General Motors showcased its brands at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a 164,500-sq.-ft. two-level display called The GM Experience. The largest showcase ever presented at a North American auto show housed vehicles from all of the company’s brands in the same exhibit space for the first time. Each brand was showcased through distinctive architecture to reflect its unique positioning. The GM Experience incorporated an 800-seat theater, a cafe, and VIP areas to communicate corporate safety, environmental and technology displays. The "Experience Theater" accommodated 1,200 viewers on two levels. An "Environmental Lab" housed a demonstration of GM’s environmental and recycling efforts. The heritage of the company was shown on both a creative wall highlighting General Motors’ history and a display of significant GM vehicles of the 20th century.
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur has named David Hardbarger as President and General Manager of its newly created design company, Archeon Design, Inc. "Archeon Design is a manifestation of our commitment to excellent design," said Charles Corsentino, CEO of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. "Clients are looking for designs which set them apart from the competition," Corsentino said. Archeon is based in the San Francisco Bay area with future offices expected to open in key design markets. In addition, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur has acquired Ontario Design, a full-service exhibit marketing, design and fabrication company located in Victor, NY. Ontario Design will be completely incorporated into Exhibitgroup/Giltspur’s existing Rochester, NY facility. Exhibitgroup/Giltspur has also announced the appointment of Jim Kuni to V.P., New Business Development at its office located at 6085 Duquesne Drive S.W., Atlanta, GA. Kuni was most recently General Manager for Derse Exhibits of Atlanta.
Trailer Technologies, Inc. (TTI), designer and manufacturer of specialized transportation and exhibition trailers, has completed a $1 million expansion of its Walled Lake, MI facility. The expansion included the addition of 12,000 sq. ft. to the Company’s existing 20,000 sq. ft. construction shop and provides more space to keep up with a 40% increase in sales over last year. The reason for the expansion, explained Jack Syer, TTI President, is that more companies are seeking alternatives to bring their messages and products to consumers and other targeted audiences.
Universal Imaging Group offers the most technologically advanced, yet user friendly display system, from table top to entire room configurations. Its system is light yet durable and packs into its own custom transport cases for easy shipping. Universal is a complete provider of graphics and imaging services, and can supply images for all promotional and display needs. For more information, contact Universal Imaging Group, 132 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; (Tel) 212-924-2500, (Fax) 212-242-0421.
eTradeshow.com, a leading developer of online tradeshow solutions, has introduced eFloorPlanner Event Manager and eFloorPlanner Kiosks, which help tradeshow organizers sell exhibit hall booth space online in a secure environment and can allow tradeshow attendees to plan their exhibit hall itinerary in the weeks leading up to a trade show. eFloorPlanner Kiosk provides tradeshow attendees with a detailed map of a tradeshow floorplan, and a comprehensive search tool for finding specific exhibitors at the show. A visitor may browse through a list of companies adding to their "favorite list." At any time, the visitor may view all of their favorites, and then print the floorplan for use navigating a real tradeshow. This tool is intended for use both on an organizer’s web site in the weeks leading up to a trade show and in a kiosk form at the real show. For more information, contact eTradeshows.com at (Tel) 877-203-1883 or visit its Web site at www.eTradeshow.com.
TradeOut.com is revolutionizing the business-to-business surplus marketplace supported by a brand communications program created by Hanson Associates of Philadelphia, PA. The theme of "Where Business Surplus Deals Get Done" positions TradeOut.com as the world leader of the on-line auction marketplace that brings together buyers and sellers from all industries. In less than six months, this brand strategy has helped New York based TradeOut.com to capture top spot in a new industry and made it easy and cost-effective for businesses around the world to bid for a variety of products. Hanson Associates produced an all inclusive brand identity program including this trade show display, sales literature, banners, print ads, direct mail and Web pages.
Jerzees featured this 20’ x 20’ island exhibit with an outdoor theme at the recent Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. The exhibit included 12’ handmade trees, handcarved identity, cedar fixtures, photo murals and exquisite landscaping. The exhibit was created by 3DL Design, 25677 Hillview Court, Mundelein, IL 60060; (Tel) 847-550-9109, (Fax) 847-550-9179.
The Rogers Company, a full-service marketing exhibitry firm specializing in the design and manufacture of system and portable tradeshow displays, has opened its new Show Site Services Division - Las Vegas. With a new office and warehouse facility, Rogers has the capabilities and resources to offer efficient and cost-effective installation and dismantling services. As an extension of its I&D process, Rogers also offers warehousing and storage, on and off-site exhibit repair, portable exhibit rentals, in and outbound freight coordination, carpet rental or purchase, graphics and special effects. Show Site Services Division - Las Vegas, is pivotal for Rogers not only to service the local market but also to establish a West Coast presence and develop new avenues for business. It is anticipated that additional Rogers Show Site Services locations will be opened in the near future.
Optikinetics Ltd. has appointed Jeffrey McGrath as Eastern Regional Sales Manager. He will be responsible for the sales and marketing of (OPTI)Kinetics effects lighting equipment and (OPTI)Trilite structural systems in a multi-state region that includes New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S. He will be located at the Company’s Americas headquarters in Ashland, VA. Optikinetics has also appointed Sean Billings as Western Regional Sales Manager. He will be responsible for the sales and marketing of (OPTI)Kinetics effects lighting and (OPTI)Trilite structural systems in a multi-state region that includes the Southwest and West Coast.
