Derse Exhibits, using an experiential marketing approach to their own exhibit, has been awarded first place in the Multiple Media category of the EDPA EDDIE Awards. This is the third consecutive year that Derse has earned a first place EDDIE Award, and the fourth consecutive year that Derse has finished among the top two entries.

    The EDDIE Awards honor excellence in self-promotion among the exhibit supplier community. Entries are evaluated based on strategy, creativity, and the achievement of a measurable return-on-investment.

     Derse received the award for its’ “Not a Peep” integrated, experiential marketing program that captivated corporate exhibit managers attending EXHIBITOR SHOW 2005 and HCEA 2005. The campaign – a clever play on words as booth staffers covered their mouths until they were asked a question – leveraged bright yellow marshmallow Peeps candy as a fun symbol of Derses’ commitment not to speak until they had listened to attendees’ most pressing questions and challenges. The campaign used a wide variety of media, including pre-show mailers, advertising, show sponsorship opportunities and an experiential exhibit environment to communicate their messages. The Peeps program created outstanding results, including: high visibility at the show, record numbers of qualified leads and press coverage, and an Exhibitor magazine Sizzle Award.

     “We are excited to consistently stack up so well against our peers,” said Bill Haney, CEO. “Our experiential marketing approach gives us an excellent return-on-investment.”

     This success shows that Derse is a firm that doesn’t just talk about integrated and experiential marketing – it lives it. “The fact that Derse has placed at the top the last four years shows that they have a true grasp of the EDDIE Award for Marketing Excellence and the ability to promote their company successfully in the trade show arena,” said Brook Soss, Associate Director, EDPA.

     Exhibit Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) announced the hiring of two new senior managers. Mark Adams has been named Chief Operating Officer and Duncan Millar was named Vice President of Marketing. Both will be integral to marketing, new business development, and the supervision of ongoing client services to one of the strongest and most diverse client bases in the industry. Derek Gentile, EEI President and CEO, made the announcement.

     Adams comes to EEI with a solid record of executive-level operational and financial management in commercial exhibit and museum display production. In the past 21 years he has worked in positions ranging from Vice President to CEO at three different exhibit and event marketing firms – most recently Derse Exhibits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; The Rogers Co. in Cleveland, Ohio; and Design Craftsman in Midland, Michigan. At two of these companies, he led management decisions that led to dramatic increases in sales and profits. Adams earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at Michigan State University.

     Millar joins EEI with an extensive history in the design and management of large-scale trade show programs, interpretive museum projects and marketing events. In his executive roles, he has orchestrated substantial company growth and entry into new markets. He most recently comes from Design Craftsman – where he was President and CEO. Previously, he held leadership positions at two highly respected exhibit firms located in New England and Virginia. Millar, a University of Massachusetts graduate, has worked on dozens of unique projects for high-profile museums, including: The Smithsonian Institution, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, the Reagan Presidential Library, and the Holocaust Memorial Center. His trade show customers have included Masco, Dow Corning, GTE, NASA, the NFL Players Association, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

     “As our company evolves and grows with an even more diverse client base, we’ve found two highly talented people to help us reach our aggressive business goals,” Gentile said. “Both Mark Adams and Duncan Millar bring to the company a wealth of unique brand marketing experiences, which will benefit everyone associated with Exhibit Enterprises.”

     Summarizing 23 years of experience in the exhibit business is nearly impossible when you’re talking about someone like Don Hand. Retiring from Hamilton Exhibits at the end of 2005, Don was recently honored by Hamilton Exhibits for his many years of service.

     Dan Cantor, CEO, and John Patten, President, both spoke kind words about Don. “Among professional businessmen, he will forever hold a place in my mind as someone who brings to his role the highest level of integrity, professionalism and knowledge. I can tell you that when I am given to measure a man, Don easily represents the model against which all others might be compared,” Patten said.

     Don was presented with a red wine cooler, stocked with bottles personalized with tags from his colleagues. Don, filled with mixed emotions about leaving the industry for a more relaxed life of leisure including golf and skiing, said, “I’d like to say thanks to Hamilton Exhibits, and to the industry for the most rewarding 23 years of my life.”

     Don will be greatly missed by the teams at Hamilton Exhibits and Sho-Link.

     Nimlok distributor, Condit Exhibits, has been in the exhibit business since 1945 and recently hit the 60-year milestone. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper proclaimed Thursday, December 15, 2005 as “Condit Exhibits’ Day in Denver” in honor of this momentous achievement. Mark Foster, President of Condit Exhibits, raves, “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Condit Exhibits’ 60th birthday. Cheers!” He continues, “From all of us here at Condit, thanks for helping us grow since 1945.”

     This past holiday season, Derse Exhibits contributed 532 meals for families through the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. In the past, Derse has contributed meals, toothbrushes, and other personal care items. The mission, located in downtown Milwaukee, is the oldest and largest homeless shelter in the state of Wisconsin. Since 1893 it has provided spiritual and material help and direction for the homeless and poor of the local Milwaukee community.