The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) celebrated another highly successful Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition Dec. 8-10 in Atlanta. Despite the lingering effects of the global economic recession, the show attracted nearly 1,800 attendees (pending independent audit by Exhibit Surveys) and 269 exhibitors.
During the Opening General Session, annual meeting host Dale Irvin welcomed attendees and introduced 2009 Chair Margaret Pederson. The session honored the 211 graduates of the 2009 CEM Learning Program as well as the seven recipients of the 2009 IAEE individual awards, the 2009 Platinum Circle inductees, graduates of the 2009 Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute and the recipient of the 2009 Exhibition Industry Foundation’s Helen Brett Scholarship. Attendees then enjoyed the festivities at the Georgia Aquarium, where they admired the world’s largest aquarium while networking and mingling.
The Art of Social Media Marketing event engaged attendees in the ever-expanding role of social media and its effect on how business is conducted.
The Atlanta Drumline led attendees of Expo! Expo! with a rhythmic parade through the halls of the Georgia World Congress Center.
Expo! Expo! featured nearly 39,000 net square feet of sold out exhibit space. Wednesday evening featured Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause, held at The Tabernacle. A collaboration between IAEE and GES Exposition Services, this spectacular event offered guests the opportunity to network with other industry professionals while giving back to the local community. Camp Sunshine, which offers programs for children with cancer, received a $7,375 donation from the event’s proceeds.
Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, assumed the role of 2010 IAEE Board Chair at the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon on Dec. 1.
During the meeting, he shared his goals for IAEE’s future such as to value the concept of face-to-face, invest in education for all association members and share the benefits of IAEE with friends. That evening, the chairman’s closing party was held in the newly transformed Atlanta Marriott Marquis where a 50-foot color-changing sail illuminated the world’s largest atrium.
IAEE’s annual conference featured 12 versatile tracks, including the new TS2 Intensive Track, with more than 50 speakers and sessions over a three-day event. Attendees were given a wide range of topics to learn, including industry best practices, sales and marketing and global business and technology applications, in addition to Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) courses.
This year’s event will be held Dec. 7-9 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Approximately 60 percent of the net square feet for 2010’s exhibition will be reserved in an online space draw Feb. 10-11. Those interested can visit the Web site at www.iaee.com/expo.
