What are the trends for service providers serving the trade fair and event market? AI, sustainability and inflation were the hot topics on the agenda of this edition Association of Exhibition Service Providers (ESCA) Summer Educational Conference (SEC), held June 23-26 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
This year’s annual conference attracted more than 200 senior executives and managers representing service contractors of all sizes, from public companies to GHG to family businesses such as Expo Convention Contractors Inc. New attendees and exhibitors reflect the health and relevance of any event, and ESCA welcomed over 35 new attendees in 2024.
If you couldn’t make it, TSNN attended the event and has the scoop on what you missed.
1. Evidence. The event brought together 22 exhibitors, ranging from Locations United And Velocity has ExpoCAD And Emerald Carpet. Breakfast and breaks were held in the ballroom where the exhibits were presented, so attendees could meet exhibitors during the program for a total of four and a half hours. Each exhibitor was able to present their company and products during a two-minute presentation on the main stage. A new exhibitor, August Roboticsintroduced its Lionel robot, which simplifies the process of floor marking and show setup. Stay tuned for our interview with the August Robotics team.
2. Networking. From the opening night with falconry to the pool party with drinks and dips, ESCA offered memorable events for attendees to mingle and mingle. The conference kicked off with an opening night party on the lawn of the Omni Homestead extension. Other evening networking events included: karaoke, a barbecue with games and s’mores by the fire, and a closing night party with a 360-degree video experience and a model serving champagne from a hoop skirt.
3. Sessions. With three days of morning training, the SEC spent over seven hours learning about the latest industry, economic and policy trends. Session topics ranged from disruptive trends shaping the future and a strategic approach to engaging stakeholders in place design to legal updates in the world of work and building a sustainable future.
4. Expert speakers. ESCA brought in a wide range of industry leaders and outside experts to its program. Notable speakers from outside the industry included former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge, Sage Policy Group CEO Anirban Basu, and Future Today Institute consultant Samantha Jordan. The industry executive panel included: International Association of Convention Venue Management (IAVM) CEO Brad Mayne, Association of Experiential Designers and Producers (EDPA) Executive Director Dasher Lowe, Society of Independent Trade Fair Organizers Vincent Polito, CEO of SISO, International Association of Exhibitions and Events Marsha Flanagan, CEO and President of IAEE, and Julie Kagy, Executive Director of ESCA.
5. Well-being. ESCA is well known for its afternoon activities that get attendees out in nature to network. This year’s event did not disappoint, with options to connect in the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains. Attendees played golf, hiked the Cascade Gorge, rode horseback on a mountain trail, participated in archery and axe throwing, skeet shooting, and lounged by the Allegheny Springs Pool.
6. Meeting of the network of women on display. For the second consecutive year, the Women in Exhibitions Network in North America hosted a meet-up at ESCA. Approximately 50 participants, both men and women, had the opportunity to network before the opening reception. Sponsored by Expo Convention Contractors Inc.The event attracted female exhibition managers, including The defender of exhibitors General Manager Jessica Sibila, GES Senior Vice President of Business Development Julia Smith and Brumark Vice President of Sales Leah Webster.
7. Location. Founded in 1766, Omni Homestead Resort is known for its Southern hospitality and secluded yet upscale setting, 64 miles from Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. The renovation of the resort’s 483 rooms, public spaces, meeting rooms and restaurants was completed in October 2023. Fun fact: 23 presidents – Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy – visited or stayed at the hotel, according to one report. article in USA Today.
8. Location. Besides the beautiful scenery, previous presidents were likely drawn to the area for its Hot spring poolswhich are part of about 100 heat-heated springs along the Virginia-West Virginia border. The original octagonal stone basin that held the water for the bath was built in 1761, making it the first thermal structure in America, according to the Omni WebsiteFollowing the completion of a 14-month, $4 million rehabilitation, the men’s and women’s baths have been restored to the historic wooden structures as they were when the resort acquired them in 1925.
9. Connections. The attendee list included a wide range of exhibit services industry figures, union leaders, association executives and journalists. Key industry executives in attendance included Anne Vancoillie, CEO and owner of Aluvision, Chris Schmik, COO of Freeman Event & Exhibit Services, Debbie Leander, owner of Boomer Commerce, and Rich Stone, CEO of ExpoCAD, to name a few. The full list of attendees is available here.
10. Recognition. ESCA honored two industry association leaders who will retire in 2024: Mayne, who led IAVM for eight years after working in conference venues since 1973, and IAEE COO Cathy Breden, who worked at the association for more than 21 years and served as the first female interim CEO before Flanagan took the helm last December.
Looking forward
THE ESCA Winter Celebration and Awards will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) on December 15 in Los Angeles, the day before the opening of the IAEE Annual Meeting and Expo!Expo!. SEC 2025 will be held June 29-July 2 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Photos: Courtesy of Oscar & Associates