Young Professionals Corner “Hidden Heroes” Spotlight No. 1:
NEW YORK CITY—When asked about “hidden heroes” in the events industry, Christine McMahon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, senior vice president of labor relations and show operations at the Javits Center, highlighted Members of the venue's performance and facilities trade. "This includes our carpenters, electricians, freight movers, cleaners and more who keep our buildings in tip-top shape and ready for events throughout the year," McMahon said. "They are dedicated to their professionalism and The knowledge of the building itself was unparalleled. It was a daunting schedule, but they were very dedicated to meeting the show's deadlines. Christine McMahon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Senior Vice President, Labor Relations and Performance Operations, Javits Center “The events industry is 24/7 hours, rain, snow or shine. This work is done within strict opening and closing deadlines of shows - that's how your life works - and sometimes it's a challenge our show trade members recognize. importance and strive to overcome any challenges to meet these requirements. They are proud…
Q&A with NA Nora, Vice President of Operations at CloserStill Media
LOS ANGELES — Nora Ellingwood has joined CloserStill Media in a new role as vice president of North American operations. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Ellingwood about her career, new role and keys to success in the events industry. Andrew: Can you describe your career? Nora: I started my career as a receptionist at MAGIC and quickly progressed to positions such as Marketing Coordinator and Account Manager. Through several acquisitions – first Advanstar, then UBM and finally Informa Markets – I had the opportunity to grow with the business, gaining new experience and responsibilities with each transformation. These experiences shaped my ability to deal with change and helped me develop the skills needed to manage large-scale operations and complex events. After working in the fashion industry for almost twenty years, I started my own consulting company. This chapter gave me the opportunity to expand my expertise by working with clients from industries outside of fashion, gaining valuable insights and…
A Closer Look: How Freeman’s Spark Built Siemens
Photo courtesy of Sparks Las Vegas—CES® 2025, hosted by the Consumer Technology Association®, will be held again in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, bringing together the most influential voices in the technology world . As a show covering more than 2.5 million square feet, CES welcomes a large number of exhibitors—reportedly more than 4,000 exhibitors across 12 official venues this year. One of the exhibitors, Siemens, partnered with Freeman's audiovisual team and agency Sparks to host the show in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. trade show director On-site met with Adam Charles, Chief Growth Officer of Sparks, and Stacey Gromlich, Senior Director of Audience Engagement and Global Events at Siemens, to discuss how to turn ambitious visions like Siemens’s into reality on the show floor where innovation and wow moments become the norm. Meet exhibitor goals through exhibition features Siemens partners with Freeman's AV team and agency Sparks to bring the CES® 2025 exhibit…
ECA announces 2025 elected officials and board of directors
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA) has announced its 2025 elected officials and board members. ECA's officers are elected by the Board of Directors for one-year terms ending on December 31, 2025: Hervé Sedky (Chairman), President and CEO of Emerald — on behalf of the Society of Independent Exhibition Organizers (SISO) Mark Bogdansky (Vice Chairman), Vice President of Trade Shows and Community Engagement, Auto Care Association — on behalf of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Chris Griffin (Treasurer), President and CEO, Crew XP — representing the Association of Experience Designers and Producers Fernando Fischer (Secretary), President, RX Americas – on behalf of SISO related. Exhibition and Convention Alliance releases 2025 Public Policy Agenda Additionally, the Alliance’s 2025 Board of Directors will provide fiduciary and strategic leadership to its Alliance partners: Mike Carlucci, COO, Clarion Events North America—on behalf of IAEE Beth Cowperthwaite (ex-officio), Senior Vice President, Communications, Emerald Janet Dell (ex-officio), Freeman CEO Martha…
Motor City Conference: Spotlight on Huntington Square
