Following the significant progress of the first Exhibition Industry Summit, held October 6, 2011, in Irving, Texas, the participating organizations have agreed to meet at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. on February 24, 2012, for Exhibition Industry Summit II. The objective of this meeting is to advance discussion about key industry issues identified at the first meeting and establish the framework for ongoing engagement by the organizations.
“Further defining the key industry issues identified at the first meeting will be an important step for the industry,” said Rob Cohen, EDPA president emeritus. “There are many differing viewpoints as was evidenced in the October summit, but if the collaborative spirit remains strong, I feel confident that progress will happen.”
Participating organizations include American Business Media (ABM); United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America; Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); Corporate Event Marketers Association (CEMA); Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA); Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA); Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA); Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA); International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM); International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (ICEEM); International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA); Major American Tradeshow Organizers (MATSO); National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS); Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA).
“Industry leaders shared open and candid dialogue at the first summit, and together we established an open forum to identify some initial industry concerns and observations,” said Chuck Grouzard, ESCA president. “I am hopeful that when we meet again, we will be able to roll up our sleeves and identify realistic short term and long term solutions to shared concerns.”
The Exhibition Industry Summit II is a one-day meeting. Invitees include the elected leaders who participated in the first summit as well as an additional, paid staff member from each organization to provide their unique organizational knowledge as the process becomes more detailed. Once again, an independent professional facilitator will guide the proceedings.
