Boston-Based CorpEvents NE Partners with ACES to Manage 80,000 Sq. Ft. Spin Room and Press Area for Trump-Harris Debate at Philadelphia Convention Center
by Exhibit City News Staff
CorpEvents New England (NE), a Massachusetts-based event management company, is playing a crucial role in next week’s highly anticipated presidential debate in Philadelphia. Led by President Bob Dobinski, the company has been contracted to manage key elements of the event’s logistical setup, partnering with American Convention Exhibitor Service (ACES) to tackle the vast 80,000 square feet in Hall B of the Philadelphia Convention Center, where press and pundits will gather for the spin room.
Michael McGuckin, President of ACES, highlighted the strength of the partnership:
“Over the last 20 years, ACES has cultivated a unique strategic partnership with CorpEvents NE, delivering unparalleled customer service. Our collaboration stands as a testament to how mutual respect and dedication can create exceptional experiences for our clients. Our long-standing relationship showcases the power of synergy in consistently exceeding client expectations and setting new standards in the industry.”
The debate, set to feature Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in their first head-to-head of the 2024 election cycle, will attract national and international attention. Dobinski’s team is responsible for handling essential tasks such as carpeting, drapery, branding graphics, and the full labor setup in collaboration with local unions. This project showcases the company’s ability to deliver large-scale solutions while leveraging key partnerships.
A Niche Player with National Impact
While CorpEvents NE operates primarily within the New England region, their ability to pivot and meet national demands is one of their defining strengths. “We’re unique in that we focus solely on New England, but we rely on service partners across the country,” said Dobinski. “That allows us to contribute to major national events like this without overextending our reach.”
Dobinski said that this opportunity emerged from a longstanding relationship with ABC News, who reached out for assistance after working with the company on several previous debates. “It’s a great example of how partnerships can create opportunities,” Dobinski explained. “We don’t have a labor agreement in Philadelphia, but through our partnership with ACES, we’re able to make it happen.”
The Spin Room and Press Area
At the center of CorpEvents NE’s work is the creation of the spin room, where press and pundits will dissect the debate. The space will feature extensive carpeting, sound drapes to reduce echo, and branding graphics designed to serve as backdrops for media coverage. Dobinski’s team, working under ABC News’s creative direction, is tasked with transforming the convention space into a polished, functional area for both reporters and TV crews.
“ABC News wanted an economical implementation of their vision, and we’re working closely with their creative director, Megan Dohmlo, to bring it all together,” Dobinski said. “We had our first walkthrough last week and started moving in after Labor Day to ensure everything is ready for the press on Monday.”
Dohmlo, ABC News’s Creative Director, expressed her confidence in the team:
“When facing such a large project in such a short turnaround time, the best game plan is to surround yourself with people and vendors you trust. I knew that when I picked up the phone to pitch this enormous project to Bob, both the process and the end result would be a success.”
Meeting Challenges with Flexibility
A major challenge of the project has been the tight timeline. With only three weeks to plan and execute the setup, Dobinski emphasized the importance of his team’s flexibility. “Short planning cycles like this can lead to unanticipated circumstances, but our ability to pivot and find solutions quickly is what sets us apart,” he explained. “The trade unions in Philadelphia have been incredibly cooperative, which has made our job much smoother.”
Beyond New England
Though rooted in New England, CorpEvents NE has a track record of managing high-profile events nationwide. In addition to their work at the presidential debate, the company is active with the USTA and has been involved in notable venues like Madison Square Garden and the US Open tennis championship.
As the clock ticks down to the debate, Dobinski and his team are putting the final touches on the spin room, ensuring that everything will be in place when the cameras roll next Tuesday. “It’s all about execution,” Dobinski said. “We’ll be ready.”
