Sudbury business owner earns distinction as tradeshow marketer.

• Position: Special Report: Corporate Gifts & Event Planning - Creative Odyssey Marketing and Design Inc. - Certified Trade Show Marketer

A Sudbury advertising agency has joined the upper echelon of professional marketers.

Johnny Grano, co-founder of Creative Odyssey Marketing and Design Inc., has achieved the distinction as a Certified Trade Show Marketer, one of only 119 in North America.

The marketing certification program is hosted by Exhibitor, a recognized publishing and conference event leader in tradeshow and corporate event marketing.

The Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program is also affiliated with Northern Illinois University.

The course revolves around reviewing the basics and newest trends of tradeshow and event marketing in developing an effective show and staffing program.

It covers such topics as what shows companies should attend, where their booth should be positioned and how it should be furnished, how to train personnel working the show, how to conduct surveys, track results and leads.

The course is offered at the annual Exhibitors show in Las Vegas, as well as through accelerated programs at other sponsored sub-shows during the year. It involves an intensive three-hour exam and a portfolio requirement.

Grano says the skills training he offers eliminates the trial-and-error most companies often make in attending tradeshows.

"Trade shows are big industry and companies spend a lot of money going to shows," says Grano. "A lot of companies don't get a good bang for their dollar, and what the course...