July Newsletter
Empowering the Future Workforce:
Exhibitions Industry Collective's Presence at SkillsUSA
The Exhibitions Industry Collective, a collaborative effort of key industry organizations including EDPA, ECA, ESCA, IAEE, IAVM, and SISO, was thrilled to participate in the recent SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, held from June 25th-27th in Atlanta, GA. This prestigious event saw over 10,000 high school students from across the country competing in various trade, technical, and skilled service competitions, providing a platform for participants to showcase their expertise, network with industry professionals, and explore diverse career opportunities.
This year's conference marked a pivotal moment for the Collective’s future workforce initiatives. The Collective hosted an engaging booth designed to connect with high school students, serving as a hub of resources and information on the diverse career paths within the exhibitions industry. SkillsUSA participants had the unique opportunity to engage with industry experts firsthand, gaining valuable insights into potential career trajectories.
The Collective received overwhelming support from a diverse array of industry leaders, with over 30 volunteers from member companies working the booth and engaging students in meaningful conversations about the opportunities within the industry. Companies such as AFR, beMatrix, Brumark, Edlen Electric, Moss, Nth Degree, and United Maintenance generously provided essential resources, bringing the booth to life on the show floor. Their unwavering support underscored the industry's profound dedication to workforce development and its pivotal role in shaping the future workforce. Special recognition is due to Fern, whose contributions in site management, booth design, and construction management were critical to the event's success.
The Exhibitions Industry Collective extends heartfelt gratitude to all the member companies who donated services for the booth and to the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make the event a resounding success. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to empowering and inspiring the future workforce of our industry.
EDPA joins IFES World Summit 2024:
Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation
EDPA President Chris Griffin and over 30 EDPA members recently participated in the IFES World Summit 2024, held from June 18-22. This event not only marked the 25th annual IFES gathering but also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the organization. The summit brought together top industry professionals and companies to exchange insights, foster collaborations, and acknowledge remarkable achievements. The theme "Sailing the Seas of Innovation" underscored the importance of adapting to a rapidly evolving world and addressing its challenges. Held in the picturesque city of Málaga, Spain, this year's summit attracted a record number of delegates who engaged in thought-provoking sessions and networking opportunities.
One of the summit's key moments was the business segment, which commenced on June 19 with the Annual General Meeting and a stimulating panel discussion on the benefits of inter-association collaboration in promoting industry growth and personal development. Industry leaders, including Tina Toribaba, Andrew Harrison, and Chris Griffin, shared their valuable experiences and insights. The gala and awards ceremony, set against the stunning backdrop of the ancient Alcazaba overlooking Malaga, honored exceptional IFES members Torsten Heinze and Justin Hawes with the prestigious IFES Roger Taurant Award.
IFES President Philippe Beille emphasized the summit's focus on sustainability, youth development, and innovation, highlighting the connections and insights that will propel the exhibition industry forward. The event served as a testament to IFES's commitment to advancing the industry and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
EDPA joins ESCA’s Summer Educational Conference
EDPA participated in The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) 2024 Summer Educational Conference. The event was held June 23 -26, at the prestigious Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia.
The event's theme, ESCAlation, saw a significant escalation in education, networking opportunities, and business connections for attendees. The conference was not just a gathering but a leap into the future of event participation. Session highlights included a panel discussion introducing the recently formed Exhibitions Industry Collective in which EDPA Executive Director, Dasher Lowe participated.
Julie Kagy, Executive Director of ESCA, expressed excitement about hosting the conference at such a prestigious venue with innovative tech integrations. The goal was to provide an educational platform that was informative, engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for all attendees. With the new website and technology suite, ESCA set a new standard for what a conference could be.
Attendees had the unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest in event services, network with industry leaders, and experience professional growth in an exceptional setting. The conference was a truly unforgettable journey that set the stage for future success in the industry.
SAVE THE DATE – EDPA ACCESS 2024!
December 3rd – 5th Palm Desert, CA.
EDPA’s annual ACCESS conference is being held at Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA. Lock it in your calendars now so you don’t miss out on this key industry event. Registration and event details will be coming later this summer. We look forward to seeing you there!
Notice – Beware of ACCESS 2024 Hotel Scams
EDPA has been made aware that a number of our members are already receiving scam emails offering room discounts for EDPA’s ACCESS 2024.
Please be aware that reservations should only be made through the official link below. We have secured a discounted room rate of $274.
EDPA Foundation Update
This month, the EDPAF is excited to share the story of one of our scholarship recipients. Osker Gamboa is a student at Nevada State University, and his father is a graphic designer at Elevation3D. Oscar is studying to be a pediatric nurse, and the EDPAF is proud to support him on his journey. Here’s Osker’s message to EDPA members in his own words as he pursues his dreams of helping others:
“I am grateful that my hard work and determination paid off, and I was chosen to receive this scholarship. Thanks to this scholarship, I didn't have to worry about paying for my first year of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies. I am finishing my freshman year with a strong academic standing, and I plan to apply for the NSU nursing program in early 2025. This scholarship has allowed me to move forward without financial burden and concentrate on my classes and personal growth. I am incredibly thankful to the EDPA for selecting me for this amazing scholarship, and I hope to fulfill my dream of helping others as a pediatric nurse.”
EDPAF remains committed to doing more good. Stay tuned next month as we share more details about upcoming good works and scholarship recipients!
Request from The Exhibitor Advocate: Raise your Voice!
