Trade Show Companies Give Back to Their Communities

September 6, 2016

The trade show industry has a history of being generous to its surrounding communities, and a few companies recently have lent a helping hand to those in need.

SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals, based in Hauppauge, N.Y., continues to be a strong supporter of Long Island Cares, the nonprofit organization based in the same town and founded by the late Harry Chapin, which brings together resources to benefit the hungry on Long Island and meet other vital humanitarian needs.

SmartSource, which has a longstanding tradition of raising funds and volunteerism on behalf of Long Island Cares, recently made yet another contribution.

Approximately 35 staff members from the company’s Hauppauge headquarters raised $1,000 for Long Island Cares, which was matched by SmartSource for a total contribution of $2,000.

Last year, a team of SmartSource employees headed to the Long Island Cares warehouse to volunteer in its Warehouse Sorting & Repacking Program.

On its 30th anniversary, SmartSource made a sizeable contribution to the organization in honor of its founder, Julian Sandler, for whom fighting hunger was a top priority. 

Helen Brett Enterprises, producers of the New Orleans Gift and Jewelry Show, designated their August show as a collection point for donations to South Louisiana residents, who were affected by catastrophic flooding.

HBE provided donors with a voucher for a free guest badge, as a ‘thank you’ for donating. Attendees donated 12,140 pounds of non-perishable food items, personal toiletries, cleaning supplies and bottled water.

Freeman volunteered their services to load the items into two trucks and transport them to Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans and Acadiana, where the items were transported to their distribution channels in the affected areas.

“All of us at Helen Brett Enterprisers are humbled by our attendee’s and exhibitor’s giving spirit,” said Brett Kolinek, president, Helen Brett Enterprises.

He added, “We started off with the idea of doing a small part in helping an area that has supported us for so many years and we are completely inspired by the generosity of our loyal customers, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center staff, Freeman and the onsite team from Helen Brett Enterprises.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those in need right now.”

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Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.