IFES

Mark Johnson On Stage at EDPA Access 2022

How Mark Johnson is Shaping the Exhibition Industry

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Asia, Best Practices, Branding, Branding, Communications, Covid-19, Culture, Europe, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, London, Marketing, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Storytelling, Strategy, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

How Mark Johnson is Shaping the Exhibition Industry

Industry veteran Mark Johnson is re-shaping the world of exhibitions with his deep passion, foresight, and encompassing vision for the future. Mark has garnered significant attention with his recent acquisitions of EXHIBITOR Group, as well as Featherlite Exhibits. In this episode, host Jeff Hannah asks Mark about his acquisition of EXHIBITOR Group, and how he is re-imagining the future of it. Mark introduces Dan Raynak as the new CEO/President of EXHIBITOR Group, and talks about the unique and ongoing mission for the company. Mark’s fiery passion for the exhibition industry can be felt as he discusses a more inclusive future for EXHIBITOR – with the introduction of additional tools and resources. Mark also discusses the outlook for EXHIBITORLIVE 2023 and beyond, including future potential show locations.

EXHIBITOR is widely recognized as a producer of educational conferences – and is exploring ways to build upon this globally recognized brand – including potential international expansion of educational programming and CTSM Certification. EXHIBITOR and the EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association) have recently formed a partnership to provide ongoing professional education to EDPA members through EXHIBITOR’s Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program.

Mark Johnson is the Founder / CEO of Star Exhibits & Environments, and also owns several other companies. Mark built an outstanding reputation in the exhibition industry through decades of international work and leadership in industry associations such as EDPA and IFES. He was formerly President (2005) of EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association). He was involved in the creation of the EDPA Foundation, where he continues to serve as Treasurer. He was instrumental in supporting and promoting IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) over the years in various ways. Mark has been instrumental in the exhibit design education programs at both Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Bemidji State University (BSU), from the early stages of development to current day. In 2021, Mark was honored as one of the Ten Most Admired CEOs by the MSP Business Journal.

EXHIBITOR Group is the global leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education. EXHIBITOR does this through many platforms, including: EXHIBITOR Magazine, EXHIBITORLIVE, the Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program, EXHIBITOR FastTrak, EXHIBITOR eTrak, and others.

A leading global marketing solutions provider, Star Exhibits and Environments values a customer-intimate approach, lasting partnerships, powerful strategic direction, and consistent execution. Star’s comprehensive design, fabrication, installation, and property management services support trade show, retail, corporate interior, event and selling environment initiatives.

This interview was recorded live at EXHIBITOR FastTrak in Providence, Rhode Island, with host Jeff Hannah.

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

Website: https://www.exhibitoronline.com/index.asp

Mark Johnson, Owner and CEO of Star Group

Mark Johnson
Exhibit at EuroShop 2020

Engagement Strategies with Designer Scott Wojda

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Best Practices, Branding, Communications, Culture, Design, Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Graphics, Language, Lighting, Marketing, Middle East, New Zealand, Non-Verbal Communications, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Strategy, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States

Czech Republic Designer Scott Wojda Discusses His Unique Approach to Engagements

Host Jeff Hannah interviews Scott Wojda, President of Global Creative Group based in the Czech Republic. Jeff interviewed Scott during EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Jeff has a very interesting conversation with Scott about his agency’s approach to storytelling, strategy, creating engagements, and the overall design of exhibitry. Scott has a deep understanding of how to capture peoples’ interest, and a unique approach to translating that into outstanding environments.

Growing-up in California, Scott is bilingual and of Czech heritage. He earned a degree in Industrial Design at the highly acclaimed Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He now lives with his family in the Czech Republic, where his company, Global Creative Group is headquartered.

Global Creative Group is a digital event agency with locations in Southern California and in the Czech Republic. Global Creative Group works with brands from around the world to design outstanding exhibits which attract, engage, and tell meaningful stories.

This interview was recorded during EuroShop 2020 at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany at the Exhibitor Magazine booth on the show floor.

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.

Global Creative Group

Email: scott@globalcreative.eu

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

Jeff Hannah with Scott Wojda at EuroShop

Jeff Hannah & Scott Wojda
Double decker exhibit at EuroShop

Insights into Argentina – Architect Marcela Medrano

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Culture, Design, Ecuador, Europe, Gender, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Loose Time, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Time, United States

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

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Age, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Authority, Bahrain, Best Practices, Brazil, Chile, China, Communications, Covid-19, Cuba, Culture, Dusseldorf, Ecuador, Europe, Gender, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, Podcast, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Strategy, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Verbal Communications

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 Hannah Speaks at EuroShop 2020

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Age, Authority, Best Practices, Branding, Communications, Culture, Dusseldorf, Europe, Gender, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Loose Time, Marketing, Middle East, Non-Verbal Communications, North America, Podcast, Precise Time, Relationships, Strategy, Time, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Speaks at EuroShop 2020

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah speaks at EuroShop 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany as part of the IFES Expo & Event Stage. Jeff’s lecture was titled Cultural Frameworks – which highlights the need for focusing on the dimensions of national culture. Jeff states that cultural differences are one of the most ignored aspects of international trade show programs.

