April Newsletter 2024
Join EDPA members and other industry peers
at this year’s Legislative Action Day!
Registration is open for ECA Legislative Action Day, taking place on Thursday, May 30th in Washington, DC!
ECA’s 2024 Legislative Action Day will bring industry leaders and advocates from across the business events ecosystem to Washington, DC to meet with policymakers on Capitol Hill about ECA’s top federal policy priorities, including helping the industry attract and train its next generation workforce and further reducing visa wait times.
In 2024, Congress has the opportunity to positively impact our industry’s ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses nationwide. But to make that happen, our elected officials need to hear from all of us! That's why it's so important that everyone from the industry joins us on Capitol Hill on Thursday, May 30th for ECA’s 2024 Legislative Action Day!
Just like last year, ECA will provide you with everything that you will need to raise your voice on behalf of the industry:
Pre-event virtual policy briefings, talking points, training, and more
Kick-off breakfast with deep dives on ECA's top policy priorities
Scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill with policymakers and their staff
Post-event "Thank you!" reception with your peers and colleagues
Registration for ECA's 2024 Legislative Action Day is free!
Click here to join us
The EDPA Chapter Hockey Extravaganza is back
– April 25th in Las Vegas!
The EDPA SoCal and Las Vegas chapter are hosting the 2nd inaugural hockey event on April 25th at the City National Arena in Las Vegas from 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm PST. Join the fun on the ice as we kick off the evening with a “free” skate followed by EDPA East vs. EDPA West hockey game. Non-skaters are encouraged to watch everything unfold from the comfort of MacKenzie River Pizza Grill & Pub located above the ice. Food and beverages will be provided for all.
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/240597173103150
$65 for Adults - Food and one alcoholic drink will be provided
$35 for Kids - Food (pizza) and beverages will be provided
$90 to participate in the EDPA Hockey Game - includes food, drinks, & jersey
Skating is optional. $3 skate rentals are available and paid to the arena
Sponsorships for the EDPA SoCal & Las Vegas hockey event is a great way to give your company exposure while enabling the EDPA chapters to host meaningful events. Sign up for a sponsorship today: https://form.jotform.com/240597173103150
The Exhibitor Advocate Announces the Release of the 2023 Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates
The Exhibitor Advocate, alongside Tradeshow Logic and supported by the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, releases the 2023 Annual Survey of Exhibition Rates. This groundbreaking analysis, now covering an expanded range of services including forklift and hanging sign analysis, is your blueprint for exhibition success in today's competitive landscape.
"This survey is a cornerstone for those seeking to forge ahead in the exhibition industry," stated Jessica Sibila, Executive Director at The Exhibitor Advocate. "It's not just about providing data; it's about empowering stakeholders with the insights needed to drive value while managing costs effectively."
What Sets This Survey Apart:
Exclusive Analysis: A unique and comprehensive look at material handling, labor, and equipment costs, unavailable anywhere else.
Strategic Planning Tool: Essential for exhibitors aiming to optimize budgets and for show organizers focused on enhancing the exhibitor experience.
Available now, this survey is an indispensable resource for making informed, strategic decisions that align with the dual objectives of cost efficiency and value enhancement.
Start transforming your exhibition strategy today,
download the survey now for $249.99
https://exhibitoradvocacy.com/2023-annual-survey-of-exhibition-rates-
EDPA Future Leaders Blog -
“Five Minutes with: Ben Solberg”
In a conversation with Ben Solberg, we learned about his journey into the trade show industry and how his role has evolved over time.
Q: How did you find your way into the trade show industry, Ben?
A: "I went to Bemidji State University and studied prototype engineering technologies. The department that I was in was very closely tied to the exhibit design major; same department at BSU. So just throughout my college years, through networking and meeting people, I ended up going to ExhibitorLIVE and talking to people there who worked in the industry. Then I got a job out of college from those conversations and moved to Boston right after graduating to start work."
Q: Were you always set on entering this industry when you started school?
A: "I didn't know that I was going to go into the trade show industry at first. I just kind of happened to be drawn to the major, and thought it sounded cool to study. I've always liked working with my hands and figuring things out and I grew up doing woodworking, so I kind of fell into it. Throughout college, just through meeting people and being very closely tied with exhibit design, it seemed a natural fit.”
Q: What was your first experience with a trade show like?
A: "I think the first trade show I went to was probably a print trade show in Chicago at McCormick Place. It was a week-long trip where we went to Chicago as a student group and were able to attend the trade show and then also visit some of the area companies."
