Jeff Hannah & Francisco Collazo

Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo – Part 2

A Look into the Life of Industrial Designer Francisco Collazo

This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer Francisco Collazo, Partner and CEO of SISTEXPO (Sistemas de Exposición) in Mexico City, Mexico.

In this fascinating conversation, Francisco Collazo shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry.

Host Jeff Hannah asks Francisco to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the industry in Mexico. Nowadays, most of the exhibits are custom-built, wooden exhibits versus system exhibits; many are still build and burn (one time use).

Francisco highlighted his knowledge of system exhibits, shedding light on the diverse range, some of the history, and how he became an expert in this area. He mentions his past interactions with historical system influencers, such as Hans Bruder (global leader of OCTANORM for over 50 years). Some of the systems they discussed are beMatrix, Aluvision, Agam, OCTANORM, SYMA, and meroform,

They discuss the primary exhibition venues in Mexico, and how those have evolved over the years in their respective areas:

Palacio de los Deportes

World Trade Center Mexico City

Centro Citibanamex

Expo Guadalajara

Jeff and Francisco share their common bond of their pathways to becoming an industrial designer. Francisco shares how he is particularly passionate about giving back to future generations of designers and design programs at various universities. Francisco’s heavy involvement in international and local industry associations underscored his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with others across the industry.

Francisco’s international work experience is a key focal point, illustrating the intricacies and nuances of navigating business across borders – particularly in Latin America.

Francisco opens-up about the unique experience of collaborating with family members in the industry, providing a glimpse into the dynamics of working alongside loved ones. He shares his outlook on navigating some of those challenges – and well as the reward of working with his family in the formation of this third-generation business. They specifically mention the work that his son Paco Collazo is doing with Happy Projects, based in Atlanta.

Jeff asks Francisco about his legacy, where he emphasizes continuous innovation, building connections, and providing the highest level of service possible (beyond what is happening on the trade show floor).

Host Jeff Hannah summarizes this interview by stating, “good stuff to build a business on; good stuff to build a life around.”

SISTEXPO are international exhibit and event builders, headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. They are uniquely positioned to work across North America and South America, with a reach far beyond – into Europe and elsewhere around the world. SISTEXPO designs and builds exhibits for trade shows, works as a general contractor for entire exhibitions, provides international pavilions, and produces full-scale events. Well into their third family generation, SISTEXPO has a strong track record of over 40 years and continues to be heavily involved in international associations and works with many global brands. They are proud members of IFES, EDPA, ESSA, bePartner Network, MPI, OSPI, and AMPROFEC.

This interview was recorded live at the amazing Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, in Bonita Springs, Florida (USA) with host Jeff Hannah.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-collazo-ortega-23601639/

Website: https://www.sistexpo.com/

Jeff Hannah & Francisco Collazo

Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo – Part 1

A Look into the Life of Industrial Designer Francisco Collazo

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer Francisco Collazo, Partner and CEO of SISTEXPO (Sistemas de Exposición) in Mexico City, Mexico.

In this fascinating conversation, Francisco Collazo shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry.

Host Jeff Hannah asks Francisco to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the industry in Mexico. Nowadays, most of the exhibits are custom-built, wooden exhibits versus system exhibits; many are still build and burn (one time use).

Francisco highlighted his knowledge of system exhibits, shedding light on the diverse range, some of the history, and how he became an expert in this area. He mentions his past interactions with historical system influencers, such as Hans Bruder (global leader of OCTANORM for over 50 years). Some of the systems they discussed are beMatrix, Aluvision, Agam, OCTANORM, SYMA, and meroform,

They discuss the primary exhibition venues in Mexico, and how those have evolved over the years in their respective areas:

Palacio de los Deportes

World Trade Center Mexico City

Centro Citibanamex

Expo Guadalajara

Jeff and Francisco share their common bond of their pathways to becoming an industrial designer. Francisco shares how he is particularly passionate about giving back to future generations of designers and design programs at various universities. Francisco’s heavy involvement in international and local industry associations underscored his commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with others across the industry.

Francisco’s international work experience is a key focal point, illustrating the intricacies and nuances of navigating business across borders – particularly in Latin America.

Francisco opens-up about the unique experience of collaborating with family members in the industry, providing a glimpse into the dynamics of working alongside loved ones. He shares his outlook on navigating some of those challenges – and well as the reward of working with his family in the formation of this third-generation business. They specifically mention the work that his son Paco Collazo is doing with Happy Projects, based in Atlanta.

