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.

May 9, 2013 Julie Ballard
I am very pleased to announce that long-time IAEE supporter Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, owner of Consultancy Company Global Meetings and Tourism Specialists, LLC, will work with IAEE to build a valued presence and assist in enhancing stronger communities of exhibitions and events industry professionals in Mexico and Latin America. Most recently, Chaillo has served as executive director for the meetings industry of the Mexico Tourism Board in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for...

April 5, 2013 Julie Ballard
I had the pleasure of presenting Exhibition Trends to an audience of 300 exhibition and events professionals during the first annual Forum Eventos event in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The Brazilian industry is growing and they are fully committed to supporting efforts to enhance educational opportunities and professionalism. Reed of Brazil and UBRAFE leadership are supportive of launching the CEM program, across Brazil, this summer. Conversations will also take place to engage a university that might...

March 29, 2013 Julie Ballard
Registration is now open for the IAEE Collective happening 29-30 May in Washington, D.C. Join us for this must-attend collection of intensive learning experiences for your professional development. There are four face-to-face opportunities all of which are tailored to meet your specific needs including: Women’s Leadership Forum ,  Marketing Academy ,  Sales Academy and the CEM Learning Program . Register before 1 May and take advantageof the discount. 

March 29, 2013 Julie Ballard
IAEE Vice President Meetings and Conventions Scott Craighead, CEM taught at Richland College for TEMM (Travel, Exposition, and Meeting Management) Program’s trade show management course last Tuesday evening. Scott was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm for the industry, all of whom expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in exhibition management. The evening was highly spirited and interactive, with a group exercise facilitated by Mr. Craighead that asked students to...

March 29, 2013 Julie Ballard
IAEE has announced that entries for the annual Art of the Show competition are being accepted. The competition provides a platform for defining excellence in the quality of marketing materials and standards for the exhibitions and events industry. The competition includes 15 categories of competition for three show sizes, and a first-place winner and an honorable mention will be selected for each category. The winners in each category and the Best of Show recipient will be recognized at...

March 29, 2013 Julie Ballard
Last week, I attended and presented exhibition trends, on behalf of our Rocky Mountain chapter, during the Meetings Industry of Colorado education day and show in Denver. The meeting room was full, and great interactive conversation took place mostly around many of the trends that our Future Trends Task Force has identified. 

March 29, 2013 Julie Ballard
On Monday, I had the pleasure of facilitating a CEO-only session at the DFW Association Executives forum where 30 ladies and gentlemen shared association management challenges and success stories. The trends and strategies that were discussed served as key takeaways for the attendees who confirmed that the discussion was worthwhile and would assist in their future planning efforts.