Signature Boston
March 9, 2016
DALLAS, 9 March 2016 – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) MATSO Council announced it will resurrect city task force updates following a recent council meeting that focused on future programming and governance procedures.
A city working group was created so members may relay first-hand knowledge on how multiple MATSO shows interface with specific Tier One cities on topics including but not limited to expansions/renovations, challenges and opportunities related to labor, food and beverage and technology. A task force of members will report on and discuss the issues relevant for each city chosen. Led by MATSO Council members, Kelly Kilga, CEM, Director of Operations with the Graphics Arts Show Company Inc. and Justine McVaney, Senior Vice President of Event Planning and Operations with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with member-at-large, John Catalano, Group Show Director with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the working group has developed a one hour session for the 23-24 May meeting which is open to all MATSO members. City task force updates have been a popular agenda item from past MATSO meetings and was ranked highly in a member survey of goals for MATSO.
“Results from a recent MATSO survey show that members wish to receive updates from fellow members about current trends, issues and challenges affecting the major city/cities their show is held in,” said 2016 MATSO Chairperson Angela Harar, CEM and Senior Director of Trade Shows for The Vision Council. “When MATSO events work together to address issues, we can make a positive impact not only for large shows, but all shows.
During the meeting, the Council also made updates to membership qualifications. In addition to show organizers who own or produce exhibitions and events of 200,000 net square feet or more, the following groups are encouraged to participate under the following criteria:
The Council voted to specify that agencies (Marketing), Registration and Housing Companies as well as vendors and suppliers do not qualify. This is in order for MATSO to retain one of its initial fundamentals to provide a wide-open exchange of ideas and solutions in a competition-free environment.
The group reviewed and came to a consensus about the nominating process and term limits, succession plan and responsibilities by position documents. The nomination process to add members to the MATSO Council will begin on 15 August with a 30 September deadline and recommendations made by mid-October. Interested parties who wish to serve on the MATSO Council can complete the interest form.
The Council also announced the selection of Kelly Kilga as its 2016 Vice Chairperson, who received a unanimous vote in favor by council members. This is a new position in the Council, which serves as an advocate for the Major American Trade Show Organizer (MATSO).
“I am pleased that Kelly has accepted the Vice Chair nomination to the MATSO Council,” said Harar. “Her experience and enthusiasm for the programs we are developing is an integral contribution to the efforts the Council is embarking upon this year and beyond.”
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