Jeff asks Francisco about his legacy, where he emphasizes continuous innovation, building connections, and providing the highest level of service possible (beyond what is happening on the trade show floor).

Host Jeff Hannah summarizes this interview by stating, “good stuff to build a business on; good stuff to build a life around.”

SISTEXPO are international exhibit and event builders, headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. They are uniquely positioned to work across North America and South America, with a reach far beyond – into Europe and elsewhere around the world. SISTEXPO designs and builds exhibits for trade shows, works as a general contractor for entire exhibitions, provides international pavilions, and produces full-scale events. Well into their third family generation, SISTEXPO has a strong track record of over 40 years and continues to be heavily involved in international associations and works with many global brands. They are proud members of IFES, EDPA, ESSA, bePartner Network, MPI, OSPI, and AMPROFEC.

This interview was recorded live at the amazing Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, in Bonita Springs, Florida (USA) with host Jeff Hannah.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-collazo-ortega-23601639/

Website: https://www.sistexpo.com/

Jeff Hannah & Alejandro Escalante

Born into the Exhibition Industry

Alejandro Escalante Grew Up on the Show Floor in Mexico

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Mexican industry globetrotter Alejandro (Alex) Escalante from Guadalajara. Alejandro is part of the family-owned company, Omega Group, where he is involved in sales, project management, logistics, and many other activities. He has worked in many regions of the world, such as Europe, Latin America, and the USA.

They discuss cultural, mindset, and industry differences between Mexico and the USA, as well as Mexico and other Latin American countries. Alejandro discusses how to reach Mexican clients, and the importance of building long-term, personal relationships.

They discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on the exhibition industry in Mexico, on the economy there – and how the recovery is progressing.

On a personal note, Jeff asks Alex about his years of industry experience, and what he learned working at notable European companies, such as Atelier Damböck in Germany. Alex shares how those cross-cultural work experiences helped to shape his approach to business.

This interview was recorded during EDPA ACCESS 2021 at the The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood Curio Collection in Hollywood, Florida with host Jeff Hannah.

Email: aez@omegagroup.com.mx

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alejandro-escalante-a50394105/

Website: www.omegaexp.com.mx

Jeff Hannah & David Hanger

David Hanger’s Best Places to Eat Around the World (Part 1)

Top Food & Activity Picks Globally by David Hanger 

This 3-part mini-series interview provides a wealth of solid insights and recommendations for restaurants, food, and excursions / activities in five international cities. This is quite different from most of our episodes. But, it’s extremely interesting – and provides an abundance of first-hand recommendations from David Hanger, whose reviews on TripAdvisor have been read by more than 100,000 people. Besides being a “critic of food,” David is an international business executive and consultant based in the USA. Host Jeff Hannah interviewed David during a trip to Singapore.

In Part 1 of this interview, David and Jeff focus on Singapore and Amsterdam. Part 2 of this series covers the Greek Island of Santorini, and the city of Shanghai in China. Part 3 of this series covers the cities of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the US cities of Chicago and Santa Barbara.

It’s quite important to ensure that any restaurant you choose for business meetings or entertainment are excellent choices – not only in terms of food quality, but in terms of atmosphere, location, service level, and cultural fit, to name a few. Hopefully this mini-series will be a great resource for those of you who may be planning shows, events, or personal travel in these cities.

Please feel free to connect with David Hanger if you would like to get other recommendations or information directly from him, as he is a tremendous wealth of knowledge for food and dining globally. His contact info is listed below.

Links to restaurants / activities mentioned in this podcast episode:

Singapore:

Fotia (Mediterranean / Greek restaurant)

Chao Chao Gyoza (Japanese restaurant)

NOX (total darkness restaurant)

The Other Room (speakeasy bar at Marriott Tang Plaza)

Club Street (restaurants / various types of entertainment / nightlife)

CBD (Central Business District)

Novena Square Area

KF1 (go kart circuit)

Singapore Grand Prix (Formula 1 night race)

Haji Lane (near Suntec City & Duo Galleria)

 

Amsterdam:

De Belhamel (romantic atmosphere with French & Italian cuisine)

Stubbe’s Haring (seafood street vendor / restaurant)

Vondelpark (nature park)

 

This interview was recorded at the Urbana Rooftop Bar & Pool at the Marriott Courtyard Singapore Novena Hotel in Singapore with host Jeff Hannah.

