DALLAS, 23 January 2012 – Following the significant progress of the first Exhibition Industry Summit held 6 October 2011 in Irving, Texas, the participating organizations have agreed to meet at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. on 24 February 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.

About EDPA
The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), founded in 1954, is an internationally recognized national trade association with more than 400 corporate members from 18 countries that are engaged in the design, manufacture, transport, installation and service of displays and exhibits primarily for the exhibition and event industry. Its purpose is to provide education, leadership and networking for the advancement of its members and the exhibition industry. In addition to providing regional industry education programs through its six chapters, EDPA organizes one annual meeting, tradeshow and golf tournament in a resort location for industry members and their suppliers. EDPA holds quarterly board meetings, publishes a printed quarterly newsletter, monthly electronic newsletter and membership directory. EDPA also hosts several industry awards, educational surveys and supports the EDPA Foundation.

About ESCA
ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting and special events industries. Through the education, information exchange and level of professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry.

About IAEE
Since 1928, IAEE continues to provide quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006 consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. IAEE also supports IAEE Services, the IAEE Public Events Council, The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, and the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission, which are IAEE councils that provide products, programs and information to members. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: American Airlines, ASP, Inc., Bearcom, Mexico Tourism Board, New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange County Convention Center and Visit Orlando, Vertical Nerve, Inc. and VoiceLogic. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

About SISO
The Society of Independent Show Organizers’ (SISO) members are represented by their respective Presidents, CEO’s and Owners and twice a year meet to exchange ideas, share experiences and launch industry-wide projects. The SISO CEO Summit and Executive Conference are for strategic planning in April and tactical implementation in August. SISO represents more than 125 member companies that produce over 3,000 shows annually and range in size from smaller entrepreneurial businesses with shows in hotels and community centers to companies with billion dollar global portfolios that take over entire city facilities. SISO member companies produce shows in just about every industry sector.  Please contact: Lewis Shomer, Executive Director, 2601 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405: (310) 450-8831; www.siso.org; lshomer@shomex.com

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Media Inquiries:
Susan Brower, CMM, CCP
IAEE VP Marketing & Communications
Tel: +1 (972) 687-9207
E-mail: sbrower@iaee.com