MILWAUKEE — In a groundbreaking move set to elevate the exhibitions and events industry, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) and Trade Show News Network (TSNN) have solidified a multi-year strategic partnership during Connect Marketplace, creating a powerful collaboration that will shape the industry through 2026. This is not just a partnership—it is a deliberate, strategic alliance that will define the future of the exhibitions industry.
Kicking off with a co-located, spectacular awards program at The Novo on December 16 during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition® in Los Angeles, this collaboration will celebrate the industry’s finest on a stage that’s hosted legends, including the inaugural GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala.
The partnership was announced on the Connect Marketplace main stage at the Baird Center by IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, alongside Informa Connect VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen. This agreement builds on years of collaboration between two industry powerhouses, and for the first time, they will unite to co-locate and present dual industry awards programs. This historic moment signals a new era of innovation and excellence.
Representing more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events across the globe, IAEE recognizes TSNN as a Visionary Sponsor, offering the media brand an elevated role at the annual Expo! Expo! This premier event, the heartbeat of the $90 billion U.S. B2B exhibitions industry (stat courtesy of CEIR), is the perfect platform to showcase our combined strengths.
For TSNN, this partnership is a monumental achievement. As the industry’s leading online news outlet covering exhibitions, trade shows, and events since 1996, TSNN will provide continuous, high-level editorial coverage and strategic support to IAEE and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). With a reach of over 200,000 event professionals every month through our website, newsletters, and social channels, TSNN is uniquely positioned to amplify this partnership’s success and influence.
“IAEE is pleased to partner with TSNN in this initiative that will benefit all members of our industry,” said Flanagan. “Not only is collaboration among IAEE’s core values, but it capitalizes on organizations’ greatest strengths in ways that allow us to collectively advance our industry more efficiently. Undoubtedly, this results in a win-win for all. And what better way of launching this program than at a shared awards ceremony where we celebrate the achievements of those we serve? It is a wonderful expression of the mutual respect we hold for our industry, and our appreciation for the professionals who strive every day to make it better.”
“This collaboration showcases the best of what TSNN and IAEE have to offer—innovation, influence, and an unwavering commitment to driving the industry forward,” said Tormohlen. “We can’t wait to debut a reimagined, star-studded awards program together with IAEE at one of the hottest venues in the world in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Imagine a red carpet full of the industry’s leaders and rising stars, all gathering to celebrate excellence in the heart of L.A.’s entertainment district.”
ABOUT IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
ABOUT TSNN
TSNN is the world’s leading online resource for the trade show, exhibition and event industry since 1996. TSNN owns and operates the most widely consulted online event database, containing data about more than 19,500 trade shows, exhibitions, public events and conferences. We facilitate the exchange between buyers and sellers with more than 160,000 registered website users, more than 150,000 bi-monthly newsletter subscribers and more than 10,000 LinkedIn group members. Learn more at TSNN.com.
