Recently, the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) has, by a vote of its Board, chartered a new course in management and membership structure by transferring its members, intellectual assets and administrative management to the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA).
Suggestions of the TSEA dissolving began circulating at the end of February. However, the final decision for the two associations to merge was ignited by the slow and steady degeneration of funds and membership within the TSEA over the last few years.
Active EACA and TSEA members will have member privileges in the new organization. While the make-up and the name of the association will change, the mission remains the same. The associations will continue to be dedicated to improving the tradeshow value proposition for all exhibitors.
Over the next few weeks, the TSEA and EACA will be developing a new brand and identification for the association. During this time, they are inviting members to share thoughts and ideas on the EACA-TSEA web site. The EACA will also be reaching out to all TSEA members to formalize the offer of membership in the new association.
“We hope you will explore the various features our site has to offer,” said a statement from the EACA/TSEA. “We created this online
space for members to log on and create a dynamic member profile, collaborate on projects, share your ideas and expertise – and most important, connect with your fellow members.”
The two associations are also extending an invitation to all members, and all non-member exhibit managers and exhibit services companies, to take part in the first annual meeting of the newly formed tradeshow industry association. The 2012 Red Diamond Congress will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill., on July 10 – 12, 2012.
“While we are still in the process of naming our new association, this year’s Annual Meeting is our first opportunity to leverage the combined strength of our organization and make trade show history,” said the statement. “If you can only participate in one tradeshow industry meeting this year, make sure it’s the 2012 Red Diamond Congress.”
This year’s event will not only feature more than 45 seminars and general sessions focusing on the issues that drive exhibit marketing today, but it is also a landmark opportunity to voice opinions on what the shared values and combined vision of the new association should be.