DETROIT, MI — Huntington Place, originally called Cobo Hall, opened in 1960 and is currently its 16th location, according to its websiteth The largest convention center in the United States with 723,000 square feet of total exhibition space. Like its home, the venue has undergone numerous improvements and revitalizations over the decades. trade show director Discuss what Huntington Expo Center and Motor City have to offer for business events and more with Bryan Crowe, CEO of the Detroit Area Convention Facilities Authority and regional vice president of ASM Global. Andrew: What are the recent improvements to Huntington Place? Brian: Huntington Square has undergone dramatic changes over the past year, signaling a new era in downtown Detroit. Currently, $550 million has been invested in Huntington Place. We received approval and broke ground on a JW Marriott hotel that will bring more than 600 additional rooms and additional parking to our vibrant downtown. Extending ASM Global's contract for a further five years…
The second edition of Cosmoprof Miami makes a strong appearance, with 800 exhibitors
MIAMI - Cosmoprof North America is returning to the Miami Beach Convention Center from January 21st to 23rd. The show has already surpassed the first show in February 2024, which had more than 19,000 attendees and 700 exhibitors. This year's Cosmoprof North America in Miami will have 800 exhibitors from 43 countries, a 17% increase from 2024. Exhibition area increased by more than 10%, which is another strong sign. The Miami facility provides opportunities for growth in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Two of the three new pavilions this year represent countries from the region: Colombia and the Dominican Republic. The Fiji pavilion also made its debut in Miami. Returning pavilions include Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain and Turkey. Show organizers have embraced artificial intelligence, offering an AI-powered matching tool called My Match that connects buyers with beauty brands and suppliers that match their goals. Registered buyers include a range of major retailers, from Bloomingdale's…
The evolution of the conference center: from sanctuary to cultural center,
pasadena — Just this week, as horrific fires devastated Los Angeles, convention centers showed they can do more than just host trade shows and business events. Hundreds of fire evacuees gathered at the Pasadena Convention Center to take shelter. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many centers converted into vaccination sites. In addition, some have become temporary field hospitals. Oregon Convention Center opens doors to homeless people. As these examples illustrate, conference centers are increasingly becoming multi-use public spaces. Photo Credit: Visit Pasadena “In addition to serving as physical marketplaces for meetings and conventions, convention centers are also important assets to their home communities,” said Kevin Hinton, managing director of group travel for the U.S. Travel Association. "While these facilities are the core of a meeting or event, attendee-related spending spans the ecosystem within the destination, from hotels and local restaurants to city attractions hosting special events, local transportation and retail. Increasingly, convention centers The inclusion of restaurants and retail outlets serving…
Maritz leadership digs deep into integration with CDS, new
CHICAGO — Event technology continues to be a top focus for trade show and event organizers as they seek a more seamless experience for their teams and for exhibitors and attendees at their shows. Maritz, a company designed to meet the demand for smoother journeys in 2025, now brings the acquisition of Convention Data Services under its brand. trade show director Chatted with Maritz leadership about the progress of the integration with Convention Data Services, their priorities for 2025 and what show organizers should focus on in 2025. Better together The integration of Convention Data Services (CDS) and the Maritz brand is ongoing and has been making significant progress since the acquisition was announced in July 2024. The transaction brings together two strong competitors and sets in motion an integration process that includes retaining the best of each company to continue delivering the strongest value proposition to customers. John Wahle, Chief Technology Officer, Maritz "We know that we will be…
CES 2025 spotlights innovation and progress in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES®), presented by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, takes place in Las Vegas in January and is known for its bustling exhibit halls, innovative products on display, insightful Keynote speeches and impactful connection building to reflect the technology landscape. July 10, 2025. From a numerical perspective At a pre-show press conference, CTA CEO Gary Shapiro said this year's CES will be bigger than in past years. This year's show spans an impressive 2.5 million square feet across 12 different venues. The theme of CES 2025 is “Dive In” and the show is full of futuristic and innovative technologies. According to pre-show data, there are more than 4,000 exhibitors at this year's CES, accounting for 58% of the total registrations. They are senior executives. This year's CES is indeed a gathering point for the world's most influential brands and technology voices. "When you travel around the world and watch other shows, you should…
