As Expo Milano 2015 commences, InPark releases new online book on world’s fairs by government specialist James Ogul
Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA (PRWEB) April 21, 2015 -- “World’s fairs remain a vital medium for the host cities/regions as well as the participants. The 145 international exhibitors at Expo Milano 2015, including the US, are testament to that,” says James Ogul, author of the new online book, “Tales from the Expo,” published by InPark Magazine to coincide with the May 1 opening of Expo Milano 2015. “Tales from the Expo” is available free at http://www.inparkmagazine.com/talesfromtheexpo/.
“Tales from the Expo” focuses primarily on US participation in world’s fairs from 1982-2015, with transferable lessons for all Expo participants. Ogul, a key figure in organizing US participation at world expos for more than 30 years - as a US government employee through 2011 and then as a consultant - provides case studies and discusses the public-private partnerships the US relies on to create and manage its world’s fair pavilions.
“World’s fair pavilions are unique projects in how they are created, operated, funded and administered,” says Ogul. “There are similarities to museum exhibit development, corporate visitor centers and even theme park attractions - but also significant differences. The international expo community and the public alike will benefit from a fuller appreciation of how these projects come together, and why they are important.”
Cities around the world compete for the privilege of hosting a world’s fair. Since 1992 (Seville & Genoa) these events have been organized in Europe and Asia, including Lisbon ‘98, Hanover 2000 and Shanghai 2010. Although North American cities used to frequently host expos, the last such was Vancouver ‘86.
“The benefits of hosting and participating in a world expo include international goodwill, destination marketing, tourism, diplomacy, stimulation of trade, regional infrastructure and ecological restoration,” said ‘Tales from the Expo’ editor and InPark co-editor Judith Rubin, who has been reporting on world’s fairs since 1987.
“We’re excited to kick off the InPark online book series with ‘Tales from the Expo’ because it serves the global attractions industry across the board,” said Martin Palicki, publisher of InPark Magazine. “The world’s fair universe tends to lack institutional memory because the events are regionally produced. ‘Tales from the Expo’ can help everyone involved in a world expo anticipate the unique challenges they will face.”
The US presence at world’s fairs flagged in the late 20th century but rebounded for Aichi 2005 and has continued through Shanghai 2010, Yeosu 2012 and now Milan 2015, spotlighted with a special section in the book. Secretary of State John Kerry presided over the July 16, 2014, groundbreaking ceremony of the USA Pavilion at Milan’s food-themed expo. The USAP team at Milan includes The James Beard Foundation, the International Culinary Center, Biber Architects and Thinc Design.
"Tales from the Expo" Table of Contents and introduction:
http://www.inparkmagazine.com/talesfromtheexpo/
About James Ogul, author of "Tales from the Expo"
http://www.inparkmagazine.com/james-ogul-looking-back-on-a-career-in-us-expos-and-expo-pavilions/
About InPark Magazine
InPark Magazine serves the international attractions industry online and in print with news, features, editorial, social media and a new book series starting with “Tales from the Expo” by James Ogul. InPark covers theme parks, waterparks, museums, world expos, resorts, casinos and other visitor attractions looking at trends, technology, design, cinema and development. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA, InPark was founded in 2004 by publisher and editor-in-chief Martin Palicki. Co-editor is Judith Rubin; news editor is Joseph Kleiman. Print and digital issues of InPark are published 5 times a year. InPark Magazine also produces a digital weekly news summary in addition to its regular stream of news and features. Free online subscriptions are available at http://www.inparkmagazine.com.
What the World Expo community is saying about “Tales from the Expo,”
written by James Ogul and edited by Judith Rubin
Andrew Snowhite, CEO, USA Pavilion 2012
“Jim understands the endless complexities associated with participating in Expos and building and operating Pavilions. His passion for Expos is evident through his decades of work and the wonderful stories he shared in ‘Tales from the Expo,’ which will serve as a wealth of information and a valuable documentation of America’s participation in Expos for years to come.”
Lisa Gable, former US Ambassador and US Commissioner General, Aichi World EXPO 2005
“The Expo business model can be a complex and daunting proposition for participants. ‘Tales from the Expo’ and Jim Ogul’s commentary serve as a way to demystify the process, outline the benefits and demonstrate ways countries and NGOs can take full advantage of this unique multilateral platform which brings focus to critical issues and allows participants to demonstrate how they are advancing solutions.”
Barry Levin, Former State Department Coordinator for US Participation at Yeosu Expo 2012 and Milan Expo 2015
“Jim Ogul has forgotten more about expos than most people remember. And he hasn't forgotten much. That's what made it a pleasure to work with him on the USA Pavilion for the Yeosu Expo. If you are looking for the story on US involvement in expos over the past several decades, ask Jim.”
Nick Winslow, President – USA Pavilion, Shanghai Expo 2010
“James Ogul is the undoubted fountainhead of knowledge regarding USA participation in international expositions. His many years as the ‘inside man’ at Commerce and then at State have provided first hand knowledge and perspective that are unparalleled in the Expo world. Judith has been reporting on world’s fairs for as long as I can remember and brings to this effort a greater depth of knowledge than any other journalist in the field. ‘Tales from the Expo’ is a story that needed to be told, and Jim Ogul and Judy Rubin are ideal collaborators. Congratulations!!”
Michael D. Schneider, Former Deputy Associate Director for Policy and Programs at USIA
"Jim Ogul served the US exceptionally as the key intermediary with the USG, the private sector and creative organizations on behalf of American presence at International Expos. His perseverance, administrative savvy and personal integrity brought often disparate interests together. Like the Olympics, or any major international 'happening,' Expos bring people together for an elevated moment in time. Ogul has understood how opportune these moments can be. "
Alfred Heller, editor, World's Fair magazine (1980-1995)
"InPark was smart to enlist James Ogul to tell the story of US expo pavilions. There is nobody with more intimate, knowledgeable connections and background in that area. We sought him out frequently in the 1980s and 1990s and have remained impressed by his grasp of the issues and his professional integrity. When it comes to writing about world’s fairs, Judy Rubin is also highly informed. Readers can have every confidence in this being an authoritative book."
Judith Rubin, co-editor, InPark Magazine, http://www.inparkmagazine.com, +1 314-853-5210, [email protected]
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