EDPA Northeast
Operation Jeepers Christmas - Holiday Gift Drive
Operation Jeepers Christmas - Holiday Gift Drive
EDPA Northeast
The Classic EDPA Northeast Annual Charity Golf ...
The Classic EDPA Northeast Annual Charity Golf Tournament
EDPA Northeast
2024 Rally at the Alley
2024 Rally at the Alley
EDPA Northeast
A Honky Tonk Time at Chapters Collide 2024
A Honky Tonk Time at Chapters Collide 2024
EDPA Northeast
The Classic: A Day to Remember
The Classic: A Day to Remember

Combined Efforts: Chapters Collide 2023 Recap

Back for it’s third year, the Chapters Collide mega-networking and social event hosted in collaboration by all the EDPA Chapters took place this year at the 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen in downtown Louisville. It was the “after party” of all after parties - an evening event from 9-11pm off the heels of the EXHIBITORLIVE welcome reception and several other “after parties” hosted by exhibitor companies.

Yet, despite the late hour, EDPA members showed up in droves - highlighting the success of this event overall in enticing engagement and interest, as well as EDPA members’ thirsts for meeting up with fellows in their industry. We had record-breaking attendance with over 250 attendees and nine individual chapters represented, along with 18 total sponsors! (Ron Burgandy even showed up for the party, so it was definitely ‘a big deal.’)

All Chapters had a raffle of some sort; for us at the Northeast Chapter, we raffled off a special package for our annual fall fundraiser and networking event, The Classic Golf Tournament. Our lucky winner, who will receive (1) free ticket to the event plus (1) free night stay at an area hotel of their choosing ($350+ value), is none other than Gina Porcaro of Classic Exhibits!

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this event.

We were having so much fun, we forgot to take photos… But you can still get a visual recap of the event by watching this video, produced by EDPA member IPME!

Thank You to This Year’s Sponsors!

Rallying Recap: Rally at the Alley 2023

While sometimes sequels can be a let down from the original, the complete opposite can be said about the 2023 edition of the EDPA Northeast Chapter’s annual fundraiser, “Rally at the Alley.”

On March 23, NE Chapter members far and wide came together at Foxborough’s Splitsville restaurant and bowling center in the heart of Patriot Place, this time to benefit Dana Esposito, EVP Strategy of BlueHive Exhibits.

It was clear from the event turnout and proceeds collected that Dana’s 25+ years in the industry has not gone unnoticed. The room was full of present and former colleagues from pretty much every company she has worked for, as well as other industry colleagues and associates, all of whom are still connected with Dana and counted as friends.

In fact, this year’s event came in at record-breaking attendee numbers for guests and bowlers as well as for donations and sponsorships. We had 115 attendees, 68 bowers, 20 sponsoring companies and an additional 6 companies contributing during the event. In total, the EDPA Northeast members and member companies raised $17,038.18 for Dana and her family to help offset her medical costs.

Dana, who suffered a broken and fractured pelvis, broken and fractured ribs, a fractured sacrum, and broken and fractured transverse process bones in her lower back when she was thrown from a horse while on a charity horse ride on November, 20, 2022, walked (!) into the party to tumultuous applause and cheers.

Since the accident, Dana has had surgery at Mass General and was there for a week and a half before being moved to Spaulding Rehab, where she could not even sit up when she first arrived. After two and a half weeks of rigorous physical therapy, she was able to go home a week ahead of schedule and had been wheelchair-bound since Spaulding. In early March, Dana began walking again, and has since continued her recovery to be able to walk with only the assistance of a cane.

Dana has been in our industry for over 25 years. She is an exhibit designer, and a creative and corporate leader, championing the success of the companies she works for, their clients, and future industry talent. She is on the EDPA Board of Directors, is the Co-chair of the EDPA University Affiliation Committee where she manages the mentorship program and was one of the founding members who restarted the EDPA Northeast chapter.

We are so proud of our members for coming together in support of a dear friend and colleague who clearly has dedicated her life to this industry. It was a fantastic night full of fun, networking, bowling entertainment and, of course, celebrating Dana.

About Agam, 2023 Sponsor

Agam is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter


Did you know?

At Agam, we specialize in wholesale manufacturing. For 40 years we have been creating highly customized and modular solutions combining metal and wood fabrication. Unlike any other wholesale producer, we have the most extensive inventory of materials and the most comprehensive equipment to produce custom solutions fast. The design possibilities are endless. Please contact us to explore how we can help you grow your business as an outsource partner.

Click here to learn more about Agam.

About Aluvision, 2023 Sponsor

Aluvision is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter

Did you know?

