I recently finished three conference calls to discuss the initial rewrite of three different CEM modules: Exhibition & Event Sales Fundamentals, Facilities and Site Selection Module Task Force and Security, Risk and Crisis Management. For those of you going through the CEM curriculum I don’t think you’ll be seeing any of these revised modules. 

Based upon the timeline that was given to the task force members, most of the modules will not be complete until the end of August or early September. If all goes well and we stay on the timeline, the new modules could be presented and taught at this year’s Expo!Expo! in Miami. Don’t quote me on that because as w...Read More

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I knew starting my own company wouldn’t be a walk in the park but then most things in life that are worthwhile usually aren’t. When I started with Advanstar Communications over ten year’s ago it was just six weeks before one of there major tradeshows. I still remember it pretty vividly; trial by fire is definitely the best way to get burned or to learn. I’ve experienced and learned a lot of things since then. I know what it takes to put on a successful tradeshow. I know what makes up a successful consultant or contractor. 

To me a successful contractor or consultant is someone that when hired will eliminate me from having to worry about that part of the tradeshow. It’s someone that will give me piece of mind that on...Read More

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I recently finished my post show report and post show conference call for the Nightclub & Bar Show. Filling out the post show report I came across the topic of “vibe.” They wanted to know what worked, what didn’t and any suggestions to help improve the vibe. I was very excited to see this topic in the report because my last blog was about shows with attitude. “Vibe” is definitely something you can feel and sense. It might not be something you can see but you know it’s there. It fills the tradeshow floor and is felt by everyone. Some are more in tune to it than others but no one can deny they feel something when walking a tradeshow. I also believe that a tradeshows attitude and vibe go hand in hand the diff...Read More

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Where can you find a Playboy bus, Red Bull dance floor, Monster Energy dunk tank and more free alcohol then you can possibly drink? At the Nightclub & Bar Beverage Retailer Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas of course!

This show was incredible and definitely lived up to its reputation. The attitude and vibe from this show was intoxicating. If you exhibit at this show you wouldn’t know that our economy was in a slump because exhibitors and attendees were doing business like it was easy. Exhibitors and attendees were mixing drinks and mixing business with pleasure which seems to be how business is done in the nightclub and bar industry. Sure there was room...Read More

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Several weeks ago I sat down for a deco kick off meeting to discuss what general contractors and most of us in the trade show industry refer to as a “look and feel” meeting. In a “look and feel” meeting you start to talk about colors, graphics and anything that gives a show its visual appeal and identity. 

A tradeshow to me is like a small city the floor plan is the blueprint for this city and the signs, banners, graphics and even the exhibitor booths contribute to this “look and feel”. Much like a city with parks, libraries and shopping centers a tradeshow has show management areas like new product showcases, first time exhibitor showcases, special events areas and other promotional areas depending on the show.

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People go to the spa to escape from their stressful everyday life for a short time. But for me going to the Day Spa Expo was disappointing. The graphics they used for their website and their entrance unit was wonderful. But none of it was carried over in the show. I know there is only so much you can do to make your show floor exciting but I just felt that there were improvements that could have enhanced the show. 

(Now before I start to describe the rest of my experience at the show I want to put something out there. If I write anything that you have a question or comment on please let me know. I you think that I am completely wrong or out of my mind please comment. When walking a show I am looking at it from my show management point...Read More

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