May Newsletter 2024
EDPA Sustainability Guidelines Now Available!
EDPA Members,
The events industry has historically been responsible for large quantities of waste to landfill and having significant carbon footprint. In the current climate, sustainable business conduct is paramount for long-term success and the preservation of the exhibitions industry.
The EDPA Sustainability Committee consists of members from across the industry and across the globe. The objective of the committee is to create and promote a workable set of sustainability guidance for booth stands for our industry and to encourage all members to familiarize themselves with what is possible for their companies.
We have teamed up with both the Exhibit Service Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Event Industry Council (EIC) and coordinated with many other industry organizations in creating this. Please click this link to access the guidelines: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/829648536/
This document has helpful resources on what the events industry must do on the road to net zero, and to ensure that your company, and its leadership, will take action and can be a part of this commitment to sustainability.
Please take some time to review the document; think about its practical use and your ability to use this in your company to move to a more sustainable business practice. As this document will continue to be reviewed and updated by this committee, we welcome any comments or input from our members. Please use this link to provide any feedback or suggestions.
This document will be released to the industry through a formal press release to our industry media and available by link on EDPA’s website and social media. You can also follow the EDPA Sustainability Committee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edpa-sustainability-committee/.
Thank you for your time and support.
Jim Obermeyer
EDPA Sustainability Committee Chair
Industry Designers – We Need Your Advocacy Help!
The O*NET Data Collection Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking the input of expert Exhibit Designers. EDPA is hoping our industry designers will participate in this important initiative.
Participation will help ensure that the complexities of our industry are described accurately in the O*NET database for the American public (meaning school students and counselors know about our industry!).
To participate you must be a designer in the industry and meet the following criteria:
Have at least one year of professional experience working as an exhibit designer
Have a minimum of five years combined professional experience practicing, training, teaching, and/or supervising others in the exhibit industry
Are currently actively involved in the exhibit design industry and based in the United States
How to Participate
If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, contact Jumoke Dickson at RTI International, the O*NET data collection contractor, at jdickson@onet.rti.org.
Please provide the following:
Full Name
Company Name and Title
Daytime Phone Number
Email Address
Address with City and State
A random sample of experts responding to the request will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires. Experts who are selected and agree to participate will receive $40.00 VISA gift code and an oak-framed Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you know anyone within your organization who is also an expert and would be willing to participate, feel free to forward this information to them. We encourage you to consider helping spread the word about opportunities within our industry. Thank you for your support.
EDPA Future Leaders Blog -
“Five Minutes with: Amanda Lembke”
Amanda Lembke, Creative Director, Star Exhibits
Connect with Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-lembke/
We had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda, a dynamic professional with a journey that began at Bemidji State University. Amanda is the 2023 recipient of EDPA’s Designer of the Year award. Here's what she shared:
Q: How did you get started in the exhibit design industry?
A: "When I was a student at Bemidji State, the EDPA and Bemidji State didn't quite have the affiliation they have today. However, I did attend ExhibitorLIVE for a handful of years throughout my years as a student. That's where I found my first job; I was attending ExhibitorLIVE and I graduated and joined a company from there.
Q: What was your first role in the industry?
A: "My first job was technically with Laarhoven Design, who eventually turned into beMatrix. And then after completing grad school, I went and I worked for Freeman in Chicago. I learned a lot about the industry in general while working for Freeman, and it gave me a unique perspective to this industry.”
Q: And what's your current role?
A: "Now I work for a custom exhibit house and it's really exciting and different every day.”
Q: Finally, what keeps you passionate about the industry?
A: "The people, and the energy of this awesome industry. Being at EDPA events or other industry events especially brings this out; you may have some of your closest friends from this industry and you only see them once or twice a year, but they just really impact and understand your life in a way the rest of the people in your life don't understand."
EDPA Foundation Update
The EDPA Foundation, the charitable giving arm of EDPA, is excited to announce its new Board of Directors for 2024. This year, the board welcomes two new members, Kevin Carty of Classic Exhibits and Amy Sondrup of Access TCA. Kevin will co-chair the scholarship program, and Amy will lead communications. Please join us in welcoming them.