Q: After moving to Boston, what was your initial role in the industry?
A: "When I first started in the industry, I had the title of CAD Detailer/Associate Project Manager, starting at Hill & Partners. They didn't have anybody in my role working there, they outsourced it all, so they weren't really sure where my role was going to go. Over the years, it drifted more towards CAD, detailing and production management. Then after COVID, I began to also get really involved in the graphic production side of things, too."
Q: How was it developing your role and department within the company?
A: "It was kind of fun along the way, just being able to create my own role and explore things that I was interested in."
Q: Can you compare what you do now to when you first started?
A: "When I first started, like I said, I was more on the CAD detailing side of it, sitting behind my desk, creating drawings all day, every day. Now I'm more involved with supporting the production of graphics and overseeing the production of custom exhibits and custom elements, moving closer towards assisting with production and managing production rather than just specifically CAD detailing."
Q: Any advice for students aspiring to enter the industry?
A: "Get into the industry however you can and from where you land, find what you're interested in, what you're good at and what you like to do.”
Join the Future Workforce Playbook Webinar Thursday April 18th 12:00 – 1:00 PST
Click here to registration link
Welcome New EDPA Members!
AKTIV Kommunikations-Marketing GmbH
Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
www.aktiv4u.com
Brave Exhibits, Inc.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
www.braveexhibits.com
CCC of New York
Tonawanda, New York, USA
www.commercialcollection.com
Crepes A Latte
Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA
www.crepesalatte.com
EDE Corporation
Chicago, Illinois, USA
www.edecorp.com
Emerald Carpet, Inc.
Dalton, Georgia, USA
www.emeraldcarpets.com
Enhance A Colour
Danbury, Connecticut, USA
www.eacgs.com
Exhibit Edge LLC
Chantilly, Virginia, USA
www.exhibitedge.com
ExhibitRecruiter
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
www.exhibitrecruiter.com
Exposervice USA, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.exposervice.com
Expovorm International BV.
Almelo, Netherlands
www.expovorm.com
Garzahoth ExpoPartner
Chachapa, Pueblo, Mexico
www.garzahoth.com
Global Exhibitor
Bellbrook, Ohio, USA
www.globalexhibitor.com
Griffco Graphic Solutions
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
www.griffcographics.com
Holoscape LED
Orlando, Florida, USA
www.holoscapeled.com
Hunter Expositions
Dorval, Québec, Canada
www.hunterexpositions.com
Jane Gentry & Company
Woodstock, Georgia, USA
www.janegentry.com
Lancaster Management Services, LLC
Tipton, Indiana, USA
www.lancastermanagement.com
Neu Concepts LLC
Durham, North Carolina, USA
www.neuconcepts.com
One Stop Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.onestopexpo.com
Presentation Design
Laval, Quebec, Canada
www.presentationdesign.com
Protrade Logistics Corp.
Chicago, Illinois, USA
www.protradelog.com
Quest Events
Frisco, Texas, USA
www.questevents.com
Sakura International USA, Inc.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.sakurain-lasvegas.com
Sequoia
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada
www. seguoiaco.ca
Sistexpo
Mexico City, Mexico
www.sistexpo.com
SJP
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.sjp.vegas
Skyline Expocon
Middletown, Connecticut, USA
www.skyline-ct.com
SOL Brand Solutions Inc
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.exhibitrentals.com
Spennare Americas LLC
Naperville, Illinois, USA
www.spennare.com
Trinity Logistics
Seaford, Delaware, USA
www.trinitylogistics.com
EDPA Midwest
Event Title: Chaos, Creativity, and ChatGPT: Exploring AI
Event Date: April 11, 2024
Event Location: Forest Country Club, 15W468 Grand Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Time: 4:00–7:00PM CST
Event Description: Join the EDPA Midwest for a conversation with our expert speakers around AI and how we can embrace the creative opportunities AI presents, while protecting our businesses from disruption. Cash bar and dinner included.
Registration link: https://www.edpamidwest.org/event-details/chaos-creativity-and-chatgpt-exploring-ai
EDPA Midwest
Event Title: Legislative Action Day Social
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Location: Driftwood Grille - 17W648 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Time: 4:00 - 7:00pm CST
Event Description: Not able to support the ECA for Legislative Action Day in Washington, DC? Join the EDPA Midwest and show your support from afar at Driftwood Grill as we gather for a social networking event!
Registration link: No registration needed!
