The past year was riddled with challenges, and as disruptive as it was divisive. While most are glad, even relieved, that the election is over, it scarred family, friend and business relationships for many of us.
But that’s where my favorite time of year comes into play.
As we approach December 31 and the impending start of 2017, we are reminded to put our differences aside, reflect on the many positives in our lives and look to the future with good cheer. Realizing that we have a great deal in common is a comforting thought and something I find myself holding onto in times of uncertainty. My hope today, as it has always been, is that we are able to concentrate on what unites us in the coming months and years.
To that end, I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Exhibit Designers and Producers Association conference in Orlando. Just as in years past, it was a great chance to meet with others in our industry and discuss the challenges we face—from finding talent to grappling with sales tax issues and healthcare costs, to how to better offer enhanced services to our clients. Each year, I am reminded as to how many others share these same challenges, and how together—although at times competitors—we can offer each other insight and perhaps even improve.
Equally important, and also a mission upheld by the EDPA, is a desire to help those who need it most. The EDPA Foundation offers assistance to families that have lost loved ones unexpectedly, and also offers college scholarships to students in need of financial assistance. At the 2016 conference, we received updates regarding the many successes we have helped create over the past year—again, another great reminder come year’s end of the positive impact we can have on the lives of others.
At Creatacor, we feel strongly about our mission toward others, and have tried to do our part as well. We held the first (hopefully, of many) blood drives onsite at our headquarters, sponsored a food drive for a local food pantry and came together to provide the trappings that will help four families in our community have a happy Christmas.
The truth remains that when we come together, we can do so much good—although we often need a reminder. Thoughtful teamwork is the best avenue toward goal accomplishment in our industry, and we appreciate that fact every day.
As 2016 comes to a close, we want to thank our clients for partnering with us and trusting us to help them achieve their goals. Thanks also to our suppliers for making our jobs easier. And please remember the power we have as individuals and organizations. If we can extend the spirit of cooperation further, and into every aspect of our lives, we can help each other look toward 2017 with excitement and enthusiasm.
Wishing each of you the happiest of holidays and much success in the New Year!
—Will Farmer, COO
We’re Making Headlines!
Check out Will’s Q&A with Successful Meetings magazine, “How to Build a Better Trade Show Booth,” demonstrating all that Creatacor can do—and does—so well.
Project Highlight: DSM
This collaborative effort is one we’re really proud of. DSM is an international company active in the fields of health and nutrition, using technology and products to “provide solutions to brighten the lives of people today and generations to come.” Their efforts have a global reach, impacting markets worldwide through their food, dietary supplements, personal care, animal nutrition, medical devices and bio-based materials.
To support their presence at the 2016 Supply Side West Show in Las Vegas, we designed and fabricated a 40 x 40 exhibit promoting their Omega-3 fish oil pills, a recent advancement.
Centrally featured, their large seamless video wall spanned almost 14 feet. Two 80-inch vertical monitors flanked each side, helping to support their central message.
Helping to draw visitors in, newly-designed graphics wrapped a two-tiered hanging sign with two 20-foot curved banners at each opposing side. All counters were accented with blue LED lighting at the base.
For an additional focal point, we integrated an augmented reality sculpted fish into the 1600-square footprint. Crafted of foam and hand-painted, it was propped above their Omega-3 fish oil pills (which were sandwiched in wavy, clear plexi to create the illusion of water, offset by lighting). The surrounding counter held six accessible iPads to facilitate customer interaction.Overall, DSM was very pleased with our efforts, and was overheard saying, “This is the best-looking booth we’ve had at SSW!”
We couldn’t agree more, and look forward to next year’s endeavor.
Congrats To Rich and Chuck
At Creatacor, we’re always looking for ways to improve and grow, and are excited to announce expanded roles for Rich Henaghan and Chuck Law. We’ve tasked them with improving our overall sales culture so that our entire customer service team is able to visualize opportunities, understand them and go after them—and better serve our clients at the same time.Rich Henaghan has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Strategic Accounts. Henaghan will maintain his current responsibilities as a Senior Account Executive, working toward initiative planning and execution. Within his expanded role, Henaghan is looking forward to supporting his team as they work to build existing accounts and opportunities through partnerships.
Chuck Law is taking on the role of Manager of Business Development, while also continuing his current responsibilities as a Senior Account Executive. Law is dedicated toward fostering a customer-oriented focus at Creatacor, and will continue his efforts toward mentoring existing staff and pursuing fresh talent.
We’re excited about this next chapter, and know that Rich and Chuck are going to lead us there.
Creatacor Gives Back
Thanks to all who supported our food, toy and blood drives this past November!
Together, we:
• Donated 208 pounds of food to The Food Pantries for the Capital District to benefit neighboring communities over the Thanksgiving holiday
• Donated 28 units of blood in support of the American Red Cross
• Sponsored four families for Christmas through the Chamber Angels of Southern Saratoga County
We could not have done it without you!
Did You Know?
The Albany Capital Center opens in March 2017. Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the ACC will be within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, shops, art galleries, night clubs, museums and more, and includes enclosed walkways between the Empire State Plaza, the Egg and the Times Union Center! SMG, which will operate the convention venue, has already booked several events through 2020!
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