CompuSystems announces plans to be acquired by WiSA
CHICAGO — It may be a new year, but acquisitions are still hot in the trade show and events industry. CompuSystems announced on January 8 that it plans to be acquired by WiSA Technologies, bringing new technologies, resources and opportunities to CompuSystems' customers. The planned acquisition is announced in conjunction with WiSA's recently completed purchases of ADIO® IP, Datavault® and other patents and applications using Web 3.0 and blockchain. This gives CompuSystems access to additional resources under the auspices of publicly traded WiSA and allows the company to explore market entry and growth potential outside of the events industry. This is expected to enable CompuSystems to leverage WiSA's data analytics expertise and technology to further enhance CompuSystems' platform and products, thereby accelerating innovation. Integrating CompuSystems' platform with WiSA's Datavault® and ADIO® technologies provides organizers, exhibitors and attendees with advanced data insights, proximate attendee targeting and enhanced tools. CompuSystems will operate as a division of WiSA, and its leadership team and…
Diversified celebrates 75th anniversary with new visuals
Portland, Maine — Celebrating 75th Anniversaryth To mark the anniversary, event organizers (formerly known as Diversified Communications) changed their name to Diversified and launched a new visual brand identity. Diversified is a global, third-generation family-owned company that organizes events such as the North American Seafood Expo and North American Seafood Processing, the International Work Boat Show, and the North American Solar & Storage Show. Dan DiLorenzo "This brand update signals to our customers, partners and employees that we are evolving with the diverse business communities we serve," said Dan DiLorenzo, director of digital marketing at Diversified. "It honors our heritage while providing a We position ourselves for the future... Diversified's global portfolio includes nearly 50 brands. Many customers recognize these individual brands first and then the diversified name. Our goal is to increase brand awareness when partnering with Diversified. It becomes synonymous with first-class experiences when doing business, whether in person or online. ” Comprehensive refresh DiLorenzo said the rebranding…
Trade show director accepts Trailblazer nominations
CHICAGO — The Trade Show Executive (TSE) is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025 Trailblazer Program. The deadline to submit nominations for this recognition program is March 11, 2025. The TSE Trailblazers Program recognizes, empowers and encourages the next generation of leaders in the trade show and exhibition industry. Project nominations are reviewed and selected by a panel of TSE editors and staff. Thanks to Connections Housing for sponsoring this program. The official 2025 Trailblazer categories will be announced on March 17, 2025. Inductees recognized for this recognition will be invited to attend the 2025 TSE Fastest 50 Awards and Summit in Orlando, April 30-May 2, and will have access to educational summits, exclusive networking opportunities and events, and the Fastest 50 Awards They will be recognized on stage at the gala. The 2025 TSE Trail Blazers will be recognized at this year's TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit. The Trail Blazers will also be featured in a…
Exhibition and Convention Alliance unveils 2025 policy
Washington, D.C. — with 119th 2025 is shaping up to be another big year in politics as Congress and a new U.S. President take office. The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the political voice of the events industry, has released its 2025 Public Policy Agenda outlining its priorities for the coming year. trade show director Speak with Tommy Goodwin, Vice President of ECA, to learn about the important issues and potential developments that are of concern to ECA. Taxation, workforce development and more ECA’s top priorities for 2025 include enacting pro-growth, pro-impact and pro-workforce development federal tax reform and preventing harmful state and local tax policies that unfairly target the trade show industry. With the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at the end of the year, lawmakers are looking for ways to offset the cost of expanding the policy, which could be about $4.6 trillion. ECA works to prevent these decisions from having a negative impact…
How to arrange a trade show?
