(Dasher Lowe, Executive Director of EDPA, welcomes attendees to the 70th annual EDPA ACCESS conference in Desert Springs, California, setting the stage for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration. Photo by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News.)
EDPA Marks Seven Decades with Inspiration, Networking, and Industry Excellence
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
The 70th annual EDPA ACCESS conference, held from December 3 through 5, 2024, in California’s stunning Coachella Valley, was a milestone event that brought together professionals from the exhibit and experiential design industry. Hosted at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, the conference was a perfect blend of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration.
Keynote Insights: Jessica Cox Inspires
Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless pilot, set the tone with her keynote speech, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and inclusivity. Her journey of overcoming physical challenges resonated deeply with the audience. “The meaning of not just doing things in my head, but with a journey of self-confidence to be up here today—that’s something every single one of us is on,” Cox shared.
Cox captivated attendees with a demonstration of how her service dog, Chewy, assists her in everyday tasks, underscoring the importance of universal design. “Chewy helps me with packing things and accessing items that are otherwise too hard for me to reach,” she explained. Her message was clear: design should reflect inclusivity and consider diverse abilities.
Early Festivities: Golf and Jeep Tours
The event began with pre-conference traditions—the Annual Golf Scramble and a San Andreas Jeep Tour—designed to foster connections in relaxed and scenic settings. “We had 120 golfers and over 60 attendees for the Jeep Tour, which means more than half the attendees arrived early to participate. It’s the best turnout for early events we’ve ever had,” said Matthew Little, VP of Nuvista.
The golf scramble took place on a challenging but picturesque course, earning rave reviews. “The feedback I’ve been hearing is that it was a tough course, but everyone had a great time,” Little added. Jeep tour participants explored the dramatic landscapes of the San Andreas Fault, bonding over breathtaking views and shared experiences.
A Newcomer’s Perspective
First-time attendee Georgia Frank-Tann, owner of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Exhib-It! was enthusiastic about joining the EDPA community. “This is my first ACCESS, and I’m excited to meet all these amazing people. Everyone I’ve talked to says the atmosphere here is special—it’s more about camaraderie than competition,” she said.
For Frank, the conference offered an opportunity to network and gain insights to steer her business forward. “I’m hoping to learn from those who have been in this industry for years,” she said.
Celebrating Seven Decades
The event’s 70th anniversary was a moment of pride and reflection. EDPA leaders recognized past presidents and longtime members, celebrating the association’s legacy and its impact on the industry. Chris Griffin, Vice President of EDPA, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This is a celebration not only of where we’ve been but where we’re headed as an industry.”
Collaboration and Networking
Throughout the conference, EDPA leaders encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful connections. From breakout sessions to informal conversations around food and drinks, every moment was an opportunity to build relationships and exchange ideas. “It’s these moments that solidify our professional bonds and inspire our creative solutions,” Griffin remarked.
EDPA also highlighted its Future Leaders program, showcasing a new class of rising stars poised to shape the industry’s future. Attendees were urged to connect with these promising professionals and participate in sessions designed to enhance their skills.
Recognizing Excellence
The Presidents Gala and Award Reception on Day 2 was a celebration of industry achievements. The EDPA Future Leaders Class of 2024 included Aaron Diehl (Genesis Exhibits), Cory Lynch (Hamilton), Jake Rose (Taylor Visual Impressions), Maddie Bauer (Storylink Creative), Marissa Fitzpatrick (Apogee), Shannon Brown (EDE Corporation), Brittany Deihl (Good Time Creative), Malgorzata Laszkiewicz (Derse), Ashley Crane (Acer Exhibits and Events LLC), Elizabeth Martinez (Steelhead Productions), Kristin Satunick (Elevation3D), Maddy Cleary (Lighthouse Exhibits, Inc.), Pablo Vargas (Protrade Logistics), Tom Carey (Bay Limco), Gina Zanutto (Condit Exhibits), Blake Rathbun (beMatrix USA), Franck Bidamon (Trussworks), Kylee Beaver (NPARALLEL + Atomic Props), Maggie McIntyre (Nth Degree), Sebastian van de Klundert (Calison Expo), Trevor Beisler (Rill & Partners), and Louise Brown (Deckel & Moneypenny).
Other awards included:
- Small Chapter of the Year: Texas
- Large Chapter of the Year: Midwest
- Best Online or Multimedia Campaign: Storylink Creative
- Best Print Campaign: Deckel & Moneypenny
- Best Small Exhibit: Rockway Exhibits + Events
- Best Large Exhibit (20×20 or larger): Access – Building Brand Engagement
- Best End-to-End Campaign: Exhibit Concepts
- Best International Collaboration: Happy projects & beMatrix
- Best Sustainability: Classic Exhibits
Individual honors went to Josh Frisbie (Designer of the Year), James Zacharias (Ambassador Award), and Alex Hill (Hazel Hays Award).
Closing Reflections
As the event wrapped up, Dan Serebin, CFO of Derse, reflected on its success. “This was one of the best ACCESS events yet,” he said, crediting the enthusiasm and optimism of attendees. “It’s enthusiasm about actual stuff that’s happening in the industry,” he emphasized, noting the opportunities and positive developments shared throughout the conference.
Serebin praised the educational sessions for their alignment with industry needs. “EDPA did a good job of matching what’s happening in the industry with the content, versus just repeating what was done last year,” he noted.
Highlighting the importance of fostering the next generation, Serebin applauded the strong participation in the Future Leaders program, seeing it as a testament to companies’ investment in their teams. “The evidence of what happened last night shows more people are believing in their company, this industry, and this event,” he added.
Looking Ahead
As EDPA ACCESS 2024 concluded in California’s picturesque Coachella Valley, attendees left inspired and optimistic. The association’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community ensures a bright future for the exhibit and experiential design industry.
With plans already underway for the next gathering in Amelia Island, Florida, EDPA continues to be a driving force in fostering collaboration and excellence in the industry.