Have you ever wanted to let your show organizer, supplier, and general services contractor know what you really think about exhibiting? Now is your chance! Complete this survey from The Exhibitor Advocate to share your thoughts.
By participating in the survey, respondents will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 gift certificates. The deadline for survey responses is July 31.
EDPA Midwest
Event Title: Chicago Randy Golf Outing
Date: Monday, July 29th
Location: Itasca Country Club - Itasca, 400 E Orchard St, Itasca, IL 60143
Time: 11:40am CST (group photo), 12:00pm CST (shotgun start)
Event Description: Join us for the 21st annual Chicago Randy Golf Outing! Whether you're a competitive golfer, just enjoy playing the game, or want to catch up with your colleagues on the course, this event has plenty of fun options for you. More information is available on the event website.
Registration link: Chicago Randy Link
EDPA Las Vegas
Event Title: EDPA Las Vegas Family Night at the Ballpark
Date: Thursday, August 1st
Location: Las Vegas Ballpark, 1650 S Pavilion Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
Time: 6:00 - 10:00pm PST
Event Description: Join us on the 3rd Base Party Deck as the Las Vegas Aviators take on the Albuquerque Isotopes!
$45 for Adults
$25 for Kids (age 15 and under)
We have reserved the 3rd Base Party Deck
Your ticket includes admission to the game, hot dogs, smoked and pulled BBQ chicken, sides, and non- alcoholic beverages
$2 Beer available in the Plaza (Located behind 3rd base) from 6:00-8:00pm
Tickets will be distributed electronically before the game
The game starts at 7:05 p.m. but plan to arrive early to mingle with your industry friends
Registration link: Event Registration
EDPA Northwest
Event Title: Booze & Bingo Fundraiser
Date: Friday, August 9th
Location: Online Webinar
Time: 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST)
Description: Join us on August 9th at 1pm PST (4pm EST) for our first online webinar fundraiser! This year we will be donating ALL of our proceeds to The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. The objective of the RSMGC is to help families in the exhibition industry who have suffered severe tragedies or face insurmountable medical expenses. Their commitment is to provide financial and emotional support to all past and present recipients and their families. We will play as many rounds as time allows but we are looking to host about 5 games. Since this is an online fundraiser where you can sit from the comfort of your own home, on a summer Friday afternoon - we invite you to bring your favorite 🍸 drink 🍹 to enjoy while supporting a great cause. Please note, the video portion of this webinar is completed through a Teams link and the bingo cards will be accessed via your web browser. You can reduce the size of both to fit on one screen, but if you have two monitors that is recommended.
We are also looking for event sponsors! 100% of these proceeds will be donated to The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. Platinum Sponsorship level includes your logo on our social media sites, eblasts and website both before and after the event. Your company logo will also be displayed on the bingo card background (imagine the background on the sides of the playing card). Silver Sponsorship level includes you logo on our social media sites, eblasts and website both before and after the event. But will NOT be included on the bingo card platform. And as a BONUS sponsorship, we are looking for 5 companies to donate a prize for each round winner.
If you are interested, please reach out to Emma Christen at emma.christen@csiworldwide.net.
Please let us know if you have any questions! Thank you 😊
Registration & Sponsorship link: Event Link
EDPA Great Lakes
Event Title: Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction
Date: Tuesday, August 13th
Location: Online
Time: 2:00-3:00pm EST
Description: Please join us for this important and educational webinar where the EDPA’s Sustainability Committee members, Jim Obermeyer with Bray Leino and Jason Popp with Moss, will present the Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction including how this guidance came about, the benefits, and how you can create your own check list using this tool.
Registration link: Register Now
EDPA Texas
Event Title: Texas EDPA August Trivia Night
Date: Wednesday, August 14th
Location: Zoom
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm CST
Description: Monthly trivia game hosted by TEXAS EDPA. 20 Multiple Choice Questions, lots of fun and banter. Winner takes home a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card (sponsored by Classic Exhibits) – Every month is a different challenger!
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82368665493?pwd=bFFiamd4Mng0Rm1aT0xHOTV5eGt4UT09
EDPA Upper Midwest
Event Title: 51st Annual Upper Midwest EDPA Golf Outing
Date: Thursday, August 15th
Location: Theodore Wirth Golf Course at 1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Time: 8:00am CST Registration, 9:00am Shotgun Start, 2:00pm Lunch & Social Hour
Description: Join us for the 51st Annual Golf Outing, Lunch and Social Hour, hosted by the UMEDPA on Thursday, August 15th, 8am shotgun start in Minneapolis. If you're a competitive golfer, just enjoy playing the game, or want to catch up with industry friends, the event has something for ALL!
Registration link: Click here
EDPA Southeast
Event Title: Get Out of the Gutter, for a good cause!
Date: Thursday, August 22nd
Location: Bowlmor Lanes at 2175 Savoy Drive in Atlanta, GA
Time: 4:30 – 8:30pm EST
Event Description: Join the SE EDPA Chapter for the 17th annual team bowling event to help support the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic! Sponsorships Available – Check out the website!
Registration link: Event Website
EDPA Northeast
Event Title: The Classic Golf Tournament
Date: Monday, September 9th
Location: Cyprian Keyes Golf Club - 284 East Temple Street, Boylston, MA, 01505
Time: 12:00 - 6:00pm EST
Event Description: Join us for the Northeast Chapter's Annual Golf Tournament
Registration link: https://edpanortheast.com/blog/2024/7/9/the-classic-edpa-northeast-annual-charity-golf-tournament