 ay you represent the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association. You’ve just wrapped up the International Student Exhibit Design Competition, and now you want to show the world the talent being shaped for the future of exhibit design. You also want to proselytize for the EDPA. You’ve decided to do all that at the next Exhibitor Show. |
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The nine upright panels each feature an image of an EDPA association member and a short quote about what EDPA membership means to him or her. |
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| There’s just one problem. You’ve reviewed the association’s bank account, checked under the seats in your car, and dug into the cushions on your couch, but you can’t find more than $7,600. So, what do you do? Enlist help. Exhibit designer Chris Wendel worked pro-bono to create the concept for a 20-by-40 foot island exhibit that would achieve EDPA’s goals. One side of the exhibit features nine upright graphic panels. Dividing the center of the space is a black “closet showcase” featuring five peepholes, through which people can view the work of the design competition winners. The other side features a conversation area. Meanwhile, Linda Howard, communications manager for EDPA, went after donations. Thanks to her efforts, members provided about $30,000 in goods and services — everything from the trees and seating in the conversation area, to exhibit transport and logistics assistance. Not only does the display do justice to the work it was designed to showcase, it offers physical proof of how willingly EDPA members pull together to achieve a goal. According to Howard, “I think it really helped to raise the profile on what is a really important program to EDPA and the exhibition community.” Or, as one judge more simply put it: “Incredible bang for the buck.”  |
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| Self Promotion EDPA Chris Wendel, Westerfield, NJ; 908-789-3317; www.chriswendel.com supporting EDPA members Exhibitor Show 2002 $7,600 20 by 40 feet $10 |
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One side of the exhibit contains real trees and a few stools and tables to create a comfortable place for people to sit and chat. Tiny green slips of paper — miniature business cards printed with the EDPA’s contact information — masquerade as tree leaves. |
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