As an innovative developer and worldwide supplier of high quality modular systems for the exhibit and event industry, Aluvision combines bold imagination with unmatched engineering and manufacturing expertise.

The original Aluvision frame system offers unlimited solutions for straight and curved walls, LED walls, hanging signs, light walls, displays and retail environments. Partners can always rely on ample, fast delivery and outstanding customer service. 

Aluvision inspires and connects partners on their creative journey to design and build modular environments with a constant focus on durability, reusability, precision, flexibility and modularity, not to mention always looking forward with R&D. 

Founded in Belgium in 2003, Aluvision currently employs over 120 people and services more than 3 000 partners worldwide. The company has a large production facility and inspiring showroom in Deinze (BE) and Atlanta (USA), as well as a warehouse in Sydney (AUS).

 Aluvision, your partner in modular stand solutions.

Click here to learn more about Aluvision.

EDPA Northeast Chapter Makes an Impact at Career Fair for the Trades

EDPA Northeast Chapter Makes an Impact at Career Fair for the Trades

On Tuesday, March 7, members of the EDPA Northeast Chapter packed up their cars with banner stands, table drapes and promo materials and headed to Media, Pennsylvania for a career fair at the Williamson College of the Trades.

 The accredited junior college is home to approximately 280 students who are required to live on campus and conduct themselves under the virtues of the school: with Faith, Integrity, Diligence, Excellence and Service. (Students attend on full scholarships that cover tuition, room, board and textbooks.) With academic programs for trades including carpentry, electrical, landscape construction and management, machine tool technology, masonry and power plant technology, students graduate in just three years with an Associate in Specialized Technology degree.

 For Ashley Balassone, Director of National Accounts at CSI Worldwide and EDPA Northeast Chapter President, Kayla Gott, Senior Account Executive at Agam and Northeast Chapter Secretary, and Ben Solberg, Production & Detailing Specialist at Hill & Partners and Northeast Chapter member; the experience was just as rewarding for themselves as it was for the students they met.

 The event, identified by EDPA’s Future Workforce Committee for its opportunity to engage with future professionals of the industry, was well-attended by the College’s students who came prepared with printed resumes and a thirst for learning what they could do with their impending specialty degrees.

 “The students were pretty overwhelmed by the amount of opportunity and job offerings within the events industry,” reported Ashley. “None of them were familiar with the industry; their only experience being career fairs and ‘tabletop’ type events.”

 “Seeing their excitement in sharing not just one job type but an entire industry of interrelated and intertwined roles for companies across the country was telling of the promise of the future of this industry,” added Ben.

 “The three of us together were a perfect instance to illustrate the impact of a career in this industry,” said Kayla. “My company being a custom manufacturer of framing systems, Ashley’s specializing in labor management and Ben’s creating exhibits and event experiences, we were able to share how our roles differed and how they related in putting on an event.”

 There was a true moment of connection between young professionals all around as the students and EDPA members jived over the new machinery that the school had received that the students were eager to try out.

 And it wasn’t just talk about entry-level shop positions or summer internships currently available in the trades. With so much of their own careers still ahead of them, Ben, Ashley and Kayla spoke to experiences of older members of the industry having turned a trade skill like carpentry, electrical or machining into a career path that led to upper management positions in sales, operations and business administration.

 In total, these three EDPA “Future Leader” delegates collected 21 resumes from students interested in job and internship opportunities, and who seemed more than willing to relocate for a job to get in the door of the events industry. The majority were pursuing degrees in carpentry, machinery and masonry, with a handful in electrical.

 With industry education, support and advocacy as main pillars of the EDPA mission, and the Future Workforce and Future Leaders committees empowering EDPA members to get involved in shaping the future of the industry, the Northeast Chapter took this career fair as an opportunity to rise to the occasion.

 

This will certainly not be the EDPA Northeast Chapter’s last opportunity to get in front of students, and we’re always looking for ways to engage the industry’s future professionals. Check back regularly on our list of events for an upcoming career fair near you, or if you know one you’d like to attend on behalf of the EDPA Northeast Chapter, let us know by emailing info@edpanortheast.com.

 

If you want to learn more about Future Workforce and Future Leaders, including how you can get more involved with on behalf of your EDPA Chapter, click here: https://www.edpa.com/future.

About CSI Worldwide, 2023 Sponsor

CSI Worldwide is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter


Did you know?

CSI Worldwide is a national service contractor for exhibit installation and dismantle. We are the longest standing labor company in the event industry with 50 years of experience.  Our business is built on personalized attention and excellent service. Whether tradeshows, events, museums, retail or experiential – CSI is here for you.

