The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) Summer Conference kicks off Sun., June 25, at the Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Fla., and runs through Wed., June 28. 

Established in 1970, ESCA serves as a unified voice for service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. With a network of more than 185 members across the U.S. and Canada, ESCA collaborates with members and other industry organizations to promote the exhibition sector and advocate for its members’ interests. 

This year’s ESCA Summer Conference is expected to draw more than 200 industry professionals to Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, which features pristine white sand beaches carved from quartz carried from the Appalachian mountains 20,000 years ago. Here are eight things I’m looking forward to at the 2023 conference.

1. The Women In Exhibitions Network (WIEN) North America meetup. The WIEN event will be held 5-6 p.m. ET, Sun., June 25, in the Hotel Effie Lobby Bar. As a member of the chapter board, I’m looking forward to making new connections and catching up with friends before the Welcome Reception, which starts at 6 p.m ET. The event is open to all who support women in the exhibitions industry. You don’t need to be a WIEN member. Please join us if you are interested and available. RSVP to hello@womeninexhibitions.org. Thank you to ESCA’s Director of Operations Julie Kagy for her support and membership!

2. Moderating a panel on DEI. I’m honored to join the stage with two first-time speakers at the ESCA Summer Conference. During our session titled “Creating an Employee-Driven Culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” OVG360 Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus and Freeman Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Marveen Hart will share everyday practices to evolve your corporate culture. Join us at 10:30 a.m. ET, Tues., June 27.

3. One-of-a-kind experiences. The ESCA Summer Conference offers a wide variety of activities that include A Day at Sea sponsored by AFR, Deep Sea Fishing sponsored by Octanorm, Explore Seaside sponsored by Cort, ESCA Golf Tournament sponsored by Quest Events and Sip & Dip at the Rooftop Pool sponsored by Georgia Expo.
 

4. Learning from peers at sessions. The three-day conference program features a wide variety of timely, relevant sessions by speakers who are industry leaders and innovators — from “Building a Resilient Security Culture” by the International Association for Venue Management’s Mark Herrera to “The Impact of AI on Service Providers” by EXPOCAD’s Rich Stone. View the full conference program here.

5. Connecting with industry leaders and meeting new colleagues. The association is providing breakfast for all attendees each morning, as well as  hosting a number of networking activities, including the Welcome Reception on the Grand Lawn at the Hotel Effie, followed by an after party, ESCApades, at Rumrunners on Sun., June 25, ESCA’oke at Hammerheads Bar & Grille on Mon., June 26, and the Closing Reception and Awards at the Hotel Effie Rooftop Pool on Wed., June 28.

6. Discovering new products and companies. The exhibit hall will be open Mon., June 26 through Wed., June 28. Exhibitors include beMatrix USA, Boomer Commerce, ConventionSuite, epIQ Creative Group, EXHIBITORNow, IPpay, ProGlobal Products, SMT Expo, United Rentals and WS Display.
 

7. Keynotes by expert speakers from outside the industry. The conference will feature nationally recognized speakers, including Joshua Evans, Bryon Reese and John Manzella.
 

8. Running. Hotel Effie is located on the banks of the Choctawhatchee Bay, nestled inside the gates of the world-famous Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and adjacent to the Village at Baytowne Wharf. I’ve never been to this property, and I always enjoy running in new locations. It’s likely to be hot and humid, so I’ll probably hit the pavement before breakfast. Anyone want to join me for a 5K?