28.09.2014 Views

to see the photos and complete recap of the Gold 100 Awards ...

to see the photos and complete recap of the Gold 100 Awards ...

to see the photos and complete recap of the Gold 100 Awards ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

12 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


The Stars Came Out for TSE’s<br />

<strong>Gold</strong><strong>100</strong><br />

AWARDS & SUMMIT<br />

Half Moon Bay, CA – With a collective footprint <strong>of</strong> 39 million net sf <strong>of</strong> exhibit space,<br />

15,000 exhibiting companies <strong>and</strong> 3.3 million attendees, <strong>the</strong> <strong>100</strong> trade shows that made<br />

up <strong>the</strong> fourth annual Trade Show Executive <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> reflect some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important<br />

engines <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world economy. The organizers <strong>of</strong> those <strong>Gold</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ard events<br />

were honored by Trade Show Executive <strong>and</strong> 37 sponsors in a three-day extravaganza<br />

September 21-23 at <strong>the</strong> Ritz-Carl<strong>to</strong>n Half Moon Bay near San Francisco. Featuring<br />

a lineup <strong>of</strong> expert speakers, networking ‘til you drop, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> glamour <strong>and</strong> glitz <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

awards dinner, <strong>the</strong> event helps gets everyone in position <strong>to</strong> tackle <strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>and</strong><br />

opportunities that are likely <strong>to</strong> arise in <strong>the</strong> tumultuous election year ahead.<br />

7<br />

BY HIL ANDERSON, senior edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />

8<br />

www.TradeShowExecutive.com | Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 13


3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

2<br />

1<br />

7<br />

8<br />

The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

<br />

<strong>100</strong><br />

The Stars Came Out for TSE’s<br />

AWARDS & SUMMIT<br />

Half Moon Bay, CA – With a co lective footprint <strong>of</strong> 39 mi lion net sf <strong>of</strong> exhibit space,<br />

15,000 exhibiting companies <strong>and</strong> 3.3 mi lion attendees, <strong>the</strong> <strong>100</strong> trade shows that made<br />

up <strong>the</strong> fourth annual Trade Show Executive <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> reflect some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important<br />

engines <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world economy. The organizers <strong>of</strong> those <strong>Gold</strong> St<strong>and</strong>ard events<br />

were honored by Trade Show Executive <strong>and</strong> 37 sponsors in a three-day extravaganza<br />

September 21-23 at <strong>the</strong> Ritz-Carl<strong>to</strong>n Half Moon Bay near San Francisco. Featuring<br />

a lineup <strong>of</strong> expert speakers, networking ‘til you drop, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> glamour <strong>and</strong> glitz <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

awards dinner, <strong>the</strong> event helps gets everyone in position <strong>to</strong> tackle <strong>the</strong> cha lenges <strong>and</strong><br />

opportunities that are likely <strong>to</strong> arise in <strong>the</strong> tumultuous election year ahead.<br />

BY HIL ANDERSON, senior edi<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Who’s Who on Page 12 & 13<br />

1. Joe Loggia, CEO <strong>of</strong> Advanstar Communications,<br />

snags two awards for MAGIC<br />

Marketplace, one in <strong>the</strong> category <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

“Largest Semi-Annual Trade Show” <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r for “Best Use <strong>of</strong> Social Media.”<br />

2. Tad Ishizumi, president <strong>of</strong> Reed Exhibitions<br />

Japan, thought he was coming <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Gold</strong> Gala mainly <strong>to</strong> speak about crisis<br />

management in <strong>the</strong> aftermath <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> massive<br />

earthquake, tsunami <strong>and</strong> nuclear crisis in<br />

Japan. It <strong>to</strong>ok a few seconds before it sunk<br />

in, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n he was overcome with emotion<br />

when his name was announced as winner <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> award, “Against All Odds.”<br />

3. Meet <strong>the</strong> innova<strong>to</strong>rs, Karen Malone, VP <strong>of</strong><br />

Meeting Services for HIMSS, <strong>and</strong> Elli Riley,<br />

direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> exhibits & meeting services. HIMSS<br />

was judged <strong>the</strong> “Most Innovative Show” —<br />

winning in <strong>the</strong> most competitive category.<br />

4. Chet Burchett, president <strong>of</strong> Reed Exhibitions<br />

Americas, accepts <strong>the</strong> award, once again<br />

for Reed, whose eight blockbuster shows on<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> earned <strong>the</strong> distinction for <strong>the</strong><br />

company as “Top Show Organizer.”<br />

5. Gary Shapiro, president & CEO <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Consumer Electronics Association, wins two<br />

awards for <strong>the</strong> International CES Show by a<br />

comm<strong>and</strong>ing lead: “The Largest Annual Trade<br />

Show” <strong>and</strong> “Highest Economic Impact.”<br />

6. Galen Poss, COO <strong>of</strong> dmg::events, celebrates<br />

with Jackie James, direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Hanley<br />

Wood Exhibitions <strong>and</strong> Darel Cook, direc<strong>to</strong>r<br />

<strong>of</strong> expositions & meetings for <strong>the</strong> Promotional<br />

