November 16, 2012 Julie Ballard
In response to the U.S. Army announcing it would ban attendance at conferences for the rest of the year, IAEE has been working closely with ASAE and the U.S. Travel Association to develop strategic messages to policy makers and government officials to remind them of the tremendous benefits the travel, exhibitions, events, meetings and hospitality industries bring to local communities and the global economy. Collectively, we understand this situation is not merely a budget issue, and USTA has...

November 9, 2012 Julie Ballard
Early last week, IAEE signed a collaboration agreement with the Brazilian Union of Prosecutors of Trade (UBRAFE) which broadens our reach internationally and allows for more professional relationships between both associations. We will continue to explore opportunities for exhibitions and events industry professionals in Brazil, and we will provide member benefits including pricing for all products, services, and events through the creation of jointly-sponsored activities that will encourage...

November 9, 2012 Julie Ballard
For the last three days, I have enjoyed the hospitality, networking and educational conversations with our industry colleagues who belong to AMPROFEC (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales de Ferias, Exposiciones y Convenciones). I attended the ICOMEX trade show in Mexico City and am very impressed with the upbeat spirit of the exhibitions and events industry in Mexico. It has been an excellent event and I look forward to continuing collaboration and building our relationship with our...

November 5, 2012 Julie Ballard
U.S. Travel Association has requested any information that supports or counters the possibility that federal agencies may be blacklisting certain “gaming” or “tourist” destinations for government meetings and conferences. This would include official policy statements or memos regarding government meeting policies. U.S. Travel also requests any information about losses or reductions in events that has seen directly related to new government guidelines, including:...

November 5, 2012 Julie Ballard
After returning late last week from the IAEE Southeast Chapter and traveling again this week, I am reminded of the thousands of stranded travelers due to Hurricane Sandy. We received several reports of show postponements or cancellations from members and insurance partner, Jack Buttine, and our thoughts are with our friends along the East Coast who were affected. We wish you the best for a quick recovery, and as a result, we understand that operations may be difficult so we have extended the...

November 5, 2012 Julie Ballard
Our hearts and thoughts go out to our many members in the northeast that have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy. In addition to IAEE being the association that represents the exhibition industry, more importantly is that this is a relationship business and we all have friends and colleagues who have been impacted. If you know of an organization or a person who has been especially impacted, we would like to know. As the northeast recovers, please consider making a contribution to the American...

October 26, 2012 Julie Ballard
As many of you are aware, GSA recently announced a proposal that encourages federal conference goers to pay the lodging per diem rate, or provide more justification if they wish to exceed the per diem by up to 25%. Below is an explanation of the proposed change and attached is a copy of GSA’s proposed rule. Additionally, please find below an article from Politico that examines the state of government meetings. We are pleased to see that the AUSA adamantly defends the value of their...

October 26, 2012 Julie Ballard
Advance Registration Discount for Expo! Expo! Ends – If you have not already done so, please visit www.myexpoexpo.com to register at the discounted rate. We are seeing the numbers increase every week, so please check this off of your list today!

October 26, 2012 Julie Ballard
The IAEE membership team analyzed the most recent “Fastest 50” shows, as printed in the TSE August magazine, and 92% of those show organizations are members of IAEE. They are working hard on converting the other 8% to membership and are confirming the Gold 100 now. Kudos for their hard work!

October 12, 2012 Julie Ballard
I have had the pleasure of spending quality time with many IAEE members this week. The IMEX show was well attended in Las Vegas, and the conversations were very upbeat about the exhibitions and events industry going forward. The IAEE Washington, D.C. chapter event attracted a great audience, and I enjoyed my visit with our members in that area. IAEE has a seat at the table of the very influential USTA (U.S. Travel Association) "Meetings Mean Business Coalition." This coalition is made up of...