The Folio Group, a Worcester, MA exhibit firm, has acquired Grondorf Field Black & Co., an exhibit firm, founded by Michael Field and Herbert Grondorf in 1978. Michael Field and David Black will stay on with Folio. Sean Mahoney, President, The Folio Group, said, "This acquisition enables us to expand into the Southern California markets by acquiring a premier company with highly experienced management." The transaction is consistent with Folio’s objective of entering new markets through acquisition of existing operations whose management teams join Folio.
ecoverage.com, a new online insurance firm, recently showcased its new “2000 Disaster LX” at the San Francisco Auto Show, demonstrating the damage that can occur when a tornado hits. Complete with glaring lights and sirens, a pink flamingo, downed telephone pole and tree branches, the 2000 Disaster LX was the centerpiece of eCoverage’s 4,200 sq. ft. booth. “The eCoverage 2000 Disaster LX serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obtaining auto coverage,” said David Riker, eCoverage CEO.
Xtra Lite Displays’ patented display and banner systems are affordable, light weight and extremely portable. The company offers xpress service digital prints from a customers’ files in 5-7 days. Displays, graphics and carrying case weigh only 3.5 pounds. For more information, contact Xtra Lite Display Systems, 501 E. Hwy 13, Burnsville, MN 55337, (Tel) 877-987-2548, 612-894-6622, (Fax) 612-895-6194, (Web) www.xtralite.com.
Exhibitgroup/Giltspur has introduced HANG:RZ (pronounced hangers), a new concept in overhead signage, as a cost effective way of delivering high impact overhead graphics at exhibits and events. Jeff Ganoung, Marketing Director, Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, said, "The Hang:RZ signs are rear illuminated, which, combined with brilliant full-color graphics, provides exhibitors with attention-getting overhead signs." The advanced design of HANG:RZ results in a very lightweight frame with few parts, which allows quick assembly without tools. The HANG:RZ line is available as a rental program. For more information, contact Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, 200 N. Gary Ave., Roselle, IL 60172; (Tel) 630-307-2400, (Web Site) www.e-g.com.
Creative Mobile Technologies, LLC, a Philadelphia, PA-based pioneer in sales lead generation and follow-up tools, has introduced MobileLead, a solution for tradeshow exhibitors. MobileLead is an Internet-based lead management system that makes an exhibitor’s leads available to authorized parties via a secure Internet site before the exhibitor even leaves the tradeshow. Once on the site, MobileLead provides automated lead distribution, business intelligence for lead qualification, and e-marketing for automated follow-up. This enables sales teams and business partners to easily distribute, analyze, and act on leads. For more information, visit the Creative Mobile Technologies Web site at www.CreativeMobile.com.
Dave Gentile has acquired the ownership interests of his former partner Skip Speerschneider, making him the owner and now Chief Executive Officer of Exhibit Enterprises of Dearborn, MI. The original business was started in 1981. This transaction streamlined and simplified those ownership structures, according to Gentile. Derek Gentile has been named President of Exhibit Enterprises and provides the second generation of Gentile family leadership.
Booth In A Box Company has unveiled its new Trade Show Furnishings Package, made of a patented black shipping box that separates and converts into two draped tables. Packaged inside the box are two chairs, table drapes, a trash can and a Eureka vacuum cleaner. For more information, contact Booth In A Box Co., 443 Greenbrook Place, Richland, WA 99352; (Tel) 509-627-9888, (Web) www.boothinabox.com.
Harry London Chocolates required an exhibit depicting an atmosphere of sophistication and quality in which buyers could create programs for the coming seasons. The exhibit was constructed of stained wood with raised gold logos and areas for product display and graphics. Wrought iron furniture and custom tile flooring helped set the atmosphere. The unit was designed to be modular and may be used as a 20’, 30’, or 40’ in-line display. It proved most successful by introducing new buyers to the product line and achieving the “quality” image of the Harry London Company. The exhibit was designed and produced for Harry London Chocolates by Nationwide Displays of Bay Shore, NY.
AVW Audio Visual, Inc. has premiered a new service, offering a full range of computer rentals on a nationwide basis. This expansion now provides customers with a single point of contact for all presentation technology requirements for their events and exhibit programs. Dave Duncan, Computer Rental Services Manager, heading up the new program, commented, “When a customer has to look for expertise from two separate entities for audio visual and computer equipment, it can be a time consuming and challenging effort. Our goal is to offer total technical solutions from one source to ensure equipment compatibility, efficient on-site implementation, support and production of the customers’ message in the most cost effective manner possible.” For more information, contact AVW Audio Visual, 2241 Irving Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207; (Tel) 214-634-9060, (Fax) 214-905-9912.
Digital Graphics Inc. (DGI), based in Burlington, MA, has expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of Colonial Color Corporation of Boston, MA. DGI will now offer commercial photographic services to complement its digital printing business. According to Bob Bekesha, DGI’s V.P., Sales And Marketing, the company will continue to invest in new, as well as traditional printing technologies to become a total solutions provider.
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