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Assemblies of God Gather in the Mile-High City
Wachovia Capital Partners Completes Two Transactions in Exposition Services Industry
Focus on a Facility: Marriott Louisville Downtown Opens
A Gem of a Show
The George E. Fern Company Grows Roots with the Indiana Historical Society
The George E. Fern Company Says Aloha with the American Legion
*EXPO Magazine's 25 Bargain Destinations
Partnering for Success
Industry Speaks

Assemblies of God Gather in the Mile-High City

 

Held biennially, the Assemblies of God General Council has grown exponentially since it was founded. The 51 st General Council took place in Denver, Colorado from August 2-5. Not only has this event grown by leaps and bounds over the years, but the entire denomination has as well.

Over 31,000 people gathered in the mile-high city to attend sessions on topics such as starting a Church-based after-school program, cross-cultural communication and Church government. The week also included a nightly service, where people gathered in prayer at the Pepsi Center.

There were many other events going on throughout the week, including the National Fine Arts Festival and the National Youth Convention featuring thousands of young people, a Kids’ Council, a missionary parade, more luncheons and special meal events than one person could attend and a multitude of receptions following evening services.

 

Since this event was one of the first to be held in the Colorado Convention Center after it was renovated, Tom Drullinger, an account executive with the George E. Fern Company, took special precautions to make sure the entire event ran smoothly. Prior to the event, Drullinger and other members of the George E. Fern team met at the national headquarters for the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri to go over the “game plan” for the convention.

“It was an orientation of sorts. It gave our client a chance to ask some questions and for us to provide the answers for them,” said Drullinger.

“Our relationship with the George E. Fern Company is great,” said Sharon Lee, convention coordinator of the Assemblies of God. “They were always able to anticipate things and made themselves very available to us. Having Tom and his team come to Springfield before the convention was a good format for going over everything that was to take place.”

The George E. Fern Company has been working with the Assemblies of God since 1997. In addition to their other duties, the George E. Fern Company coordinated with Roadway to bring 11 truckloads of convention materials to Denver. Working with the people at the General Council made the astounding task of this event, that filled two buildings entirely, a pleasure because of their cooperative spirit and precise information.

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Wachovia Capital Partners Completes Two Transactions in Exposition Services Industry
 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept 19 – Wachovia Capital Partners, the private equity and mezzanine investing practice of Wachovia Corporation, today announced that it has acquired the George E. Fern Company, and separately, has completed an equity investment in Champion Exposition Services, Inc. The terms of the transactions were not announced.

Both companies are leading providers of products and services to tradeshow management companies and exhibitors. Champion, headquarters in Middleboro, Mass., is the fastest growing national tradeshow firm in the U.S., providing equipment and services to approximately 375 tradeshows annually. Fern, which has been in business since 1909, is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a leading provider in the regional convention market. Fern serves approximately 750 tradeshows annually.

“Champion and Fern are outstanding brands, with similar reputations for superior capabilities and excellent customer service,” said Art Roselle, a partner at Wachovia Capital Partners. “Both companies will continue to operate independently under their own names. We look forward to working with out new colleagues at Champion and Fern and providing then with additional resources to help grow their companies, deliver improved service to their customers and offer greater career opportunities to employees.”

Mark Epstein, Champion’s CEO, will continue in that role. Mike Cox, currently Fern’s National Sales Manager, will be promoted to General Manager of Fern. George Budig, Fern’s CEO, and Anthony Lestingi, Fern’s Senior Vice President, have agreed to serve as consultants to Fern to help ensure a smooth transition.

“The resources and increased capital from this transaction with Wachovia will bring Champion additional opportunities to grow,” said Epstein of Champion. “We have already established a leading position within the exposition services industry and believe that by joining with Wachovia, we will be able to better serve our customers.”

“We are excited about the opportunities, both professionally and personally, that this transaction will bring Fern employees and the enhanced services it will provide our customers,” said Cox of Fern. “We look forward to a successful and seamless transition with the help of George Budig and Anthony Lestingi.”

About Wachovia Capital Partners

Wachovia Capital Partners is the private equity and mezzanine investing practice of Wachovia Corporation. Wachovia Capital Partners has invested over $3.0 billion since its inception in 1988 and currently manages in excess of $750 million of direct investments. For more information, visit, http://www.wachoviacapitalpartners.com.

