Signature Boston
March 31, 2016
DALLAS – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) MATSO Council’s program for this year’s MATSO Spring Program on 23-24 May 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill will focus on exchanging information that address challenges, share best practices and understand the changing landscape of Tier 1 cities.
“One of the main goals we have for this year’s event is to define a challenge that the IAEE MATSO Council can address,” said 2016 MATSO Chairperson Angela Harar, CEM and Senior Director of Trade Shows for The Vision Council. “This meeting is another step towards fulfilling our vision to be viewed as the authority on issues relevant to all stakeholders of major trade shows at least 200,000 NSF.”
Opening day will feature an update on future trends impacting the exhibitions and events industry leading to a facilitated workshop to discuss participants’ biggest challenges. Later, a host event report by Mary Pat Heftman, Executive Vice President, Convention & Strategic Alliances, National Restaurant Association will be followed by a tour of the NRA show and a networking dinner.
New programming kicks off day two with City Working Group Updates and the MATSO Idea Exchange. Cities being covered at the May meeting include Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando with New Orleans recently added to the lineup. City working groups were created so members can relay first-hand knowledge on how multiple MATSO shows interface with specific Tier One cities on topics including but not limited to expansions/renovations plus opportunities related to food and beverage, and technology to name a few.
MATSO’s first Idea Exchange is an open discussion among attendees to share ideas and best practices. Topics may include technology implementation, green initiatives, social media trends, exhibitor ROI, attendee growth and retention, and PR strategies to name a few.
Other sessions at the MATSO meeting will examine advocacy efforts being made on behalf of the exhibitions and events industry and how the major trade shows fit in to the mix; exhibition and industry trends to watch from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); and networking sessions spread across both days to allow for thought provoking discussions.
Industry experts presenting at this year’s MATSO May program include:
Click here for complete details and to register for the 2016 MATSO program. The event is open to all MATSO eligible members and will be held in conjunction with the 2016 National Restaurant Association’s annual meeting, NRA Show 2016. Special thanks to sponsors Kuehne & Nagel, Inc. and the National Restaurant Association.
About IAEE MATSO Council
The IAEE MATSO Council is comprised of exhibition organizers whose shows use at least 200,000 net square feet of exhibition space. The council provides a non-competitive environment for open discussion amongst members and focuses on all functional aspects of large show production based on a foundation of confidentiality and trust. Visit www.iaee.com/MATSO for more information.
About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Buttine Exhibition Insurance, Convention News Television (CNTV), Freeman, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Personify – A2Z Events, Swapcard and Synchronicities (Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio). Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
Media Inquiries:
Nicole Bowman, MBA
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
+1 (469) 534-3638
nbowman@iaee.com