CHICAGO — Choosing when to hold a trade show may be the most important decision an organizer makes — and picking the wrong date can have serious consequences. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Eric Jurado, independent producer of the Antojo Industry Trade Show, and Sheldon Kaye, CEM, vice president of events and technology at ConvExx, the power behind the Food Truck Owners Expo, to get tips on arranging a trade show. Find out when your most potential attendees are available. “Go talk to the industry and ask them when they want to do a show,” Jurado explained. "What's their availability? What's their buying season?" Sheldon Kaye “You really have to listen to what the industry wants,” Kay asserts. "It must be a slow time for them or they wouldn't show up. It doesn't work well for exhibitors, but as with any show, if you can prove that attendees are attending, exhibitors will make it work." Jurado knows firsthand the…
Major trade show organizers gather in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh — In December, the inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) brought together more than 1,600 global industry leaders from the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The exhibition is hosted by the Saudi Convention and Exhibition General Authority (SCEGA) and held at the Mohammed bin Salman Non-Profit City (MISK) in Riyadh. The summit marked a major milestone for the industry, announcing the launch of 12 major events in 2025. Leading organizations including RX, Messe München and Clarion have revealed plans to open offices in Saudi Arabia, signaling the region’s growing prominence in the MICE sector and trade show industry. Confirmed events for 2025 include: Money 20/20 (Information/Taharuf) FIBO (RX Global) World Refining Technology Conference Advanced Treatment Week Fire Station and Emergency Services Conference (horn) FSB Sports Show and International Hardware Show (Cologne Messe/DMG) host (Milan Fair) Arab (turtle) Saudi muscle show (Italian Pavilion) world industrial materials and World's most advanced packaging, printing and plastics (Kaon) IMS24 is just the…
The Venetian Las Vegas Resort Joins World of Hyatt
Las Vegas—— The Venetian Las Vegas resort is partnering with Hyatt Hotels Corp. to make its two luxury properties, which are popular with trade, available through Hyatt channels including Hyatt.com and the World of Hyatt mobile app Exhibition attendees are welcome. The Venetian and Palace will help Hyatt expand into the Las Vegas Strip. World of Hyatt members and eligible trade show planners will be able to earn and redeem loyalty points on qualifying stays and earn points towards Brand Explorer Awards. World of Hyatt elite members also enjoy additional in-hotel benefits. "Las Vegas has always been a favorite among World of Hyatt members, and our corporate customers are requesting higher room volumes than before the pandemic as this vibrant destination offers world-class entertainment and unique experiences," Hyatt Chief Commercial Officer Mark Vondrasek said in a news release that Sgt. “The licensing agreement with the Venetian Las Vegas adds 7,000 guest rooms and 2.25 million square feet of meeting space,…
Meet the women to watch in 2024: Jannat Choudhury
Chicago—— trade show director The (TSE) Women to Watch program was established in 2018 and annually recognizes outstanding female professionals in the trade show and exhibition industry. The Class of 2024 is made up of 10 industry professionals who have excelled in their work over the past year, and TSE spotlights each of them to hear their insights into their industry and careers. TSE spoke to Emerald Marketing Manager Jannat Choudhury, one of the women to watch in 2024, to learn more about her career, how to maintain a work-life balance and her advice on building a strong professional network. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Heaven: Like most people, my journey into the trade show/event industry was unexpected. I started my journey with IFAE in 2016 and three weeks later, I attended my first Expo! Expo! Located in Anaheim, California. I had a…
CES 2025: Expect AI innovations, robotics and more
las vegas — From January 7 to 10, CES® 2025 will gather in Las Vegas to showcase the innovations of more than 4,300 exhibitors. Key themes include artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, robotics and sustainability. Attendees and exhibitors will travel to Las Vegas from 160 countries, territories and territories, with 60% of registrations at the advanced level. “At CES, you can expect the unexpected and answers to your most pressing challenges,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, which owns and hosts CES. CES will be held in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10, 2025. Highlights include Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian's keynote address at the Sphere on Tuesday, January 7 at 4:55 p.m. Robots will be the focus of how they change the future. The next generation of humanoid robots is coming, including advanced artificial intelligence and human-like interaction. Another noteworthy keynote will come from Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X Corp, the world's…
