EDPA JANUARY NEWSLETTER
MESSAGE FROM NEW EDPA PRESIDENT DAN SEREBIN
This time of year, I often hear “out with the old and in with the new.” In January 2022, it’s fair to ask if Omicron will threaten that sentiment. Is it really “out with the old and more of the same?” For EDPA, the answer is a resounding NO.
EDPA won’t be looking in the rearview mirror. And either should you. Our industry is recovering and 2022 is filled with opportunities. For EDPA, we have prioritized three initiatives that will support our members as they work to take advantage of those opportunities.Our highest priorities in 2022 are:
Advocacy
Future workforce
Networking
We have momentum on a number of advocacy initiatives on both the exhibitor and legislative side. We will be dedicating both time and money to build on our success in 2021. And although we will be collaborating with other associations and firms experienced in legislative advocacy, we cannot delegate our obligation to educate others about our industry, our members, and our needs. We will not be effective in this effort without you. Expect an increased intensity of communication around advocacy and what you can do to support this effort.
Our future workforce initiatives ramped up several years ago when the data showed that the average age of our industry members was increasing and showing no signs of coming down. The COVID crisis only exacerbated the exodus of experienced talent from our industry and created additional problems. In 2022 we will be working on new ways to get people aware of the fulfilling and satisfying careers that our industry has to offer.
Finally, our third major initiative is to provide additional opportunities for more directed networking with your peers on more than an annual basis. We are going to combine compelling educational content with peer-to-peer conversations where you can engage with others facing the same industry specific issues that you are facing.
To seed some of those discussions and as part of this initiative, we are restarting EDPA’s Economic Survey. It is being revamped to make it more meaningful without overburdening your organization when preparing your submission. We want to see an increase in the amount of our members participating in the survey.
Whew! Lots of work to do. Fortunately, we have a very motivated team. Your EDPA Board, staff and committee volunteers are committed to doing the best we can to move these initiatives forward, improve our industry, and make EDPA vital and relevant to you.
And it’s a great time to thank two critical parts of that team. A big thanks to Dasher and his crew. They have worked tirelessly through the COVID crisis to keep EDPA moving forward. And we all owe Amy Sondrup, our President Emeritus, a heartfelt thank you for leading us through this challenging time. Thank you Amy!
Happy New Year! I look forward to talking with you soon.
Dan Serebin
EDPA President
EDPA FOUNDATION – Giving Back to Our Industry
The EDPA Foundation was created in 2001, with a commitment to supporting three essential pillars: Scholarships - Those in Need of Financial Support - Education.
To date, the EDPAF has raised over $1.3 million to support key industry causes:
Annual scholarships to individuals and their immediate family members in our industry totaling more than $300,000
Provide mentorship, industry expertise and financial support to the educational programs and students at Bemidji State University and the Fashion Institute of Technology – programs to train the future design community of our industry
Largest contributor annually for the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Tournament supporting the financial needs of people in our industry who have suffered
The EDPAF has insured its ability to continue to provide long term support for these programs by consciously raising over $1.3 million that has been invested through the EDPAF’s endowment.
During the pandemic, EDPAF has also provided EDPA with $100,000 of financial support for advocacy expenses incurred in connection with the effort to gain government assistance for our industry.
How can you help to make sure that these and additional programs are supported to assist the future well-being of our industry and its members?
As a company, make a 3-year commitment to becoming part of our grantor program. The financial commitment for these 3 years is based on your annual revenues and you will receive recognition as one of the EDPAF’s Grantor Companies who acknowledge the importance and need to give back to maintain and build the strength of our industry.
As an individual, commit to make a $500 contribution this year and give back to the industry from which you earn your living and help to support these great causes
Come to EDPA ACCESS and participate in the great activities that lead to raising money to help the support the causes backed by the EDPAF.
If you are interested in becoming an EDPA Grantor or making an individual donation, please contact Rob Cohen (EDPA Foundation Grantor Chair) - rcohen@dslgroup.com.
The EDPA Foundation is your industry foundation, supporting the critical needs of our industry and its members!
Thank you for your consideration of supporting the EDPA Foundation.
EDPA Midwest Chapter
Event Title: CONNECTING THE DOTS: Industry Data Insights
Event Date: January 20, 2022
Event Location: Zoom - Meeting ID: 886 6830 7845/Passcode: 480945
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm CST
Event Description: Randy Acker, President and COO of Exhibitor Media Group, will share his "Industry Data Insights" presentation from the December 2021 EDPA Access Conference. Dasher Lowe, Executive Director of the EDPA, will update us on the association's advocacy efforts for our industry. There will be an opportunity for Q&A, and conversation to 'connect the dots' as we look forward to 2022!
Registration link: https://www.edpamidwest.org/industry-data-insights
Texas
Event Title: Weekly Happy Hour (Wellness Check)
Event Date: Bi-Weekly on Wednesdays
Event Location: Zoom
Time: 5:00pm CST
Event Description: Casual Conversations about life, the industry, with adult beverages for those who wish to partake . For January, Trivia Happy Hour is 1/12, Regular Happy Hour is 1/26.
Registration link: Free to all, just email Noelle Webster at noelle.webster@willwork.com for an invite.
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