Industry professionals to discuss success of live events

This year, as part of the MOD’11 networking events, Exhibit City News will hold a complimentary breakfast buffet for attendees during a Meet Las Vegas networking event. In conjunction, the Exhibit Industry Council (EIC) is hosting a panel discussion. These events are taking place during EXHIBITOR2011.

The event, which will take place at 9 a.m. on March 29 at the Four Seasons Mandalay Bay, will feature several industry professionals and exhibitors reviewing the activities of the EIC and addressing specific issues that interfere with the success of live events. The group will also demonstrate creative solutions to common tradeshow problems.

“We have learned that is not only important, but vital, that all stakeholders in our industry be present in discussions impacting our association’s and our industry’s future,” said Jim Wurm, moderator of the discussion and executive director of the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA). “As long as I’ve been in the industry there has been discussion about creating a standard system for reporting show results. Up until now, it’s been a lot of talk and not a lot of action.”

Among the panel of industry members is Jeff Masters, senior manager, global events at Philips Healthcare in the Boston area. Masters has past experience as a client-side supply chain strategist and a global event strategist for IBM.

Tradeshow Management, the live events management company, is sending BJ Enright to participate in the panel. Enright, who is currently the president of Tradeshow Logistics, has a broad career in the industry, which includes experience managing accounts and sales at several companies.

Jonathan “Skip” Cox will also be on the panel. Cox is currently CEO of Exhibit Surveys Inc. and centers his career on client development and becoming the face of the company. Cox joined Exhibit Surveys in 1971.

From EliteXPO Cargo Systems will be Dave Mihalik, who founded the company with his wife in 1987. Mihalik focuses the company on technology-based exhibit services and has expanded the company to provide the industry with more freight options.

Justin Hersh of Delphi Productions has over 20 years of experience in the design and production of live events. He is currently the founder and CEO of Delphi.

The CEO and owner of Nuvista, Amanda Helgemoe, will also be on the panel. Nuvista is a nationwide team of sales, management, audio visual technicians, project managers, and lead men and laborers that service the tradeshow industry.

“We chose those individuals that could best represent the perspective of their stakeholders and who also have demonstrated an understanding of the big picture,” said Wurm. “Our goal is to elevate the discussion about this subject in hopes that we can begin to get buy-in from all industry segments that the time to embrace standardized show metrics is now.”

Along with the discussion panel will be a dedicated “Meet Las Vegas” exhibition area. These tradeshow resources throughout the valley are available to provide services to tradeshows while they are in Las Vegas.

Among these exhibitors is the Preferred Promotional Model and Talent Group. This company provides models and live talent to any tradeshow or convention event.

“I hope to get more connected with new Las Vegas clients, and be more connected in the industry,” said Sondra Irwin, president of Preferred Promotional Model and Talent Group. “I want to get the PPG Model and Talent name out there.”

To fulfill the wide array of tradeshow needs, exhibitors during this networking event will feature companies like a limo service, an equipment rental facility that provides video games and photobooths, and an emcee and photography/videography service.

The complete list of exhibitors includes:

Preferred Promotional Model & Talent Group
Presidential Limousine
AGR – Amusement Game Rentals
Dream Entertainment
MOD’11 Awards
Octanorm
Agile Tradeshow & Events
EliteExpo
Abex
Exhibit City News
Tradeshow Lifestyles
EACA
Goodfellows Shoe Shine