The Young Professional’s Guide to Goals: Prepare Yourself
CHICAGO — As we enter a new year, it’s important to set or reevaluate professional and personal goals for the coming year. From SMART goals to the 5 Cs or 5 Fs of goal setting, there are many ways to keep your goals in check and set yourself up for success. Trade show executives took direction from leading business experts and sources to create a A Guide to Goals for Young Professionals Help launch efforts to achieve performance excellence in 2025 and beyond. set your goals When it comes to brainstorming your goals for the year (or any time period), many experts recommend starting with the SMART approach. Making sure your goals are smart means you make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Another imperative is to have a “why” behind your goals that aligns with your professional and personal values. Having a strong reason behind your goals will help you feel connected to the results you…
Trade Show Executive Year-End Announcement
CHICAGO — As the year comes to an end, trade show director (TSE) has compiled the upcoming deadlines and announcements to give you an idea of what's in store for 2025. Deadline for Golden 100 and Fastest 50 entries is approaching The deadline to submit entries for the Gold 100 and Fastest 50 programs is December 31, 2024. Don't miss your chance to participate in these prestigious rankings. Learn more about the following standards and programs: If you have specific questions about your entry, please contact Research Director Carri Jensen at: cjensen@tradeshowexecutive.com. Trade Show Supervisor Event Dates In 2025, we will host the Gold 100 and Fastest 50 Awards & Summit in spectacular locations. We hope to see you at one of these events later next year! If you are interested in learning more about TSE event sponsorship opportunities, please contact April Walsh, Vice President of Sponsorship and Engagement: awalsh@tradeshowexecutive.com. Are there people in the news? Send your newsmakers to…
CES® Tech Talks Podcast Enhances Iconic Events and More
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Consumer Technology Association's (CTA) CES® is one of the world's largest technology events, showcasing the latest innovations each year. Its mission extends beyond its showrooms, though—the CES Tech Talk podcast, launched in 2017, informs listeners about the latest technology trends and more throughout the year. trade show director (TSE) talks with CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio about how podcasts can benefit CES® and its audience. Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA President ANDREW: What was the inspiration for the CES Tech Talk? Kinsey: We want to engage our members, exhibitors and the broader CES ecosystem to create meaningful discussions around the technologies that shape our world. CES Tech Talks creates a platform to amplify the voices of industry leaders, sharing cutting-edge insights at CES and throughout the year. While you can see products at the show or catch conference programming at CES, we want to provide a space for real, in-depth conversations year-round to engage and inspire our community. CES…
Five festive facts about the Christmas Fair
MONROEVILLE, Pa. — For more than 20 years, individuals, business and city representatives and more buyers have gathered at the Christmas Fair to learn about the latest decorating technology and learn cutting-edge skills. The event includes a bustling vendor hall with programs for decorators of all levels and beyond, and is held annually in July. In 2024, it is located in Overland Park, Kansas. trade show director (TSE) caught up with Joyce Perhac, Christmas Fair chief elf and president of ProShow, Inc., the event's organizer, to get the inside scoop on the event's creation, impact and more. Christmas Fair launched in 2001 On a forum called PlanetChristmas, where users asked decorating questions and explored new products, the forum's original owner, Chuck Smith, was inspired to create an event where users could talk face-to-face. The original name was "Planet Lights Up Christmas" (referred to as "PLUS"), and later changed to "Christmas Expo". Smith chose to hold the event in the third…
“Twelve Days on the Tokyo Stock Exchange” 2024
The Society of Independent Exhibition Organizers (SISO) Annual CEO Summit brings together hundreds of executives from the trade show industry April 8-11 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Florida to High level education and networking. The number of registrations for this year’s SISO CEO Summit exceeded 300, returning to pre-pandemic levels.TSE held its annual Fastest 50 Awards and Summit at Resorts World Las Vegas from May 8 to 10, bringing together 185 registered attendees for impactful education and meaningful exchanges And lots of celebrations. The event kicked off with the annual awards ceremony, where this year's grand winners were announced as the Fastest 50 and Next 50 winners, and there was food and networking.JCK at RX attracted more than 17,300 attendees and more than 1,900 exhibitors at Venetian and Venetian Expo from May 31 to June 3, 2024. The show, which won the TSE's Greatest Trade Show of 2022 award at the 2023 Golden 100 Awards and Summit, added…
