Key Events, Industry Insights, and Chapter Highlights from Across the EDPA Network
EDPA National Update
ACCESS 2025: Final Keynote, Awards, and Sponsorship Updates
The countdown is on for ACCESS 2025, taking place December 3 at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. The closing keynote will feature Leo Chan, Chief Innovation Igniter at Abound Innovation Inc., whose people-first approach to creativity offers attendees a high-energy call to action.
In addition, submissions for the 2025 EDPA Awards are open through October 3. Winners will be honored during the President’s Gala at ACCESS. Awards are open to active EDPA member companies.
Chris Griffin to Host “Taking the Long View” Webinar
EDPA President Chris Griffin will lead a virtual session titled Taking the Long View on Wednesday, September 17, from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. The conversation will explore his unique career path, lessons in leadership, and what’s ahead for ACCESS 2025.
🔗 Register for Chris Griffin Webinar
Future Leaders Program: Nominations Open
Nominations for the 2025 Future Leaders Class are now open through October 3. Winners will be recognized at ACCESS 2025 for their contributions and emerging leadership in the industry.
EDPA Good Works: Supporting the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Tournament
As part of EDPA’s Good Works initiative, the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Tournament continues its mission to support families in the industry facing medical hardship. This year’s event underscores EDPA’s commitment to compassion and connection across the exhibit and event community.
EDPA Las Vegas Chapter
Oktoberfest Networking Night Set for September 30
The EDPA Las Vegas Chapter is raising a pint to connection and community at its upcoming Oktoberfest celebration, happening Tuesday, September 30, at Able Baker Brewing Co. in downtown Las Vegas.
From 6 to 8 p.m., members and guests will enjoy craft beer, food, and plenty of networking opportunities in a relaxed atmosphere. Early bird ticket pricing runs through September 23, with proceeds supporting chapter programming throughout the year.
The chapter is also seeking new board members and volunteers, making Oktoberfest the perfect occasion to get involved in shaping the future of EDPA Las Vegas.
🎟 Tickets: Register Here
Las Vegas Hosts IFES Masterclass in August
In partnership with IFES, the Las Vegas Chapter welcomed members and international guests to a two-day Masterclass at UNLV’s Blackfire Innovation Center on August 27–28. The program featured hands-on sessions, cultural insight, and cross-border collaboration, with presenters including Han Leenhouts, Martijn Besaris, Reed Sowder, and Andrew Childers.
The Masterclass provided participants with tools to better understand global strategies and client expectations while fostering international connections that will extend beyond the classroom.
For more information, contact:
Mark Condon, Chapter President – Allstates WorldCargo
mcondon@allstates-worldcargo.com
EDPA Upper Midwest Chapter
Upper Midwest Tees Off for the 52nd Annual UMEDPA Golf Outing
The 52nd Annual UMEDPA Golf Outing brought together the Upper Midwest’s trade show pros for a full day of sunshine, swings, and cold beer at Heritage Links Golf Club in Lakeville, Minnesota. Hosted by the EDPA Upper Midwest Chapter, the event mixed business and pleasure with a laid-back vibe and great turnout.
New this year: the “19th Hole Bar Crawl” in downtown Lakeville added an extra round of fun after the final putt dropped, keeping the networking going well into the night.
“Events like this remind us how tight-knit and fun this industry can be,” said Mark Condon, Chapter President and longtime EDPA member with Allstates WorldCargo. “We’re already looking forward to next year.”
For more information, contact:
Mark Condon, Chapter President – Allstates WorldCargo
mcondon@allstates-worldcargo.com
EDPA Midwest Chapter
Midwest Chapter Hosts IFES Masterclass in Chicago
EDPA Midwest partnered with the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) to host a two-day Masterclass August 25–26 at 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza in Chicago. The event drew local and international professionals for workshops, panels, and networking focused on the future of experiential and exhibit design.
Speakers included Jason Popp, Han Leenhouts, Steve Deckel, Reed Sowder, and Lynne Damer Moss. In addition to daytime programming, attendees connected at a chapter-hosted social night at City Winery—one of three networking events organized throughout the week.
Up Next: Virtual Expo 2025 Preview with Charles Pappas
EDPA Midwest will host a virtual session with industry journalist Charles Pappas on Thursday, September 25, at 12:00 p.m. CST. The program will offer a preview of EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan, with insight into global design trends, immersive storytelling, and what to expect from the next world’s fair.
Strikes & Scares Returns October 23
The chapter’s 8th Annual Strikes & Scares Bowling Event is set for Thursday, October 23, at Bowlero in Glendale Heights. This costume-optional charity event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association and includes bowling, raffles, and a silent auction. Networking begins at 5 p.m., followed by bowling from 6 to 8 p.m.
Participants can register as a team, solo bowler, or social attendee. Costumes encouraged—but not required.
For more information, contact:
Courtney Soice, Chapter President – Hamilton
csoice@hamilton-ex.com
EDPA Northwest Chapter
CORT Events Webinar to Explore Design Trends and Elevated Experiences
On Tuesday, September 23, the EDPA Northwest Chapter will co-sponsor a free industry webinar presented by Kevin Dana, executive director of marketing and merchandising at CORT Events.
Titled Creating Elevated Experiences for Exhibits and Events, the session will focus on current design, furnishings, and color trends that help exhibitors and marketers deliver better attendee experiences. Dana will also address how CORT is incorporating sustainability and accountability across the supply chain for its rental furnishings.
The event is open to all exhibit and event professionals and will run from 1 to 2 p.m. ET / 10 to 11 a.m. PT.
Sponsored by Classic Exhibits Inc. and EDPA Northwest.
For more information, contact:
Nicole Klein, Chapter President – Exhibit Expressions, Inc.
nklein@exhibitexpressions.com
EDPA Southeast Chapter
Southeast Chapter Bowls for a Cause in Atlanta
The EDPA Southeast Chapter hosted its annual Get Out of the Gutter… for a Good Cause event on August 21 at Bowlmor Lanes in Atlanta, Georgia.
The evening brought industry professionals together for networking, team bowling, and fundraising in support of the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic. Attendees arrived early to gear up and hit the lanes for an evening of strikes, spares, and community connection.
Held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., the event offered corporate sponsorship opportunities and drew strong participation from across the region.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Mainhart, Chapter President – CORT
sarah.mainhart@cort.com
EDPA Northeast Chapter
Crabs and Baseball at Ripken Stadium
On August 19, the EDPA Northeast Chapter hosted a summer outing at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland. Members and guests enjoyed a casual evening of networking while watching the IronBirds take on the Brooklyn Cyclones.
The event featured premium seats behind home plate, plus an all-you-can-eat buffet that included Maryland steamed crabs and stadium favorites. Despite a 5–4 loss for the home team, attendees left with full plates and great conversation.
The Classic Returns to Cyprian Keyes
The chapter’s signature charity golf tournament, The Classic, returned to Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, Massachusetts, on Monday, September 8.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of the late Matthew Dube of Elevation3D, whose legacy continues to inspire across the industry. The tournament brought the community together for a day of golf and connection, while raising funds to support families in need.
For more information, contact:
Kayla Gott, Chapter President – Agam
kgott@agam.com
