Danica Tormohlen, an award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry for more than 25 years, serves as VP of Content for Tarsus, publisher of TSNN, ENN and Corporate Event News. Connect with and follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
With the launch of Exhibit News Now in March, I’m excited to connect in person in Louisville, Ky. with our readers — exhibit and event professionals, as well as their partners who bring the booths and activations to life. Here are 10 things I’m looking forward to at EXHIBITORLIVE, which will be held April 24-26 at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC).
1. EDPA ENGAGE 2023. Produced by Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), the annual mid-year event will be held 4-7 p.m. ET on Sun., April 23 at Copper & Kings Distillery (I’m excited to tour this distillery for the first time!). Featuring a welcome address by Dan Serebin, president of EDPA and chief financial officer of Derse, this event is all about networking, connecting and having fun with other EDPA members. Thanks for the invite, Dasher Lowe!
2. Women in Exhibitions Breakfast. The annual Breakfast will be held 8-9:30 a.m. ET on Tues., April 25 in the Connection Zone in the KICC exhibit hall. This breakfast networking event is designed to promote education, information and networking opportunities among women in the industry. I’m looking forward to connecting with Katina Zipay and Courtney Soice.
3. EACA 25th anniversary celebration. Produced by the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA), the event will be held 3:30-5 p.m. ET on Tues., April 25 in Room L013 at KICC. The association will recognize its past presidents and all companies that have been members for 25 years. Cheers to 25 years, Jim Wurm and EACA!
4. IAEE meetup. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)'s Membership Engagement Committee is hosting a free meet up for IAEE members and friends. The event will be held 5-6 p.m. ET at the Galt House Conservatory on Tues., April 25. Excited to catch up with Robyn Davis, Nancy Drapeau and Glenn Hansen.
5. Seeing new products. The showfloor, which will feature more than 100 exhibitors, will be open 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. ET, April 24-26, at the KICC. View the Exhibitor List. Looking forward to meetings with Brad Froese, Ryan Schefke, Lynn Reves, Mel White, Jillian Fafard, Stephanie Byrd and more.
6. Connecting and reconnecting. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with friends — like Glenda Brungardt, Dax Callner, Corbin Ball, Joe Federbush, Ian Sequeira, Jessica Sibila and Josh Rifkin — as well as making new connections. Who should I meet?
7. Going back to Louisville. The countdown to the 2023 Kentucky Derby is on, with this year’s race scheduled for Sat., May 6. Top off your Louisville experience by creating a custom Kentucky Derby hat or fascinator in Booth No. 955 on Monday and outside Ballroom C during the Welcome Reception. I got a fascinator in December during IAEE, so I’m planning to create a derby hat this time. If I’m lucky, I hope to find some time to check out a list of great restaurants and cool bars recommended by my friends at Louisville Tourism.
8. Welcome Reception. The event will be held 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ET on Mon., April 24, in Ballroom C on the Main Concourse. I wouldn’t miss the meet-and-greet kickoff event featuring cocktails and conversation. Who else is going?
9. EDPA Chapters Collide. The 3rd annual reception will take place 9-11 p.m. ET on Mon., April 24, at 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen. Thanks for the invite, Emma Christen!
10. Running. In December at the IAEE Annual Meeting and Expo!Expo! 2022, I ran across the iconic Big Four Bridge from Kentucky to Indiana in the dark, cold and rain. This time, I’m hoping for better weather. I’m also planning to run the trail along the Ohio River, thanks to recommendations by Sonia Fong. Anyone care to join me?
What are you looking forward to? Please share in the comments.
Got a story idea, best practice, case study or new product? Please reach out to me so that we can meet up at the event.
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