We don’t just build booths.

We build relationships, partnerships, friendships, reputations, and experiences.


Click here to learn more about CSI Worldwide. 

Resources

TRADE SHOWS. CORPORATE EVENTS. BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS.

Join a Powerful Workforce

The Northeast Chapter is committed to helping connect people to organizations across the Northeast, and empowering the future workforce of the industry to become its leaders. Below are some resources to connect you with job opportunities and networking groups to help get your career started!


JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Agam - Elkridge, MD - Visit the Website

custom manufactured aluminum products serving trade shows, events, retail and interiors


Creatacor - Clifton Park, NY - Visit the Website

Full-service custom exhibit firm specializing in trade shows, marketing events, mobile tours and complete trade show program management


BlueHive Exhibits - Worcester, MA - Visit the Website

full-service Design and build firm for custom trade show exhibits, private events, corporate interiors and branded environments


Continental Woodcraft - Worcester, MA - Visit the Website

custom Architectural millwork for healthcare, education, government, municipalities, high-end lobbies with amenities, restaurants, and retail

RES Exhibits - Rochester, NY - Visit the Website

Full service custom exhibit design and build firm

Aluvision - Duluth, GA - Visit the Website

The Aluvision frame system offers solutions for straight and curved walls, LED video walls, suspended signs, light walls, displays and retail environments

Acer Exhibits, Havre De Grace, MD - Visit the Website

Completely custom trade show exhibit design, fabrication and turnkey management services

REQUEST TO BE CONTACTED

Don’t see an applicable job or opportunity near enough to you? Submit your information on this Google Form to be contacted by an area organization when something opens up: https://forms.gle/hurw2zXe7HVJL2vN9

(Note: By filling out and submitting this Google Form, you consent to be contacted by an EDPA Northeast Chapter member organization for a job opportunity. Your contact information will not be shared outside of this purpose, with any other organization or 3rd party, for any reason. If you would like to request your information to be deleted, please contact us at: info@edpanortheast.com.)


NETWORKING GROUPS

Click to Join these Social Channels

EDPA Future Leaders (LinkedIn Group)

EDPA Northeast Facebook

EDPA Northeast LinkedIn

MORE ABOUT EDPA & FUTURE WORKFORCE…

About Willwork, 2023 Sponsor

Willwork is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter


Did you know?

Willwork is an event solution provider that has been setting companies up for success for over three decades! In that time, we’ve been at the forefront of the event industry, turning blank spaces into brand playgrounds ready for customers and clients to experience.

Providing top-quality labor is our specialty. Our team of skilled professionals understands the ins and outs of what makes a great activation, delivering truly wowing environments in convention centers, retail establishments, entertainment arenas, festival grounds, hospitality spaces, and even digital meeting spaces. From initial conversations to final execution, we’re with you every step of the way, ensuring that it meets your objectives.

We believe that every event is an opportunity to create something special. Let Willwork help you make your next event a success.


Click here to learn more about Willwork.

About AFR Furniture Rental, 2023 Sponsor

AFR Furniture Rental is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter

Did you know?

AFR Furniture Rental offers stylish, modern furniture and display rentals for corporate meetings, trade shows, conferences, and conventions nationwide. 

 Effortlessly enhance your trade show booths, exhibit displays, or conference venues into impactful and engaging experiences with our deep catalog featuring an unbeatable selection of quality furniture, accessories, and displays at your fingertips. Elevate your booth or event design with advanced 3D space planning, easy online ordering, and expert client support agents who are available to help you throughout the entire process.

 With 45+ years of experience, 24 warehouses across the US, and a growing family of 550+ passionate and wildly creative teammates, AFR provides you with the highest degree of service and versatility available today. Enjoy the flexibility and peace of mind that come along with selecting an innovative, stress-free furniture rental company that exhibitors, exhibit houses, and contractors have relied on for decades. Author the moment with AFR.


Click here to learn more about AFR Furniture Rental.

About Hill & Partners, 2023 Sponsor

Hill & Partners is a Proud Supporter of the EDPA Northeast Chapter


Did you know?

Hill & Partners was founded in 1995, created as an alternative to the traditional transaction-centered exhibit house experience. Our goal is to deliver high-level design, production, and account management services as a complete Brand Environment. We believe that this approach elevates the client experience within the face-to-face marketing space.

We're about relationships between our team members, our clients and our community. We collaborate to create, design, build and manage Brand Environments and events with unparalleled attention to detail and experience over 20 years in the making. We accomplish all this on time and on budget, without exception.

We wouldn't have it any other way.


Click here to learn more about Hill & Partners.