Exhausted but energized » Exhibition City News

Author: Jim Obermeyer

If you’ve read this column in the past, you’ll know about the annual EDPA ACCESS conference held the week after Thanksgiving each year. As you already know, this event is the exhibition and events industry’s premier event, bringing together approximately 350 of the industry’s top minds for keynotes, educational sessions and numerous networking opportunities.

You also learned how much this event meant to me and how it impacted my business, my career, and my personal friendships with my industry peers. You already know what it means to me to have my colleagues at my company experience this with me.

I just returned from the 2024 EDPA ACCESS Conference, held December 3-5, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort in Palm Desert, California. Suddenly, I felt exhausted yet energized and inspired about the future of our industry.

As an industry, we have faced many challenges over the past five years. From general closures, loss of experienced workforce and dramatic changes in our customer contacts. We focus on educating governments about our industry, rebuilding the workforce, educating new workforce and customers, and building a sustainable future. There is still much to do. But after seeing the passion and energy of the ACCESS team, I have no doubt that this industry will prevail and be stronger than ever.

At one point, I found myself standing on the sidelines of a networking event, just observing the interaction between the group. This group has changed a lot in the past five years. There are so many new faces, so many young faces, so many first-time attendees, so much diversity in the audience. This is a wonderful thing. It brings new energy, energy and new enthusiasm to our industry. I guarantee you that everyone at this event is excited about our future.

We learned, we laughed, we connected with old friends and made new ones, all in just a few days. We recognize young professionals who have made significant contributions to our industry through the EDPA Class of 2025 Future Leaders category. We gain a deep understanding of our industry and make meaningful connections that will drive our business into the future.

After attending this event for nearly 20 years, I have to say that I think this year’s edition was the best yet. From event planning and execution by the entire events team, to the selection of keynote speakers and session topics, to the integration of networking opportunities throughout the event, to the selection of a great venue.

But more importantly, what really makes this event such a success are the people who come out to attend. And by “participate,” I don’t mean just showing up and sitting in the audience. The group has been actively involved from the beginning. The energy in the room was palpable and the activity and conversations taking place throughout the event never slowed down. If you were there, I’m sure you felt it too. If you didn’t attend, now you know—don’t miss this year’s event, December 2-4, 2025, at the Ritz-Carlton, Amela Island, Florida. I guarantee you will leave feeling energized about this industry.

See you at the show.

Jim Obermeyer has worked in the exhibition and events industry for more than 40 years as a corporate trade show manager and exhibition venue owner. He can be contacted at jobermeyer903@gmail.com

This story originally appeared in an abridged version of Exhibit City News Q1 2025, page 17. 16. For the original layout, please visit