Frequently Asked Questions!

Who, What, Where, When & Why

Q  What is Expo! Expo!?
A  Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the single, face-to-face meeting in the exhibition and events industry that offers a wealth of education sessions and networking opportunities designed to enrich your career.

Q  Who attends Expo! Expo! ?
A  Exhibition and event managers from around the world gather with their peers and suppliers in the exhibition industry.  Expo! Expo! is open to IAEE members and non-members who would like to increase their knowledge of the industry, network with their peers, and learn about new products, services and options available to help make their event one to remember.  The event is filled with relevant educational sessions designed for exhibition professionals at various levels of expertise and needs, which allows participants to assess skills while acquiring new ones.

Q  When and where is the annual meeting this year?
A  9 - 11 (Tuesday-Thursday) December 2008 in Miami Beach, Florida.  Take me to the Schedule of Events.

Q  Why should I attend Expo! Expo!
A  The focus of Expo! Expo! 2008 is interactive educational sessions and strategic networking opportunities.  The educational sessions will provide all participants with various levels of experience (senior to basic), as well as, creative ideas and new tools to implement in their own company.  Expo! Expo! offers you a dynamic opportunity to connect with exhibitors who are selling the products and services you need.  With the resources you'll find at the Annual Meeting, you will develop business relationships that will benefit you, your company and your markets, and you will feel confident that you are providing the best service to them.

Q  This is my first time attending Expo! Expo!, what do I do?
A  IAEE has a special Web site just for First Timers.  Click here for more information.

Q  What will I gain from attending Expo! Expo!?
A  You will find out what is new and innovative in the industry, build strategic business partnerships with key decision makers, and build your career resources by learning from seasoned industry veterans.

Q  When and where are future IAEE annual meetings scheduled?
A  8-10 December 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia
    7-9   December 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Registration

Q  How and when do I register?
A  Registration will open 4 August 2008.  The registration process is simple and quick.  IAEE accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, checks and money orders.

Q  How much does it cost to attend?
A  IAEE offer prices to attendees based on the date registered, membership category and status and registration type.  Guests are able to attend all networking events and the exhibiton hall, but are not eligible to attend educational sessions.  Click here for registration fees.

Q  What are the registration deadlines?
A  Discount registration rate ends 22 September 2008
    Advance registration rate ends 24 November 2008
    On Site registration rates apply after 24 November 2008

Q  Is there a "group discount" for companies sending multiple attendees?
A  Please contact Diane Shearer, CMP for more information at dshearer@iaee.com or +1 (972) 687-9217.

Q  Do I need to bring my registration confirmation to the meeting?
A  Yes, but it is not required. Please note you will be required to present a valid ID with photo at registration prior to receiving your badge and registration material. 

Q  What is the cancellation policy?
A  For a full refund, written cancellations must be received by Monday, 17 November 2008  After 17 November, all approved refunds are subject to a $75 USD administrative fee.  Cancellations will not be accepted after Monday, 1 December 2008, and registration fees will not be refunded once the meeting begins.  Send written cancellation request to:  IAEE Meetings, Attn:  Diane Shearer, CMP, P.O. Box 802425, Dallas, TX  75380-2425.  IAEE reserves the right to modify this policy.  Approved refunds will be processed after the meeting.

Hotel & Travel

Q  What is the headquarters hotel?
A  The headquarters hotel will be the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.  Housing will open 4 August 2008.  Click here for more hotel information.

Q  What is the best way to travel to Miami Beach?
A  Beginning 1 August, American Airlines is offering discounted zone fares to Miami Beach.  Minimum two-night stay is required.  To book your reservation on American, call your travel agent, or American at +1 (800) 433-1790, and reference STARfile:  A76D8AA

American Airlines is offering a special 5% discount!  NOW BOOK YOUR AIRFARE DIRECTLY ONLINE!

To take advantage of a 5% discount off of non-refundable fares on AA, American Eagle and American Connections, it's simple!  After you have selected your flight(s) under the "Enter Passenger Details" tab, go to the "AA.com Discount Code" field and enter in A76D8AA.  These fares are valid for travel 6-14 December 2008.

International Attendees

Q  What is the registration fee for international participants?
A  IAEE has developed relationships with international associations, allowing members of each organization to register for the other's events at member rates.  IAEE is proud to work closely with these organizations from around the world.

If you hold membership with one of the following organizations, IAEE invites you to attend Expo! Expo! at IAEE member prices.  If you do not hold a membership with IAEE or one of its reciprocal agreements you can still register at non-member rates.  Click here for registration fees.

• Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO)  
• Asociacion de Ferias Interacionales de America (AFIDA)
• Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA)
• Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales en Ferias, Exposiciones y Convenciones, A.C. (AMPROFEC)
• Asosiacion de Organizadores de Congresos, Ferias, Exposiciones y Afines de la Republica Argentina (AOCA)
• Canadian Association of Exposition Management (CAEM)
• CENTREX
• Exhibition and Event Association of Australia (EEAA)
• Exhibition Association of South Africa (EXSA)
• FAIRLINK
• Netherlands Federation for Trade Fairs and Exhibitions (FBTN)
• Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Organisers' and Suppliers' Association (HKECOSA)
• Israel Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA)
• International Exhibition Logistics Associates (IELA)
• InterEXPO
• Japan Exhibition Association (JEA)
• Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS)
• Trade Exhibition Association (TEA)

Q  How to I obtain a Letter of Invitation?
A  Requests will only be fulfilled for those who are registered for Expo! Expo!  Once a registration confirmation is received, please send a copy, along with your request for a "Letter of Invitation" via email to shacker@iaee.com or mail directly to IAEE, 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 750, Dallas, TX 75251 USA. If you are unable to obtain approval to travel to Expo! Expo!, a full refund will be issued.  Please send refund request to dshearer@iaee.com.

Education

Q  How is the education program developed?
A  The Education Committee and Senior Level Education Subcommittee of IAEE consider many factors in making its decision regarding breakout sessions for the Annual Meeting, including data from the latest needs assessment, the subject's relevance, attendance figures for courses at previous IAEE meetings, registrants' evaluation of previous courses and presenters, and the number of sessions allotted to each core content area.  The Education Committee gives careful consideration to evaluating the general membership's educational goals and needs.

Q  What is the CEM Learning Program and how do I enroll?
A  The Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation was created in 1975 to provide a professional designation for individuals in the exhibition industry.  The designation was formed to raise professional standards and is recognized throughout the industry as the premier mark of professional achievement.

To earn the designation, participants must complete a nine-part program within three years.  The program is composed of seven mandatory courses and two courses chosen from five available electives.  Advanced-level courses are also available for CEMs to continue their professional education and obtain re-certification.

There is no formal method for enrolling in the CEM Learning Program.  You simply register for your first CEM course (you can choose between an On Location, Online or Self-Paced course) and begin working.  We count your start date in the program as the date that you take and PASS your first CEM exam.

Fees are assessed per CEM course.  The fee struction is listed below:

Online CEM Courses - $275 Members / $550 Non Members

On Location & Self-Paced CEM Courses - $199 Members / $330 Non Members

For a current CEM course schedule or to obtain additional information regarding the CEM Learning Program, please click here.

Q  What if the education sessions are full?
A  Education sessions may have limited seating, requiring a session to be closed if the room reaches capacity.  IAEE sessions are not ticketed, and therefore seating is available on a first-come basis.  However, participation in the CEM Learning Program requires advance registration and an additional fee applies.

Opportunities at Expo! Expo!

Q  How can my company exhibit at Expo! Expo!
A  If you are interested in exhibiting at Expo! Expo! 2008, please contact Julie Anderson, Director of Exhibitons, at janderson@iaee.com or +1 (972) 687-9206.

Q  What if I am interested in sponsorship opportunities?
A  Sponsorships and advertising are great ways to promote your products and services.  To find out more about IAEE's sponsorship and advertising opportunities, Click here or contact Rick Jennings at rjennings@iaee.com

Q  Will there be a chance to network with my peers?
A  Networking events during Expo! Expo! provide you a way to meet face-to-face with your peers in the industry, and increase your value as a professional.  Whether you plan to establish new relationships, or catch up with old friends, these are opportunities you can not miss and something you can expect at every IAEE event.  Take me to the Schedule of Events.

Q  What is the meeting attire?
A  The dress attire for this meeting is business casual.  Slacks, casual dresses and comfortable shoes are encouraged for wear throughout the meeting.  A sweater or jacket is also recommended, as the meeting rooms may be cool.  Neckties, business suits, or other business attire are acceptable, but not necessary.  The Closing Party will be on Thursday night and the dress attire will be business casual.

Q  What is there to do in Miami Beach?
A  While attending Expo! Expo! IAEE"s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Miami Beach, take advantage of everything this vibrant city has to offer.  You will undoubtedly notice the beautiful beaches, aret deco architecture, shopping playground and delicious food, so plan to immerse yourself in this rich cultural destination.  The Art Deco and Historic Districts are very popular areas, particularly Ocean Drive, and boasts the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.  South Beach (also known as SoBe, or simple The Beach) is one of the most exciting areas of Miami Beach.  Additionally, the new World Symphony Orchestra is based in Miami Beach, Florida and Lincoln Road is a nationally known spot for great outdoor dining, bicycling, rollerblading and shopping.

Weather
The average  temperature for Miami Beach is 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime and 62 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings. So be sure to pack accordingly!

For more information on your stay in Miami Beach, please visit http://www.gmcvb.com/Index.asp.