by Tammy Severino
The purpose of the newly launched non-profit, National Tradeshow Alliance, is to help tradeshow industry workers recover, re-connect and get back to doing the work they love.
The board of directors of the NTA recognizes and values the good works of the many industry associations and coalitions that already exist, each serving their mission and purpose within the live events world. The goal of this new non-profit is to build a community for ALL the individuals who work in the tradeshow industry, providing a central gathering point for information about programs and initiatives that can benefit the tradeshow family.
The NTSA is focusing 2021 efforts to gather and promote programs that help industry workers find their way back to employment, brush up on skills and ultimately advance individuals’ career goals.
The NTSA launch event was held August 5 in Atlantic City and featured speakers, training and a job expo. Next up, a virtual Together Again Job Fair & Expo that will run on-demand throughout the month of December. Then it’s back to in-person events as the Together Again Job Fair & Expo continues its Live Hometown Series in Arlington, Texas, next year on March 17-18 and in Denver, June 9-10.
“I know from talking to people all over the globe that we are a family, and can work together to support one another, create opportunities and survive the devastation to our livelihood this pandemic caused,” says NTSA founder, Laura Palker (pictured right). “It is my total admiration of every person at every corner of this industry that caused me to take action.”
This remarkable time made it clear that additional communication bridges were needed for those who were less connected. According to Kevin Carty, co-founding director, “Too often, I have noticed that the people below the C-Suite are not aware of the great things like advocacy, workforce training and other support programming from the many great associations that support it. With the formation of the NTSA, we can provide a platform for everyone to see and know what is happening daily in our great industry.”
In light of the mission, the NTSA will be the sponsoring organization for the Together Again Job Fair & Expo in 2021. The Together Again Expo was established by a group of passionate tradeshow industry professionals in the summer of 2020. The event became a powerful beacon, proving that live business events can be hosted safely and responsibly. Now, gearing up for the second annual event, the focus will be on getting individuals in the tradeshow industry back to work, sharpening skills and supporting one another during recovery.
According to Mark Yuska (pictured left), co-founding director of the NTSA and founder of Together Again Expo, “The mission of NTSA really aligns. We created this event to bring hope to the people of our industry during really dark times. We knew it was possible and had such incredible support on all fronts to make it happen. In 2021, we’re really looking forward to gathering, Together Again, to help as many tradeshow workers as possible get back to work and move forward successfully.
The purpose of the National Trade Show Alliance and the “TOGETHER LET’S BE THE VOICE” Campaign is to address the needs (financial, education, social services, wellness programs) of the people in the tradeshow industry created by the suspension of tradeshows, conventions and conferences. For more info, visit nationaltradeshowalliance.org.
This story originally appeared in the Sept./Oct. 2021 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 46. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_sept-oct_2021