About Wachovia
Wachovia Corporation WB is one of the largest providers of financial services to retail, brokerage and corporate customers, with retail operations from Connecticut to Florida and west to Texas, and retail brokerage operations nationwide. Wachovia has assets of $511.8 billion, market capitalization of $78.2 billion and stockholders’ equity of $47.9 billion at June 30, 2005. Its four core businesses, the General Bank, Capital Management, Wealth Management, and the Corporate and Investment Bank, serve 13 million household and business relationships primarily through 3,126 offices in 15 states and Washington, D.C. Its full-service retail brokerage firm, Wachovia Securities, LLC, also serves clients through 699 offices in 49 states and five Latin American countries. The Corporate and Investment Bank serves clients primarily in selected industries nationwide. Global services are offered through 40 offices around the world. Online banking and brokerage products and services also are available through Wachovia.com.

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Focus on a Facility: Marriott Louisville Downtown Opens

The latest addition to the excitement and activity occurring in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the $110-million Marriott Louisville Downtown. The new Marriott is located just one block from Fourth Street Live! (a new entertainment district that is home to restaurants, bars and dance clubs). It is also connected to the Kentucky International Convention Center. The hotel features 44,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 21,000-square-foot grand ballroom.

Some features of the Marriott Louisville Downtown:

  • 616 deluxe guest rooms and suites
  • Over 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in 30 rooms
  • Two ballrooms: The Grand Ballroom features over 22,000 sq ft, is divisible into 10 sections and can accommodate up to 2,500 people. The Kentucky Ballroom features over 11,000 sq ft, is divisible into seven sections and can accommodate up to 1,100 people.
  • Concierge level with private lounge
  • “The Room that Works” with oversized work desk, ergonomically correct chair, two-line phones with modem lines, voice mail, iron and ironing board
  • Indoor pool, whirlpool and health club
  • Full-service restaurant Sports Bar
  • Lobby gift shop
  • High-speed internet access
  • State-of-the-art business center
  • Starbucks Coffee

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A Gem of a Show
The Columbus Jewelry Show, now in its 62nd year, was held August 13-14 in Columbus, Ohio at the Columbus Convention Center. The Ohio Jewelers Association is one of several associations managed by the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. It is the third largest affiliate of Jewelers of America. Over 450 manufacturers displayed their jewels to more than 4,000 attendees during the show.

With so many precious jewels under one roof, special precautions need to be taken. The George E. Fern Company constructed a vault where all of the manufacturers’ jewels were stored overnight. It was guarded by the Columbus Police Department around the clock. Four different armored carrier companies are contracted to transport jewels into the Convention Center for many exhibitors, and the George E. Fern Company worked hand-in-hand with the CPD to coordinate their use of some dock space and service centers.

“The George Fern Company is a joy to work with,” said Adri Sfalcin, executive director of the Ohio Jewelers Association. “The Fern Company has been our official decorator for decades and they do a wonderful job. We prefer the open look for the show, which is why it is setup with standard drapery and not setup with eight feet high siderails or done with MIS (Modular Interlocking System) hard walls.”
 
Since the event is all about showcasing beautiful jewels, the Ohio Jewelers Association contracts with a company that specializes in display cases. “We work very closely with the company that provides all of the jewelry display cases for the exhibitors,” said Bruce Walter, an account executive with the George E. Fern Company. “We make certain that they have adequate dock space, dollies to deliver and pick up the showcases and we must complete all of our setup in the booth area before they arrive to ensure proper placement of the showcases in each exhibitors’ booth space.”
 

During the show there was a Designers’ Pavilion, displaying one-of-a-kind jewelry. According to Walter, there are always extremely creative and beautiful pieces on display.

In addition to the opportunity to view the beautiful gems, attendees could participate in educational activities, some presented by the Gemological Institute of America such as the “Loupe Grading Challenge.” Attendees also were able to take part in the Jewelers of America Sales Professional Certification and the Management Professional Certification.

A design contest is also held consisting of pieces entered by retail members and voted on by the other attendees. The winner moves on to the National Jewelry Design competition in New York.

