a Director of Business Development and Kaplan as a Senior Account Executive. “We feel incredibly positive and energized about the growth of our Chicago team,” said Justin Hersh, President and CEO of Group Delphi. “Adding Tammy and Doug in one of the most dynamic U.S. event cities strengthens our geographic presence in a region that we have served for over 40 years from our Indiana operations. Not only are both Tammy and Doug extremely knowledgeable about the exhibit and events business, they each bring an impressive track record, read of the market and client relations, and an enthusiasm and commitment that blend perfectly with the entire Group Delphi community.”

Stevenson has driven a variety of experiential marketing programs for leading companies in the telecommunications, healthcare, food and defense/homeland security industries. For the last twenty years, he has developed his career at companies such as Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, MC2, TNS-Landis, Leo Burnett Advertising, and KITZING. He has also been involved in industry organizations TSEA and EDPA, working on an RFI/RFP standards task force, and is active in the BMA and other business organizations. Stevenson has a BA cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA in Marketing from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, and a Masters of Science from the International Center for Creative Studies (SUNY/Buffalo State). “I could not be more excited about joining Group Delphi,” said Stevenson. “It truly is a group with the capacity to think beyond the ordinary and with a deep understanding of the value of a structured creative process — this puts Group Delphi in a category that is unique within our industry and one that I believe is central to delivering successful client solutions.”

Kaplan has eighteen years of domestic and global experience with clients in the medical devices, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, defense and technology industries. This range of experience and perspective, along with her vast knowledge of the Midwest marketplace, makes her a key addition to Group Delphi’s business development initiatives throughout this region.

“After nearly two decades in the exhibit and events industry, I have certainly been exposed to a wide range of company cultures and processes. It is a pleasure to have joined an extraordinary group with an incredible work ethic, deep integrity and unique creativity. Group Delphi is progressive, innovative and a true embodiment of forward-looking vision for the future.”

Kaplan graduated from Carroll College and has spent her entire sales career in Chicago working for companies such as Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, MC2 and Chicago Exhibit Productions.

Group Delphi provides strategic and creative solutions for companies’ face-to-face marketing needs. Delphi Productions and ICON Exhibits merged in March 2009, creating a diversified enterprise with a more robust product, service and solutions offering for organizations in the event, tradeshow, museum, media and retail marketplace. Building from the strength, expertise and longevity of its founding companies, Group Delphi has nearly a century of industry experience, an extensive geographic reach with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ft. Wayne, Chicago, Las Vegas and Berlin, Germany, and a strong industry commitment through key affiliations with EDPA, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, EMI, IFES, and AAM.

“We provide exhibitors the ability to replicate company logos in 3D using lush, oxygen-producing plants,” says Scott Hutcheon, President of NaturExhibits (www.naturexhibits.com). “Your tradeshow demonstration will not only appear ‘green’ but you will truly be exhibiting in a sustainable way.”

Seen most recently as part of the Yokohama Tire Corporation’s display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, NatureXhibits was a main attraction. “It is natural, biodegradable and lent an eye-catching, dynamic element to our booth,” said Jim MacMaster, Yokohama Executive Vice President and COO. “The public will appreciate the uniqueness it brings and the environmental benefit it delivers. We certainly did.”

The lightweight, soil-less design helps to resolve the environmental waste problem of the trade show industry and promotes an eco-friendly image for exhibitors. NatureXhibits’ Living Walls are easy to install and enable exhibitors to supplement traditional print displays with lush plants in vibrant colors and fine detail. Live plants also have an inherent quality to make your guests more relaxed in a comfortable, oxygen-rich environment. NatureXhibits Living Walls can cover vertical surfaces, curves, three-dimensional objects, even ceilings, and can integrate four-color print media to create gorgeous exhibits never seen at trade shows before. The plants and soil-less growth medium can be replanted in a garden in the “trade show aftermarket.”

“NatureXhibits’ VEG wall (Vertical Exhibit Gardens) is easy to handle, and with minimal coordination we were able to integrate it into a recent client’s exhibit,” says Max Ollendorff, of Czarnowski and Associates. “It’s a unique feature that helped to reinforce our client’s sustainability message. We’re already discussing another project.”

