In the fall before the initial Big D BBQ Battle (even before it had its name), I was introduced by a friend in the non-profit segment to the development director of the North Texas Food Bank. Little did I realize at the time how important that introduction would become in the formulation of the mission […]
Inventing an Event: Heartstrings Read More »
When you choose a late April date for an outdoor event in Texas, consider that it might be a warm day. So, for the inaugural Big D BBQ Battle we knew we were going to need to provide water to our guests. And it needs to be iced. Our first avenue was to ask for
Inventing an Event: Water and Ice Read More »
It seems simple enough: the leader should be the voice. The one at the front should have the pipes to voice the organization’s image. Well, for us, it just happened to work out that way. The North Dallas Chamber’s partnership with Radio KAAM 770 for the Big D BBQ Battle meant we had to voice
Inventing an Event: Finding Your Voice Read More »
One critical element of a successful event is beer. All along we’ve been billing this event as “beer, beef and a band.” Let’s explore each of these elements as they relate to The Big D BBQ Battle.” OK, enough of the professorial posturing, this is about finding a good brew, a great brand that matches
Inventing an Event: Beer Read More »
When I signed on to the North Dallas Chamber a year ago, one of my assignments from my new boss was a “BHAG.” BHAG, you say? Well what he really meant was a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal.” I think the term has it’s origin’s in Jim Collins’ book, “Good to Great.” So, over the next
Inventing an Event: The Big D BBQ Saga Read More »
Having always been on the exhibitor side of things when it came to expos and trade shows, when I was called upon to produce the business expo for the North Dallas Chamber, I had to stop and think about where to start. I was now on the other side. A chamber expo is the one
Reinventing a Chamber Expo Read More »
The good news about the AHR Expo is that it continues to grow and draw very well, not matter its location. The bad news, is that this show, which industry types for years called ASHRAE for it’s association ties) is that it seems still stuck in another decade long past. Now, that isn’t necessarily a
Report from the Field: AHR Expo Read More »
The client had seen the amenity in the concepts and throughout the design process. The wheat grass accessory seemed innocuous enough, but when he got to the show, what did he ask? “Where’s my wheat grass?” Without missing a beat, a simple laminated box featuring a basic plant from the show site and anchored by
The Missing Wheat Grass and Other Trade Show Stories: An Evening with Ross Smith Read More »
Our colleague and frequent contributor to this space, Wes Bates, recently changed industries and found himself at his new industry’s key trade show. He filed this report for us. Thanks, Wes. *************************** It has been a while since my last trade show- one year and nine months to be exact-and I am glad to get
Report from the Field: The Future of LTE Comes to Big D Read More »
Having a strategic approach to a trade show is critical, even for the smallest exhibitor. Shea & McMurdie Retirement, a Dallas-based 401(k) plan consultants and advisors, they had to make the most of their showing at the HR Southwest trade show and conference. For Shea & McMurdie, it wasn’t just about showing up, it was
Case Study: HR Southwest Read More »
