By Mary Tucker, Sr. PR/Communications Manager
IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee member Merideth Newman, CEM is currently the Director of Expositions for PMMI: The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. She joined the Trade Show Department of PMMI in 2010 serving in the Exhibitor Services and Sales arena for the PACK EXPO family of trade shows. In her current role as Director of Expositions, Merideth works on all aspects of PMMI’s three domestic trade shows including PMMI’s flagship show, PACK EXPO International, which features 1.2 million net square feet of exhibits, over 2,500 exhibitors and 45,000 registrants.
Since joining the industry, Merideth has been an active member of IAEE, receiving the Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2014, regularly attending MATSO events, and serving on multiple committees including the Young Professionals Committee, Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee, and the Best Practices for Show Rules Task Force.
Here, Merideth shares why she believes Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022 is THE PLACE TO BE and why she looks forward to being at Expo! Expo! in Louisville, Kentucky on 13-15 December.
IAEE: What are your favorite aspects about the education sessions at Expo! Expo!?
Merideth: IAEE does a great job of producing sessions geared towards advancing the industry and moving our shows forward. Whether it’s through breakthrough digital trends, strategic operational design, or content geared towards branding and growth, there’s something for every aspect of the organization in the educational tracks.
IAEE: What stands out to you when you walk the Expo! Expo! show floor?
Merideth: Having the opportunity to see all vendors in one place! Expo! Expo! provides a once-a-year opportunity to have meetings with all of our current vendors, see any new technology they are rolling out at the show, and visit face-to-face to get business done. You also have the opportunity to see emerging technologies from new vendors and find solutions you may not even realize you are looking for.
IAEE: What do you enjoy most about the networking activities at Expo! Expo!?
Merideth: There’s no doubt about how important relationships are in this industry and that genuine connections come more from events outside of the conference room. Networking events at Expo! Expo! allow conversations and experiences with colleagues across the industry in fun, casual settings. I make it a point to attend as many of the networking events as possible and IAEE does a great job at making these FUN experiences.
IAEE: What are some of your favorite moments from past Expo! Expo! experiences?
Merideth: Having all of Harry Potter world at Disney to ourselves when Expo! Expo! was in Orlando for the Opening Reception, Humanity Rocks events for a good cause, and getting to experience the offerings of the various host cities of the event.
IAEE: What are you looking forward to experiencing at this year’s Expo! Expo! in Louisville, KY?
Merideth: I am most looking forward to re-connecting with industry colleagues, many I haven’t seen in years, and seeing what’s new in the industry. One of my colleagues at PMMI is also receiving their CEM this year (CEM courses are another benefit of Expo! Expo!) – so that is exciting! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also excited to experience Churchill Downs at the Opening Reception and maybe the bourbon trail after Expo! Expo! ends…
IAEE: What inspired you to serve on this year’s Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee?
Merideth: Coming from the association side, I know the need and value of volunteer leadership to an association. I believe in the value that the education, show floor and networking of Expo! Expo! bring to the industry, and want to do whatever I can to continue to help shape the experience.
Registration is open for this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022. Get the BE SMART RATE today and prepare to experience THE PLACE TO BE in the exhibitions and events industry this December!