Products Association International.<br />

7. Adam Andersen, show direc<strong>to</strong>r for <strong>the</strong><br />

Natural Products Expo/Supply Expo, produced<br />

by New Hope Natural Media/Pen<strong>to</strong>n Media,<br />

wins for <strong>the</strong> fourth time in a row as <strong>the</strong> “Leader<br />

in Green Initiatives.”<br />

8. Michael Robertson, president & CEO <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, takes <strong>the</strong><br />

honors for <strong>the</strong> show with “The Most Dramatic<br />

Growth,” rocketing 54% in attendance.<br />

“The <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> shows represent more<br />

than a massive sea <strong>of</strong> exhibits,” said<br />

Darlene Gudea, president <strong>of</strong> Trade<br />

Show Executive Media Group. “They<br />

also reflect remarkable achievements<br />

in innovation, technology adaptations,<br />

global reach <strong>and</strong> green initiatives,” she<br />

said. At <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> Gala, TSE staff <strong>and</strong><br />

key sponsors presented 12 Gr<strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>Awards</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> high achievers in those<br />

<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r categories, including:<br />

Top Show Organizer:<br />

Reed Exhibitions<br />

Reed Exhibitions held on <strong>to</strong> its position<br />

as <strong>the</strong> dominant show organizer in <strong>the</strong><br />

United States — <strong>and</strong> worldwide as well.<br />

Reed produced eight shows on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong><br />

<strong>100</strong> roster in 2010 led by <strong>the</strong> SHOT Show,<br />

National Hardware Show <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> JCK Show<br />

- Las Vegas. The company’s worldwide<br />

portfolio is up <strong>to</strong> 460 shows in 36 nations<br />

<strong>and</strong> 44 different industry sec<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />

Largest Annual Trade Show:<br />

International Consumer<br />

Electronics Show<br />

The International (CES) held on <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

distinction as <strong>the</strong> largest trade show in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> rankings for <strong>the</strong> fourth<br />

year in a row . The annual Las Vegas<br />

gadgetry extravaganza covered 1,442,000<br />

net square feet in 2010, a particularly<br />

impressive performance considering <strong>the</strong><br />

depths <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recession at that time. The<br />

venerable show also attracted a high level<br />

<strong>of</strong> media attention for its exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />

Largest Semi-Annual Show:<br />

MAGIC Marketplace<br />

Advanstar still has <strong>the</strong> magic <strong>to</strong>uch. Its<br />

MAGIC fashion show ranks each year in<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> as <strong>the</strong> largest semi-annual<br />

show <strong>and</strong> was also honored at TSE’s<br />

Fastest 50 event last March for its<br />

blockbuster growth.<br />

Most Dramatic Growth:<br />

Specialty Graphic Imaging Show<br />

The SGIA not only moved in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> ranks<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> for <strong>the</strong> first time at #93<br />

but increased attendance by 54% <strong>to</strong><br />

nearly 22,000.<br />

Leading Trade Show Br<strong>and</strong> Worldwide:<br />

MD&M <strong>and</strong> Semicon (tie)<br />

These two venerable br<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> trade<br />

shows are held stateside as well as<br />

globally, bringing <strong>the</strong>ir products <strong>and</strong> ideas<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

Highest Economic Impact:<br />

Int'l Consumer Electronics Show<br />

Las Vegas hosted 25 <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> shows last year<br />

but CES <strong>and</strong> its 126,000 attendees generated<br />

<strong>the</strong> biggest jackpot <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m all. Crunch<br />

<strong>the</strong> numbers <strong>and</strong> you get $119 million for<br />

<strong>the</strong> Las Vegas economy… <strong>and</strong> that doesn’t<br />

include what is dropped at <strong>the</strong> tables.<br />

Most Innovative Show:<br />

HIMSS Annual<br />

Conference & Exhibition<br />

Bold new ideas <strong>and</strong> out-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-box solutions<br />

l<strong>and</strong>ed this health care show #33 on<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> <strong>and</strong> also <strong>the</strong> award in <strong>the</strong><br />

most competitive category. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

fresh ideas include a m<strong>and</strong>a<strong>to</strong>ry housing<br />

policy for exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs; a unique online portal;<br />

cross-training for show staff; scheduling<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>p keynote speaker at <strong>the</strong> close <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> event; Lunch <strong>and</strong> Learn sessions; <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> World’s largest Pizza party — maybe<br />

not in <strong>the</strong> Guinness Book <strong>of</strong> World Records<br />

but certainly in trade show his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />

Best Use <strong>of</strong> Technology:<br />

NRA Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show<br />

The NRA made great use <strong>of</strong> technology<br />

<strong>to</strong> connect everyone in <strong>the</strong> business.<br />

The show’s YouTube channel had 51,000<br />

uploads <strong>and</strong> a real-time message board<br />

which kept attendees up <strong>to</strong> speed on<br />

what was being tweeted on Twitter.<br />

The show’s “Event Social” <strong>to</strong>ol tied<br />

attendees <strong>to</strong> both <strong>the</strong> show <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

social-media <strong>of</strong> choice.<br />

Leader in Green Initiatives:<br />

Natural Products Expo/Supply Expo<br />

In 2007, <strong>the</strong> Natural Products Expo East<br />

<strong>and</strong> West went all out with a <strong>to</strong>p-<strong>to</strong>bot<strong>to</strong>m<br />

effort that made <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong><br />