EDPA Northwest
Event Title: The Future Workforce Playbook
Event Date: April 18, 2024
Event Location: Webinar
Time: 12:00pm PST
Event Description: The EDPA Northwest Chapter is hosting a free webinar where you will learn how to navigate academic & trade schools education and grow our industry’s future workforce.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874773078827?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Northwest
Event Title: The State of the Labor Industry
Event Date: May 21, 2024
Event Location: Webinar
Time: 10:00am PST
Event Description: On May 21 Jim will present a webinar on the State of the Labor Industry particularly as it relates to the production of trade shows and events.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/874909697457?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Northeast
Event Title: Rally at the Alley
Event Date: May 9, 2024
Event Location: Splitsville Luxury Lanes, 220 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA, 02035
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm
Event Description: The 2024 “Rally at the Alley” EDPA Northeast Fundraiser returns to Splitsville at Foxborough’s Patriot Place on May 9th. Each year, we choose an affiliated chapter member to benefit from the fundraising efforts made through this event. This year, we have selected the family of Katelin Coyne of T3 Expo. Katelin's husband passed away suddenly in October 2023, leaving behind his wife and two small children. Join us for an evening of bowling fun, networking, and fundraising - proceeds from the event are donated to the chosen family. For Katelin's story, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, see our event page:
Registration link: https://edpanortheast.com/blog/http/rally-at-the-alley-2024-5-9
EDPA Great Lakes & EDPA Texas
Event Title: Know Before You Go – Legislative Action Day
Event Date: Monday, April 29
Event Location: Online - Zoom
Time: 3:00pm EST/ 2:00pm CST
Event Description: EDPA Texas and EDPA Great Lakes will be hosting our Annual Know Before You Go to educate membership on this year’s talking points and activities for Legislative Action Day. The zoom will take place on April 29th at 2pm CST. EDPA President, Chris Griffin and Tommy Goodwin, our ECN Advocate will host the conversation around the activities for the day. EDPA Great Lakes will be coordinating members who have attended Legislative Action Day in the past to share their experiences and alleviate any fears or trepidations about attending.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86393115322?pwd=VkpzY3d5TEduaFZxWVcwSmtsK0doUT09
EDPA Southeast
Event Title: Southeast EDPA Cornhole Tournament!
Event Date: May 9, 2024
Event Location: Displayit at 4345 Hamilton Mill Road #Suite 100 Buford, GA 30518
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm EST
Event Description: Join us for a friendly competition of cornhole! Light snacks will be provided – and lots of fun! More information to come on the registration link!
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/se-edpa-cornhole-tournament-tickets-879712693347?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Las Vegas & EDPA Southern California
Event Title: 2024 Hockey Extravaganza
Date: April 25, 2024
Location: City National Arena – Las Vegas
Time: 5:00-9:30pm PST
Description: Join us for fun on the ice as we kick off the evening with a “free” skate followed by EDPA East vs. EDPA West hockey game. Non-skaters are encouraged to watch everything unfold from the comfort of MacKenzie River Pizza Grill & Pub located above the ice. Food and beverages will be provided for all.
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/240597173103150
EDPA Las Vegas
Event Title: 2024 EDPA Las Vegas Education Scholarship Golf Classic
Event Date: May 23, 2024
Event Location: The Legacy Golf Club
Time: 7:30am - 2:00pm CST
Event Description: Golf Tournament
Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/240386883004154
EDPA Texas
Event Title: Texas EDPA Monthly Trivia Challenge
Date: May 8, 2024
Location: Zoom
Time: 4:00-5:00pm CST
Description: SPONSORED BY CLASSIC EXHIBITS - Join us for a fun evening and test your trivia skills aiming to win a $50 Amazon gift card. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Registration link: Launch Meeting - Zoom
EDPA FUTURE LEADERS
Event Title: The Power of Voice: Professional Journeys of Today’s Top Leaders
Event Date: May 15, 2024
Event Location: Virtual, Zoom
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm EST
Event Description: Join us in a live panel presentation and Q&A session with some of our industry’s top male and female leaders: Rob Cohen, Vice President of Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. and Tara Ericson, CEO at beMatrix USA. Engage with and get access to these experienced professionals of the events world in a dedicated space where you’re encouraged to ask questions, glean insight, and share knowledge. In this hour-long intimate event space, our panelists will start by sharing their stories—where they started, where they are now, how they contributed to growth in the industry, and what we as future leaders can do to pick up the torch. Then we’ll open the floor for live Q&A. Hear how these fearless leaders harnessed their voice to propel themselves into this industry and leave inspired to discover the power of your own voice!
Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kWaLK7nmQTi0EDiDOsGOfQ