Neglecting subtle nuances in cross-cultural business can be devastating, as unrealized components of culture can damage business relationships and nullify marketing efforts. Recognizing that all business is conducted within the “context of culture” helps one to see things from a totally different perspective. This session provides a brief overview of the various dimensions of culture which should considered when exhibiting in other countries, such as:

IFES is the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, headquartered in Europe. Jeff’s lecture was hosted by IFES as part of their series called, The Art of Exhibition, an important aspect of the educational program provided at EuroShop.

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. It is the source of information and inspiration for professionals and decision-makers on every conceivable aspect of retailing. It is the showcase for trends and innovations. A hot spot for sales and marketing experts seeking new ideas to spotlight and sell their company’s products and services even better.

This interview was recorded at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany – and moderated by the infamous Han Leenhouts from The Netherlands.

Jeff Hannah on LinkedIn

Email: jeff@globalexhibitor.com

Jeff & Uta on Eco Tour in Sonoran Desert

IFES Executive Director – Uta Goretzky

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Argentina, Best Practices, Brazil, Chile, Communications, Culture, Design, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Graphics, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, Munich, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

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

EuroShop 2017

Steve Tustain – Seeing Germany through British Eyes (Part 2)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Communications, Culture, Design, Europe, Germany, Language, London, Middle East, Non-Verbal Communications, North America, Podcast, Precise Time, Relationships, Time, United Kingdom, United States, Yorkshire

Jeff Hannah Interviews Steve Tustain – a British Man Living in Germany

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Steve Tustain of MDL Expo International GmbH. They discuss the separation between private and professional life in Germany, and building credibility with German colleagues. They discuss the Bavarian (Bayern) region of Germany and how business and mindsets differ there from some other regions of Germany. Steve talks about the looming issue of Brexit, how it might impact the UK as well Europe in general. Steve gives some fantastic advice to exhibit managers and event planners who are planning shows or events in Germany and throughout Europe.

Jeff also asks Steve about how he got started in this industry with his background in architecture.

Steve Tustain was born in the UK, and studied architecture at The University of Hull in Yorkshire, England. He also studied at the Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, before moving to Germany.

Jeff and Steve had overlapping tenures at Gielissen Interiors & Exhibitions, based in Eindhoven. Steve was based in Germany, where he has lived for more than 20 years now. He has broad global experience and works across multiple industries for many recognized brands. Steve Tustain is currently the Sales Manager for MDL Expo International GmbH, based near Frankfurt.

Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this interview with Steve Tustain.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio.

MDL Expo International GmbH

Steve Tustain LinkedIn English

Steve Tustain LinkedIn Germany

Email: steve.tustain@mdl-expo.com

EuroShop 2017

Steve Tustain – Seeing Germany through British Eyes (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Asia, Best Practices, Culture, Design, Dusseldorf, Europe, Germany, Language, London, Marketing, Munich, North America, Podcast, Precise Time, Relationships, Strategy, Time, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews Steve Tustain – a British Man Living in Germany

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews Steve Tustain of MDL Expo International GmbH. They discuss how exhibits should be designed differently for Germany, and how the exhibit may be used different in Europe than in other places such as in the USA. Steve emphasizes the importance of pre-show planning and promotion in order to reach the audience you want to have. They also talk about preparing to meet with – and negotiate with – German business people. And Steve shares his views on how in-booth activities such as engagements, gamification and gimmicks are viewed by Europeans.

Steve delves deeper into the mind of the German with his views on how people desire to be perceived by others, especially in the business world. Competence is important. But, pride and being too “showy” with success can quickly backfire when trying to connect with someone from Germany.

Jeff also asks Steve to share how his life is different in Germany in comparison to his upbringing in Great Britain.

Steve Tustain was born in the UK, and studied architecture at the University of Hull in Yorkshire, England. He also studied at the Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom, before moving to Germany.

Jeff and Steve had overlapping tenures at Gielissen Interiors & Exhibitions, based in Eindhoven. Steve was based in Germany, where he has lived for more than 20 years now. He has broad global experience and works across multiple industries for many recognized brands. Steve Tustain is currently the Sales Manager for MDL Expo International GmbH, based near Frankfurt.

Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this interview with Steve Tustain.

This interview was recorded in Dayton, Ohio.

MDL Expo International GmbH

Steve Tustain LinkedIn English

Steve Tustain LinkedIn Germany

Email: steve.tustain@mdl-expo.com

Motorola Exhibit in Bangkok

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

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Age, Argentina, Asia, Best Practices, Branding, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Culture, Design, Dubai, Ecuador, Europe, Gender, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Saudi Arabia, Strategy, Time, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

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

Motorola Exhibit in Bangkok

Larry Kulchawik – Trade Shows from One Country to the Next (Part 1)

Posted on by Jeff Hannah | In Abu Dhabi, Age, Argentina, Asia, Best Practices, Brazil, Communications, Culture, Design, Dubai, Europe, Gender, Germany, Language, Latin America, Leadership, Marketing, Mexico, Middle East, North America, Podcast, Relationships, Strategy, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Jeff Hannah Interviews International Exhibit Industry Legend Larry Kulchawik

In this episode, host Jeff Hannah interviews exhibition industry legend Larry Kulchawik, author of Trade Shows from One Country to the Next. They discuss how to approach working internationally, how the industry has changed over the years, the importance of recognizing and learning about cultural differences, and some of the contributions that Larry has made to the global exhibition industry throughout his career.

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 2 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 – Facebook