ProGlobalEvents

Case Study | Client: Extreme Networks | Industry: Technology

CaseStudy-ExtremeExhibit

Extreme Networks, the leader in data center networking solutions, came to ProGlobalEvents looking for a unique solution to reach larger audiences. Our experts met the challenge by creating a mobile Executive Briefing Center (EBC) environment to bring products, solutions and hands-on experiences to customers and prospects right at their back door. The ultimate mobile showroom is a fully-customized 18-wheel semi-truck that showcases Extreme Network’s intelligent networking solutions for data centers, campuses, mobility and physical security all over the United States.  (Note:  ProGlobalEvents is the new name of the ProExhibits Corporate Events business.)

“We wanted to overcome the limitation of a trade show, a three-day event at most. What our mobile environment represents is a trade show at work almost 365 days a year,” said Darius Goodall, Technical Marketing Director at Extreme Networks. “By bringing the latest technological and presentation extravaganza right to our prospect’s door, we’ve created the stage to significantly increase exposure, lead generation and sales.”

To enhance the brand and utilize the full potential of the truck, Extreme Networks chose to deviate from its corporate brand standard color palette. The design concept for the truck called for a stunning exterior presentation that people would immediately notice while on the road, both day and night. The truck features 1200 square feet of space developed to include video conferencing, a touchscreen presentation board, and live hands-on demonstration areas set in a dynamic, yet relaxing environment.

“We created an environment that is a feast for the eyes with custom-made showcases and ever changing lighting. People can touch the product and utilize a self-education system if they so choose,” said Mr. Goodall. “At the back of the truck, we incorporated a lounge area to enhance further conversation. Everything is designed for visitor convenience, comfort and education. The mobile showcase enables relationship building by allowing people to enjoy the executive briefing environment for a much longer period than a typical trade show.”

Extreme Networks encourages partner participation and has created truck sponsorship packages, which offset costs, offer local distributors the ability to personally entertain prospects, plus gain exposure inside and outside the truck. The truck provides Extreme Networks and its partners with an interactive and engaging way to better educate customers and let them experience real solutions hands-on. In the coming months the truck will visit industry trade shows, partner sites, sporting events, and customer locations in all regions of the country.

“We shifted our trade show philosophy based on the recommendation of Dick Wheeler, President at ProGlobalEvents. We put ProGlobalEvents’ knowledge and expertise to work, and they provided the guidance to take us to the next level,” said Mr. Goodall. “The mobile environment has elevated our name and expanded our face-to-face sales opportunities beyond our wildest dreams.”

Click below to see a short video about the Extreme Networks Mobile Environment.

Ivan Fujihara

Chief Financial Officer

Ivan brings 25+ years in senior level management experience from a variety of technology industries.  His background includes accounting management, analytics and audit management for technology companies.  He has worked with companies such as THX, Ltd, Recruitology , Double Click, Creative Labs and more.  Ivan has also served on the board of Lincoln Families, a non-profit that supports East Bay children with the objective of disrupting the cycle of trauma and poverty.

Matt Rulis

Vice President of Sales

Matt is a marketing professional and has been managing marketing strategies, campaigns and environments for a diverse client base for over 15 years. From a service perspective, Matt and his team of Account Executives focus on fostering relationships to uphold a greater than 99% customer satisfaction rating year-over-year. Additionally, with extensive experience on the client-side of the industry, he understands that alignment between expectation and budget is paramount to a successful project. As a result, ProGlobalEvents' clients can expect a competitive advantage paired with top quality products and services. Matt is an avid fly-fisherman, enjoys most outdoor activities and is a true college football fanatic.

Tom Foley

VP of Operations

Heading the fabrication side of ProGlobalEvents is exhibit and event industry veteran, Tom Foley. For over 35 years he has been responsible for building amazing exhibits and environments for clients. Tom started out in the production area and has broad experience in project and operations management. He currently oversees production, warehouse, graphics and project management departments. Tom studied machine tool technology and welding before entering the industry. As a true "builder" he also enjoys restoring and modifying classic American cars.

Dick Wheeler

President

Dick serves as President of ProGlobalEvents and President of ProExhibits and is a board member of CEMA (Corporate Event Marketing Association). At ProExhibits he has been nationally recognized as an innovator and driving force in the fast-growing trade show exhibit and event industry. Under his leadership in 1997, the firm received INC magazine’s INC 500 award as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. His informative articles on developments and innovations in the trade show exhibit and event industry have appeared in national trade publications. Dick has a B.S. degree from Wittemore School of Business & Economics at the University of New Hampshire and has completed the Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Program sponsored by MIT, YEO and INC. He is actively involved in Vistage, an interactive group of over 20,000 CEO’s and presidents worldwide and is a member of CEMA and EDPA.

Jack Connolly

Creative Director

As an experiential creative director, Jack prefers to draw outside the lines. He tells stories with original content and impactful design to ignite meaningful conversation.

 

Jack brings 20 years of event industry knowledge to ProGlobalEvents. He specializes in building live & virtual platforms for audiences to connect, engage and immerse themselves in the power of a shared experience. His skills range from ideation and concept development to defining an attendee journey through storytelling and design.

Jack understands the creative process is not linear, but a collaborative process between agency and client. He manages teams of designers and technology developers to pioneer impactful brand experiences. His diverse skillset and leadership ensure for award-winning results and memorable impressions.

 

In 2019, BizBash named Jack one of the top event designers in North America. SXSW awarded his work the “People’s Choice in Innovation” in 2021.

Jody Tatro

Chief Executive Officer

In addition to being CEO of ProGlobalEvents, Jody is also the CEO of ProExhibits. With Jody at the helm, the company has been recognized repeatedly as one of the Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in Silicon Valley. She has set the outstanding client service standards for which the firm’s account management team is noted. Jody is a recipient of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award, the Junior League Community Volunteer Award and is listed in Who’s Who of Women in Business. Following her graduation from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Jody held various sales positions in several technology companies.

Paul Miller

Chief Marketing Officer

Having served in a number of executive roles for companies in Silicon Valley for over 25 years, Paul has a client-side perspective of the corporate events industry. He has a broad set of experiences working for startups as well as global firms such as Applied Materials. At ProGlobalEvents, Paul helps the company to reach clients through traditional and digital marketing programs. With an extensive background in the High Tech sector, he’s also involved with technology strategy both internally and for clients. Paul is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, the Stanford Engineering Design School and Claremont McKenna College. In his spare time he is a also a principal member of the non-profit Gratitude Network which mentors award winning social entrepreneurs.