The Summit is an essential part of IAEE’s commitment to empowering event professionals with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s evolving exhibition landscape.
Powered by CEIR research, the IAEE Organizer Insights Summit – for small to mid-size show organizers – is designed to empower event organizers by providing tailored insights, practical tools, and industry expertise to successfully manage and grow small to mid-size shows.
Opening Remarks
Maximize Your B2B Exhibition Success: Insights and Strategies from CEIR’s Latest Study
Presented by Nancy Drapeau, IPC | Vice President of Research | CEIR
Since 2000, CEIR has meticulously tracked the trade show industry’s performance, monitoring growth and contraction across four key indicators: the number of exhibiting companies, net square footage of paid space, number of attendees, and organizer gross revenues. Traditionally focused on overall performance and industry sectors, the 2025 Organizer Benchmarking Study now offers a more extensive array of performance benchmarks tailored to events in your size category.
No longer will you face barriers in understanding the performance benchmarks necessary to align with events of your size. This report provides a comprehensive range of KPIs to guide you.
Join CEIR’s VP of Research, Nancy Drapeau, IPC, as she unveils the insights from this groundbreaking report, helping you understand how events of your size are performing in terms of:
Attend this session to discover key findings and insights on which KPIs are tied to superior performance. Bring your questions, ideas, and stories to learn how to align your approach and maximize outcomes for your next event edition.
Nancy Drapeau, IPC | Vice President of Research | CEIR
A 31-year market research veteran with expertise in B2B exhibition industry research. At CEIR, she regularly conducts industry wide studies monitoring industry trends and is a speaker at industry events. She was named to the 2019 BizBash’s 1,000 Most Influential People in Events list. She holds a BA in Government from Georgetown University, a Master’s in Advanced European and International Studies from l’IEHEI and is an AC Nielsen Burke Institute trained focus group moderator. She is a member of the Industry Insights Association and has served on the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Research & Advocacy Task Force. She lives in Maine, with her husband and border collie, Moxie.
Strategic Contract Management: Safeguarding Savings, Managing Risks, and Seizing Opportunities
Presented by Barbara Dunn | Attorney & Owner | Barbara Dunn Law PLLC
With challenges, come opportunities or so the saying goes…..Event organizers are navigating a whirlwind of challenges– rising costs, rigid contract terms, and ever-evolving data protection requirements – just to name a few. What opportunities could those challenges present? Join hospitality industry attorney Barbara Dunn as she shares her insights on how event contracts can be a powerful tool to protect against legal and economic risks while maximizing opportunities and flexibility for events. Barbara will address a variety of topics such as managing contract surprises (“gotchas”), controlling service fees, ensuring data protection, and leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. Participants will be empowered to turn challenges into opportunities to negotiate smarter contracts and to protect their interests in a complex landscape.
Barbara Dunn | Attorney & Owner | Barbara Dunn Law PLLC
Barbara Dunn is nationally known for her practice in the meetings and hospitality industry where she exclusively represents nonprofit and for-profit organizations which conduct, sponsor, or host meetings, conferences, trade shows, and special events.
Her practical, no-nonsense approach makes her an effective advocate for her clients. Barbara has also been fortunate to work with many nonprofit organizations as they start operations, pursue federal tax exemptions, develop governing documents, train board members, and build their operations.
Her depth of knowledge in these areas places her in a unique position to guide those organizations toward adopting best practices, successful strategic plans, and powerful member engagement.
While at the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Barbara was elected as a capital partner and proudly served as Co-Chair of the firm’s Associations & Foundations Practice Group.
Barbara started her legal career with the law firm of Howe & Hutton Ltd., initially as a law clerk during law school, thereafter as an associate and finally a partner. Now, as the owner and principal of her own firm, Barbara can customize her practice to fit each client’s unique needs.
Barbara can be reached at barbara@barbaradunnlaw.com.
Networking Break
Innovations and Insights for Small to Mid-Sized Exhibition Success
Facilitator: Lisa Buchanan, Senior Vice President of Operations | IAEE
Join your industry peers in small group discussions and share insights and practical guidance on essential facets of show organization and growth. Shared discussions will include a variety of key topics such as leveraging audience acquisition and engagement strategies, fostering strong exhibitor relations, use of creative activations and floor design elements, and implementation of best practices for scaling and expanding smaller shows effectively.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain access to groundbreaking insights, and position your exhibitions for unprecedented success in an ever-evolving landscape.
Lisa Buchanan | SVP, Operations | IAEE
Lisa Buchanan is IAEE’s Senior Vice President of Operations where she directs the general management of IAEE staff and is responsible for the association’s various departments including membership, chapter relations, digital strategy, marketing and communications, public relations, leading efforts towards growing IAEE membership and exploring new revenue streams.
Previously she held the role of Vice President, Engagement and Digital Strategy and was formerly the Director of Membership and Chapter Engagement at the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), where she was responsible for all membership and chapter initiatives across the globe. She works with the various chapter boards and committees to identify member needs and membership products and services.
Prior to joining IAEE, Buchanan spent 10 years in the medical and dental industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing, and business development.
Buchanan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 8 years in various roles including Director of Global Chapter Relations and Member Services where she oversaw all membership and chapter functions for over 50 chapters worldwide.
Wrap Up & Closing Remarks
Joint Networking Lunch with Healthcare Forum Attendees
Supplier registrations are SOLD OUT!
Cancellations, in whole or in part, must be made in writing and may be subject to a cancellation fee. For a full refund, written cancellations must be received no later than 30 days prior to the event. Within 15-29 days, all approved refunds are subject to a $75 administrative fee. Within 14 days of the event cancellations will not be accepted and event fees will not be refunded. Send written cancellation requests to: registration@iaee.com.
Group Rate
$229 plus applicable state and local taxes, currently 17.5%.
Cutoff date: 4 June 2025
Check-in Time: 4:00 PM
Check-Out Time: 12:00 PM
Hotel Parking
Daily valet parking fee: $49
For attendees flying into Baltimore from out of town, you will fly into the following airports. Please note, the hotel does not provide airport shuttle service.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Distance From Property: 12 Miles
Phone Number: +1 410.859.7111
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Distance From Property: 52 Miles
Phone Number: +1 703.417.8000
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Distance From Property: 61 Miles
Phone Number: +1 703.572.2700
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