On Wednesday April 21, six live event experts shared their perspectives on how to rebuild and reinvent the trade show and the live event industry. The panel included:
- Martha Donato — MAD Event Management
- Steve Walker — MGM Resorts International
- Michael Klein — MiTek
- Mike Davis — CORT Furniture Rental
- Chris Griffin — CREW XP and EDPA
- Dasher Lowe — Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA)
Watch on YouTube
The 90-minute moderated discussion was sponsored by Classic Exhibits.
Agenda Topic(s):
In the Live Event industry, in all its forms, partnerships have historically been both fluid and cozy, meaning we mostly talk to those adjacent to our businesses. For example, at Classic Exhibits we chat with our distributors, a few exhibitors, various suppliers, and some service providers. However, we rarely talk to show organizers, GSCs, or venue operators. Not because we don’t want to but because those opportunities are rare and outside the scope of our normal business. As a result, we don’t always hear their perspective or experience their pain. That lack of communication extends to the general public and to our state and federal legislators as well.
So, how do we change that post-pandemic? How do we build a more transparent and inclusive live event community? There’s a general consensus that the pandemic represents an opportunity to reinvent and rebuild our industry but what does that mean?
Please share your perspective on the Live Event Industry, meaning what’s your role, what that meant pre-COVID, and what that could mean post-COVID?
And, and this is a BIG “AND,” is it possible to create an industry where all participants have a voice, where their concerns are being addressed, and where everyone is excited about the long-term viability of trade shows, concerts, and live meetings?
