Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/319134
I DA U N I V E R S A L M ay -J u n e 2 0 1 4 4 EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor W e hear this all the time, "Where did the time go?" It feels like a short while since the IDA members were enjoying another great trade show with the Canadian Rockies all around us. Yet, it is time to begin fi nalizing our schedules and fl ights for the 2014 IDA Show in Chicago. Here's the latest! First of all, the typical number of exhibition booths is already sold – before even issuing a promotional bro- chure. As far as I know, this has never happened at IDA. It would seem to tell us that the 2014 IDA Convention and Trade Show in Chicago will be beyond compare! e Hyatt Hotel is arranging more space for IDA, so that we can add more booths. Please contact IDA now to reserve your space. Something NEW! As you know, the IDA opening reception is usually held in the Convention site hotel. However, the Chicago area IDA members have arranged for an out-of-the- ordinary opening reception to take place aboard the "Spirit of Chicago" cruise boat. Scheduled for 7 to 10 p.m., members are invited to enjoy plenty of food, refreshment and entertainment. IMPORTANT! is means that the buses will begin shuttling the IDA attendees from the Hyatt to Navy Pier at 5 p.m. Typically, attendees arrive at the convention site all during the open- ing reception. is year, please plan to be checked in and ready to go before 5 p.m., Wednesday, Octo- ber 29... or you will miss one of the best opportunities to network, as well as an enjoyable cruise. Wednesday, October 29 Two morning events will also take place on Wednesday. Once again, the golf tournament will be held as a result of the gener- ous eff orts of Terry McKay and Black Cat Blades. We will leave the Hyatt by 8 a.m. on Wednesday. ank you, Black Cat, and all the golf sponsors in advance for your contributions. For more informa- tion, email Terry at Terry.McKay@ blackcatblades.com. To encourage everyone to arrive in Chicago on Tuesday, IDA also is off ering a Wednesday tour of Chicago's version of "Downton Abbey," where you can catch a glimpse of the Guilded Age of Chi- cago and discover how beauty and luxury were defi ned. Experienced and knowledgeable guides will lead you through the magnifi cent interiors of Samuel M. Nicker- son's Marble Palace, the Driehaus Museum. Participants will view stun- ning pieces from the Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts. You will also see the fi ve-year restoration project that returned the building to its original splen- dor, with its breathtaking, marble- clad entrance hall, magnifi cently carved wooden interiors and beautiful rooms, replete with iri- descent mosaics and stained glass windows. ursday, October 30 ose of you who attended the Banff convention no doubt will remember the tremendous seminar with Sam Richter. IDA is pleased to announce that Sam will be joining us again. Also present- ing will be Bob Langdon, a popular speaker with other industry orga- nizations, such as AED . A handful of IDA members have heard him elsewhere and recommended his material as highly advantageous to the IDA members. For those not attending the ursday morning seminars, an enticing activity awaits. You will be taken by bus to the Merchan- dise Mart (or " e Mart," as it's known to the locals), designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst and White and once the largest building in the world. Opened in 1930, e Mart is not only a com- manding presence on the North bank of the Chicago River, but also an elegant showcase of sumptu- ous ornamentation, including Jules Guerin's gorgeous murals that illustrate products off ered throughout the world. Guests are escorted to e Chopping Block restaurant, which is located within " e Mart," always one of the most popular Chicago activities. Professional local chefs lead the cooking, while inspiring, guiding and teaching along the way… and then you will get to enjoy the fruits of their labor! You will arrive back at the Hyatt early in the a ernoon. Friday, October 31 e main event is always the IDA Trade Show. As I mentioned earlier, the show will have quite a variety of industry leaders with whom you can learn, network, con- duct business and build new rela- tionships to grow your companies. e closing dinner will have a Halloween theme, with ghosts and goblins galore. So, COME to Chicago and BRING A FRIEND! e registration form is avail- able at www.idaparts.org. Did you notice the magazine cover? IDA is again trying to bring value to its members by introducing you to SAV Transpor- tation Group, an established, full- service shipping company. SAV was highly recommended by IDA members who are currently using their services. Read what those members have to say on page 24. All the best to you and yours, Nancy It's That Time Again