Meet the women to watch in 2024: Renee Gravelle
Chicago—— trade show director (TSE) Since 2018, the Women’s Watch program has been recognizing outstanding individuals for their contributions to their organizations and teams. This year, TSE is highlighting these 10 incredible women to watch to learn more about their careers and thoughts on the industry. TSE spoke with one of this year's most noteworthy women, Renee Gravelle, Director of Operations at Clarion Events, Inc., to discuss mentorship, advice for up-and-comers and how she avoids burnout. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Renee: I was a barista at a coffee stand in my hometown and two of my clients owned a specialty coffee trade show. They had an opening to handle content planning and I joined the team. MADDY: What skills have helped you move up in the organization? How do you perfect these skills? Renee: Organization is key. Staying organized is crucial, especially…
Visit the TSE Women’s Observation Group at the Expo! Expo! 2024
LOS ANGELES – At this year’s World’s Fair! Expo! , some of which trade show director (TSE) 2024 Women to Watch shared their insights into the events industry and some of the superpowers that have helped them rise to the top at the “Women to Watch: Emerging Leaders’ Perspectives on the Future of the Events Industry” educational conference. TSE's outstanding women are recognized for their professional achievements, industry influence and business acumen and celebrated at the annual TSE Gold 100 Awards & Summit. TSE Vice President of Sponsorship and Engagement April Walsh moderates the discussion between Jacqueline Retzer Director of Event Management Jacqueline Retzer toy associationAshley Kempson, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings and Convention Operations National Automobile Dealers AssociationNatalie Santiago, Digital Project Manager take overand Amanda Ciccatelli, senior director of U.S. event marketing at HLTHlearn about their strategies for success, advice for young professionals, and more. key skills First, panelists shared traits they believe contributed to their success. Santiago believes…
RSNA 2024: The future of radiology and artificial intelligence innovations
CHICAGO – The annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Scientific Congress and Annual Meeting in Chicago, December 1-4, underscored its reputation as a global center for radiology professionals, with nearly 40,000 attendees— —Five days of education, exploration and networking among radiologists, imaging scientists and industry leaders. This year’s theme is “Building Intelligent Connections,” emphasizing radiology’s unique relationship with artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence applications are strongly represented in science projects and throughout the exhibition hall. The AI Showcase is the premier place for attendees to network with more than 100 companies delivering next-generation radiology AI software and products, see first-hand the possibilities of AI in the RSNA AI Theater, and network with AI industry leaders and colleagues. "As the world's largest medical imaging forum, the RSNA Annual Meeting continues to offer unparalleled scientific programming, professional networking and a variety of opportunities for career development, as well as the latest medical imaging technologies and solutions designed to enhance patient care." John…
AeroDef Manufacturing 2025 will be co-located with three other plants
SOUTHFIELD, MI — AeroDef Manufacturing 2025Billed as “the most comprehensive event focused on advancing the aerospace and defense industry,” it is proving that there is strength in numbers. The program is presented by Small and medium enterprisesThe Nonprofit Association of Manufacturing Professionals will be held April 8-10, 2025 at Huntington Square in Detroit. It will be held concurrently with three other major industry events: SME and Rapid New Group’s RAPID + TCT, North America’s premier additive manufacturing event for additive manufacturing (AM) and industrial 3D printing; SAE’s signature mobility event, the World Congress Experience (WCX), highlighting advanced mobility innovation; and America Makes’ Spring Technical Review and Exchange (TRX), the nation’s leading public-private partnership for additive manufacturing technology and education. three day event — It originated in aerospace but has now expanded to land, air, sea and space — is a combination of technical exhibitions and educational sessions presented by manufacturing industry experts and aerospace and defense leaders. related. Preparation and…
RX launches guide to industry inclusive events
