Following the significant progress of the first Exhibition Industry Summit held October 6, 2011 in Irving, Texas, the participating organizations have agreed to meet at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. on February 24 for Exhibition Industry Summit II. The objective of this meeting is to advance discussion about key industry issues identified at the first meeting and establish the framework for ongoing engagement by the organizations.
Participating organizations include American Business Media (ABM); United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America; Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); Corporate Event Marketers Association (CEMA); Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA); Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA); Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA); Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA); International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM); International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (ICEEM); International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA); Major American Tradeshow Organizers (MATSO); National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS); Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA).
EDPA President Emeritus Rob Cohen says, “Further defining the key industry issues identified at the first meeting will be an important step for the industry. There are many differing viewpoints as was evidenced in the October summit, but if the collaborative spirit remains strong, I feel confident that progress will happen.”
ESCA President Chuck Grouzard looks forward to the upcoming summit meeting stating, “Industry leaders shared open and candid dialogue at the first summit, and together we established an open forum to identify some initial industry concerns and observations; I am hopeful that when we meet again we will be able to roll up our sleeves and identify realistic short term and long term solutions to shared concerns.”
IAEE and ICEEM Chair Doreen Biela, CEM agrees and notes, “This is a positive and very encouraging sign of growing industry collaboration. It is especially important and timely as many segments of the industry are searching for new solutions.”
SISO Chairman Sean Guerre adds, “The first summit was a good starting point. Now, more than ever, is the time for the many segments of our industry to put aside their differences and adapt to the new realities that lie ahead.”
The Exhibition Industry Summit II is a one-day meeting. Invitees include the elected leaders who participated in the first summit as well as an additional, paid staff member from each organization to provide their unique organizational knowledge as the process becomes more detailed. Once again, an independent professional facilitator will guide the proceedings.
