Celebrating 70 years with the theme of “Innovate. Elevate. Collaborate,” the Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) is gearing up to host EDPA ACCESS 2024, its annual meeting and conference for event designers, producers, and key industry suppliers. Set for December 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Desert, Calif., the intimate event is expected to attract more than 300 attendees and will explore key topics facing all three segments of the trade show and business events industry. 

Last year, ACCESS 2023 attracted 325 attendees to the Hyatt Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Fla., according to EDPA officials. 

Packed with valuable content designed to equip trade show and corporate event producers and designers with the data, tools, and insights they need to further their careers and tackle professional challenges, the event will feature expert guidance from inspiring keynote speakers, industry thought leaders, and event industry peers. Essential topics covered will include AI, future workforce, sustainability, emotional intelligence, leadership styles, and using industry data. 

“Collaboration and knowledge-sharing have always been the backbone of EDPA ACCESS, and this year is no different,” said EDPA Executive Director Dasher Lowe. “The content shared across this three-day event is focused on individuals within the design and build segment of the exhibitions and events industry. Whether you a senior leader or a rising star in the exhibit industry, ACCESS 2024 will help you prepare for the future. Join us as we celebrate our rich history and look forward to a future filled with continued innovation, growth, and strong partnerships.” 

Here’s what’s you need to know about EDPA ACCESS 2024. 

1. Two content tracks 

EDPA ACCESS 2024 will includes two tracks of content:  

• Track 1–C-Suite/Owners, featuring four dedicated sessions designed for the C-suite and owner segment of the audience 
• Track 2–Development, offering four dedicated sessions designed for the development audience segment 

2. Engaging keynotes 

This year, the event will feature three keynote speakers selected to inspire, motivate and engage attendees: 

• Jessica Cox: A motivational speaker who hasn’t let being born without arms stop her from achieving her dreams and goals, Cox’s story will inspire attendees to overcome any obstacle. 
• Michael Feuz: Designed to help attendees navigate the business landscape with confidence, this session with Economist Michael Feuz will provide valuable insights into the current state of the economy. 
• Ben Nemtin: As a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? and The Bucket List Journal, Nemtin’s closing keynote is designed to leave attendees feeling motivated to pursue their own dreams and goals.

3. Special events and accolades 

On the second day of the event, EDPA will host a fun evening of celebrating its 70th anniversary, recognizing the best and brightest in the industry, and giving back with its EDPA Foundation Silent Auction Cocktail Hour, the EDPA Annual Gala and EDPA Awards celebration, and the President’s After Party. 

4. Fun and adventurous networking opportunities 

On the morning of Dec. 3, attendees will have the option of joining two different offsite networking and recreational activities. 

The EDPA ACCESS Annual Golf Scramble will take place at the Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Celebrity Course, designed by golf architect Clive Clark and opened in November 2006 to rave reviews. Offering spectacular mountain views, this highly playable Par-72 Celebrity Course offers an unmatched golf experience. Includes breakfast and box lunch.   

Non-golfers will have the chance to enjoy a picturesque and exciting 4WD San Andreas Jeep Tour to the private Metate Ranch preserve on the San Andreas Fault. Attendees will experience the twisted and tortured landscape of an active earthquake fault system while a naturalist guide shares stories about the plants, animals, geology, and history of the California desert. While walking between the steep walls of deep canyons created by the powerful forces of plate tectonics, water, wind, and time, and exploring a natural palm oasis where crystal clear water bubbles up from the underground aquifer, attendees will learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Cahuilla Indians and how they used desert plants for food, medicine, tools, weapons, and shelter.  

During this tour, guests will also hear the fascinating history of the Coachella Valley, now a popular tourism, events, and outdoor activities destination occupied by desert cities including Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, and Desert Hot Springs.  

5. Fun day trip idea: The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells is approximately 15 miles from the ever-popular city of Palm Springs, a 20-25-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. 

6. Fresh sponsorships 

In response to attendee feedback, EDPA ACCESS has been reimagined with new sponsorship opportunities, including the new Networking Zone, Breakaway Zone, Wellness Zone, and Connection Wall. Each of these innovative event spaces offers a unique chance for companies to showcase their brands in innovative spaces designed to enhance the attendee experience and foster networking. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, go here. 

7. Special programming for spouses and partners 

This year’s EDPA ACCESS includes a special program track for attendee spouses and partners packed with social activities, special events, and excursions. 

Find the full ACCESS 2024 schedule here. Register for ACCESS 2024 here. Listen to the TSNN Trade Show Talk podcast with EDPA President Chris Griffin here.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!