Leader in Green Initiatives — <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />

did it again in 2008, 2009 <strong>and</strong> now 2010.<br />

Their tactics included everything from<br />

limiting <strong>the</strong> idle times <strong>of</strong> trucks at <strong>the</strong><br />

14 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

L <strong>to</strong> R: UBM’s David Levin; Advanstar’s Joe Loggia; Reed Exhibitions’ Tad Ishizumi;<br />

Semicon’s Mike Droeger; <strong>and</strong> UBM’s Tony Uph<strong>of</strong>f.<br />

Stephen Graham <strong>and</strong> Susie Roberts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Society <strong>of</strong><br />

Petroleum Engineers’ Offshore Technology Conference.<br />

Tina Jones, manager <strong>of</strong> HELI-EXPO.<br />

The Atlanta CVB’s Mark Sussman <strong>and</strong> Georgia World Congress Center’s Mark Zimmerman fl ank<br />

John Starkey, president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.<br />

L <strong>to</strong> R: GES’s John Patronski; TSE’s Linda Braue <strong>and</strong> Diane Bjorklund; Creative Expo’s Cherif Moujabber; TSE’s Danica Tormohlen;<br />

VIAD’s Paul Dykstra; <strong>and</strong> TSE’s Leticia Cot<strong>to</strong>n, Irene Sperling, Carri Jensen <strong>and</strong> Carol Andrews.<br />

www.TradeShowExecutive.com | Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 15


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

loading docks <strong>to</strong> fac<strong>to</strong>ring in <strong>the</strong> distances<br />

that <strong>the</strong>ir suppliers had <strong>to</strong> travel. And<br />

just about everything that wasn’t nailed<br />

down was recycled.<br />

Advanstar CEO Joe Loggia (center) accepts <strong>the</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong> Award for “Best Use <strong>of</strong> Social Media” from<br />

The Philadelphia CVB’s Kevin Richards, TSE’s Darlene Gudea <strong>and</strong> Diane Bjorklund, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority’s Russell Kice.<br />

United Service Companies’ Richard Simon<br />

opens <strong>the</strong> award ceremony with a champagne<br />

<strong>to</strong>ast <strong>to</strong> all <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> honorees, VIPs <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

event’s 37 generous sponsors.<br />

Kimberly Hardcastle (center) <strong>of</strong> Marketing Design<br />

Group accepts <strong>the</strong> “Marketing Genius Award”<br />

on behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Baking Industry<br />

Exposition, which ranked #42 on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong>.<br />

Presenting <strong>the</strong> award was New Orleans/Ernest N.<br />

Morial’s Convention Center’s Keith Levey <strong>and</strong><br />

New Orleans CVB’s glamorous Sallee Pavlovich.<br />

Who wouldn’t want <strong>to</strong> be a fl y on <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>to</strong> hear <strong>the</strong> musings <strong>of</strong> UBM’s David Levin, Nielsen’s Darrell<br />

Denny <strong>and</strong> David Loechner, <strong>and</strong> dmg’s Galen Poss?<br />

Marketing Genius Award:<br />

International Baking Industry Expo<br />

Smith Bucklin last year worked with<br />

Marketing Design Group <strong>to</strong> <strong>complete</strong> a<br />

major overhaul <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir triennial expo <strong>and</strong><br />

presented it <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> world as <strong>the</strong> greatest<br />

thing since sliced bread. Findings from a<br />

survey resulted in a new push <strong>to</strong> connect<br />

with niche-market cus<strong>to</strong>mers <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

international audience. The educational<br />

sessions were exp<strong>and</strong>ed five-fold <strong>and</strong><br />

awards were presented that drew <strong>the</strong><br />

attention <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trade media. The result<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se changes was an incredible 39%<br />

increase in attendance.<br />

Best Use <strong>of</strong> Social Media:<br />

MAGIC Marketplace<br />

Retail fashion is a natural for social media<br />

with its worldwide audience, artistic<br />

flair <strong>and</strong> appeal <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> youth market.<br />

Advanstar covered all <strong>the</strong> bases with 50<br />

on-<strong>the</strong>-scene bloggers firing <strong>of</strong>f dispatches<br />

<strong>to</strong> fashionistas around <strong>the</strong> world. There<br />

was also a micro-Web site connecting<br />

exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> buyers; apps galore; <strong>and</strong><br />

even a new take on <strong>the</strong> old-fashioned<br />

pho<strong>to</strong> booth with pictures <strong>of</strong> attendees<br />

appearing on Facebook in real time.<br />

Against All Odds:<br />

Reed Exhibitions Japan<br />

The final award <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> evening was not<br />

restricted <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> shows but <strong>to</strong> any<br />

show organizer who overcame daunting<br />

challenges <strong>to</strong> keep <strong>the</strong>ir events sailing full<br />

speed ahead. There was a lot <strong>of</strong> talk about<br />

economic tremors <strong>and</strong> tidal waves in <strong>the</strong><br />

Trending <strong>and</strong> Spending session, but it’s not<br />

<strong>of</strong>ten a show organizer has <strong>to</strong> tackle <strong>the</strong><br />

real thing. Tad Ishizumi <strong>and</strong> his team<br />

won by a l<strong>and</strong>slide for getting <strong>the</strong>ir shows<br />

back on track so quickly <strong>and</strong> seamlessly<br />

after <strong>the</strong> earthquake, tsunami <strong>and</strong> nuclear<br />

crisis. They not only demonstrated a<br />

high degree <strong>of</strong> skill <strong>and</strong> dedication in an<br />

unprecedented situation, but also gave an<br />

important boost <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> quick recovery <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> Japanese <strong>and</strong> regional economies.<br />