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The George E. Fern Company Grows Roots with the Indiana Historical Society

 

Most people know a little about his or her family’s history, but given the opportunity, wouldn’t it be great to know more? That was the goal of the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) and the Indiana Genealogical Society’s biennial event, Midwestern Roots 2005: Family History and Genealogy Conference. The conference took place August 19-20 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The conference featured over 30 presentations covering topics ranging from finding female ancestors, census substitutes, family food traditions and German SS records to baptismal records, preserving family papers, genetics and more. Coming from all over the country, there were vendors such as antique dealers, the Society of Indiana Pioneers and genealogist specialists.

“This was our second time servicing the event,” said Megan Russell, an account executive with the George E. Fern Company. “We came in to help with the logistics and assist the IHS in giving the conference a more professional look and feel.”

According to Margaret Bierlein, conference chair of the Indiana Historical Society, that goal was accomplished. “The George E. Fern staff was very accommodating and easy to work with,” said Bierlein. “The Fern Company knew how to make our show look good.”

According to Bierlein, researching family history online is one of the top uses for the Internet and also one of the most popular hobbies in the country.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and disseminating Indiana history. The Indiana Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States and one of the largest with over 10,000 members.

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The George E. Fern Company says Aloha with the American Legion

From August 19-25, the American Legion held their 87 th Annual National Convention. For the most part, the convention was similar to recent years, except that it was held in paradise. For the third time, the American Legion’s National Convention was held at the Honolulu Convention Center in Hawaii. The convention was held in Honolulu in 1973 and 1981 as well.


The George E. Fern Company was on hand in Hawaii for two and a half weeks to ensure that every detail of the convention was taken care of. Since this convention was held off the mainland, special arrangements were made with local sources for several services. Some things were shipped as cargo and others were acquired from Hawaiian companies.

“I was very pleased with the way the entire convention was handled,” said Dick Holmes, Director of Convention & Meetings with The American Legion. “We have a tremendous relationship with the George E. Fern Company – they know the show as well as I do.”

This was the 11 th consecutive show the George E. Fern Company has done for The American Legion.

Steve Trent, manager with the George E. Fern Company says, “The hospitality of the people from Hawaii was unbelievable. Everyone was so nice and very laid back. It was a great experience.”

 

The convention went off very successfully. Attendees, both Legionnaires and Auxiliary members, could participate in separate or joint meetings, general sessions and banquets. They also attended the trade show, health fair and annual Sunday parade.

Next year’s convention will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah; 2007 in Reno, Nevada; 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona; 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky and 2010 in Milwaukee, WI.

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*EXPO Magazine's 25 Bargain Destinations
Click here to view this story on EXPO's web site

EXPO’s annual review of cities with more than 150,000 net square feet of exhibit space offering the most affordable hotel and meal rates

By Barbara Axelson

Despite the upswing in the industry, show organizers continue to search for value destinations for exhibitors and attendees. Which cities offer the best deals?

EXPO — with more than a little help from PKF Consulting in Atlanta and Smith Travel Research in Hendersonville, TN — has come up with our annual roster of 25 bargain destinations that offer substantial exhibit space (150,000 net square feet or more) and alluring cost savings (determined by combining average daily hotel room rates and federal per diem rates). They are listed here in alphabetical order.

Find out what value-added incentives — from waiving attrition fees and free transportation to attendance promotion and registration staffing — these cities and centers offer to show organizers. For more details, contact the convention and visitors bureaus directly.

1. Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque’s high altitude means the climate is mild year-round, a plus for planners and attendees. Most of New Mexico’s 19 Indian pueblos are a short drive from the city. There’s a program for show organizers using 500 hotel rooms on peak that qualifies for free meeting space at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

2. Atlanta
One of the nation’s largest hubs, about 2,600 flights touch down in the city each day, and 80 percent of the U.S. population is within a two-hour flight of Atlanta. A ticket on the rapid rail is $1.75 and delivers guests from the airport directly to the hotel district and convention center. The Georgia World Congress Center embraces a policy of providing value with “no hidden costs.”

