Originally published by Trade Show Executive October 2017 Edition
I don’t think anyone would argue that education and lifelong learning aren’t important. As I wrote in August, these are my favorite articles to dive into because they are all about the “show for shows.” One of the key facets that makes Expo! Expo! the “show for shows” is the multitude of learning experiences and educational opportunities that garner immediate and actionable insights to help you better prepare for your own upcoming show or shows.
The planning of Expo! Expo! education is a year-long endeavor. This year, we have added several new elements to our onsite education program.
Expo! Expo! will offer three mega rooms to house traditional types of learning environments with workshops, lectures and Q&A sessions. These sessions will focus on topics such as delivering an experience to attendees that will keep them engaged and involved, as well as using research and data analytics to create the most effective and relevant experience for your attendees, exhibitors and partners.
On the show floor, we are offering Spark! Sessions that will cover a variety of topics at a very high level and last for 10 minutes. Technology and innovation lead today’s business models, and the face-to-face marketplace values the importance of staying at the forefront of the latest and greatest developments. Tech Huddles will feature the show’s technology partners with brief overviews, again lasting 10 minutes. The Tech Startup Pavilion & Competition, sponsored by Visit Austin, will task today’s leading innovators in the exhibitions and events industry with demonstrating what makes their solution stand above the rest.
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), supported by the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), will host a luncheon focused on a sneak peek at the initial research findings from the 2017 Senior Marketing Executives/CMO study moderated by Dr. Sam Potolicchio, Director of Global and Custom Education at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and including a panel of industry experts.
Expo! Expo! will feature a Women’s Leadership Experience, sponsored by Experient, which will include an opening presentation by Emilie Aires, Founder & CEO of Bossed Up who will discuss How to Combat Unconscious Bias, followed by a panel discussion of female executives and closing with a Life Hack-A-Thon activity that will challenge attendees to gather as many “life tips” as possible in a set period of time that will be interactively shared with all attendees in an effort to make life easier.
For several years, we have worked with universities and higher learning institutions to attract younger professionals to our industry. This year, we are proud to offer a student/faculty focus that will showcase the event and all the offerings available from IAEE that emphasize our commitment to nurturing the next generation of exhibitions professionals. As part of this program, all IAEE student and faculty members receive a free full meeting registration.
Our two keynotes to get you motivated for 2018 are Ryan Estis, Founder and CEO of Ryan Estis & Associates and Valorie Burton, Founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. Ryan will present techniques to unleash productivity and performance you didn’t even know you had within you! And Valorie will share her knowledge on maneuvering the unexpected and building resilience to unexpected setbacks so you stay on a positive track.
After the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation, we are featuring a communal learning experience. This unique offering will consist of an open area that will allow attendees to easily select various areas of interest and move freely among the mini-sessions offered at 15-minute increments. Whether you are interested in hearing motivational talks from members of the National Speakers Association North Texas; discussing hot technology use case studies; taking a think break to participate in a fun session such as How to Make the Perfect Margarita; or prefer to take full advantage of the many Ask the Expert sessions available, the pace will be quick and flexible – a perfect way to warm up for Expociety, Expo! Expo!’s Closing Event.
As you can see, San Antonio will be brimming with incredible learning experiences because It’s All About Connections at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2017. I look forward to seeing you there!
David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA
President & CEO
IAEE
