June 6, 2013 Julie Ballard
A quick reminder that the Midyear Meeting to be held 5-7 August at the Omni CNN Center in Atlanta, Ga. IAEE's Midyear Meeting features tailored education and networking opportunities focused on Strategy, Technology and Engagement to meet the needs of exhibitions and events industry professionals. Nearly 20 rich-content sessions are planned and include: OPENING SESSION: Create Your Digital Playbook Today - The Latest Ideas and Research to Craft Your Digital Strategy...

June 6, 2013 Julie Ballard
On 4 June 2013, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s (TIGTA) report on travel to a 2010 IRS conference was released. The Inspector General (IG)'s report details instances of conference planners not following established procurement policies, and in an effort to provide guidance to IAEE members, it is important to use caution before responding to the report and to maintain a realistic understanding of the key facts and the value exhibitions and events continue...

June 6, 2013 Julie Ballard
The application process is open for the Krakoff Leadership Institute. IAEE provides a multi-year, tailored education program for the industry’s next leaders. The program provides participants with the intelligence and connection needed to excel and achieve great success in the exhibitions and events industry. KLI, along with the Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute, offers emerging leaders the opportunity to learn from industry experts while enjoying the intimacy of a small group...

May 30, 2013 Julie Ballard
The application process is open for the Krakoff Leadership Institute. IAEE provides a multi-year, tailored education program for the industry’s next leaders. The program provides participants with the intelligence and connection needed to excel and achieve great success in the exhibitions and events industry. KLI, along with the Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute, offers emerging leaders the opportunity to learn from industry experts while enjoying the intimacy of a small group...

May 30, 2013 Julie Ballard
The Exhibitions and Conventions Executive Forum (ECEF) program took place in Washington, D.C. Cathy Breden and I attended and spent valuable time with our current and prospective members. The sessions were well done and the networking was excellent. Sam Lipmann developed and implemented an program that brings together industry colleagues to learn from each other and continue to enhance the exhibition profession.

May 30, 2013 Julie Ballard
Even though last week was a short week with the holiday on Monday, it was a full week! The IAEE Collective was held in Washington, D.C. this week, and more than 150 attendees for all of the programs – Women’s Leadership Forum, CEM Learning Program, Sales Academy and Marketing Academy - responded favorably to the programs, presenters and content. One individual said she counts on IAEE to deliver the educational content she needs and is never disappointed. This kind of feedback...

May 30, 2013 Julie Ballard
Each year, the CEIR Foundation awards scholarships to individuals who are exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing their careers in this field. The Helen Brett scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the exhibitions and events industry. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing...

May 9, 2013 Julie Ballard
IAEE has partnered with Hilton HHonors to offer members of both organizations the opportunity to visit the Redemption Mall to register for upcoming IAEE events using HHonors points. Users should select "United States" as the shipping destination. The rewards will be located under Other Rewards/ Meetings and Events. Eligible events include the CEM Learning Program, Women’s Leadership Forum, Sales Academy and Marketing Academy. This is an excellent way to use the points you’ve...

May 9, 2013 Julie Ballard
IAEE COO Cathy Breden presented on a panel at Destinations Showcase in Chicago this week. The panel discussed the merits of various professional certifications in our industry including CEM, CMP and CAE. Cathy reports that 30 people in total attended the two sessions, with approximately one-third interested in learning more about the CEM program or having the intention of entering the program.

May 9, 2013 Julie Ballard
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Trade Show Executive Magazine "Fastest 50" program in Chicago. More than 100 exhibition industry executives shared trends and networked as we celebrated successful shows and a vibrant industry.