3. Cincinnati
For groups using two or more hotels and the convention center, the bureau provides a complimentary information booth and a custom-designed Web page, personalized with a welcome to attendees and information about Cincinnati and a pre-show e-mailer. Teleconferencing capabilities include broadband and downlink dish. Programmable information signage is available throughout the convention center.

4. Cleveland
Money-saving amenities include discounted attraction packages, free parking depending on the size of the event and a reasonable rapid transit system from the airport for just $1.50. Cleveland’s ambassador corps assist at citywide conventions with a meet-and-greet at the airport, with transportation assistants and directional staff. The CVB telemarketing staff can help with attendance building. A local media directory is provided.

5. Columbus, OH
Preferred agreements with an in-house audiovisual company and service contractor give planners options at a discounted rate. The convention center, which features an 80,000-square-foot food court and retail shopping area, provide shows with coupon books. The Arena District, the city’s newest nighttime destination, is steps away from the convention center and downtown hotels.

6. Denver
Denver’s mile-long 16th Street Mall is served by free shuttle buses. Many downtown attractions are a block or two from the Mall. Tours of the U.S. Mint are free, as are tours of the State Capitol. To streamline loading and unloading times, separate loading docks at the auditorium and on the meeting-room level permit trucks to service them without interfering with exhibit-level loading.

7. Detroit
The discount airline Spirit has its largest hub in Detroit. Located in suburban Detroit, the new Novi Expo Center, which will open in the fall of 2005, will offer flexible and open work rules. The city’s convention package includes up to $100,000 in transportation subsidies once downtown hotels are full.

8. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A new meeting planners’ incentive program for those booking 600 peak room nights in August and September 2005 and 2006 offers free rental of all floor space throughout the entire 600,000-square-foot Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. The bureau Web site features access to 3-D floor plans and a VIPlanners club to receive special offers and news updates via e-mail. Attrition fees will be waived at contracted hotels.

9. Houston
The city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown features street performers and is home to more than 70 restaurants and nightclubs. Free performances are offered at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, an amphitheater open from April through October that features the Houston Shakespeare Festival, musicals and the Houston Symphony.

10. Indianapolis
Indianapolis hotels, restaurants, retailers and the convention center display welcome signs specified for the incoming group and deck their frontline personnel in welcome buttons. A complimentary welcome program is coordinated by the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Authority to provide a visual presence to incoming visitors. Hotels at a variety of price points are within walking distance; 3,000 rooms are linked by skywalk to the convention center.

11. Kansas City, MO
On the weekends, group rates are typically lower. Event listings are featured on the the CVB’s Web site, as well as in convention alerts that are sent to both the membership and the media. The CVB offers liaison services with its members and the city government for all meetings and conventions. The CVB also assists with off-site event ideas and venue locations. 

12. Minneapolis
Two types of housing systems are offered along with a comprehensive welcome program with airport welcomes, signage and welcome ribbons. Assistance with hotel bids and contract negotiations is available, and registration and housing can be combined into a one-step process for attendees. With 1,350 flights a day coming into Minneapolis, the city is convenient for attendees and exhibitors.

13. Nashville, TN
In addition to the cost savings associated with non-union labor, live music entertainment is easily accessible in Nashville for a reasonable price. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center can offer everything under one roof, which translates to transportation savings for shows. The CVB provides promotional materials and marketing tools such as e-cards.

14. Omaha, NE
The newest convention center between Denver and Chicago, the Qwest Center and Arena is a state-of-the-art facility with an integrated 17,000-seat Arena. Located just 2.5 miles from the airport, the center offers convenient access to transportation, hotels, shopping and entertainment.

15. Orlando, FL
Value-added services include registration staffing through the CVB registration program. Specially discounted attraction tickets are offered to convention delegates. The bureau also provides printing services at very competitive rates, often saving show organizers money on printing and shipping charges, as well, if delivery is direct to the meeting facility.

16. Philadelphia
Exhibitors can set up booths up to 300 square feet and use non-power tools and pre-strung drape. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is within a block of 3,000 hotel rooms. Set-up Monday through Friday to avoid overtime and booking during the off-season months are other ways to cut costs. With 40 percent of the U.S. population within a day’s drive of the city, most shows experience increased attendance at lower cost.