16 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


YOU ASKED, WE LISTENED<br />

The ConnectME Show Organizer Dashboard is here.<br />

Stay on <strong>to</strong>p <strong>of</strong> show trends <strong>and</strong> maintain communication with your registrants with CompuSystems’ new,<br />

ConnectME Show Organizer Dashboard. Developed as a multi-functioning platform for viewing <strong>and</strong><br />

analyzing show data — all an event’s important statistics can now be surveyed at a glance.<br />

Designed <strong>to</strong> make your job easier, <strong>the</strong> dashboard contains <strong>the</strong> following:<br />

Reliable event data in an easy <strong>to</strong> view format<br />

Session/event watch list<br />

Show statistics at a glance<br />

Easy <strong>to</strong> view graphical interface<br />

Attendee/exhibi<strong>to</strong>r communication center<br />

x<br />

x<br />

x<br />

Registration data breakdowns & critical show dates<br />

Some registration providers claim <strong>to</strong> have powerful organizer <strong>to</strong>ols, but only CSI provides a user-friendly<br />

organizer dashboard that also integrates with attendee <strong>and</strong> exhibi<strong>to</strong>r registration websites <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> show’s mobile<br />

apps (also developed by CSI) — information moves between platforms in real-time. Up-<strong>to</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-minute data means<br />

informed decisions for both you <strong>and</strong> your registrants.<br />

+1 708.344.9070 | sales@compusystems.com | www.compusystems.com


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

Lyn Heward, creative direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> Cirque<br />

du Soleil, shares high-fl ying ideas on risks<br />

<strong>and</strong> rewards.<br />

High pressure is forecast for <strong>the</strong> trade show industry by TSE’s Darlene Gudea <strong>and</strong> Frank Chow along with<br />

TSE Forecasting Board members Aaron Bludworth <strong>of</strong> Fern Exposition & Event Services, James Rooney <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Paul Woodward <strong>of</strong> UFI <strong>and</strong> Pat Fallon <strong>of</strong> CompuSystems, Inc.<br />

Burning issues raised <strong>the</strong> temperature in <strong>the</strong> room when <strong>the</strong>se leaders spoke up: CEA’s Gary Shapiro,<br />

who was <strong>the</strong> modera<strong>to</strong>r; dmg’s Galen Poss; at<strong>to</strong>rney Mark Roysner; Nielsen’s Darrell Denny;<br />

NAMM’s Kevin Johns<strong>to</strong>ne; <strong>and</strong> VIAD’s Paul Dykstra.<br />

UBM’s charismatic CEO David Levin (right) <strong>of</strong>fers<br />

a unique perspective on trade shows during Power<br />

Lunch with TSE columnist Bob Dallmeyer.<br />

A loosening <strong>of</strong> purse strings in 2012 is expected at most organizations,<br />

according <strong>to</strong> research on compensation trends by Exhibit Surveys’<br />

Skip Cox <strong>and</strong> TSE’s Danica Tormohlen.<br />

<strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> delegates got <strong>the</strong> Inside Scoop on social media, hotel contracts, space<br />

rates <strong>and</strong> mergers <strong>and</strong> acquisitions from NRA’s Mary Pat Heftman, Questex’s Phil<br />

McKay, Advanstar’s Tony Calanca, Reed’s Chet Burchett <strong>and</strong> Apprise Media/<br />

GLM’s Charlie McCurdy.<br />

18 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

The summit portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong><br />

<strong>Awards</strong> & Summit has become a timely<br />

forum for industry leaders <strong>to</strong> review new<br />

ideas tested in <strong>the</strong> current year <strong>and</strong> look<br />

ahead at <strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>and</strong> opportunities<br />

for <strong>the</strong> year ahead. This year’s sessions<br />

did not disappoint. With its fast-paced<br />

format — most sessions were an hour or<br />

less — <strong>the</strong> summit packed seven sessions<br />

<strong>and</strong> lunch in<strong>to</strong> an eight-hour time frame.<br />

<strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> delegates could get a quick<br />

h<strong>and</strong>le on burning issues <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> wave<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future from some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> brightest<br />

minds in <strong>the</strong> business — on <strong>the</strong> stage<br />

<strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong> audience — who were not shy<br />

about speaking <strong>the</strong>ir minds.<br />

Creating a Culture <strong>of</strong> Creativity<br />

Lyn Heward, creative direc<strong>to</strong>r for Cirque<br />

du Soleil, opened <strong>the</strong> conference with a<br />

deep dive in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> business <strong>of</strong> audience<br />

engagement. She shared ideas on how <strong>to</strong><br />

develop a creative <strong>and</strong> versatile staff <strong>to</strong><br />

keep your shows fresh <strong>and</strong> appealing <strong>to</strong><br />

both exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>and</strong> attendees.<br />