CHICAGO — RX has released an inclusive event guide for external use so organizers, associations and other stakeholders can learn about its strategies for promoting inclusive experiences at events. Broken into different stages of the event life cycle—pre-event, on-site, special events and education, networking opportunities, post-event, and speaker/panel prep checklist—the guide provides actionable strategies for each part of the show. It also goes a step further, giving tangible reasons for taking the action and providing first-hand accounts from program directors on how DEI efforts are impacting their programming. From creating a sense of belonging and community to mitigating business risks, integrating inclusion efforts into the overall business or consumer activities listed in the guidance can have many positive impacts. trade show director spoke with RX Director of Inclusion and Diversity Ray Rhodes to learn more about this resource and why industry stakeholders should check it out. MADDY: First of all, we've been hearing about DEI for a while, but there's…
ISC East grows through quality education and performance
CHICAGO — ISC East 2024, presented by RX and its primary sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), in partnership with the New York Chapter of ASIS, brings together the security and public safety industries for a premier event in the Northeast. This year's show reportedly had nearly 6,000 visitors, another year-over-year increase, with more than 200 exhibitors in the Javits Center's 31,000 square feet of exhibit space. ISC East also reported a 40% increase in participation in the SIA Education@ISC East programme. During this year’s planning, the ISC team worked with its newly formed SIA Education@ISC Advisory Committee, a team of industry experts to provide key guidance on emerging trends and relevant technologies to best plan for 2024. educate. The program has doubled in size from 2023, with the number of sessions increasing to over 70 and over 150 speakers. “At ISC Security Events, we know that trends and solutions in safety and security are constantly evolving, so we make…
2024 IAFE Conference & Trade Show Reports Growth
Phoenix, Arizona — The 2024 International Association of Expositions and Expositions (IAFE) Conference and Trade Show will be held December 1-4, 2024 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The show, which provides education and networking for agricultural (state and county) show professionals and the businesses that support it from around the world, is sold out this year. Exhibitors increased by 11.1%, resulting in an increase of 3,400 square feet (11.7%) of net sold area compared to 2023. "This growth can be attributed to the continued rebound in the events industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic," said Steve Siever, IAFE director of sales. "In addition, the overall trade show business continues to provide a value proposition to trade show guests. Community celebrations thrive in times of economic uncertainty. Development. When weather doesn't have an impact, we continue to see good numbers being reported by shows across the country as well as other regional shows." The theme for this year's…
Learn about ECA with Tommy Goodwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA) Vice President Tommy Goodwin is a tireless advocate for the events industry. trade show director Sit down with Tommy to learn about his start in the events industry, the benefits ECA brings to trade shows and how professionals can get involved. ANDREW: How did you get into the events industry? What keeps you there? Tommy: I'm a relative newbie - I've been in this industry for about three and a half years. I've been working in the advocacy and association world for about 25 years. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, the business events industry decided it needed to get more involved in promotional efforts. Before joining ECA, my expertise in this area was creating new projects or reinventing them. I met David Dubois, who was in charge of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® at the time, and connected with some of the people who were responsible for forming ECA…
How Private Label Trade Shows Keep Breaking Records
rosemont — The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Private Label Trade Show 2024, held Nov. 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, broke attendance records. It attracted 14,000 visitors from 60 countries and 1,821 exhibitors, including 700 first-time visitors. The total number of booths is 3,000, an increase of 15% compared to 2023. The show, titled "The Store Brand Phenomenon 2024 - Empowering Retail," was sold out. Participants explored new and innovative products in the food, health and beauty sectors. Within food, categories range from shelf stable, snacks and beverages to fresh, frozen and refrigerated products, while within non-food, categories range from beauty, personal care and over-the-counter medicines to household goods, kitchenware and pet care. As wine and spirits are a growth category for the industry, PLMA has expanded its wine and spirits store at the showroom. It also hosted an informational webinar for buyers and suppliers in September, followed by panel discussions during the show. Webinars aren’t the…
Meet the Women to Watch in 2024: Traci Hirst