Email: davidhanger88@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshanger/

Double decker exhibit at EuroShop

Insights into Argentina – Architect Marcela Medrano

Insights into Argentina with Architect Marcela Medrano

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Marcela Medrano, President of Dodecaedro Group, based in Buenos Aires. Jeff interviewed Marcela during EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Jeff talks with Marcela about the unique distinctions of the trade show (trade fair) industry in Argentina. They discuss the typical approach to exhibit fabrication, which is mostly custom fabrication versus modular systems. They also get into some details about printed graphics – and the fact that silicon edged graphics (SEG) are not readily produced in Argentina.

Marcela also discusses the economic realities and challenges of working in Argentina and Latin America. In the past several years, prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the trade show industry was hard-hit in Argentina, due to multiple years of hyper-inflation and currency devaluation. Client budgets cannot keep pace with the growth of inflation, making it harder for brands to participate in trade shows and events. With most materials being imported, along with skyrocketing labor costs, the industry has suffered greatly.

Marcela reviews several of the major convention centers in Buenos Aires, such as La Rural, Tecnópolis, The Buenos Aires Convention Centre (CEC), and the various types of international shows that are typically held in Buenos Aires.

Jeff also asks Marcela to explain more about the cultural perspectives in Argentina, as well as the ethnic landscape, and what has been happening recently in terms of immigration.

Dodecaedro Group is a global alliance between Dodecaedro (Argentina), Dodecaedro (Brazil), and Dylunio (Spain). Marcela is from Mendoza, Argentina, and holds a degree in architecture from the Universidad de Mendoza. She is currently based at their HQ office in Buenos Aires.

With more than 20 years of experience and developed projects in more than 40 countries, Dodecaedro Group has a proven track-record in design and stand construction globally. Dodecaedro Group is member of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES), the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), the Argentine Association of Organizers and Suppliers of Exhibitions, Congresses, Events and Convention Bureaus (AOCA), and Buenos Aires Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This trade show (EuroShop) was one of the last major trade shows to be held before the COVID-19 Pandemic caused shows globally to be cancelled. EuroShop is the world’s largest trade fair for the retail industry, trade shows and associated sectors. There are over 90,000 attendees at the show, with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 56 countries.

This interview was recorded at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany at the Exhibitor Magazine booth on the show floor.

Email: mmedrano@dodecaedrogroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-medrano-9a003328/

potters wheel

The Great Global Reset

The Great Global Reset – Jeff Hannah Speaks at IFES

In this episode, we are re-airing a webinar with Jeff Hannah called The Great Global Reset, presented by IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services), as part of an ongoing series called IFES Solutions. All countries and cultures on the planet are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact is monumental – and will likely have more significant repercussions on humanity than any other crisis we have seen in our lifetimes. The coronavirus pandemic is already permanently reshaping culture as we speak. The trade show and event industry is being hit particularly hard as well – and is being forced to shift, innovate, and re-think. In this webinar we will explore COVID through the eyes of culture – and some elements of the Great Global Reset.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio but broadcast globally in April 2020.

Email: jhannah@exhibitconcepts.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyhannah/

Jeff & Uta on Eco Tour in Sonoran Desert

IFES Executive Director – Uta Goretzky

Jeff Hannah Interviews Uta Goretzky – Executive Director of IFES

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Uta Goretzky, the Executive Director of the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, headquartered in Europe. Uta has a vast knowledge of what is happening in the trade show and event industry on a global basis. She works diligently to ensure that the industry is well-represented globally within various government contexts, as well as from an economic standpoint. They also provide a platform for global collaboration between companies across the exhibition industry.

Uta discusses trends that she is observing, initiatives that IFES is pursuing currently, the significance of cultural concerns, as well as best practices for exhibitors. Uta is based in Frankfurt, Germany, but spends much of her life on the road in many places around the world.

Prior to joining IFES, Uta spent more than 20 years with FAMAB e.V., the German association for the exhibitions and events industry. Uta studied economics at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster in Germany.

This interview was recorded in the Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona in the USA.

Uta Goretzky on LinkedIn

Email: uta@ifesnet.org

Chloe Richardson in Action

Chloe Richardson – a Woman of Many Talents! (Part 2)

Jeff Hannah Interviews Chloe Richardson – Linguist & Exhibition Sales Strategist

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Chloe Richardson, a linguist – and sales strategist within the exhibition and trade show industry globally. She speaks about 5 or 6 languages – and teaches language. She also works in the exhibition and trade show industry, specializing in sales strategy, rebook consultancy, sales team support, business development, client engagement, the customer journey and process management. And she also does translation work on a regular basis.

