The Experiential Designers and Producers Association Las Vegas (EDPALV) had their 2023 New Year Mixer, New Year Kick-Off January 17 at The Front Yard at Ellis Island Hotel.
Don Svehla, publisher of Exhibit City News, was impressed by the turnout. “Almost everyone who had registered attended,” he said. With 30 Las Vegas companies being on the scene, exhibit builders, event production, lighting suppliers, install and dismantle, signage and more were represented at the mixer, sponsored by beMatrix and Hill & Partners.
The association’s executive board was in attendance with EDPALV President Mike Sunseri (DS&L) and Vice President Josh Wolfe (beMatrix) checking people in and Secretary Gayle Wright (ipme) one of the first to arrive. Social Media Manager Angie Johnson (Freeman) and Membership Lorie Schlichting (Color Reflections) were on hand for the team to host the new year kick-off.
Drink tickets were exchanged and conversation was had between bites of mac ‘n cheese and pretzel cheese dip. Challenges for the tradeshow industry in the new year were discussed, in addition to just plain socializing among friends and colleagues. Challenges are something Sunseri is aware of, as well as EDPA’s commitment to advocacy. “We continue to monitor hot topics related to the industry and provide a platform for those who would like to speak on those various issues; similar to the Exhibitor Advocacy Engagement Event with Jessica Sibila that was held at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Facility in October,” he said.
New beginnings and continuing growth combined to create energy greater than the sum of its parts on the upper deck of The Front Yard. And expanding EDPA membership is “ … a work in progress,” said Sunseri. “We are more focused than ever on increasing membership and event attendance year after year.” Indeed, Svehla observed, “Notable is a changing dynamic here in Las Vegas, a sort of changing of the guard as new faces are replacing some long time people in attendance.”
Some of the events include the annual holiday food drive for the Whitney Elementary School, and the association’s annual Educational Scholarship Golf Tournament, “Our 20th year holding this event!” he enthused. There were other events coming he couldn’t talk about just yet. “One of our chapter’s primary initiatives in 2023 is to increase the number of our educational, charitable, and networking events, stay tuned for more details.”
Connection and communication provide support to those engaged in the design, manufacture, transport, installation and service sectors of the Vegas exhibition and event industry. The EDPA knows this; as Sunseri said, “The Las Vegas chapter is committed to providing support to the tradeshow industry through our various events and will continue to spread the word that EDPA Las Vegas is available to any person or company who wants to support our industry.”
