Predict, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s annual exhibition industry outlook conference, brought together more than 160 executives in the business-to-business exhibitions industry on Sept. 22 to learn about and discuss emerging trends likely to impact tradeshows and trade fairs three to five years out. The conference is designed with an outward looking approach, bringing in perspectives from forward-thinking experts to stretch one’s thinking.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s conference was presented in virtual format. The full day of presentations provided attendees with a path of trends and insights to navigate through the effects of the pandemic, as well as examined the current reality of the industry while providing data and insights to help organizers and the ecosystem overall adapt and move forward with their strategic plans.
“This year’s program focused on what the near future may hold for the B2B exhibitions industry given the impact of COVID-19,” says CEIR CEO Cathy Breden (pictured right), CMP, CAE, CEM. “Proprietary research conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of CEIR was discussed, as well as economic data and trends with actionable insights on what companies should be considering now. CEIR was committed to presenting the level of excellence participants have come to expect from Predict, and by applying cutting edge technology provided by SmartSource, we are pleased to have produced a highly engaging event.”
“SmartSource is proud to once again collaborate with CEIR on the annual CEIR Predict,” adds SmartSource CEO Ali Vafa. “CEIR utilized SmartSource’s virtual event services and Event Hub so attendees could gather in one place to easily access content, network, watch sessions and have one-on-one conversations with event partners in the Partner Engagement Hub. SmartSource handled the production, presenter kits, recording, streaming and more. We were happy to provide our technology and virtual event expertise because it’s more important than ever for CEIR to share data and insights that will help industry professionals fortify and grow their organizations.”
Predict 2020 included presentations from:
- Alex Chausovsky, economic advisor, market research and future trends analyst, ITR Economics
- Nancy Drapeau, PRC, VP of research, CEIR
- Futurist John Gerzema, CEO, Harris Insights & Analytics/The Harris Poll
- Sam Potolicchio, Ph.D., president, Preparing Global Leaders Forum; Distinguished Professor/Vice Dean, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
Predict also featured a CEO Panel discussion with industry leaders:
- Lori Anderson, president & CEO, International Sign Association
- Aaron Bludworth, president & CEO, Fern
- Greg O’Dell, president & CEO, Events DC
- Yancy Weinrich, COO, Reed Exhibitions
CEIR extends a special thank you to its Predict partners:
Collaborator Partners
International Association of Exhibitions and Events
SmartSource
Associate Partners
New Orleans & Company
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Streampoint Solutions
Contributor Partners
Convention News Television (CNTV)
CORT Event Furnishings
Discover Puerto Rico
Fern
Maritz Global Events
Personify, a2z Events
tvsdesign
VisitDallas
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research serves to advance the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering knowledge-based research tools that enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve their business performance and strengthen their competitive position. For more info, visit www.ceir.org.
