Join us in Congratulating the 2021 Scholarship Recipients This year the ESCA Scholarship Program awarded five general scholarships in addition to the Dennis Hale Memorial Scholarship. The purpose of the program and specifically the Dennis Hale Memorial Scholarship is to promote exhibition industry education by assisting industry members and their families to pursue university studies and help educate the next generation’s leaders.  We are proud to give back to our membership by way of these scholarships in pursuit of higher education and look forward to the contributions these future young professionals will make to our industry or other professions they pursue.   (click the below images to view their video) Dennis Hale Memorial Scholarship Avery Goodwin Northern Virginia Community College ESCA General Scholarship Catherine Basch Georgia Institute of Technology ESCA General Scholarship Grace Grouzard Butler University ESCA General Scholarship Abigail Praag Brigham Young University ESCA General Scholarship Kasey Curtin Sonoma State University ESCA General Scholarship Madisyn Pestka DePaul University ESCA Scholarships are funded by generous donations from our members and industry company partners every year. Click here for more information about the ESCA Scholarship Program. ‌ ‌ ‌

The 2021 ESCA Award Winners honored during the Winter Awards Celebration & Reception in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA December 5, 2021– The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) Honored the 2021 Award Winners during the Winter Awards Celebration & Reception in Philadelphia, PA. Each year ESCA recognizes those industry pioneers and leaders who inspire, innovate, and have risen to the challenge to serve their customers, community, and the exhibition industry.   Join us in Congratulating the 2021 ESCA Award Winners 2021 Innovation Award – This award recognizes those individuals or organizations that have implemented innovative and creative industry solutions and applications. This does not need to have occurred in the past year, this award is also for pioneers in the industry whose ideas have stood the test of time. Fern partnered with ShareMyHealth to bring together a best-in-class provider of Health Care Testing and Technology with Fern’s 110 plus years of live event experience. Fern HealthCheck has provided the opportunity for dozens of events and tens of thousands of attendees to return to the trade show floor safely through vaccine and testing verification solutions as well as on-site PCR and antigen testing. This solution was never about revenue generation for Fern; it was about doing their part to help the industry return in a manner that supported show organizers and their stakeholders. 2020 Innovation Award – This award recognizes those individuals or organizations that have implemented innovative and creative industry solutions and applications. This does not need to have occurred in the past year, this award is also for pioneers in the industry whose ideas have stood the test of time. beMatrix’s innovative efforts and hard work creating an innovative solution to keep their customers and our industry at work during a challenging time. During the pandemic, beMatrix shifted its focus from exhibit building to live communication. As part of this shift, they wanted to create a product line that would allow exhibit and event builders to use their beMatrix products outside or in a retail/event setting. As a result, beMatrix created pop-OUT. While beMatrix was unable to be present to accept the award, Tara Ericson, CEO, stated, “We are humbled and honored to have won this award. Thank you from all of us at beMatrix USA.” Humanitarian Award – Awarded to those individuals or organizations that have contributed significantly to alleviating human suffering, improving the quality of life and well-being of individuals both in the U.S. and abroad. Demonstrating significant leadership and outstanding humanitarian volunteer accomplishments that bring honor to the industry. International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (I.A.T.S.E.) During the pandemic, the women, men, and kin from hundreds of IATSE Locals across the US and Canada participated in creating PPE for Hospitals, essential workers, assisted living, and homeless centers, as well as retail workers. The membership produced more than 50,000 masks that included those acceptable to hospitals by repurposing surgical material already available in most hospitals that would otherwise have been discarded. In addition, the International created a website – IATSECares.org – which worked tirelessly to connect members’ needs to resources, produced a “buddy system” where members provided services for others and provided welfare check-ups on members by the more than 2,500 members who signed up as volunteers. ESCA is very proud to have such a dedicated workforce with compassionate leadership as a part of our ESCA family. Volunteer of the Year Award – This award recognizes one outstanding volunteer for their valuable and selfless commitment to innovation, execution, and enhancement of the ESCA community. Brett Mitchell – General Manager, Overland Park Convention Center Brett has been an incredible volunteer as the Venue and Management Council chair over the past year, a member of ESCA’s Health and Safety Committee, and a key organizer in ESCA’s ALL IN campaign. Brett’s broad industry focus and wealth of knowledge help ESCA and other industry key associations move our industry initiatives forward. He always goes above and beyond, doing everything he can for ESCA and our industry. Outstanding Service Awards – This award recognizes an individual that made measurable or generally recognizable contributions to the industry during the past year. Mark Staples President / CEO American Exposition Services  Mark Staples actively sought ways to support vendors, customers, and employees in our industry. He is honest, innovative, and one of the “best people in the biz.” Mark always puts the well-being of his staff and customers above all while exemplifying the ESCA values. As a shining example of a pillar of our industry, ESCA is honored to award Mark an Outstanding Service Award. Tommy Blitsch Secretary-Treasurer / Principal Officer International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 631 Tommy Blitsch is awarded ESCA’s Outstanding service award for his advocacy efforts. He spent numerous hours working with the Las Vegas industry, county officials, and local politicians. This type of advocacy is hard work and often goes unnoticed. We want to acknowledge his efforts and thank him for being a champion for our industry with this award. Employco is deserving of this special recognition for the hard work and dedication the organization has demonstrated, both educating the industry and offering to help anyone that needed guidance in the face of industry turned upside down. They put together multiple free webinars not just for ESCA’s clients but also for any small business who needed advice on various topics, including COVID-19, HR issues, PPP updates, reopening best practices, and more. This organization is the perfect example of providing outstanding service and is well-deserving of being recognized by ESCA by being awarded the Outstanding Service Award. President’s Award – This high honor is awarded exclusively by ESCA’s President to recognize service to our industry that is above and beyond. Randy Pekowski, President and COO, The Expo Group During this crucial time, Randy’s dedication, leadership, and guidance were vital in driving ESCA’s and our industry’s need to get back to business. Randy donated his company’s resources for ESCA’s All In campaign, gave selflessly of his time, and provided levelheaded leadership during a challenging time for our industry. ESCA is thrilled to have him on our 2021 Board of Directors and excited to see how he helps to sculpt our association and this industry in the future. Randy has won ESCA’s prestigious President’s Award for this and so much more. About ESCA Since 1970, ESCA has provided a unified voice for service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. Currently, ESCA has more than 175 member companies throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and maintains alliances with IAEE, IAVM, EDPA, and SISO to promote the exhibition industry. ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries. Through education, information exchange, and professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry. EXHIBITION SERVICES & CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ‌ ‌ ‌