17. Phoenix, AZ
Organizers can save 33 percent off published rates for the Phoenix Convention Center by using off-peak time periods. The same off-season also affords management and their guests flexibility on tee times and more affordability on greens fees at more than 200 area golf courses. Discounts on hotel/resort rates and spa packages are also available. Additionally, the use of union labor is not required at the convention center.

18. Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Welcome Pack 2005 contains coupons for discounted meals and attractions that include more than 35 restaurants and places such as the Carnegie Museums and theatres in and around town. Visitors can take the T subway or regular buses from anywhere within the downtown area at no charge.

19. Portland, OR
Using the Interstate Light Rail Train system provides a car-free alternative to reach the Portland Metropolitan Expo Center and other popular destinations. Shows that contract more space will receive discounts in their package pricing. The facility offers full-service catering and the largest wi-fi hot spot in Portland.

20. Richmond, VA
Situated in the heart of Virginia’s capital city and just minutes from the Richmond International Airport, the Greater Richmond Convention Center offers a 700,000-square-foot facility. A new Cyber Café provides visitors free use of six freestanding Internet accessible kiosks, while serving as a “hot spot” to provide those who have a personal laptop computer the ability to log onto the Internet at no charge.

21. San Antonio
This city offers “Hot Dates” on its Web site and suggests that planners start there to negotiate excellent rates. The airport is eight minutes from downtown; thus transport is easy and reasonable. There are 10,000 hotel rooms close to the convention center in the downtown area (30,000 citywide), and the bureau offers attendance builders and program shells to organizers along with registration personnel.

22. Seattle
The Citywide Concierge Center is located in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center at no cost to users. Reservations, tour bookings, ground transportation, arts and sports tickets, and services such as spa/salon visits and flower orders are offered, as well as a TicketMaster box office. Approximately 6,000 hotel rooms are within an easy walk and all Metro buses in downtown Seattle are free.

23. St. Louis
Groups with more than 1,000 rooms on peak are offered an entertainment shuttle that goes to hotels, downtown restaurant and entertainment districts and the President’s Casino. New labor agreements at America’s Center permit exhibitors to assemble their own booths of up to 300 square feet in size, use hand tools, and hang signs and graphics. Handcarts may be used, and exhibitors can drive into special loading areas.

24. Tampa, FL
Summer is value season here; mid-May to mid-September offers great price breaks with holiday weekends at even lower rates. An Attendee Discount Booklet features deals and discounts at many area attractions. The historic streetcar system provides reasonably priced, unlimited ride passes for show management to purchase for delegates to go to shopping and entertainment districts.

25. Tucson, AZ
Destination marketing collateral is available for delegates, as are online materials and e-blasts. For those booking into the Tucson Convention Center and the downtown Radisson City Center Hotel, a “Sunsets and Savings” program offers $10,000 to use toward local transportation, rentals or receptions. Details are on the CVB Web site.

Barbara Axelson is a Chicago-based trade show consultant and freelance writer. She can be reached at baxelson@aol.com.

*Printed with permission from EXPO Magazine

 

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Partnering for Success
 
  • Air & Waste Management Association – June 2006 in New Orleans, LA
  • International Cemetery & Funeral Association – 2006 and 2007 in Las Vegas, NV
  • Pediatric Endocrinology Nurses – 2006 in Myrtle Beach, SC and 2008 in Cincinnati, OH
  • Missouri Osteopathic Annual Convention – 2006 & 2007 in Branson, MO
  • Water Quality, 2007 in Orlando – FL and 2008 in Las Vegas, NV
  • Showpower – 2006 in Las Vegas, NV and 2007 through 2010, locations undetermined
  • Coatings – 2006 in Indianapolis, IN and 2007, location undetermined
  • Kansas City Sportshow – 2006 in Kansas City, MO
  • OFA Short Course – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 in Columbus, OH
  • American Society on Aging – 2006 in Anaheim, CA; 2007 Chicago, IL; 2008 in Washington D.C.; and 2009 through 2010 locations undetermined
  • Monument Builders of North America – 2006 in Savannah, GA and 2007 in Cincinnati, OH
  • American Correctional Association – January 2006 in Nashville, TN; January 2007 in Tampa, FL; January 2008 in Grapevine, TX; August 2006 in Charlotte, NC; August 2007 in Kansas City, MO; and 2008 in New Orleans, LA
  • V-Twin Expo – 2006 through 2010 in Cincinnati, OH
  • Best Brands Plus – 2006 in Orlando, FL
 
