Key Events, Industry Insights, and Chapter Highlights from Across the EDPA Network
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
Welcome to the March edition of the EDPA Roundup, your monthly source for the latest developments, events, and initiatives from the Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA).
This month’s highlights include AI-driven education, industry insights on tariffs and trade policies, and final preparations for EDPA Chapters Collide at EXHIBITORLIVE 2025. Here’s what’s happening across the chapters:
EDPA Las Vegas Chapter
3rd Annual Skating & Hockey Extravaganza
The EDPA Las Vegas Chapter recently hosted its 3rd Annual Skating & Hockey Extravaganza, with Exposures, Ltd. Photography capturing the action both on and off the ice.
More about Exposures, Ltd. Photography: https://exposuresltd.com
Tariffs and Tradeshows: Industry Insights
On February 18, EDPA Las Vegas hosted Tariff Talk, a virtual discussion on how trade policies and tariffs affect the exhibit and events industry.
Speakers included:
- Kevin Carty, EVP, Classic Exhibits
- Rob Cohen, Vice President, Display Supply & Lighting
Key discussion points:
- Section 232 and Section 301 Tariffs: How they impact steel, aluminum, lighting, and other exhibit components.
- Potential Reciprocal Tariffs: New tariffs could be introduced as early as March 12, adding cost uncertainty to exhibitors and suppliers.
- Financial Protections: Businesses were advised to include tariff-related disclosures in pricing agreements to guard against sudden cost increases.
With ongoing industry concerns, EDPA Las Vegas and other industry groups will continue to advocate for tariff relief, including at the Legislative Action Day on May 29 in Washington, D.C.
EDPA Northeast Chapter
AI in the Workplace: Virtual Session with Celia Quillian
March 5, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST | Virtual
The EDPA Northeast Chapter presents an educational session featuring Celia Quillian, AI strategist and author of AI for Life.
Topics covered:
- Understanding generative AI
- Exploring AI tools
- Maximizing efficiency
- Practical applications for business
Speaker: Celia Quillian has been featured in The New York Times, Time, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal for her insights on AI in the workplace.
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/250353054995158
EDPA Upper Midwest Chapter
Supercharge Your Business: Practical AI Solutions
The Upper Midwest Chapter recently hosted a Zoom webinar featuring Jordan L. Walker and Hunter McKinley from Backtrack – AI Booth Sales Assistant. The session explored practical AI tools for business automation and efficiency.
Watch the recording here: https://zoom.us/clips/share/4nR7MvP2RSSgSwDrzjcmng
EDPA Chapters Collide at EXHIBITORLIVE 2025
March 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM CDT | Howl at the Moon, San Antonio
- Over 100 attendees registered
- Networking, industry insights, and sponsor recognition
- Final ticket price: $125 after February 28
Sponsors include Brumark, CORT Events, CSI Worldwide, Nuvista Event Services, The Inside Track, Hamilton Ex, and more.
Sponsorship opportunities available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edpa-chapters-collide-sponsorships-exhibitorlive-2025-tickets-1206392806359?aff=oddtdtcreator
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edpa-chapters-collide-exhibitorlive-2025-registration-1222974281999?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Midwest Chapter
Tiki Social at Hala Kahiki Lounge
February 27, 2025 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | River Grove, IL
The EDPA Midwest Chapter hosted a Tiki Social at Hala Kahiki Lounge, bringing together industry professionals in a relaxed setting for networking and conversation.
EDPA Great Lakes Chapter
Sponsorship Opportunities for Chapters Collide
The Great Lakes Chapter is rallying its members to sponsor the 5th Annual Chapters Collide event at EXHIBITORLIVE.
Sponsor the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edpa-chapters-collide-exhibitorlive-2025-registration-1222974281999?aff=oddtdtcreator
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edpa-chapters-collide-exhibitorlive-2025-registration-1222974281999?aff=oddtdtcreator
EDPA Northwest Chapter
Q&A with Jeff Quade, President of GES Exhibitions
February 19, 2025 | Virtual
This complimentary webinar featured Jeff Quade, President of GES North America, discussing:
- His background and leadership at GES
- The transition of GES from public to private
- Key challenges and opportunities in the exhibit industry
No available recording.
EDPA Southeast Chapter
Final Countdown to Chapters Collide
March 18, 2025 | Howl at the Moon, San Antonio
The EDPA Southeast Chapter is gearing up for one of the biggest networking events of the year.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1222974281999
Sponsor the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1206392806359
EDPA Texas & EDPA Southern California Chapters
No reported updates for March. If your chapter has news to share, send it in for next month’s roundup.
Get Your Chapter Featured!
Want to see your EDPA Chapter’s events, meetings, or initiatives in next month’s EDPA Roundup?
Send us your chapter meeting dates, agendas, and updates so we can include them in our coverage.
Contact Mark Hebert, Senior Reporter at Exhibit City News:
Email: markh@exhibitcitynews.com
Stay tuned for more updates in April.