The 2022 Executive Committee and New Board Members were announced during the Winter Awards Celebration & Reception in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA December 5, 2021– The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) announced the 2022 Executive Committee and New Board Members during the Winter Awards Celebration & Reception in Philadelphia, PA. Industry leaders dedicated to advancing the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries make up the ESCA Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The Board of Directors play a critical role in organizational alignment, making the best use of ESCA’s resources and positioning the association for a sustainable competitive advantage. Please join us in welcoming all into their new leadership positions and thanking the outgoing Board Members for their contributions and service to ESCA. Executive Committee President BOB RYLEY Senior Vice President, Exhibition Sales GES President-Elect DAMON ROSS Senior Group Vice President CORT Trade Show and Event Furnishings Vice President TAYLOR VRIENS President Modern Expo & Events Secretary/Treasurer CORY CLAYTON Sr. VP Operations Freeman Immediate Past President NEIL MCMULLIN Sr VP, Shared Services Fern New Board Members Official Contractor Member TIM HEFFERNAN Chief Growth Officer T3 Official Contractor Member LAURE CHACHERE GM Greater New Orleans Region Freeman Official Contractor Member STEVE MARGOS Executive Vice President of Operations Shepard Exposition Services, Inc. Associate Member PAT PUTZER Vice President of Sales Emerald Carpets Specialty Contractor Member JASON OLINGER VP Inside Sales, Association and Tradeshows YELLOW Outgoing Board Members Official Contractor Member STEVE BASCH Chief Executive Officer  Shepard Exposition Services, Inc. Official Contractor Member DUSTIN BLAINE Director Of West Coast Operations  Expo Convention Contractors, Inc. Official Contractor Member MARK STAPLES President American Exposition Services, Inc. Specialty Contractor Member DIANA WARREN GONZALEZ National Sales Executive  AFR Furniture Rental & Event Furnishings Associate Member RICH STONE Chief Executive Officer  EXPOCAD For a complete list of all ESCA Board of Directors click here About ESCA Since 1970, ESCA has provided a unified voice for service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. Currently, ESCA has more than 175 member companies throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and maintains alliances with IAEE, IAVM, EDPA, and SISO to promote the exhibition industry. ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries. Through education, information exchange, and professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry. EXHIBITION SERVICES & CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ‌ ‌ ‌