Chloe’s home base is in London, where she is today. But, Chloe works in a diverse array of industries across the world, including Europe, North America, Russia and Eurasia, China, India, South East Asia and Africa.

Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Portuguese from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. One little secret about Chloe…is that she has spent a significant part of her life working in the entertainment industry, being a vocalist, pianist and actress. Chloe is just super-talented, extremely articulate and just fun to be around!!

Chloe shares lots of great insights across this 3-part series. She discusses the importance of language in relation to travel – and to the trade show and exhibition world in general; she talks about cultural differences, travel tips, how to engage with strangers, how to create trust & respect, perceptions across borders, and developing a better understanding of the audience you are trying to engage with.

This interview was recorded in London, United Kingdom & Dayton, Ohio, USA.

Part 1 of my interview with Chloe.

Part 3 of my interview with Chloe.

Chloe Richardson on LinkedIn

Website: www.explori.com

Email: c.richardson@explori.com

Motorola Exhibit in Bangkok

Larry Kulchawik – Trade Shows from One Country to the Next (Part 2)

Jeff Hannah Interviews International Exhibit Industry Legend Larry Kulchawik

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah concludes his interview with exhibition industry legend Larry Kulchawik, author of Trade Shows from One Country to the Next. They discuss some of the biggest mistakes that companies make, how to approach working internationally, some of the most difficult places to work, the most rewarding aspects of the industry, and Larry’s legacy in the global exhibition industry.

Trade Shows from One Country to the Next is tailor-made for exhibit managers and event planners who are working across borders. It outlines the venues, top trade shows, rules, regulations, exhibit and cultural differences. It is designed to help you recalculate your strategies and tactics when exhibiting internationally – covering 45 countries.

While earning a degree in Design at Southern Illinois University, Larry Kulchawik had the privilege to study under world class designer Buckminster Fuller. Starting as an exhibit designer, Kulchawik has spent the last 43 years making his mark on the exhibit industry globally!

Larry has worked for three of the leading exhibit companies in the USA – in design, management and sales – with a focus on international trade show marketing. He served as President of IFES (International Federation of Exposition Services) and as President of EDPA (Experiential Designers and Producers Association). Larry also served on the boards of many industry associations Center for Exhibit Industry Research (CEIR)Octanorm Service Partner International (OSPI), and the World Trade Center. As president of EDPA he assisted to launch the first master’s degree program in exhibit design at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City; during that time he also led a task force to create an Underwriters Laboratory (aka UL) – Standards for Safety for building trade show exhibits.

Larry has been awarded two of the industry’s highest honors – the Hazel Hays Award (given by EDPA), and the Roger Taurant Award (given by IFES) for his contributions to the exhibit industry.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this interview with Larry Kulchawik.

This interview was recorded in Naples, Florida.

www.larrykulchawik.com

Larry Kulchawik LinkedIn

Email: larrykulchawik@gmail.com

Twitter: @LarryKulchawik

Larry Kulchawik Consulting on Facebook

Pavilions at the Dubai Airshow

Terri Morrison – Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® (Part 2)

Communications, Body Language, & Authority

This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with Ms. Terri Morrison, known worldwide for her series of books called Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® (co-authored by Wayne A. Conaway). Recently, Terri Morrison has been speaking at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas and focusing on the international aspects of the trade show industry, where she met-up with host Jeff Hannah.

Terri’s books have sold over 450,000 copies. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands® has been translated into everything from Mandarin to Estonian, and is on INC. Magazine’s 7 Best Books on How to Negotiate.

Her new book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands®: Courtrooms to Corporate Counsels was recently released and is available online from the American Bar Association.  Her clients include the American Bar Association, AT&T, Accenture, American Airlines, American Express… and many more!

Terri has been profiled and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Asia Times, Investor’s Weekly, the Washington Post, Fast Company, National Geographic Adventure, Nature, ESPN, Fortune, the Huffington Post, and many others.

Terri Morrison has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and repeatedly on NPR, and the BBC – and finally on The Global Exhibitor Podcast!

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this interview with Terri Morrison.

www.kissboworshakehands.com

www.TerriMorrison.com

Terri Morrison Facebook

Twitter: @KissBowAuthor

Terri Morrison LinkedIn