“Welcome to Ellis Island” will allow users to put themselves in the shoes of an immigrant making their way through processing at Ellis Island. Guests will learn about the different steps an immigrant might encounter as they become a citizen of the United States. At each step, a mini-game or interactive opportunity will present itself to ensure an engaging “you are there” experience. For example, players must try to decode the chalk-mark codes used by doctors during their infamous six-second medical examinations, complete a puzzle used to determine mental wellness, and answer a question posed by inspectors in the Main Hall. Guests are advised to pay close attention as incorrect responses may lead to deportation! Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the journey their own ancestors may have undertaken to become a part of the fabric of America.

The second project will explore immigration to the United States in a larger context by allowing visitors to select between 30 nations to learn the rich histories behind specific ethnic groups’ contributions to the “melting pot” of America. Historical photos and immigration statistics will mingle with interesting factoids to paint a broader picture of traditions, vocabulary, and culinary delights that may have originated in faraway lands but have been embraced and welcomed as part of American culture.

Blue Telescope makes exhibits come alive with spectacular media displays, high-energy activities, and state-of-the-art interactive presentations. From game shows and 3-D movies to informational kiosks and Internet cafes, innovative solutions are developed using the latest technology to build traffic, deliver brand messages, and get people interacting at exhibits and events.

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is one of the country’s most popular historic sites. The museum is located in the Main Building of the former immigration station complex and tells the moving tales of the 12 million immigrants who entered America through the golden door of Ellis Island.  For more information, visit http://www.ellisisland.org.
 
For more information about Blue Telescope’s custom-designed interactive services, call (212) 675-7702 or visit online at BlueTelescope.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Group Delphi, one of six global contenders, was selected by Virgin to produce the event. Awarded the project on October 2, Group Delphi had limited time and budget to design, plan and execute the December 7th spectacle. 
“Group Delphi is one of the most professional, creative and technically knowledgeable production companies I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Susan Newsam, Head of Marketing Production, Virgin Galactic. “Choosing Group Delphi for the SS2 Unveil event was, without doubt, absolutely the right business decision for Virgin Galactic. Their response to the brief was creative and completely captured the mood and buzz that Virgin Galactic wanted to portray. Equally impressive was the manner in which they translated the concept into reality without compromising in any way.”

Taking a holistic look at the total event experience, Group Delphi’s winning design not only intended to awe, inspire and shout “The future is here!,” but it also catered to the fundamental needs of the press by providing ideal video and photo angles and a dynamic presentation that would amplify the excitement of the unveiling. “Key to our design strategy was starting with a macro view of the overall experience and using an experience timeline from day one to drive the creative. Part of this entailed role-playing the guest experience from start to finish,” said Tony Erpelding, Group Delphi’s VP of Creative.

Working closely with Virgin, Group Delphi hand-picked a team of exceptional internal designers, producers and project managers, and external technical and hospitality partners who together, through precise design, coordination, planning and management, executed a highly successful event that accomplished all of Virgin’s goals: (1) to unveil SpaceShip Two with Virgin Galactic founder, Sir Richard Branson, and legendary aircraft designer, Burt Rutan performing the honors; (2) to conduct a press conference featuring speakers Governors Schwarzenegger of California and Richardson of New Mexico; (3) to present a signature Virgin adventure complete with an awe-inspiring reveal, visually arresting space-themed icons and the sound of a DJ-thumping space anthem; (4) to throw a party for key constituents in thanks for their inspiration and support. 

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Virgin on such a landmark event. It was a pleasure collaborating with Virgin Galactic head of marketing production Susan Newsam and her fine team,” said Justin Hersh, Group Delphi’s CEO and president. “We were also incredibly pleased with the cooperation and hard work of all our fellow event-side partners in orchestrating a fantastic and memorable experience. Special thanks to the technical director Tom Bussey of Production Glue, and general manager of the Mojave Air and Spaceport Stuart Witt,” added Hersh.

Group Delphi provides strategic and creative solutions for companies’ face-to-face marketing needs. Delphi Productions and ICON Exhibits merged in March 2009, creating a diversified enterprise with a more robust product, service and solutions offering for organizations in the event, tradeshow, museum, media and retail marketplace. Building from the strength, expertise and longevity of its founding companies, Group Delphi has nearly a century of industry experience, an extensive geographic reach with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ft. Wayne, Chicago, Las Vegas and Berlin, Germany, and a strong industry commitment through key affiliations with EDPA, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, EMI, IFES, and AAM.

For additional information about Group Delphi, please visit www.groupdelphi.com

For more on the Virgin Galactic event, please see Group Delphi’s footage at http://www.youtube.com/groupdelphi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .