ESCApe to Vermont for Service Contracting Industry Meeting

The Exhibition Services & Contractors Assn.'s Summer Educational Conference has expanded its offerings for both attendees and their families. Set to take place at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe, Vt., June 24–27, about 200 members of the exhibition service industry, including spouses and companions, are expected to attend.

Maintaining momentum and balance is the theme of this year's conference, now in its 18th year. The annual meeting is one of several ESCA events now planned and produced through its association management firm, the Augusta Group.

The meeting will focus on professional education, training and networking for members of the exhibition service industry. Educational sessions will follow three tracks: sales, operations, and executive/management. During educational sessions, interactive forums and industry roundtables, 18 recognized industry professionals will address executive management, human resources, labor relations, technology trends, the current state of the industry and other issues.

Eighteen companies will exhibit in a small, ongoing tradeshow during breaks and lunch periods. With a large increase in exhibitor participation over last year, ESCA plans to expand exhibit space for future events.

"Our sponsors have really stepped up and nearly doubled past participation in the conference," said Larry Arnaudet, ESCA executive director and an associate with the August Group.

The Augusta Group has added some new elements to round out the conference this year. For instance, over the course of the event exhibitors and major sponsors will each have an opportunity to deliver brief presentations to the entire attendance.

The Spouses' Activity Center is another new feature. Doubling as a base for friends and family members of attendees, the center will provide guests with morning meals and refreshments, assist in making restaurant reservations, arrange spa services and help plan local activities. Child care will also be available at the resort.

"Our meeting has always been a family-oriented event," Arnaudet said. "It's a great break for our members and a chance to spend time with their families after the rigors of the spring schedules."

According to Arnaudet, ESCA chooses different resort properties in various geographical locations for the Summer Conference each year. Site selection is firm through '09, with next year's event set for Monterey, Calif.

As an association, ESCA works to advance the industry through promoting education, training, advocacy and industry best practices. Its current membership numbers 160 companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico.