ESCA 2024 City Hall sets course for 2025 » Exhibit City News
At annual town hall meeting, ESCA leaders outline strategic goals to expand financial stability, workforce development and safety initiatives for trade show industry Author: Exhibition City News Staff The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) held its annual town hall meeting on Friday, November 15, where leaders shared updates on financial health, membership growth and initiatives shaping the future of the trade show industry. The town hall, held virtually and moderated by Executive Director Julie Kagy, provided an update from the ESCA executive team, who outlined projects addressing industry challenges – from workforce engagement to cross-site safety standards. Financial stability is priority ESCA President Taylor Vriens gave an encouraging financial update at the opening. Vriens reports that after a year focused on fiscal responsibility, ESCA’s revenue trends are exceeding expectations, driven by cost savings, strong sponsorship support and high event attendance. “The commitment of our members to our initiatives and the effectiveness of cost management put us in a strong…
ESCA and David L. Lawrence Convention Center host clients
Submitted by EpIQ Tammy McGlade on behalf of ESCA PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) partnered with the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to host a skills-building and professional development evening for event industry professionals. The training highlights the hospitality industry's role in solidifying Pittsburgh as a premier destination for events and exhibitions. The program highlights the critical role of customer service in creating memorable experiences for event organisers, exhibitors and attendees. Participants learned strategies for managing high-pressure situations, building stakeholder relationships, and delivering excellent service. “Customer service is the cornerstone of our industry, and this program exemplifies our commitment to showcasing Pittsburgh’s excellence in hospitality and professionalism,” said Tim Muldoon, general manager of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “This is about allowing our team to deliver experiences that reflect the warm and welcoming spirit of Pittsburgh.” Attendees, including union members and labor professionals, explored actionable strategies to approach challenges with confidence and ensure every…
ESCA Announces 2025 Emerging Leaders Summit » Exhibit City
Submitted by Tammy Mcglade of Epiq Creative Group on behalf of ESCA The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Rising Stars Leadership Summit, a new event designed to empower and educate the next generation of leaders in the exhibition and events industry. The Summit, scheduled for February 4-5, 2025 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, will provide young professionals and emerging leaders with a dynamic educational experience tailored to their needs. This is the first major initiative for the new ESCA Emerging Leaders Council, which was established to meet the changing needs of future leaders in our industry. The council's mission is to provide young professionals and those new to the industry with the skills, resources and networks they need to advance their careers. ESCA recognizes the challenges of entering our industry and is committed to providing impactful educational opportunities that foster the growth of future leaders. “The Rising Stars…
ESCA announces 2025 Emerging Leaders Summit
CHICAGO – Following the announcement of its new Emerging Leaders Council, the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) has announced a new event – the Emerging Leaders Summit. The summit is scheduled for February 4-5 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The event not only aims to educate but also empower the future generation of leaders in the industry. Through impactful educational opportunities and peer networking, ESCA’s Rising Star Leadership Summit will provide early-career professionals the opportunity to develop essential skills alongside leadership. Rachel Rodin, ESCA “The Rising Stars Leadership Council and Summit are about more than just helping young professionals—they are making a lasting impact across ESCA. By driving new ideas, building connections across generations, and emphasizing the importance of leadership development, This move ensures that ESCA remains relevant and adaptable. It’s not just about individual growth; it’s about strengthening the entire organization and moving the industry forward together, said Rachel Rodean, ESCA’s Director of Education…
Event associations urge organizers to prepare for transport
DALLAS — Although a three-day strike in early October by the International Longshoremen's Association's 45,000 longshoremen members culminated in a tentative labor agreement with the American Maritime Union employers' group, unease remains about what comes next. The strike is only temporarily suspended; an agreement must be reached by January 15 to avoid a second strike. Sources including Salvatore Stile, founder of New York freight forwarding company Wheels Up International, said they believed the risk of another strike was as high as 70%. according to Reutersshippers have avoided Eastern and Gulf Coast hubs, including New York, New Jersey, Houston and Savannah. Newell Brands CEO Chris Peterson said in a Fast Company article this week that his company is moving "hundreds" of containers to the West Coast in preparation for the second strike . Some strike-affected East Coast ports are still struggling to move post-strike backup cargo, and on the West Coast, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach set new…
ESCA launches new Youth Leadership Council
CHICAGO – The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) announced the formation of the Emerging Leaders Council, which will help support and develop early career professionals in the events industry. Membership is open to those under 40 years of age or those who have worked in the exhibition industry for 10 years. The committee will develop programs and initiatives for young professionals to help them develop skills and industry knowledge and expand their networks. The Emerging Leaders Council also holds a non-voting seat on the ESCA Board of Directors, underscoring the association’s dedication to this group and the future of the live events industry. “We are extremely proud to launch the Rising Star Leaders Council, which represents our commitment to developing the next generation of professionals in the exhibition and live events industry,” said ESCA Executive Director Julie Kagy. “By empowering these emerging leaders, we are not only investing in " related. Trade show industry focuses on workforce development; organizations…
ESCA and EDPA work with IAEE to strengthen comprehensive
Mokena, IL—The International Association of Exhibits and Events® (IAEE), in partnership with the Exhibit Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Experience Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), are pleased to announce an expanded collaboration that will streamline access to career opportunities across the exhibit and event industry. Through integration efforts with IAEE’s existing job board, ESCA and EDPA members will now benefit from a unified platform that consolidates a wide range of job listings, making it easier than ever for employers and job seekers to connect. This enhanced platform provides targeted job listings in a variety of fields, including event management, design, logistics, production, and more. IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan M.Ed., CEM, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, "Our goal with this partnership is to ensure that all industry professionals have access to a comprehensive resource of career opportunities. By working together with ESCA and EDPA, we will provide unparalleled value to our collective membership and the…
ESCA and EDPA work with IAEE to strengthen comprehensive
Mokena, IL—The International Association of Exhibits and Events® (IAEE), in partnership with the Exhibit Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Experience Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), are pleased to announce an expanded collaboration that will streamline access to career opportunities across the exhibit and event industry. Through integration efforts with IAEE’s existing job board, ESCA and EDPA members will now benefit from a unified platform that consolidates a wide range of job listings, making it easier than ever for employers and job seekers to connect. This enhanced platform provides targeted job listings in a variety of fields, including event management, design, logistics, production, and more. IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan M.Ed., CEM, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, "Our goal with this partnership is to ensure that all industry professionals have access to a comprehensive resource of career opportunities. By working together with ESCA and EDPA, we will provide unparalleled value to our collective membership and the…
TSE Exclusive: Alan Steele to receive first “Zero” honor
NEW YORK – The Sustainable Events Summit (SES) has announced that it will present the first ever Sustainability Excellence and Innovation Award to Alan Steele, CEO of the Javits Center. The award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to sustainability in events and venues. Since Steele began serving as president of the Javits Center in 2012, he has spearheaded several innovative sustainability initiatives, including the creation of a wildlife sanctuary, the addition of a greenhouse to the convention center, and a one-acre rooftop farm that will produce food for the venue’s banquet operations. He oversaw the 1.2 million square foot expansion and renovation of the entire building, which upgraded infrastructure, including switching to bird-friendly glass, which effectively reduced bird strikes by approximately 95%. “My favorite project was working on the design and construction of North Javits, a 1.2 million square foot expansion that is LEED Gold certified and due to be completed in 2021,” Steele said. “We already have a seven-acre…