update 1. Skyline Granted 100th Patent Receiving a patent for the new DesignView Exhibit System marked a milestone for Skyline Exhibits, as the registration was the company’s 100th patent since it opened its doors in 1980. This patent joins an array of others for products that serve every corner of the trade show industry, from exhibit systems to components to aesthetic design. “It’s an honor,” Skyline president Bill Dierberger says. “So many people have worked so hard to create new and better products over the years. This milestone is a result of that cumulative effort.” 3. EDPA Recognizes Two Industry Leaders The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association recognized excellence in 2011 by giving its annual nod to two individuals who exemplify outstanding contributions to the exhibition industry. Moss Inc. president and CEO Charlie Corsentino was named the 2011 recipient of the Hazel Hays Award for his accomplishments in the exhibit industry over the past 20 years. The award is given annually to someone who has made significant contributions to the trade show industry in the area of knowledge, design, process, or influence. Corsentino was named Moss’ chairman, president, and CEO in 2006. Shawn Bicker, a designer with Exhibit Fair International Inc., was honored by the EDPA as the 2011 Designer of the Year, a recognition bestowed upon him for leadership in the exhibit-design world. The award is given annually to someone with exceptional passion for the exhibit industry who works to improve it through enhancing professional standards or committing time and energy to others in the field. 2. Health-Care Sunshine Law Waylaid The health-care industry has a brief reprieve from regulations that are likely to significantly alter interaction at medical trade shows. Implementation of the federal Patient Protections and Affordable Care Act, originally slated for January 2012, has been back-burnered to allow lawmakers additional time to hammer out the details of the law — particularly the Sunshine Provisions that promise sweeping change to health-care marketing. When the law goes into effect, health-care companies will be required to submit detailed reports to the government that list each physician or teaching hospital that accepts anything valued at more than $10 from the company, or any accumulation of gifts that totals more than $100. Included in the report must be the physician’s name and address, as well as a detailed explanation of what item of value was exchanged. The legislation does not prohibit such exchanges, but rather requires that they be disclosed publicly. The reporting stipulation applies to any company operating in the United States in any segment of the health-care industry in any capacity. There are few exceptions in the current language of the legislation, which mandates reporting of any gifts, food, entertainment, travel, honoraria, education, research, speaking fee, or anything else that could be construed as being of value. The only exclusions noted are that health-care companies would not need to report buffet meals, snacks, beverages, or other hospitality distributed in an exhibit, and product samples may be exempt in certain situations. Penalties for failing to report such transactions start at $1,000 and go up to $1 million for repeated and willful noncompliance. Several pharmaceutical and medical-device exhibitors have already begun adhering to the new restrictions in anticipation of the coming regulations. For those that have not, the final version of the legislative rules will likely be ready to implement by late spring or early summer of this year.