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Industry Speaks

“You made this first-timer exhibitor feel comfortable enough to pull through all the nervousness and have a great show!”
Debra Ashley
AshGuard, Inc.
Exhibitor, Cement Industry Technical Conference
Kansas City, MO Crown Center Exhibit Hall

“We are hearing from many people that this event was by far our best quadrennial gathering of any in recent memory! We know that this assessment is due in no small part to your significant involvement both pre-event and on-site.
“We sincerely appreciate your constant availability and positive attitude to accommodate all of our requests. We knew we could count on you for anything! Again, than you for all that you contributed!”
Dwayne Leatherland, Lindsay Myers, Esther Okerson
Church of the Nazarene International Headquarters
Kansas City, MO

“Thank you for all your help making this last ICOSR the most successful meeting we have ever had. Across the board, the response to our very professional registration desks, entrance units, signs and banners and (most importantly) poster board was extraordinary. We couldn’t have done it with you and look forward to working with you in Colorado Springs.”
Cristan Tamminga and Dorothy Denton
International Congress on Schizophrenia Research
Savannah, GA – Savannah Convention Center

“Many thanks to you for all of your efforts this year at Atlantic Coast Exposition (ACE). You all are the quintessential business partners and we couldn’t carry it all off without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Stevie Hughes
Atlantic Coast Expostion
Myrtle Beach, SC – Myrtle Beach Convention Center

“I wanted to thank you all again for making AM Expo 2005 such a success and a pleasure to work on. It truly was refreshing to work with all of you and your staff. Thank you so much for all of your hard with on AM Expo. I look forward to working on AM Expo 2006 with you.”
Kristy Pacelli
Reed Exhibitions
Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Expo 2005
Greenville, SC – Palmetto Expo Center

“[The George E Fern Company] is such an essential part of my comfort level when it comes to ICFA’s tradeshow. You make us feel just as important as your biggest client and you take care of us like we’re your only client. There also isn’t another company who would take the time to work as closely with our exhibitors as you do. You are instrumental in helping our exhibitors feel like they’re getting the best service possible.”
Pamela Davis
International Cemetery and Funeral Association
Show Site: Las Vegas, NV

“It’s not easy to work with amateurs (us) in the conference arena and we appreciated the George E. Fern Company staff’s patience with all the requests that came up. From carts to booths you managed to keep everyone satisfied and calm. We have a profound admiration for your professionalism and ability to solve all the problems that arose.”
Kay Lehto and Patricia Reed
Rhythms of Life ~ Oceans of Voices.
Show Site: Long Beach, CA

“I hate to sound like a broken record but our George E. Fern team is the best! Once again, the NWTF has nothing but good things to say about [the George E. Fern team]. They go above and beyond to help us out. I look forward to many more years with the George E. Fern team.”
Shannon Tollison
National Wild Turkey Federation
Show Site: Nashville, TN

“I have been dealing with exposition services for over 20 years both throughout the U.S. as well as overseas … Dealing with exposition services is usually not very nice but in the case of the Heart of America trade show dealing with the George E. Fern Company was a pleasure…In the exposition service business you are one of a kind.”
Jim Wilson
Virtual Backgrounds
Show Site: Kansas City, MO

“Natural Plant Expo was a great success and I feel The George E. Fern Co. contributed to that success! You seemed to anticipate our every need, which made my job easier. I am looking forward to working with you in Columbus as well as Indianapolis.”
Katie Reyes
Natural Planet Expo
Show Site: Cleveland, OH

“We really appreciate your continued attention to our staff needs on-site. From the initial show office shipment to the new badging system, right up to the return shipment on the very last day – we were grateful for your attention to detail and consideration of our needs.”
Gina Honeycutt
National Correctional Industries Association
Show Site: Phoenix, AZ

