May 16, 2013 Julie Ballard
I attended the PCMA Foundation dinner in Washington, D.C. where many of our members were present. The next day, ASAE's Springtime in the Park trade show was held where we interacted with current and prospective members, and we offered the CEM Learning Program which was a success. Positive conversations continued about our association's future and our new directions and initiatives. 

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 25, 2013 Julie Ballard
Executive vice president of conventions and business operations at the National Association of Broadcasters Chris Brown shared this article from The Huffington Post that is a great piece on the value of face-to-face. Please read the excerpt and the full article. “Sometimes, simple things can have amazing results. The best instigators of creative innovation have understood a simple, fundamental principle. Bring together a group of well disposed, talented, diverse and yet, in some...

April 25, 2013 Julie Ballard
Last week, I had the pleasure to present exhibitions and events trends and research to 150 meeting and exhibition professionals during the Mexico Showcase program in Cancun. Mexico continues to thrive, and with the launch of our new IAEE Mexico chapter, we have great opportunities to support the vibrancy and enhancement of the Mexican exhibitions and events industry. 

April 25, 2013 Julie Ballard
In a message to its clients this week, MacNair Travel Management/American Express assessed the impact of sequestration on the U.S. aviation system noting delays and changes in travel which, according to the FAA, is due to staffing at various Air Traffic Control facilities.  They have made the following recommendations for travelers and travel managers who are affected by the FAA furloughs, and more information can be found at www.fly.faa.gov . Consider increasing your threshold...

April 17, 2013 Julie Ballard
IAEE is pleased to announce it has been working with the FTC to confirm it has stopped the Construct Data/Fair Guide scam that many IAEE members have received and asks members to forward any solicitations received since February to info@iaee.com. On Monday, at the Federal Trade Commission’s request, a federal judge has temporarily halted a Slovakia-based operation that allegedly tricked small businesses and non-profits into collectively paying millions of dollars to be listed in an...

April 17, 2013 Julie Ballard
In a continuing effort to engage college students about the multitude of benefits and long-term value that the exhibitions and events industry provides, several members of the IAEE staff spoke to the Collin College Hospitality, Meetings and Event Management class about the industry and how they can start their rewarding careers. One student joined IAEE on the spot! We will continue to engage colleges and universities through faculty and administrations who offer hospitality and exhibition...