EACA News
Pack Expo Has Record Breaking Year and EACA Was There to Help. According to their media release the 2023 PACK EXPO Las Vegas was the largest in the show’s history. PMMI stated more than 2,300 exhibitors utilizing one million net square feet of space at LVCC brought in 32,000 attendees – the most in the show’s history. And it was the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America this year.
EACA Member Meeting at The Randy The EACA Board has announced that there will be a meeting for all members who will be in Atlanta for the 29th Annual Randy. The Annual Member meeting at The Randy provides an opportunity for all members to connect with the EACA Board, receive updates on EACA initiatives and activities and to bring awareness to the Board on challenges and opportunities the members are currently experiencing.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 5 at 2pm to 4pm at the offices of Nth Degree and current EACA President, Ben Power. All those who plan to attend are requested to RSVP to Executive Director, Jim Wurm at [email protected]
Nth Degree is at 3237 Satellite Blvd. Bldg. 300, Ste- 600, Duluth, GA.
EACA To Unveil New Job Board. Beginning October 10 there will be a new Job Board on the EACA web site to assist members identify, locate and hire key personnel needed for company growth. Features of this new Job Board include email alerts to job seekers when new jobs are posted to the site. Employers can also have their listing prioritized and advertised. There will be more information shared about this new member value once the Board becomes active.
EACA to Exhibit/Meet at EDPA ACCESS The EACA has confirmed that not only will we hold our end of year Board meeting but that EACA will also have a booth in the EDPA Showcase.
The end of year EACA Board meeting includes the election of new Directors to the Board and the introduction of the new Officers for 2024. Any member interested in considering a position on the EACA Board is requested to email Executive Director, Jim Wurm at [email protected]. EDPA ACCESS takes place Nov. 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL.
EAC Registration Schedule. EACA is supporting the following events with our EAC registration services:
NBAA Oct. 17-19 Las Vegas
RSNA Nov. 26-29 Chicago
Winter Fancy Foods Jan. 21-23 Las Vegas
EACA Salary Survey. A quick reminder to any EACA member that participated in the 2023 Salary Survey and didn’t receive your copy please email Executive Director Jim Wurm ([email protected]) and we’ll send it out right away.
EACA Member News
Eagle Management Hires New HR Director, Adds to Staff. Eagle Management recently introduced Laura Del Viscio (pictured) as Human Resources Director. Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. She is a graduate of Wilmington University, and holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.
Subsequently Eagle also announced two new hires and a promotion.
Breanna Maes has been promoted to is the newest member of the Eagle Planning team. Her role as Planning Coordinator will provide additional support to the existing planning team which has been, and continues to be integral to the overall success of our operations across the country. In her 6 years as a CSR, Breanna proved a valued asset to the Operations Department with her strong organizational skills, along with her internal and external customer service. Now, she will bring that knowledge and experience to planning, while continuing her CSR role in Northern California.
Anna Contreras has been promoted to Account Manager. During Anna’s 4+ years in the trade show industry, working in the trenches on the show floor as a lead installer, she gained a level of experience and a skill set unlike any other account manager on our team. Her knowledge and expertise offer a full understanding for reading blueprints and estimating, knowledge of what happens on the show floor, interfacing with other unions and general contractors, as well as delivering excellent customer service to our clients.
Michelle Kadow joins the Eagle team as our newest Customer Service Representative (CSR). As a CSR, Michelle will be responsible for supporting our operations team in Southern California. She will provide a point of contact for clients, as well as distribute information to help us attain the highest level of customer satisfaction, while supporting the City Manager and staff.
Momentum Welcomes Ashley Fandrey. Ashley Fandrey was recently welcomed to the Momentum Management team. Ashley steps into the role of Account Manager for Angela Lahmann’s team, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a solid educational foundation. In 2021, Ashley graduated from Georgia College and State University with a B.A. in Mass Communication, specializing in Strategic Communications.
SALA Healthcare Program Webinar. The EACA’s partners at the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA) have announced the scheduling of general information webinars for the fall open enrollment season. The first webinar will be held on Friday, October 13 at 2pm Eastern.
Here’s the link to register:
Industry News
US B2B Exhibition Industry Posts Double-Digit Growth in Q2 <TSNN> The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reported that the US business-to-business (B2B exhibition industry experienced a robust rebound during 2023 Q2. The CEIR Total Index, which serves as a measure of overall exhibition performance surged by 21.8% as compared to the same period a year ago.
Among the four key metrics — Exhibitors, Net Square Feet (NSF), Attendees and Real Revenues — exhibitors have posted the strongest recovery, only 11.8% below Q2 2019 levels. NSF follows with a 12.5% decline, while Attendees and Real Revenues are slightly lower, with declines of 14.4% and 14.5%, respectively. High inflation and low nominal revenue levels have impacted the value of exhibition income.
IAEE Taps Breeden as Interim CEO, Announces Her Retirement in June <TSNN> The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has appointed Cathy Breden, current IAEE executive vice president and COO, as the interim CEO for the organization, effective Oct. 1. She assumes the helm following the departure of IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, for whom the organization is currently searching for a permanent successor.
“With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the Board of Directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new president and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis Smith, vice president of business development for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). “Cathy not only possesses vast knowledge about the organization, but is a highly regarded authority of our industry.”
Once IAEE appoints a new president and CEO, Breden will resume her current position with the organization until her planned retirement in June 2024, according to IAEE officials.
Culinary Workers Vote to Authorize a Strike in Las Vegas. <Northstar Meetings Group> Tens of thousands of Las Vegas hospitality workers fighting for new union contracts voted Tuesday to authorize a strike that could impact more than three dozen casinos and hotels, the city’s economic backbone. The Culinary Workers Union hasn’t gone on strike in more than three decades.
The union didn’t immediately set a deadline for a walkout, as it continues bargaining for better pay, benefits and working conditions with the top casino employers on the Las Vegas Strip, including MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts.
Star Exhibits Acquires Neu Concepts. Star Exhibits & Environments, a leading full-service experiential marketing agency and producer of high-end custom exhibits, environments, and experiences, is excited to announce the acquisition of Neu Concepts LLC, effective October 1, 2023.
Neu Concepts, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, specializes in exhibit design and fabrication, experiential marketing, branded interiors, and creative services. Cathy Hofknecht founded Neu Concepts in 2010 with a vision of collaborating with her clients to create thoughtful brand engagements that inspire, engage and delight with each and every interaction.