From
the Las Vegas Convention Center to the Palaise des
Fesitvals in Cannes, France – I have planned, managed,
and executed some of the most sophisticated trade show
events in the world. My 20-plus years of experience has
spanned many sophisticated markets and products.
Selection & Planning
Trade events are constantly evolving.
Markets change, audiences adjust, and mistakes are made.
Comdex is the most recent and dramatic example. It
essentially collapsed on itself. As they are large budget
expenditures, the appropriate event, and level of participation,
must be considered with the company's business goals in mind.
Long term planning also helps reduce costs, eliminate surprises,
and delivers a focused message.
Goals & Measurement
Events don't exist for themselves. Along with corporate
marketing and management, the purpose and goals of participating
in an event must be established and then achieved.
Appropriate measuring activities should be implemented to
determine the desired ROI of the events.
Logistics
Bill of Ladings, carnets, shippers, packing, drayage, forklifts, cranes - if
you don't understand them, it will lead to disaster. I've crawled over
mounds boxes in the freight terminal at Logan in Boston looking for
equipment (found it). Had a semi-truck take a ditch with our equipment
(finally made it on time - barely). Have worked many 24-48 hour days when
the computer equipment wouldn't come up. Rented and drove a 40' diesel
cab-over through downtown Washington D.C. traffic to deliver a
communications box. Experience counts when it comes to ensuring
logistics meet the needs of event management.
Personnel
Successful planning and execution of events requires
interaction and cooperation between a vast number of people. Good
rapport, respect, planning, and attention to detail is required to have this
orchestra of team members successfully complete the event. My management
style, and indeed personality, assures success in working with vendors,
contractors, and fellow team members.
Execution
Just like game day for a sports team - the success on the
field is a culmination of preparation and real-time execution of activities.
This includes team encouragement, crisis management, and continued
attention-to-detail. My can-do approach to everything and calm
demeanor in the face of adversity is key to success. While Murphy's
law does apply to events - they can be executed in absolute flawless
manners.
Measurement
Lead generation, press coverage, relationship creation,
and awareness building can all be measured and reported to company
management. This is crucial so that the event strategy supports the
company goals. I have extensive skills in the tools that support these
activities. From writing custom Access applications for lead tracking
to implementing the most sophisticated CRM tools, to creating promotions
that boost desired activity.
Site Experience
Las Vegas Convention Center
McCormick Place - Chicago
Javitz Convention Center- New York
Cobo Hall - Detroit
Astro Dome, Houston
Nashville Convention Center - Nashville
Moscone - San Francisco
Anaheim Center - Anaheim
Los Angeles Convention Center
Palaise des Festival - Cannes, France
Wimbledon Convention Center - London, UK
International Convention Centre - Birmingham England
Countless hotel ballrooms and convention facilities
Market Experience
Networld & Interop
RSA Security
Embedded Systems Conference
Storage Networking World
Comdex
SIGGRAPH
Defense Computer Graphics
CATIA Operators Exchange
DECWorld
Autofact (CTS)
VentureWire
HP User Convention
and others
