(Picture above is from mixed-reality CES 2021 keynote address)
by H. K. Wilson
As the first month of the new year is coming to a close, it’s time to double down on your New Year’s resolutions— tradeshow companies and events do just that as they continue to pivot to stay open and solvent.
INVNT™ Partners With GM to Deliver Opening Keynote at All-Digital CES 2021
INVNT, the global live brand storytelling agency, joined forces with General Motors to ideate, design and produce the opening keynote address at renowned technology conference, CES 2021.
Airing globally on January 12, at 9 a.m. EST, viewers saw GM Design, Engineering and Technology leaders
hip set in a mixed-reality LED arena, which thanks to the Epic Games Unreal Engine, rendered out virtual environments in real time. This cutting-edge, 3D technology created a series of mixed reality locations, each designed to immerse and engage a tech-savvy CES audience, while telling GM’s electrification story.
The presentation began in the virtual Zero Theater, where the Unreal Engine enabled a series of representative 3D images to appear as GM leadership reflected on 2020.
The audience was then transported to GM’s Research & Development Laboratory, where engineers and technicians were surrounded by math-based computer-generated animations showcasing the functionality and architecture of GM’s Ultium battery platform.
GM Design leadership shifted between the virtual Zero Theater and Ultium Showroom as they presented GM’s commitment to 30 new EVs in the next five years, many brought to life through math-based computer-generated 
animations, also enabled by the Unreal Engine.
Jerry Deeney (pictured right), chief client officer at INVNT’s parent company, INVNT GROUP, says, “INVNT is incredibly honored to have partnered with GM on this milestone keynote address at CES 2021. Our strategy was to create an experience which was relevant to the CES audience, by balancing high-end production values with a storytelling methodology that would highlight GM’s transformational approach to electrification. Fusing entertainment of value with the Unreal Engine and INVNT’s storytelling muscle ensured our end-goals were achievable.”
To watch the keynote, visit: www.gmexhibitzero.com/mary-barra.html and for more info about BrightDrop visit: https://www.gobrightdrop.com/
GES Launches Flex Talent Pool Program for the Exhibition Industry
GES, a global, full-service marketing and logistics partner for the exhibition and convention industry, announced an industry-wide Flex Talent Pool program offering flexible, temporary work opportunities for experienced exhibition professionals. In anticipation of exhibitions returning in 2021, the new Flex Talent Pool will be first introduced in the U.S., covering key locations where shows are expected to occur.
According to EVP of Exhibitions Jeff Quade (pictured left), “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and events abruptly canceling, thousands of experienced and talented trade show personnel lost employment. As shows and events begin to come back safely, we want to prioritize work opportunities for those talented and skilled exhibition employees that have been so pivotal to the success of our industry.”
Upon launch, the goal is to join forces with other leading industry suppliers to offer experienced exhibition talent a broader opportunity for flexible employment. GES is partnering with a third-party staffing agency to help recruit, on-board and manage the Flex Talent Pool.
For more info or to access a link to register, visit www.ges.com/about-GES/ges-flex-talent/.
30th Annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival Announces New Dates & New Virtual Tasting Experience
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is a nonprofit organization founded to raise funds for local charities while promoting the wine industry. Its 30th annual in-person wine festival was scheduled to happen in 2020 but was cancelled due to COVID-19. The wine festival’s in-person 30th anniversary events will now be celebrated primarily in September and October 2021 rather than in March.
To continue the March festival tradition, the wine festival is thrilled to additionally offer guests a new and innovative way to celebrate and enjoy wine from around the world from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Drink wine and enjoy a delightful evening at home and/or a spectacular night out later this year:
March 18: Cincy Wine Fest @ Home | Virtual Tasting Experience
August 23: Russ Wiles Memorial Golf Tournament |TPC River’s Bend
September 30: Winery Dinner Series | upscale restaurants across the city
October 1-2: 30th annual Cincinnati International Wine Festival | Duke Energy Convention Center
Proceeds from the non-profit Cincinnati International Wine Festival benefit more than 30
Greater Cincinnati arts, education, and health and human services charities. The festival has donated more than $6 million to local charities since its inception in 1991.
Anyone over the age of 21 is invited to purchase tickets to any of the wine festival events as they become available throughout the year. A limited number of tickets for the March 18 Cincy Wine Fest @ Home experience will be on sale from March 1-14 only. On sale dates for the remaining 2021 events are to be determined. COVID-19 protocols will be enforced at all events.
For more info or to purchase tickets, visit winefestival.com.
Upcoming stories in this series will feature companies and individuals who have pivoted or created new products to survive these difficult and challenging times. Please email us at newsdesk@exhibitcitynews.com for inclusion in future stories in this series.
