10 Helpful Facts for Fresh Summit Attendees
As we approach the PMA Fresh Summit Expo this October 18-20, Mackenzie Michel from DMA Solutions has put together a list of helpful facts that will help prepare you for the show… DMA Solutions We are only one week away from one of our industry’s biggest tradeshows of the year, and the anticipation has officially set in. As you spend the next week planning and preparing, you’re likely to have a few frequently asked questions that most attendees or exhibitors will have: like how on earth do you pronounce some of these New Orleans Street names?! Well fear not, for we’ve put together this list of 10 helpful facts that may answer some of your questions before the show. Save this list in your phone or print it out as a quick reference to carry with you, for you never know when you may need it.
1. The Fresh Summit Expo is in Halls E-J
If you haven’t already taken a look at how the New Orleans Convention Center is laid out, we highly recommend you look at a map before you leave. Fresh Summit alone is about a half a mile long – comfortable shoes are a must!
2. Fed Ex-Kinko’s is Located Across the Street from Hall C
Keep in mind that Hall C is nearly a mile down the street from parts of the Fresh Summit Expo. Fed Ex is open at 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 am. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and opens at Noon on Sunday.
3. UPS is Located Inside the Convention Center in Lobby F
The UPS Store inside the convention center can help with copying, faxing, printing, binding, packaging and shipping.
4. Starbucks is in the Atrium between Lobbies B and C
Caffiene addicts fear not: there is a Starbucks in the Convention Center! It is just located between lobbies B and C, which is a bit of a walk from the Expo in Halls E-J. Get ready to use hashtag #WillRunForCoffee!
5. Wifi – it’s available!
Free wifi will be available on the show floor and throughout the entire convention center for Fresh Summit. Just look for the “Fresh Summit” connection on your device. If you are exhibiting and require internet in your booth for a presentation or something similar, it is advised that you work with GES to establish an Ethernet connection for your booth.
6. Tag Your Tweets with #FreshSummit
The official show hashtag is simple to remember – #FreshSummit! Don’t forget to tag your tweets, Instagram pics and Facebook posts with the tag so that other attendees following the social media activity can like your content and follow you too!
7. Bring an Umbrella
Although the forecast shows we will likely get lucky with abundant sunshine during the show, there is still a good chance of rain and thunderstorms in New Orleans this time of year. With rain in the forecast for Wednesday the 16th and all the walking you will likely be doing, it never hurts to be prepared for anything Mother Nature can throw at you! And on that note: It will be humid and warm in the 80s with lows in the 60s. Bring a light jacket for the morning and be prepared for some Cajun heat throughout the day!
8. Mulate’s is the Closest Place to Grab a Bite Outside the Convention Center
The famous Cajun restaurant Mulate’s is located at Convention Center Blvd. and Julia, about a mile walk from the Fresh Summit Expo up Convention Center Blvd. Mulate’s offers lunch from 11:00 – 3:00 pm everyday if you’re hungry for Gumbo, Jambalaya or Étouffée (and who wouldn’t be? Yum!).
9. Can you say Tchoupitoulas?
New Orleans boasts a unique culture that features influence from both Indian, Greek and French. The result is some street names that are pretty hard to pronounce. Check out these pronunciations so you sound like a local when giving the cab driver direction!
Tchoupitoulas – Chop-uh-TOO-lus
Pontchartrain- PONCH-a-train
Calliope- CAL-ee-ope
Terpsichore- TERP-sih-core
Iberville- EYE-ber-vil
Melpomene- MEl-puh-meen
Burgundy- Bur-GUN-dee
Clio- Cl-EYE-o
10. The land of Go-cups and Po-boys
Finally, a little fun info for those of you who aren’t familiar with New Orleans: it’s awesome. The liquor laws allow for you to travel freely around the city with a plastic cup featuring the refreshment of your choice, so feel free to take that Hurricane to-go. And while you’re there, make sure to try a po-boy for lunch. This yummy sandwich is on crusty French bread with different types of fried seafood (like crawfish or shrimp) dressed however you’d like.
Have questions or tips you’d like to share? Tweet to @TheCoreBlog using #FreshSummit and share with us and other Fresh Summit attendees so they can be in the “know” too!
And don’t forget to check out our other Fresh Summit resources and tools, including a map of the convention center, press release templates and more.