Heward explored <strong>the</strong> philosophy <strong>of</strong><br />

hiring that has kept Cirque du Soleil on <strong>the</strong><br />

artistic cutting edge <strong>of</strong> live entertainment.<br />

Management has a duty, she said, <strong>to</strong> foster<br />

a close-knit <strong>and</strong> talented team <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n allow<br />

it <strong>to</strong> push <strong>the</strong> envelope <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r. “It is<br />

all about people who are able <strong>to</strong> trust one<br />

ano<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong>ir most creative ideas.”<br />

Cirque du Soleil literally plays with fire<br />

on a daily basis, she said. “The repetitive<br />

action <strong>of</strong> igniting <strong>the</strong> floor beneath your<br />

feet 475 times is certain <strong>to</strong> yield accidents.<br />

Still, you must learn <strong>to</strong> leverage your risk<br />

<strong>and</strong> creativity because complacency is <strong>the</strong><br />

biggest risk you’ll ever take,” Heward said.<br />

She assured show organizers that<br />

risk can be its own reward. “Even <strong>the</strong><br />

downside <strong>of</strong> tight budgets <strong>and</strong> projects<br />

that flop can be turned in<strong>to</strong> positives that<br />

can focus <strong>the</strong> creative process <strong>and</strong> prevent<br />

you from getting in<strong>to</strong> a rut,” Heward said.<br />

Trending & Spending<br />

The discussion moved from circus magic<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> salt mines with an assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

frustrating economy by a panel <strong>of</strong> industry<br />

leaders in <strong>the</strong> Trending & Spending session.<br />

Modera<strong>to</strong>r Darlene Gudea, president <strong>of</strong><br />

Trade Show Executive Media Group, gave<br />

an overview <strong>of</strong> trade show growth using<br />

data from TSE’s Monthly Dashboard <strong>of</strong> Trade<br />

Show Metrics. “For <strong>the</strong> past four quarters,<br />

trade show growth has been solidly in <strong>the</strong><br />

black. Net square footage has led <strong>the</strong> recovery,<br />

reaching as high as 8% in Q2 <strong>of</strong> 2010<br />

<strong>and</strong> hovering around 3% in <strong>the</strong> first two<br />

quarters <strong>of</strong> 2011.” She warned, however,<br />

that change was in <strong>the</strong> air as <strong>the</strong> year winds<br />

<strong>to</strong> a close, <strong>and</strong> noted that TSE’s 20-member<br />

Exposition Forecasting Board went out on<br />

a limb in predicting a slowdown.<br />

“The economy is clogged up like a<br />

kitchen sink,” said TSE Chief Economist<br />

Frank Chow in summing up a business<br />

www.TradeShowExecutive.com | Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 19


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

Everything’s Coming Up Roses. With magnifi -<br />

cent fl oral displays, soaring nearly three feet above<br />

<strong>the</strong> exquisite table settings, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> reached<br />

new levels <strong>of</strong> gr<strong>and</strong>eur, thanks <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> artistry <strong>and</strong><br />

generosity <strong>of</strong> Vicky Pappageorge, president <strong>of</strong><br />

Vic<strong>to</strong>ria’s Event Productions.<br />

environment that has basically remained<br />

stalled since <strong>the</strong> last <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> in 2010.<br />

“After a long 2009, we saw a pretty<br />

good recovery from <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> last year<br />

through <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> this year,” said Paul<br />

Woodward, managing direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> UFI,<br />

<strong>the</strong> Global Association for <strong>the</strong> Exhibition<br />

Industry. “But frankly, I am a bit nervous<br />

about next year.”<br />

The level <strong>of</strong> uncertainty around <strong>the</strong><br />

industry was reflected by <strong>the</strong> results <strong>of</strong> an<br />

audience poll in which 67% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> respondents<br />

were neutral or pessimistic about<br />

sales growth in 2012, compared <strong>to</strong> 33%<br />

who were optimistic. In terms <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>its,<br />

61% were neutral or pessimistic about<br />

growth while 39% were optimistic about<br />

increased pr<strong>of</strong>it margins.<br />

“The recovery has been very similar<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> downturn — gradual <strong>and</strong> broadbased,”<br />

said Aaron Bludworth, COO <strong>of</strong><br />

George Fern Exposition & Event Services.<br />

However, he predicts that a full thaw in<br />

<strong>the</strong> recession is a ways <strong>of</strong>f.<br />

Patrick Fallon, vice president <strong>of</strong><br />

business development for CompuSystems,<br />

Inc., which h<strong>and</strong>les registration for 26<br />

<strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> shows, said he was encouraged <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>see</strong> exhibi<strong>to</strong>r counts holding fairly steady<br />

for most shows although <strong>the</strong>re were still<br />

concerns about construction events <strong>and</strong><br />

smaller shows that might not have strong<br />

financial underpinnings.<br />

James Rooney, executive direc<strong>to</strong>r for<br />

<strong>the</strong> Massachusetts Convention Center Authority,<br />

said that while shows <strong>and</strong> corporate<br />

events were still in <strong>the</strong> game, attendees<br />

<strong>and</strong> exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs continued <strong>to</strong> wait longer<br />

before committing <strong>to</strong> attend, which was<br />

making <strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong> venue space<br />