“I really think our exhibitors are happier than ever, and I appreciate the great rapport you have developed with them. Thank you for your responsiveness to our last minute requests and your professional handling of all the unexpected details that go along with the job – before, during and after our stay in Nashville.”
Jennifer Stone-Rogers
Association of Fund-Raising Distribution & Suppliers
Show Site: Nashville, TN

“The recent ANA National Money Show ™ would not have been such a great event and such a good time without the efforts of everyone involved. A very special thank you goes to George E. Fern and your experienced and conscientious team. Such a tremendous support and effort!”
Brenda Bishop
American Numismati Association
Show Site: Kansas City, MO

“The exceptional service the George E. Fern Company team provided was very much appreciated by everyone involved in Research Day and was essential to its overall success.”
Darlene Jones
Ohio State University Heath Sciences Center
Show Site: Columbus, OH

“I want to thank the George E. Fern Company for all its efforts in making the SCACM Exhibits at Caesars Indiana a huge success. In all phases of the process, from show floor design to set up and tear down, your team was cooperative, courteous, efficient and highly professional.”
Timothy Overman, Ph.D.
South Central Association for Clinical Microbiology
Show Site: Elizabeth, IN

“I want to thank you for all your help provided for me at your ATA show. Everyone I worked with treated me outstanding. I have been to many tradeshows and I can say with ease that this a great show experience because of your service level…I am impressed.”
Denis Graybill
LogiTrans LLC
Show Site: Indianapolis, IN

“In my experience, the George E. Fern Company ranks among the best in their profession. All the staff represents the highest standards of thoughtfulness and personal interaction, resulting in good will and good results for all.”
Marc Singer, "Beastmaster"
Gen Con Indy
Show Site: Indianapolis, IN

“The George E. Fern Company fits the definition of an excellent vendor. They save us time, save us money and do better than we could do on our own.”
Customer Statement from Comment Form
Life Sciences Research Day
Show Site: Overland Park, KS

“I am impressed with the quality work that the George E. Fern Company performs. From the layout of the entire show to the quality of the signage, the first-class image of your company shines through.”
Gil Gerard, "Buck Rogers"
Gen Con Indy
Show Site: Indianapolis, IN

“This show is a tremendous responsibility and it is made so much easier due to the great cooperation from the George E. Fern Company. You cannot compare the excellent service and professional and friendly attitude .... It always amazes me how wonderful [the George E. Fern Company is] to work with, the cooperation I receive, and the skill level of all the employees.”
Therese LaTelle, Exhibitor
OFA Short Course
Show Site: Columbus, OH

“...The George E. Fern Company always surpasses our greatest expectation, time and time again. How can I possibly find the words to precisely convey how tremendously grateful all of us at ACA are for all that you do? Thank you so very much for another wonderful conference experience. You’re simply the best!”
Marge Restivo
American Correctional Association
Show Site: Chicago, IL

“[The George E. Fern Company team] was always available and responsive to all of our needs. I know that we made the right decision in contracting with you for multiple years of service. The event was a tremendous success. Thank you for playing an important role during all of our advances planning and preparation."
Lerry Fogle
Church of the Brethren
Show Site: Charleston, SC

“It is a pleasure to know that we are working with a company that is truly interested in the results of the exhibitors.”
Doug Cole
D.S. Cole Growers, Inc.
Show Site: Columbus, OH

“Your staff responded faster, better and with greater efficiency than any of your competitors could have possibly done, and as you know,
I have worked with all of your competitors.”
John Short
UMKC Design/Build Competition at Union Station
Show Site: Kansas City, MO

“Thank you for the tremendous job you performed in support of the 2004 Arnold Fitness Weekend. The many ways the weekend expanded were coordinated by you with great professionalism, dedication and much hard work.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Fitness Weekend 2004
Show Site: Columbus, Ohio

“... Signage, décor and other general contracting work for a show of this size can be very complicated. You and your staff proved that it could be done very well... It was a relief to know that on the other end of the radio was the prompt, professional and helpful George E. Fern team.”
Jared Cohen
American Association of School Librarians
11th National Conference and Exhibition
Show Site: Kansas City

“[The George E. Fern Company's] eagerness to help, flexibility and hard work make it seems as if we have an extesion of our own staff working with us. ”
Amy Szmania
Ohio Dental Association
Show Site: Columbus, OH

  
 
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