Editorial Note: Originally published in the November 2022 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.
Energy and excitement are mounting exponentially as we approach Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition next month in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. All things considered, this has been a good year for the industry, and we have much to build upon and celebrate at THE PLACE TO BE.
This year, the IAEE Team and Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee focused on creating an atmosphere in which attendees will find everything they need to advance their professional goals through invaluable education sessions, experience the latest industry developments on the show floor and expand their network all while enjoying the company and contributions of those who understand what we do most – trade show professionals!
With that in mind, I’d like to offer you a preview of what you can expect at this year’s Expo! Expo!.
The learning opportunities abound both on and off the show floor. For those who have embarked upon their IAEE Certification Journey, Expo! Expo! will offer six CEM courses and one CEM-AP course. In addition, personalized experiences will cater to the specific needs of breakout groups such as chapter leaders, hosted buyers, first timers, C-suite executives, large show organizers, young professionals, women in exhibitions and research-based interests hosted by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
This year’s learning tracks have been crafted to address the unique position we find ourselves in. As we all know, our industry got turned on its head over the past two years. The journey back to where we want to be has been both arduous and insightful. Despite its challenges, we have been presented with the opportunity to reimagine how we can make our industry stronger than it has ever been. This year’s sessions will dive deep into how we can make the most of creating engaging and fruitful content, bridging business and community relationships, honing our game plan, growing our shows, and strengthening our professional skills.
On the Expo! Expo! show floor, more than 200 industry suppliers await to share with attendees the latest innovations and solutions for our industry. In addition to multiple activations that will take place, the Tech Pavilion will introduce startup companies and host the Expo! Expo! Tech Competition. Every year, the networking events are abuzz with inspiration and ideas for the coming year generated by the extensive information presented throughout Expo! Expo!.
Let’s talk about those networking events. In addition to the ongoing connections made throughout the education sessions and on the show floor, Expo! Expo! is packed with just plain FUN. Chapter receptions will kick off the festivities on Tuesday, followed by the Opening Reception at the legendary Churchill Downs. The PRIDE After Party, Supporting IAEE’s LGBTQIA+ Community welcomes everyone to close the first day of Expo! Expo! in the company of colleagues and friends.
Wednesday offers attendees the opportunity to give back to the industry via the Terence Donnelly Memorial Health & Wellness Event, which will take attendees on a 5k walk/run across the Big Four Bridge and over the Ohio River into Indiana. That evening, attendees have the opportunity to engage in a photo walk tour of Louisville and/or take more time to meet with vendors during the Exhibitor Hospitality Hours. For young professionals, the annual YP Party is an excellent way to further connect with their peers. And the ever-popular Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with A Cause returns to Expo! Expo! this year with proceeds benefitting The Backside Learning Center, a nonprofit organization building community and enriching the lives of backside workers and families at Churchill Downs.
As you can see, no stone has been left unturned and you can find complete details about everything I’ve mentioned at www.myexpoexpo.com. On behalf of the IAEE Board of Directors, Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee and IAEE Team, we look forward to seeing you next month in Louisville at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022, THE PLACE TO BE!
David DuBois, CMP Fellow, CAE, FASAE, CTA
IAEE President & CEO
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Co-President
