International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Chairperson Megan Tanel shared how the organization kept busy during the second quarter of the year:
“Wow! The second quarter has flown by, and we’re right in the middle of summer. April, May and June have been a busy time at IAEE, and I am happy to report on all of the great activities that your association has achieved in Q2 2015.
Education: Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, executive vice president and COO, attended FORUM Eventos in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she recognized and congratulated the first class of CEM graduates from Brazil. The graduates, all employed by Reed Exhibitions Brazil, are great advocates for growing the CEM Learning Program in Brazil, and much interest was garnered from the 200 people in attendance for enrolling in the CEM Learning Program.
On 8 April, I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the third annual Women’s Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. The Forum was one of the best events I have ever been a part of, with 150 women from all facets of the exhibitions and events industry gathered at this amazing event. I spoke on a panel with Carina Bauer of IMEX, Casandra Matej with the San Antonio Visitors & Convention Bureau and IAEE’s Cathy Breden. We talked about challenges in our careers and a healthy work/life balance. IAEE also held five very successful CEM courses in conjunction with the Women’s Leadership Forum and ASAE Springtime during this week.
IAEE participated at a very high and impactful level during the IMEX exhibition, held in Frankfurt. During the event, Edward Liu, CEM was presented with the 2015 IAEE International Excellence Award. IAEE also supported the Faculty Engagement Program at IMEX Frankfurt. We were pleased to have 10 faculty members from university business schools and hospitality, tourism and event management programs representing seven nationalities in attendance at this first-ever program. Additionally, IAEE coordinated a tour of the show floor and exhibitor appointments for students attending the IMEX Future Leaders Forum.
CEM classes were held in two new locations. The education team, in partnership with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, launched CEM in Bangkok. CEM classes were also held in Guadalajara, Mexico with the IAEE Mexico Chapter. CEM Week in Charlotte, North Carolina provided five full days of education for professionals on the road to the CEM designation. The next CEM week will be held in August in Las Vegas.
Terri Phillips, CEM, executive director of the Public Events Council, attended the National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) Annual Convention on 9-11 June in Orlando, Florida. Education opportunities for both a leadership track and a show manager’s academy track launched the NACS-IAEE Consumer Events Boot Camp.
IAEE completed another successful CultureCreation, facilitated by John Parke, CEO of Leadership Synergies. Attendees went through a STEP analysis of the exhibitions industry to identify social, technological, economic and political trends that are currently or anticipated to impact our industry.
Advocacy: IAEE, along with 15 supporting organizations, ‘stormed the Hill’ on 9 June for Exhibitions Day, in Washington, D.C. I attended this second annual event along with more than 100 industry professionals and met with U.S. congressional offices to discuss the Jobs Originated through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act, Trade Promotion Authority, Open Skies and government employee attendance at trade shows. Exhibitions Day had a huge presence on social media this year, with convention centers and companies from coast to coast and around the world showing their support with pictures from various activities. So much support was shown that the event trended at #4 on Twitter!
If we expect change we must affect change. Not only is your time needed but also your financial contribution. I want to thank all those who have already contributed and applaud you on your dedication to moving our industry forward. For those of you still contemplating your involvement, I encourage you to visit the Exhibitions Mean Business site to learn more about the coalition’s activities and also to read my blog on advocacy as well as blogs from attendees that took part in Exhibitions Day 2015. It takes support from the entire exhibitions and events ecosystem so please consider contributing today.
Chapters: IAEE’s chapters remain a key channel for headquarters in the effective dissemination of information at the local level. IAEE chapters have been busy with various activities including networking events, co-located CEM classes as well as fundraisers. During the last week of May, the Southwestern Chapter held its 1st annual Bob Dallmeyer Education fundraiser and raised $1,300 that will be donated to the foundation. The IAEE Mexico Chapter was instrumental in facilitating three CEM classes in Guadalajara with more than 15 people in attendance. In June, the Arabian Gulf Chapter set up its office in Expo Centre Sharjah as they continue to make great strides in increasing awareness of IAEE in the UAE.
Membership: Forty new organizations joined in Q2. Our faculty and student membership continues to increase with a total of 60 faculty members. IAEE welcomed Richland College, San Jose State University (Hospitality) and the WAAY- Institute of Event Management as our newest Educational Institution Members, for a total of 14. IAEE continues to increase membership globally with the addition of seven new member organizations representing Australia, China, India, Lebanon, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
I am really looking forward to the second half of 2015 as the team gears up for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Stay tuned in the next few weeks for new announcements about the show and to register!”
See related article: IAEE chairperson reports on key 2015 initiatives
