World Market Center Offers Exhibitors Instructions, Advice
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 6/26/2006
The West's mega-furniture mart, the World Market Center, is giving companies a few lessons, in hopes of making exhibiting in its semiannual Las Vegas Market tradeshow go a little more smoothly.
The WMC operations team, led by Las Vegas Market Show Director Briana Mackey, has conducted its first two online workshops, called "Plan Your Way to a Successful Market." About 100 people signed up for the June 7 and June 14 webinars that covered exhibiting basics, from registration and housing information, to drayage and targeted move-ins.
Freeman, WMC's only official general contractor for the upcoming July Market, did not contribute to the content but was often referenced, Mackey said.
Due to Las Vegas' crammed exhibition calendar, the WMC has been forced to stage its temporary exhibits at different venues. In January, the show was held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The July 25–28 tradeshow will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where it was held last summer. Mackey said contracts have not been signed for the show next January, one of the LVCC's busiest months.
Dana Pretner, WMC director of marketing and public relations, described the exhibitor education program as a cost-effective way to address common questions and concerns raised at the two inaugural Markets.
"As every show manager knows, it is difficult to get exhibitors to read their manuals," Pretner said. "This program is an attempt to present the information in a unique and interactive manner so there is more retention and understanding amongst exhibitors."
She said participants suggested adding photos of presenters to the program, but otherwise they were satisfied with it.
"We felt it was a great starting point, and with more promotion to our exhibitors, look forward to growing this program over time," Pretner added.