<strong>and</strong> hotel blocs trickier <strong>to</strong> manage.<br />

Leading <strong>and</strong> Managing<br />

During Extreme Crisis<br />

Tad Ishizumi, president <strong>of</strong> Reed Exhibitions<br />

Japan, proved why he is known as<br />

“Mr. Exhibition” in Japan in <strong>the</strong> aftermath<br />

<strong>of</strong> this year’s huge earthquake.<br />

The quake unleashed a devastating<br />

tsunami, which led <strong>to</strong> serious damage at a<br />

nuclear power plant outside Tokyo, just a<br />

month before Finetech, a leading regional<br />

trade show with a strong cus<strong>to</strong>mer base in<br />

mainl<strong>and</strong> China, Taiwan <strong>and</strong> South Korea.<br />

Faced with <strong>the</strong> choice between holding<br />

Finetech as scheduled or canceling it,<br />

Ishizumi quickly decided <strong>the</strong> show would<br />

go on even though 80% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exhibi<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

had said <strong>the</strong>y were cancelling due <strong>to</strong> concerns<br />

about a nuclear fallout in Tokyo.<br />

Ishizumi’s team got <strong>to</strong> work reaching<br />

out by telephone <strong>and</strong> in person <strong>to</strong> exhibiting<br />

<strong>and</strong> attendee companies throughout<br />

Asia. “We needed <strong>to</strong> void <strong>the</strong> rumors that<br />

Finetech was being canceled,” Ishizumi said.<br />

Through reassurances that Tokyo<br />

was well outside <strong>the</strong> contamination zone,<br />

Finetech roared <strong>to</strong> life with brisk registrations<br />

<strong>and</strong> exhibit space numbers that were<br />

in line with last year. “But our anxiety did<br />

not go away until we actually saw <strong>the</strong> attendees<br />

arrive at Finetech,” Ishizumi said.<br />

The Inside Scoop<br />

A panel <strong>of</strong> <strong>to</strong>p industry executives <strong>to</strong>ld<br />

audience members <strong>the</strong>ir businesses had<br />

gone past selling square footage <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>to</strong>te-bag sponsorships in <strong>the</strong>ir quest <strong>to</strong><br />

keep <strong>the</strong>ir shows pr<strong>of</strong>itable <strong>and</strong> attractive<br />

<strong>to</strong> an evolving cus<strong>to</strong>mer base. “There are<br />

a lot <strong>of</strong> levers you can pull besides <strong>the</strong><br />

price per square foot,” said Chet Burchett,<br />

president <strong>of</strong> Reed Exhibitions Americas.<br />

Burchett said Reed is using extensive<br />

research <strong>to</strong> develop pricing for shows that<br />

is highly individualized <strong>and</strong> based on location.<br />

“The idea is <strong>to</strong> make it impossible for<br />

a prospective exhibi<strong>to</strong>r <strong>to</strong> say no,” he said.<br />

Don’t give up on b-<strong>to</strong>-b media was <strong>the</strong><br />

message from Charles McCurdy, chairman<br />

<strong>and</strong> CEO <strong>of</strong> Apprise Media. “Trade magazines<br />

have taken a battering in recent years,<br />

but it doesn’t mean <strong>the</strong>y are finished or have<br />

little <strong>to</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer inves<strong>to</strong>rs,” he said. McCurdy<br />

pointed out that <strong>the</strong> trade show component<br />

<strong>of</strong> many b-<strong>to</strong>-b companies remains sturdy<br />

but is sometimes overlooked by equity<br />

firms. “The hardest part is getting inves<strong>to</strong>rs<br />

<strong>to</strong> recognize a good trade show business as<br />

opposed <strong>to</strong> considering it ano<strong>the</strong>r b-<strong>to</strong>-b<br />

disaster waiting <strong>to</strong> happen,” McCurdy said.<br />

No show is going anywhere without<br />

broadb<strong>and</strong>. Fresh <strong>of</strong>f a successful show<br />

that was heavy on digital promotions,<br />

Mary Pat Heftman, executive vice president<br />

<strong>of</strong> conventions for <strong>the</strong> National Restaurant<br />

Association, said show organizers<br />

should not overlook broadb<strong>and</strong> capacity<br />

20 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


A T L A N T I C C I T Y<br />

We’re Always Meeting Expectations<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Contact our sales team at 1.888.222.3683 or visit us at atlanticcitynj.com.


