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The premier resource for exhibition and event industry professionals

The Independent Exhibition Organizer’s Playbook for 2026

Independent organizers face unique pressures, from exhibitor consolidation to shifting ROI expectations, that demand fresh approaches to exhibition management. Discover the data-driven strategies, technology integrations and growth tactics that today’s most successful independent organizers are using to stay ahead. Learn how to turn disruption into opportunity and build events that deliver measurable value to both exhibitors and attendees.

The Latest

CEM Spotlight on Amanda White, CEM

Expo! Expo! Shapes the Future Through ONE EPIC EVENT

I Journeyed from Curious to CEM Certified and Never Looked Back

Event Pros Share How They’re Winning with AI

Industry veterans pull back the curtain on their AI experiences to reveal not just their biggest wins, but also the failures that taught them valuable lessons. Get an exclusive preview of the real-world strategies driving revenue and transforming attendee experiences that will be presented in the upcoming IAEE webinar on the latest AI innovations for B2B events.

Raise Your ROI Like You Mean It

Discover the mindset shift and tactical approaches that separate sellers who excel on the exhibition floor from the pack in this interview with international trade show expert Han Leenhouts. His upcoming webinar will explore the battle-tested strategies that transform dead booth time into profit-generating conversations.

CEM Spotlight on Stephanie Willes, CEM

Stephanie Willes, CEM shares how earning the CEM designation has enhanced her contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

So Good It’s EPIC

Expo! Expo! lands in Houston this December with innovative learning on the show floor, game-changing networking, and the insights you need to end 2025 strong and launch into 2026 with unstoppable momentum. Read on to learn how this year’s event will deliver a Texas-sized experience and register by 17 October to secure the BE SMART rate for the ONE EPIC EVENT of the year that you don’t want to miss!

How Earning My CEM Shaped My Legacy

IAEE is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its CEM Learning Program! B. Murphy shares how by earning his CEM designation, he discovered a calling to give back, formed life-changing mentorships and earned a place among an elite international community that he considers part of his identity. Learn how this one step created a passionate educator and mentor who has helped shape the next generation of industry professionals.

CEM Spotlight on Samer Munshi, CEM

Samer Munshi, CEM shares how earning the CEM designation has enhanced his contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

Have an EPIC Hosted Buyer Experience at Expo! Expo!

Ready to transform your events from ordinary to extraordinary? Discover why Expo! Expo! is ONE EPIC EVENT where event organizers unlock game-changing innovations, forge powerful connections and gain exclusive access to industry secrets that will revolutionize how they create unforgettable experiences. The Hosted Buyer Program could be your VIP ticket to THE PLACE TO BE – here’s how!

Thinking Like Economic Architects

In this thought-provoking piece, 2025 IAEE Chairperson Chuck Grouzard argues that the business events industry is sitting on untapped goldmines of data and insights that could transform how entire industries operate, with the power to create economic ecosystems worth $426.1 billion annually. Discover why the future belongs to those who can build adaptive economic platforms – and how your organization can lead this transformation.

The Goldilocks Zone: Why Midsize B2B Events Like Intermodal Expo are Just Right for Today’s Market

According to the latest study from the Center for Exhibition Research, nearly 80% of midsize B2B events are achieving positive profits and demonstrating strong growth momentum. Here, we uncover four key performance drivers that separate thriving midsize events from the pack as well as speak with IANA’s Robin Troy, who shares how Intermodal Expo leverages data-driven strategies and industry-specific focus to deliver exceptional value in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

CEM Spotlight on Barry Killengrey, CEM

Barry Killengrey, CEM shares how earning the CEM designation has enhanced his contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

How Top Event Pros are Slaying the Data Revolution (Hint: It Goes Way Beyond the Badge Scan)

Leading organizers aren't just collecting data, they’re weaponizing it to create experiences that attendees love and sponsors simply cannot ignore. Discover the game-changing strategies that separate successful exhibitions and events professionals from those flying blind with outdated approaches.

The Hidden Power of Conversation: How Events Are Being Quietly Transformed by Data

The conversations happening at your booth are worth more than the leads you’re collecting but how do you measure their value? Backtrack CEO Hunter McKinley shares how AI is quietly transforming events by capturing and analyzing the unscripted moments between buyers and sellers, turning fleeting conversations into actionable data that drives personalized follow-ups and better business outcomes.
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