The author is an agricultural writer based in Dansville, Mich.

The behind the scenes work of this Expo committee over the years has dramatically changed the look and feel of the World Dairy Expo Trade Show. A portion of today’s committee is pictured. Back row (L to R): Danielle Brown, Marjorie Stieve, Scott Laufenburg, Jeannie Bishop, Taylor Weisensel, Joe Coburn, Leslie Musser, and Josh Hushon. Front row (L to R): Jenny Eighmy, Julie Gallagher, Doug Williams, Dean Hermsdorf, Yogi Brown, and Brian Brown. Not pictured: Lori Bacher, Stefanie Bradley, Melanie Burgi, Jane Griswold, Amanda Hannes, Doug Harland, Julie Johnson, Bellana Putz, Renee Schrift, and Dan Weiland.

Hosting almost 800 companies and organizations in a limited space for nearly 10 days requires organizational leadership and management before, during, and after the World Dairy Expo Trade Show.

Helping to ensure the needs of the Trade Show exhibitors are met is the goal of the Commercial Exhibitor Committee. The committee, comprised of representatives from a range of companies, provides direction to the Expo staff and acts as a liaison between the exhibitors and staff.

Expo, as a whole, is run by a board of directors along with two standing committees: the Commercial Exhibitor Committee and the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee. The board and committees work closely with the Expo staff to guide the direction of the event, with the committee chairs serving on the full board.

The Commercial Exhibitor Committee is comprised of 20 voting members serving three-year renewable terms. Committee members can be recruited or nominated through a ballot distributed at the end of the show.

“The Commercial Exhibitor Committee members are integral in the development of the exhibitor rules and policies to be sure everyone is treated fairly,” said Crystal Ripp, Expo’s Trade Show manager. “They exhibit at different shows throughout the year and bring a perspective from shows around the world to help make Expo better.”

They lead change

Many of the recent changes to the Expo Trade Show, including the construction of new facilities, started as an idea or suggestion from the committee. The earlier load-out time of 4 p.m. on Saturday this year is a result of the committee looking at allowing the exhibitors more time to travel home safely on Saturday.

“The committee acts as an advisory group making sure everyone is headed in the right direction,” Ripp explained. “They bring new ideas to implement at the show. We value their perspective as they are on the Trade Show floor every day. This group provides an amazing resource to the staff.”

Most recently, the committee helped to provide input for The Tanbark, Expo’s bar and grill restaurant located north of the New Holland Pavilions. This space is used by exhibitors and attendees as an informal meeting area away from their exhibits.

In addition to the work the committee does ahead of the show, it is also integral in the success during Expo. Committee members oftentimes serve as a welcoming team to new exhibitors and a source of information for others. Their continual presence on the Trade Show floor serves as an extension of the Expo staff.

“We, as the staff, can’t be everywhere, so it is very helpful to have the committee members throughout the show helping exhibitors who may have questions or to spot any concerns,” Ripp said.

With generally all the exhibitors’ spots reserved and more exhibitors waiting each year, the committee also advises on space utilization.

“The committee is instrumental in many aspects of the Trade Show, but most attendees wouldn’t notice it,” Ripp shared. “They are behind the scenes but critical to the overall success of the show. Their purpose is to help make Expo one of the top shows in the country, and they do a great job making it better every year. They are an amazing group of individuals to work with.”

Exhibitors who have suggestions or concerns regarding the Trade Show are encouraged to reach out to any of the committee members. The committee will seek input from all exhibitors again this year on the exhibitor survey distributed at the end of the show. Individuals interested in serving on the committee can indicate their desire on the survey or contact Crystal Ripp at cripp@wdexpo.com.