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

Rose Dubrovich, senior VP <strong>of</strong> sales for onPeak,<br />

<strong>and</strong> Heidi Voorhees, VP <strong>of</strong> meetings & events<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Food Technologists, swap<br />

ideas at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> Opening Reception.<br />

Worth-his-weight in gold sponsor Al Dyess <strong>of</strong><br />

PRG with TSE’s Diane Bjorklund.<br />

As <strong>the</strong> Title Sponsor, <strong>the</strong> Las Vegas Convention<br />

& Visi<strong>to</strong>rs Authority’s Craig Erl<strong>and</strong>er <strong>and</strong> Scott<br />

Wilson truly rolled out a feast for <strong>the</strong> royals in<br />

<strong>the</strong> Scottish castle-like setting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ritz-Carl<strong>to</strong>n<br />

Half Moon Bay on <strong>the</strong> bluffs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pacifi c Ocean.<br />

Ac<strong>to</strong>r Michael Villani, emcee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong><br />

for <strong>the</strong> third year in <strong>the</strong> row, chats with TSE’s<br />

Darlene Gudea.<br />

Andrew Darmohraj, <strong>of</strong> American Pet Products<br />

Association, whose show ranked #77, visits with<br />

Exhibit Surveys’ Skip Cox.<br />

Apprise Media’s Charlie McCurdy with dmg’s Galen Poss, Business Journal’s Brit<strong>to</strong>n Jones <strong>and</strong><br />

Reed Exhibition’s Ken McAvoy.<br />

A bagpiper ushers in <strong>the</strong> sunset for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong><br />

crowd at <strong>the</strong> opening reception.<br />

22 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 | Trade Show Executive


The Stars Came Out<br />

TRADE SHOW EXECUTIVE GOLD <strong>100</strong> AWARDS & SUMMIT RECAP<br />

when selecting a venue. “B<strong>and</strong>width is an<br />

important consideration,” said Heftman,<br />

executive vice president, conventions<br />

for <strong>the</strong> National Restaurant Association.<br />

“People go <strong>to</strong> a convention center <strong>and</strong><br />

assume <strong>the</strong>y will have <strong>complete</strong> access <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir smart phones, iPads <strong>and</strong> whatever<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r platforms <strong>the</strong>y use.” In addition, so<br />

much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> way we do business at trade<br />

shows relies heavily on digital b<strong>and</strong>width.<br />

Tony Calanca, executive vice president<br />

<strong>of</strong> Advanstar Communications, talked<br />

about a hotel truce. “Inserting audit language<br />

in contracts for hotel room blocks is<br />

becoming an effective defense against <strong>the</strong><br />

attrition clause.” Since an audit provides<br />

pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> how many rooms show attendees<br />

occupy, it can be a double-edged sword if<br />

turns up a shortfall, but it can also open<br />

<strong>the</strong> door <strong>to</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r negotiations.<br />

Power Lunch with a Power Broker<br />

David Levin, <strong>the</strong> charismatic CEO <strong>of</strong><br />

United Business Media, was on stage for<br />

a live interview with TSE columnist Bob<br />

Dallmeyer. Levin shared his strategies on<br />

geo-adapting UBM’s trade show in all<br />

corners <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world as well as his plans<br />

for growing <strong>the</strong> company in <strong>the</strong> years<br />

ahead. The full interview starts on p. 38.<br />

What’s in Your Wallet?<br />

Sales representatives who can still bring<br />

home <strong>the</strong> bacon in a <strong>to</strong>ugh economy are<br />

most likely <strong>to</strong> <strong>see</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir paychecks increase,<br />

according <strong>to</strong> survey results presented by<br />

Skip Cox, president & CEO <strong>of</strong> Exhibit<br />

Surveys, Inc., <strong>and</strong> TSE Contributing<br />

Edi<strong>to</strong>r Danica Tormohlen.<br />

“Sales management will probably benefit<br />

<strong>the</strong> most in terms <strong>of</strong> higher compensation<br />

in <strong>the</strong> coming year,” said Cox. “Most<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hiring will be in sales as well.”<br />

New data from chief executives<br />

indicates that an increasing number <strong>of</strong><br />

companies were anticipating modest<br />

increases in head count with most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

new heads bolstering sales staffs. The<br />

trend was true both for <strong>the</strong> exhibition<br />

industry <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r sec<strong>to</strong>rs. Cox said show<br />

organizers might have <strong>to</strong> pony up a little<br />

more in salary <strong>to</strong> bring in a promising<br />

sales rep from outside <strong>the</strong> industry.<br />

Health insurance costs remained a<br />

fac<strong>to</strong>r in hiring <strong>and</strong> compensation. Tormohlen<br />

said employees <strong>of</strong> independent<br />

show organizers could probably expect <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>see</strong> higher premiums as a result. “Associations<br />

are more likely <strong>to</strong> absorb those costs<br />

while for-pr<strong>of</strong>its are not,” she said. An indepth<br />

report on compensation trends <strong>and</strong><br />

compensation levels <strong>of</strong> <strong>to</strong>p association <strong>and</strong><br />

for-pr<strong>of</strong>it executives will be published in<br />

<strong>the</strong> December issue <strong>of</strong> Trade Show Executive.<br />

Burning Issues<br />

The popular catch-all session that wraps<br />

up each <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> Summit came <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> conclusion<br />

that facing <strong>the</strong> brave new world<br />

included internal <strong>and</strong> external challenges<br />

for show organizers.<br />

The discussion, led by modera<strong>to</strong>r<br />

Gary Shapiro, president & CEO <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Consumer Electronics Association, was<br />

generally bullish in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> prospects<br />

for <strong>the</strong> trade show industry. Show organizers,<br />

however, will need <strong>to</strong> be on <strong>to</strong>p<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir game if <strong>the</strong>y want <strong>the</strong>ir events <strong>to</strong><br />

deliver a solid ROI <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cus<strong>to</strong>mers.<br />

