EACA News
EACA Congratulates The 30th Annual Randy. The 30th Annual Randy was held in Atlanta last week on September 26 in spite of the obstacles provided by hurricane Helene. While the all day rain definitely put a damper on the round of golf the participation from trade show industry friends and colleagues was outstanding. This was most evident at the banquet where the room was filled with smiling, happy, enthusiastic event professionals.
The evening highlights included video well wishes from relatives of Randy Board members, a compilation banquet video of past years organized and presented by Rich Johnson and Scott Gray and presentations from several 2024 recipients. Truer words were never spoken about the resiliency of those in attendance when it was said “trade show professionals don’t run from a hurricane when we have colleagues in need, we run toward it.”
Our congratulations and thanks to the Randy organizers, to the volunteers, to the participating sponsors and golfers and most of all to this year’s recipients. Randy Banquet Video
EACA Member Meeting Postponed. The member meeting at The Randy was postponed due to the travel challenges presented by the weather. We are currently considering several options on when to re-schedule.
EAC Registration Schedule EACA is supporting the following events with our EAC registration services:
NBAA Oct. 17-19 Las Vegas
Pack Expo Nov. 3-6 Chicago
RSNA Dec. 1-5 Chicago
Check out the New EACA Job Board.There is 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.
One piece of important advice from our friends and EACA member, Employco USA. All job listings must begin to include pay ranges for the position posted.
Click here to check out the new Job Board
EACA Member News
Corporate Events NE Assists Presidential Debate Logistics. <Exhibit City News> Corporate Events New England (NE), a Massachusetts-based event management company, played a crucial role in the presidential debate in Philadelphia. Led by President Bob Dobinski, the company was contracted to manage key elements of the event’s logistical setup, partnering with American Convention Exhibitor Service (ACES) led by President, Mike McGuckin to tackle the vast 80,000 square feet in Hall B of the Philadelphia Convention Center, where press and pundits gathered for the spin room.
Dobinski said that the opportunity emerged from a longstanding relationship with ABC News, who reached out for assistance after working with the company on several previous debates. “It’s a great example of how partnerships can create opportunities,” Dobinski explained. “We don’t have a labor agreement in Philadelphia, but through our partnership with Aces Convention Services, we’re able to make it happen.”
RSNA Offers Virtual Office Hours to EACA members. Jorie Dydo, who handles Operations for RSNA, has offered a series of Virtual Office Hours for EACs to help in the planning of services for clients at this year’s show.
RSNA is committed to supporting our exhibitors and I want to make sure you know about all of the opportunities available to ensure you and your clients have a successful show. These live Q&A sessions with RSNA staff and invited guests will help you learn more about the scheduled topic and get questions answered for your clients. We answer any and all questions, even if not directly related to the weekly scheduled topic.
Virtual Office Hours Schedule (10:00 am CT):
- October 8 – Shipping & material handling, advance warehouse and ASUV policy
- October 22 – Security
To join any of the Virtual Office Hours sessions, use the following link: RSNA 2024 Virtual Office Hours
EACA Members Are Encouraged to Obtain the 2023 Exhibitor Advocate Survey of Exhibition Rates. EACA members can utilize this report to showcase their understanding of the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and equipping their partners with the tools they need to succeed. Not only will the report provide valuable information for exhibitors, but it will also position the EAC as an indispensable ally to their clients.
This year the survey’s scope has been expanded to include forklift and hanging sign rates. The full report was crafted with the support and collaboration of Tradeshow Logic, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and independently verified by Evolio
The report costs $249.99 and can be downloaded on the Exhibitor Advocate website.
Industry News
US Economy Grew 3% Last Quarter <Northstar Meetings Group> The American economy expanded at a healthy 3% annual pace from April through June, boosted by strong consumer spending and business investment, the government said recently, leaving its previous estimate unchanged.
The Commerce Department reported that the nation’s gross domestic product — the nation’s total output of goods and services — picked up sharply in the second quarter from the tepid 1.6 percent annual rate in the first three months of the year.
Consumer spending, the primary driver of the economy, grew last quarter at a 2.8% pace, down slightly from the 2.9% rate the government had previously estimated. Business investment was also solid: It increased at a vigorous 8.3% annual pace last quarter, led by a 9.8% rise in investment in equipment.
Alaska Completes Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines <Meetings & Conventions> Alaska Airlines closed its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines recently, a day after the federal government removed the last major regulatory obstacle to the deal. Alaska will also assume about $900 million in Hawaiian debt. Alaska says it will keep Hawaiian as a separate brand, eliminating the need to repaint planes.
Southwest Airlines Will Introduce Assigned Seats <Meetings & Conventions> Southwest Airlines executives recently unveiled their vision for Southwest 2.0, an airline that for the first time will give passengers assigned seats, charge them extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights. Bags still will fly free.
Priest-Heck Receives Gold Standard In Excellence Award. Robert Priest-Heck received The Gold Standard in Excellence Award at the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Awards & Summit. In receiving the award Priest-Heck posted on LinkedIn that “this recognition reflects not just my journey but also the collective efforts of those I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career in this incredible industry. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this path.”
ExhibitorGroup Issues Call for Speaker Proposals / Opens Hotel Reservation Portal. Exhibitor Group is now accepting applications for new sessions and speakers at the following education events:
- EXHIBITOR eTrak Online Learning, offered each month on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Complete submissions will be accepted through December 31, 2024, and if selected, will be held in 2024 or 2025.
- ExhibitorLive 2025 Hotel Reservation Portal is now live. Click the link to make your room reservation.