April 8, 2011 Julie Ballard
It is unusual to see a panel of US Senators castigating officials of US Homeland Security and the US State Department so forcefully and openly but that’s what happened on Tuesday when the Senate Sub-Committee on Competitiveness, Innovation & Export Control met. Witness after witness attested to the inefficiency, delay and chaos that define US visa and entry policies and procedures. Roger Dow, president of US Travel Association did a masterful job of explaining how the problems are...

April 4, 2011 Julie Ballard
By Anna Huddleston Almost 6,000 tradeshow and events industry professionals came to Las Vegas March 27-31 to experience the latest innovations, connect with their colleagues and partners, and to learn new skills they can apply in their programs. With over 52,000 sq. ft., the show held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center enjoyed higher attendance and exhibitor numbers compared to last year, and space selection was well under way for 2012. From instant metrics to holographic technology...

April 1, 2011 Julie Ballard
How many of the 40 million American travelers who stay home each year just because of the airport hassle factor could be exhibition attendees? The short answer is we just don’t know but 40 million is a very large number of “stay-at-homes”.  The estimate and its economic hit to the US economy, $26.5 billion in spending, are calculated by US Travel Association and are included in its newly released report, A Better Way . The report contains numerous...

March 3, 2011 Mark Landrum
The international scourge that has been preying upon exhibitors in dozens of nations has focused its attention on US events --- no surprise since it was tossed out of Europe by the EU for its unsavory and deceptive trade practices. Despite our repeated requests for action to protect events and exhibitors from Fairguide/Construct Data since 2007 neither Congress nor the Federal Trade Commission has responded. It is now time to escalate the issue to the next level with the organization of an...

March 3, 2011 Mark Landrum
An economic impact study commissioned by the Convention Industry Council and conducted for us by PricewaterhouseCoopers was released yesterday. It is based upon 2009 data so the results are substantially lower than would have been normal given the economic circumstances at that time. Nevertheless, the data reveal that there were 1,790,800 meetings and events conducted in 2009 (10,700 exhibitions) resulting in direct spending (cost to produce and attend) of $263 billion. You can secure a...

January 27, 2011 IAEE Admin
Contributions by the IAEE staff to the Exhibition Industry Foundation have exceeded the total contributed last year. All contributions are voluntary. By Steven Hacker, CAE, IAEE President

January 26, 2011 IAEE Admin
One of the most important roles of leaders is to recruit new leaders. At this time of year, the IAEE Nominations Committee begins the process that is used to identify and recruit future directors for the board. Ideal candidates will have been involved in IAEE activities, preferably with a chapter and/or committee. The board, like the membership of IAEE, is diverse so candidates may come from any segment of the exhibitions and events community. Please send recommendations for the...

January 25, 2011 IAEE Admin
Hangzhou, China --- while there, we met with 45 enthusiastic IAEE members and shared industry data with them. About 600 attended the annual industry event that we co-organize this year, almost all who were Chinese. What we learned is that just like the Chinese economy, the exhibitions and events industry is roaring ahead with growth. It is clear that opportunities for international organizers to gain a foothold in Beijing, Shanghai and/or Guangzhou are pretty much past. These three top...

January 13, 2011 IAEE Admin
Our Rocky Mountain Chapter is hosting a January meeting for members that features breakfast and  a morning of hosted roundtables at which those who attended the annual meeting will share key information with those who could not. A great idea worthy of duplication by other chapters and much more compelling than a virtual visit! By Steven Hacker, CAE, IAEE President

January 12, 2011 IAEE Admin
A lively online discussion lead by some exhibit designers and producers about the merits of European style hard wall exhibits and also allowing pipe and drape exhibitors to use all of the cubic space within their stands prompted a meeting between representatives of EDPA and IAEE during Expo! Expo! the outcome of those discussions: 1. recognition that that it is the choice of the exhibition organizer whether or not to allow full cubic content, based on the nature of their exhibition. Show...