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"Howard and Kathy are nice pit bulls. At events we got everything we needed when we need it."
— Lesley Wylie
Americas Marketing Manager
IBM Printing Systems
Canada
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Lesley Wylie of IBM Printing Systems tells the story:
Situation
I worked with the Main Event Marketing management team for ten years at IBM in Colorado. When I moved to my new position in Canada, I wasn't authorized to hire MEM for meeting and trade show management.
I can appreciate what they brought to the pre-planning and execution of tradeshow exhibits and internal kickoff meetings. They anticipate things that the client hasn't even realized they need. Things that save you money, make you look good and make the process easier.
Solution
I have tried to apply a "what would Kathy and Howard do?" approach, seeking out their opinion about event management including negotiations with local facilities and contractors, timing of arrival at events, and technical needs like electricity, drayage and rigging.
They are really respected in the industry as professionals with valuable knowledge of the tradeshow environment and meeting management.
Results
Now I know what to expect of an event management team because Main Event Marketing has set the standard.
Even an experienced client like me needs a good management team. I am busy worrying about developing the message, the look and feel of the event and budget management. I demand the support of a quality team as good as Howard and Kathy.
And even when Main Event Marketing wasn't working for us, they have bailed us out on occasion at tradeshows. Howard waited for a truck to pick up our exhibit after a show when our staff wasn't available. They are quick to share information about any deals on hotels and contractors.
Lesley Wylie has more to say about MEM:
Kathy Korpela has a great attention to detail with exceptional insight. At IBM internal kickoff meetings she knew how to maximize on hotel and entertainment negotiations. She planned ahead and ordered a hotel office space and casual meeting rooms for unexpected meeting needs. She pays special attention to our executives' travel booking rooms, limos, recommendations of restaurants, everything.
Howard's knowledge of show locations, facilities and unions is invaluable. These things have the ability to make or break your budget; it can double or triple your expenses. His forward-thinking management of show contractors takes care of technical requirements like electricity and drayage without using overtime hours. He is exceptional at it.
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