Straight Talk with Ed Nichols, Vice President of Events, Hannover Fairs USA

November 29, 2020

According to colleagues who have known him for years, Ed Nichols is a force for making things happen in the trade show industry. As vice president of events for Hannover Fairs USA, this 24-year industry veteran says he not only loves the challenge of launching, acquiring and growing events to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees, but also the incredible people who comprise this dynamic industry. TSNN sat down with Nichols to learn how he and his teams have been fairing during the COVID era, what he expects for the industry going forward and why he can’t imagine doing anything differently with his life.

What is the biggest change your organization has had to navigate during this challenging time? 

Staff cuts. Making ends meet through this included losing some really good people and friends, and that has been hard. I think the ongoing challenge is the uncertainty – when will we be back to live events? I’ve got two in my portfolio next fall, and we are going to work each day optimistic that they will take place, ultimately focusing on what we can affect and doing our best not to dwell on what we can’t.

How do you think the industry will be most changed going forward?  

We all need to be sharper. Those not working hard to extend the life and value of their brand throughout the year or developing virtual opportunities have learned that not doing so is a luxury we can’t afford anymore. Beyond the initial reeling from this in the spring – akin to taking a flurry of punches from Mike Tyson in the first round of a fight – I actually have enjoyed the challenge of examining every aspect of the business to be sure it’s necessary and still provides value.

Virtual – here to stay, or a stop-gap until live events return?  

I may be in the minority here, but it depends. It’s a vital component of our brands, be that for content delivery or lead generation, or both. What I have not seen is anyone replace the essence of our events virtually. Additionally, the economics don’t work for any of us. A virtual component to our brands is not only here to stay but will be expected as we move forward. My feeling, however, is that this has demonstrated that you can’t replace all that our brands deliver virtually.

What have you learned most about yourself during the pandemic?  

I learned that I traveled – a lot (at least that’s what my wife reminds me of the most)! I am by nature an extrovert, and my family is made up of Type A extroverts. So the travel and social gathering restrictions have felt claustrophobic at times, particularly in the spring and with homeschooling as my wife, our two boys and I were trying to get our footing. Now, I’ve realized not only the 24/7 nature of our work, but that we don’t need to be within the four walls of an office to be productive. I think that flexibility is here to stay in the workplace, and that’s not something I would have agreed to at the outset of this.

And about your teams?  

How resilient they are and how much they care about our mission, although I’m not surprised but impressed by their commitment. We have some young events — one we were planning to launch in October that’s now postponed to 2021 — and you really live these events every day. The other learning is to check in [with them] every day. Make sure to schedule a call, knowing that everyone has good days and difficult days throughout this. [Leaders need to] understand where someone is – if it’s a good day or a “get through this” day — and to manage interactions and expectations accordingly.

What kind of self-care has been key for your mental health this year?  

I’ve gotten more serious about exercise that I couldn’t make the time for previously. I entered the Indy 500 Virtual Challenge where participants log their own miles either walking, running, swimming or biking with a goal of achieving 500 miles between June 22–Dec. 31. I’m just shy of 400 miles to date, so I’m feeling good about that. I also get out of the house, whether it’s dropping the boys off at school or going to the store, and I take time each day to get away from the computer and the phone. And we got a puppy, a Goldendoodle who we named Rosie.

Rosie

Where is the first place you want to travel when things open up?  

Actually, we like to host. So once we can all travel, we plan to hold the biggest party for family and friends and just enjoy being together again. As far as my travel, I do look forward to returning to business travel and will not take the flexibility to go somewhere, whether personally or professionally, for granted again.

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.