“We’re spending more time focusing<br />

on getting key buyers <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> show <strong>and</strong><br />

making sure <strong>the</strong>y find value <strong>the</strong>re,” said<br />

Kevin Johns<strong>to</strong>ne, direc<strong>to</strong>r <strong>of</strong> trade shows<br />

for NAMM, <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong><br />

Music Merchants.<br />

The concept <strong>of</strong> community building<br />

<strong>and</strong> extending <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> show beyond<br />

<strong>the</strong> actual show dates remain a promising<br />

goal. And that will require show<br />

organizers <strong>to</strong> think beyond <strong>the</strong> physical<br />

show. “Organizers must not think <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves as event managers; <strong>the</strong>y’re<br />

managers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> communities <strong>the</strong>y serve,”<br />

said Galen Poss, COO <strong>of</strong> dmg::events.<br />

Poss <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r panelists expressed<br />

confidence that <strong>the</strong> exhibition industry<br />

had wea<strong>the</strong>red <strong>the</strong> worst <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm<br />

<strong>and</strong> was <strong>see</strong>ing some good opportunities<br />

for expansion <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r new ventures,<br />

especially internationally.<br />

The economy <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> floundering<br />

leadership out <strong>of</strong> Washing<strong>to</strong>n <strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

countries continued <strong>to</strong> be a drag. “Economic<br />

uncertainty <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> fact that our<br />

government can’t <strong>see</strong>m <strong>to</strong> get it <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

is a big issue,” said Paul Dykstra, chairman,<br />

president <strong>and</strong> CEO <strong>of</strong> Viad Corp.<br />

said. “What happens in Greece impacts a<br />

lot <strong>of</strong> people in this room,” he said.<br />

Darrell Denny, senior vice president<br />

<strong>of</strong> business development for Nielsen Exhibitions,<br />

said <strong>the</strong> near paralysis has created<br />

a squeeze on <strong>the</strong> venture capital that show<br />

organizers depend upon for acquisitions<br />

<strong>and</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r expansion. “There is a lot <strong>of</strong><br />

money sitting on <strong>the</strong> sidelines because<br />

<strong>the</strong>y don’t want <strong>to</strong> step in<strong>to</strong> a contentious<br />

environment,” he said.<br />

The legal <strong>and</strong> regula<strong>to</strong>ry arena posed<br />

issues such as <strong>the</strong> nagging travel obstacles<br />

<strong>to</strong> international attendees, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> increasing volumes <strong>of</strong> data collected by<br />

show organizers <strong>and</strong> registration companies.<br />

Veteran exhibition at<strong>to</strong>rney Mark<br />

Roysner <strong>of</strong>fered some tried <strong>and</strong> true advice<br />

<strong>to</strong> show organizers. “Things can go wrong<br />

at a lot <strong>of</strong> levels,” he said. “You need <strong>to</strong><br />

consider all potential liability issues because<br />

what you don’t know can knock you out.”<br />

Networking Events<br />

In addition <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> <strong>Awards</strong> gala <strong>and</strong><br />

summit, <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong>fered networking opportunities<br />

on <strong>the</strong> beautiful Ritz-Carl<strong>to</strong>n<br />

Ocean Course on Half Moon Bay, <strong>the</strong><br />

Thomas Fogarty Winery, several hosted<br />

receptions, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Afterglow Party <strong>and</strong><br />

Cigar Bar. The Las Vegas Convention &<br />

Visi<strong>to</strong>rs Authority was <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong>’s title<br />

sponsor; CompuSystems, Inc. was <strong>the</strong><br />

Platinum/Registration Sponsor; <strong>and</strong> Atlantic<br />

City Convention & Visi<strong>to</strong>rs Bureau<br />

hosted <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> Golf outing.<br />

“The high quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> conference,<br />

<strong>the</strong> elegant setting <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> unparalleled<br />

ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>of</strong> industry success s<strong>to</strong>ries has<br />

made <strong>the</strong> <strong>Gold</strong> <strong>100</strong> <strong>Awards</strong> & Summit <strong>the</strong><br />

highlight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> year for <strong>the</strong> trade show<br />

industry,” said Diane Bjorklund, TSE’s<br />

vice president <strong>of</strong> events. “Without <strong>the</strong><br />

generous support <strong>of</strong> 37 sponsors, an event<br />

<strong>of</strong> this caliber would not be possible. We<br />

are grateful for everyone’s participation.”<br />

For video highlights <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> event, go <strong>to</strong><br />

www.tradeshowexecutive.com/<strong>Gold</strong>Gala-<br />

4thAnnual-VideoHighlights.asp<br />

Reach Darlene Gudea, TSE president,<br />

at (760) 889-8585 or dgudea@<br />

tradeshowexecutive.com; Diane Bjorklund,<br />

vice president <strong>of</strong> events, at (630) 312-8915<br />

or dbjorklund@tradeshowexecutive.com<br />

www.TradeShowExecutive.com | Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2011 23

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!