(EDPA Executive Director Dasher Lowe welcomed attendees to the 70th annual EDPA ACCESS Conference in Desert Springs, California, setting the stage for three days of inspiration, collaboration and celebration. Photo: Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News. )
EDPA marks seven decades with inspiration, networking and industry excellence
By Mark Hebert, Exhibition City News
The 70th Annual EDPA ACCESS Conference, held December 3-5, 2024 in California’s stunning Coachella Valley, is a landmark event that brings together professionals from the exhibition and experience design industry. Held at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Villas Resort in Indian Wells, the conference was the perfect blend of inspiration, collaboration and celebration.
Keynote Insights: Inspired by Jessica Cox
Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless pilot, set the tone in her keynote address, emphasizing resilience, adaptability and inclusivity. Her journey of overcoming physical challenges resonated deeply with viewers. “What it means to be here today is not just about doing things in your head, but about taking a journey with confidence, which is what each of us are doing,” Cox shared.
Cox captivated attendees by demonstrating how her service dog, Chewy, assists her with daily tasks, emphasizing the importance of universal design. “Chewy helps me pack and access items that are otherwise hard to reach,” she explains. Her message is clear: Design should reflect inclusivity and consider diverse abilities.
Early Celebrations: Golf and Jeep Tour
The event begins with pre-conference traditions—the annual golf scramble and San Andreas Jeep Tour—designed to foster connection in a relaxed and scenic setting. “We had 120 golfers and over 60 Jeep Tour participants, which meant more than half of the participants arrived early to participate. This was the largest turnout we have ever had for an early event.” Deputy Nuvista said President Matthew Little.
Played on a challenging but picturesque course, the Golf Scramble has earned rave reviews. “The feedback I heard was that it was a tough course but everyone had a great time,” Little added. Jeep tour participants explore the majestic landscape of the San Andreas Fault, forming connections through stunning views and shared experiences.
A newcomer’s perspective
First-time attendee Georgia Frank-Tann, owner of Exhib-It! in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is passionate about joining the EDPA community. “This is my first visit and I’m so excited to meet all these amazing people. Everyone I’ve spoken to says the atmosphere here is special – more of a camaraderie than a competition,” she said.
For Frank, the conference provided an opportunity to network and gain insights to guide her business forward. “I want to learn from people who have been in the industry for many years,” she said.
celebrating seven decades
The event’s 70th anniversary is a moment of pride and reflection. EDPA leaders recognized past presidents and long-time members, celebrating the association’s legacy and impact on the industry. EDPA Vice President Chris Griffin emphasized the significance of this milestone: “This is a celebration not only of how far we have come, but also of where we are heading as an industry.”
Collaboration and networking
Throughout the conference, EDPA leaders encouraged attendees to make meaningful connections. From breakout sessions to informal conversations around food and drinks, every moment is an opportunity to build relationships and exchange ideas. “It’s moments like these that solidify our professional bonds and inspire our creative solutions,” Griffin said.
EDPA also highlighted its Future Leaders programme, showcasing a group of rising stars set to shape the future of the industry. Attendees are urged to network with these up-and-coming professionals and attend sessions designed to sharpen their skills.
Recognize excellence
The following day’s President’s Gala and Awards Reception celebrated industry achievements. EDPA Future Leaders Class of 2024 includes Aaron Diehl (Genesis Exhibits), Cory Lynch (Hamilton), Jake Rose (Taylor Visual Impressions), Maddie Bauer (Storylink Creative), Marissa Fitzpatrick (Apogee), Shannon Brown (EDE Corporation), Brittany Deihl (Good Time Creative), Malgorzata Laszkiewicz (Derse), Ashley Crane (Acer Exhibits and Events LLC), Elizabeth Martinez (Steelhead Productions), Kristin Satunick (Elevation3D), Maddy Cleary (Lighthouse Exhibits, Inc.), Pablo Vargas (Protrade Logistics), Tom Carey (Bay Limco), Gina Zanetis (ConditExhibits) , Blake Rathbun (beMatrix USA), Franck Bidamon (Trussworks), Kylee Beaver (NPARALLEL + Atomic Props), Maggie McIntyre (Nth Degree), Sebastian van de Klundert (Calison Expo), Trevor Beisler (Rill & Partners) and Louise Brown (Deckel & Moneypenny).
Other awards include:
- Annual sub-chapters: Texas
- Big Chapter of the Year: Midwest
- Best online or multimedia activity: Story Link Ideas
- Best Print Advertising Campaigns: Decker and Moneypenny
- Best Small Exhibition: Rockaway Exhibitions + Events
- Best Large Exhibit (20×20 or larger): Visits – Build brand engagement
- Best end-to-end marketing campaigns: exhibition concept
- Best International Cooperation: Happy Project & beMatrix
- Best Sustainability: Classic exhibits
Individual honors went to Josh Frisbie (Designer of the Year), James Zacharias (Ambassador Award) and Alex Hill (Hazel Hays Award).
Summary reflection
At the end of the event, Derse Chief Financial Officer Dan Serebin reflected on the success of the event. “This has been one of the best ACCESS events yet,” he said, praising attendees for their enthusiasm and optimism. “It’s a passion for what’s actually happening in the industry,” he stressed, noting the opportunities and positive developments shared throughout the conference.
Serebin praised the educational programs as being in line with industry needs. “EDPA does a good job of matching industry dynamics with content, rather than just repeating what was done last year,” he noted.
Serebin stressed the importance of developing the next generation and he applauded the strong participation in the Future Leaders program as proof of the company’s investment in its team. “The evidence of what happened last night is that more and more people trust their companies, this industry and this event,” he added.
Looking to the future
EDPA ACCESS 2024 concluded in California’s picturesque Coachella Valley, with attendees leaving inspired and optimistic. The association’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and community ensures a bright future for the exhibition and experience design industry.
Plans are already underway for the next gathering to be held in Amelia Island, Florida, where EDPA will continue to be a driving force for collaboration and excellence in the industry.
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