The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) in conjunction with Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) presented a “Behind the Scenes” workshop Jan. 27 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) during the move-in of the Yankee Dental Congress.
The workshop is a great first step for ESCA’s primary 2014 strategic initiative of increasing its educational presence in the regional marketplaces and incorporating other industry associations in the process. Coupled with upcoming educational programming at ESCA’s Summer Educational Conference, the CIC/CMP Conclave, ESCA presented sessions at IAEE Expo! Expo! and EDPA’s Annual Meeting and other industry partners’ meetings, ESCA is becoming very proactive in the field of education for members and associates.
Providing an exclusive look into what occurs behind the scenes of a major tradeshow, presenters included James Rooney, executive director, MCCA; and Fred Peterson, director of facilities, MCCA; Chuck Grouzard, senior vice president of national sales, GES; Julie Kagy, senior director of account management, GES; and ESCA President Bruce Nable of SER Exposition Services.
Attending the informative and interactive educational event were 70 professionals representing general contractors, I&D, audio-visual and rigging as well as students from Johnson and Wales University’s Event Management Program.
Starting with Rooney, an overview of the events and exhibition climate in Boston and future expansion plans for the BCEC were described. Peterson followed with operational highlights of the BCEC and Hynes Convention Center. From GES, Grouzard discussed what the group would experience during the tour while Kagy presented the various components of producing an exhibition.
Touring the setup of Yankee Dental Congress, Boston’s second largest annual tradeshow, the group began in the main lobby with registration then worked throughout the entire exhibition floor and loading dock area. Given an up close look at ESCA’s Worker Identification System (WIS 3.0) and the extensive security procedures at the BCEC, the group was shown how to access the show floor by using the ESCA WIS System.
Professor Fraser, Johnson & Wales University, will likely be working with ESCA to create future educational programming for three classes of upwards of 150 students at the university.
