During EXHIBITORLIVE, held March 1-5 in Las Vegas, the Exhibit Designers + Producers Association (EDPA) International Chapter, the global outreach arm of the trade organization, took part in several international events including hosting its annual breakfast meeting and sponsoring an inaugural yearly dinner.
Typically held directly on the show floor, the EDPA International Chapter Breakfast Meeting was this year hosted at South Seas I at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Three speakers presented news, tips and trends – Irene Albarran, CEO, Expoquarzo, shared information on exhibiting in Mexico; Venen Paratian, co-founder and executive director, PMNglobal, discussed international protocol, principles and practices; and Cam Stevens, EDPA International Chapter chair and president of stevensE3, helped to simplify international projects.
Held at the Misora room of the Platinum Hotel, the EDPA-sponsored EXHIBITORLIVE International Dinner would be the first for the planned annual affair. The sold-out event included more than 75 professionals who conduct business internationally. An intimate setting overlooking Las Vegas’ city lights fostered networking and discussion on international business over a three-course wine dinner.
With hopes to expand to accommodate additional guests next year, the annual international dinner will likely select another external venue, according to Stevens, who was past president of EDPA in 2012 and current Education Committee chair for the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services.
“The event was well-received. There was excellent conversation throughout between fellow international industry professionals from the U.S. who exhibit overseas and vice versa,” Stevens shared.
EDPA International Chapter goals
- Add value and create networking opportunities for international companies to interact with U.S. companies, and vice versa
- Provide international related educational content on rules and regulations in other countries
