Baltimore, MD – Three industry veterans — Michael Hatch, Bob James and Margit Weisgal – are joining forces to launch the DARE Conference, a one-day event for face-to-face exhibit and event marketers, in June 2017 in Baltimore.
“We are creating a new hybrid event that combines the best features of hosted buyer, networking and technology events, and educational conferences,” said Hatch, a trade show sales and marketing consultant who has more than 30 years of experience working for companies like Digitell, a2z and PEGS Exhibits. “In addition to presentations by experts, DARE will provide a series of orchestrated, topic-focused roundtables and networking opportunities at a reception and luncheon.”
DARE is targeting executive-level attendees with exhibit budgets of $500,000 to $1.5 million+, as well as corporate event managers. Attendance will be limited to 300, and the registration fee is $1,095 with a discounted rate for early-bird registration.
“What will make this conference unique is the audience,” said James, a marketing communications professional with more than 30 years of experience working for companies like Freeman, ITN International and Fixation Marketing. “We are targeting the exhibit budget makers, not the budget spenders.”
In the past, this has proven to be a tough audience to reach. Over the last several decades, events created and run by several industry associations and organizations fell short in reaching these targets.
When TSE asked how DARE will draw these hard-to-identify executive-level marketing participants, Hatch said they are looking to partner with the top US trade shows to help them offer content to their customers.
The program will include keynotes by Ruth Stevens, Adjunct Marketing Professor at Columbia University, and President of eMarketing Strategy; Jeff Masters, Director, Global Events Group, for Philips Healthcare; Mark Schaefer, Adjunct Marketing Professor at Rutgers University; Lee Harrington, President of Bowman Design Group; Jeff Tanner, Dean of Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University; David Adler, CEO for BizBash Media; and Mary Boone, President of Boone Associates.
While the conference will not have a traditional trade show, sponsorships are available. Sponsors will be required to send executive-level participants, as well. After DARE concludes, attendees will become members of a year-round community, which will offer monthly videos and e-books, at no additional charge.
In addition, the partners are planning to add a one-day event for academics following DARE.
For more information, go to www.dare2017.com
Reach Michael Hatch at (240) 603-6044 or mikejhatch@gmail.com; Bob James at (202) 641.5131 or Bob@themightycopywriter.com