The EDPAF wants to sincerely thank Norm Friedrich, Rob Cohen, and Derek Gentile for their many years of service to the board. They all completed their terms in 2023. Their collective efforts helped launch the EDPAF and their work did so much good for our industry in the time they were on the board. Please take a moment to thank them the next time you see them! Their commitment to innovation and moving our industry forward is inspiring.
Alex Hill
Chair and President
Amanda Helgemoe
Vice Chair and Silent Auction + Gala
Mark Johnson
Treasurer
Jim Obermeyer
Secretary
Kevin Carty
Co-Chair Scholarship Program
Bill Haney
Investments
Alex Hill
University Affiliations (Interim Chair)
Robert Laarhoven
Grantor Program and “The Randy”
Amy Sondrup
Communications
Rebecca Thompson
Co-Chair Scholarship Program
Dave Walens
Past Chair
EDPA Texas
Event: Texas EDPA Monthly Trivia Challenge
Date: June 12, 2024
Location: Zoom
Time: 4:00-5:00pm CDT
Event 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 Texas
Event: First Annual EDPA Texas Golf Tournament
Date: June 3, 2024
Location: Bear Creek Golf Club - 3500 Bear Creek Court Dallas, TX 75261
Time: 8:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Event Description: Join EDPA Texas and Industry Associates for the First Annual EDPA Texas golf outing Monday June 3rd @ Bear Creek Golf Course in Dallas for a 4 man scramble. 8am Shot-Gun Start.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/texas-edpa-golf-tournament-tickets-861686075247
EDPA Northeast Chapter
Event: Get Acquainted & Get Inspired!
Date: June 19, 2024
Location: 2XL Imaging, 52 Fadem Road, Springfield, NJ
Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm EDT
Event Description: Join the EDPA Northeast for an evening of networking hosted by Chapter member 2XL Imaging. Hear from entrepreneur Brandon Steiner, who will be sharing his story in a riveting keynote address that will surely leave you motivated and inspired in your own professional efforts. Brandon has been a featured speaker with the New York Yankees, BMW N.A., Nike, Live Nation, Cornell University, TEDx, Harvard Business School and more! Whether you’re in town for Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center, or looking for an opportunity to network and meet more EDPA members, this is an educational event you won’t want to miss! (Dinner will be provided. Cash bar.)
Registration link: https://edpanortheast.com/blog/june-19-education-event
EDPA Las Vegas
Event: 2024 EDPA Las Vegas Education Scholarship Golf Classic
Date: May 23, 2024
Location: The Legacy Golf Club
Time: 7:30am - 2:00pm PDT
Event Description: Come be a part of the 22nd Annual Las Vegas Scholarship Golf Classic, hosted by the EDPA Las Vegas Chapter in collaboration with the EDPA Foundation, on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024. Since 2002, we've been dedicated to raising funds for scholarships and your support is crucial in continuing this tradition. Registration link: https://form.jotform.com/240386883004154
EDPA Great Lakes
Event: Little Troops on the Field
Date: May 19, 2024
Location: Voyager Elementary School - 1450 Byron Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Event Description: Volunteer Event – FREE Football Clinic for Military Children
Registration link: https://www.vetlifetoday.org/football (to register military children for the free clinic). If interested in volunteering, reach out to Leslie Thompson – leslie@brumark.com
EDPA Northwest
Event: State of the Labor Industry
Date: May 21, 2024
Location: Webinar
Time: 10:00 - 11:00am PDT
Event Description: Jim Wurm 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 Northwest
Event: Denver, CO Happy Hour!
Date: June 4, 2024
Location: Denver, CO – Venue TBD
Time: 4:00pm MDT
Event Description: Join us in person in Denver, CO for a networking happy hour! Come for a drink and stay for the conversations.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/890776545627?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Midwest
Event: Legislative Action Day Social
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Location: Driftwood Grille - 17W648 W 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Time: 4:00 - 7:00pm CDT
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: Registration is not required, but will help us with a rough headcount - Register here
EDPA Midwest
Event: Baseball Night - Schaumburg Boomers Suite
Date: June 12, 2024
Location: Wintrust Field, 1999 S Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193
Time: 6:30pm CDT
Event Description: Have a ball with the EDPA Midwest on Wednesday, June 12th at the Schaumburg Boomers game! Limited space available in the reserved suite. Soda, beer, cocktails, and food options are available for purchase individually with the server. The Jim Beam Club is accessible from the suite.
Registration link: Registration Link