Shelby was a legend in our industry, a leader, and a role model to so many. Through Emerald Carpet, his partnership with ESCA and our membership was instrumental in our Summer Educational Conferences and Winter Awards Celebrations’ success. At ESCA, we always felt a sense of family, friendship, and kindness with every interaction with Shelby, the Peeples Family, and Emerald Carpet. We are all saddened by the loss of this wonderful man.  You can find the link to his obituary here:

https://obituaries.daltoncitizen.com/obituary/shelby-peeples-1081612167 

Please join us in prayers and support for his family, friends, and associates.

Dallas, TX, June 8, 2020 – The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) has released a white paper titled Health & Safety Guidance for the Exhibitions Industry.  This document intends to provide information to service contractors and partners regarding producing an exhibition during a pandemic.

ESCA is proud to have contributed to the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), collaborated with many experts within the industry, and utilized information provided by experts in the scientific community.

An exhibition requires significant collaboration between Show Organizers, Venues, Exhibitors, Contractors, Labor, Experiential Designers and Producers, and many more. The focus of this white paper is the work covered by our membership segment and its partners. Larry Arnaudet, ESCA Executive Director, comments, “In looking back over my 50+ years in this industry, it is evident that the unity of all segments of the industry and its diverse workforce is of utmost importance, not only today but in the years ahead. ESCA’s Health and Safety Guidance for the Exhibitions Industry embodies our strong support for unity among all segments and is ever mindful of the potential health hazards that we encounter in our industry.”

ESCA member experts came together to form the Health and Safety Committee and create this white paper. Neil McMullin, ESCA President, commented, “To put out meaningful guidance that will be supported and championed by each of our member organizations and stakeholders has always been a critical objective that is only achievable with a unified approach. I’m proud to say that true to form, ESCA members have answered that call. We are well-prepared to produce and host events where the safety and health of all involved is our top priority. We have taken into account each action and phase of the event production process. Our health and safety committee, representing a wide range of our membership, has embraced the kind of collaboration and cooperation needed right now to show real leadership as we move toward recovery.”

One key priority in creating this document was industry consistency. Kevin McLaughlin, United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Representative for the Trade Show Industry comments, “These Health and Safety Guidelines are vital, not only for the safety of exhibitors and attendees but also for the hard-working men and women who install and dismantle events. Having consistent guidelines put into practice by all show organizers and contractors is essential to creating a productive and safe environment for all those associated with the trade show industry.“

Specific Areas Covered Include:

• Overall Guidelines for Health & Safety Physical Distancing.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Health Monitoring & Hygiene
• Trade Show Layout
• Cleaning & Disinfecting Warehousing/Marshaling/Freight Handling
• Floor Coverings
• Staff & Labor
• Equipment.
• Exhibitor Move-In/Out
• Exhibitor Order Processing
• Communication & Education

Download The Health & Safety Guidance for the Exhibitions Industry here.

About ESCA – Since 1970, ESCA has provided a unified voice for service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. Currently, ESCA has more than 175 member companies throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and maintains alliances with IAEE, IAVM, EDPA and SISO to promote the exhibition industry. ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries. Through education, information exchange, and level of professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry.
 
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
ESCA
Larry Arnaudet
972.447.8211
larry@esca.org