Chicago— this trade show director (TSE) Women in Watch Class of 2024 is a distinguished group of up-and-coming women who are making a significant impact on their organizations through their work, from operations, marketing, pricing to sales. TSE spoke with one of the most noteworthy women of the year, Traci Hirst, head of sales at Informa Markets MAGIC, to learn more about her journey into the events space, how women can support each other in the industry and what the next big thing is for events. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Tracy: It's not a straight path at all, but it's a rewarding one! After college, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in fashion. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to do and not understanding the industry, I found an internship at a showroom and started my career. I have…
Carolina GCSA conference and trade show breaks records
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — In times of crisis, associations often become a source of connection and support for their members. After Hurricane Helene hit North and South Carolina in late September, many Golf Course Superintendents Association of the Carolinas (GSCA) member courses were damaged. Courses in the mountains of western North Carolina have been hardest hit, with some not reopening until next year and others possibly not opening at all. Still, the Carolina GCSA Conference and Trade Show went on as planned at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from Nov. 18-20, attracting 2,173 attendees — the highest number since 2013 . The number of exhibitors also broke records, with a total of 240 companies participating in the show. That's up from the high of 217 in 2017. More than 1,400 seminar seats have been sold, with topics ranging from lawn insect management to soil-borne diseases. related. 2024 IAEE Awards winners announced “From the courses, to the trade show to the…
CompuSystems agrees to acquire EventsPass
Lyle, Irene. — CompuSystems has agreed to acquire EventsPass, a platform specializing in advanced ticketing solutions for B2C and B2B events. A specific date for the deal to be finalized has not yet been provided, but it is imminent. EventsPass provides ticketing solutions for events of any size, simplifying the ticketing process and event management. The acquisition strengthens CompuSystems' product portfolio and reinforces its commitment to providing cutting-edge tools that enable event organizers to enhance the attendee experience and drive event success. "For computer systems, This partnership broadens our service offering, allowing us to serve industries and event types that have traditionally been outside our core focus, such as festivals, consumer events, and ticketed public events… by combining EventsPass’ ticketing tools with CompuSystems already has powerful integrations with its registration, lead retrieval and ticketing suite. “With the growth of analytics services, the company now offers event organizers a more complete solution,” said Mark LoGiurato, CEO of CompuSystems. “With EventsPass "This…
Meet the women to watch in 2024: Amanda Ciccatelli
CHICAGO — Women in the trade show and events industry are helping to drive our continued innovation and excellence. The Trade Show Executive's (TSE) Women's Watch program recognizes this through its annual winners category. TSE spoke with one of this year's most noteworthy women, HLTH US Senior Director of Event Marketing Amanda Ciccatelli, about her career, lessons learned and her thoughts on the future of trade shows and events. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Amanda: Interestingly, I always find myself drawn into events in some way. In college, I worked part-time in campus event management, my first job out of college was event coordination at a historic building in Connecticut's capital city, and then when I got my first marketing job, I was working at a technology company The marketing company works to host its own trade shows twice a year. Then Informa…
ISSA North America shows success for two consecutive years
LAS VEGAS — ISSA North America 2024, presented by Informa Markets in partnership with ISSA, the global cleaning industry association, brings together the global cleaning industry in November at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center with more than 180,000 square feet of exhibit space. This year was the first time the show was held in the same location as the previous edition and overall growth was good, reflecting the success of the location and venue. “ISSA Show North America 2024 saw a 5% year-on-year increase in exhibitor numbers, the highest level since the return to in-person events and an encouraging indication of the industry’s demand for a platform for continued face-to-face contact,” said show director Ed. Nichols. “We also hosted 138 new companies (43% more than last year), which is an incredible indicator of growth in new market interest and activity.” Promote exhibitor participation growth Nichols said the increase in exhibitors in 2023 is due to the ISSA Show team improving…
What challenges and trends do planners expect to face in 2025?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – From supply chain challenges to attendees’ changing destination preferences, planners are tasked with staying ahead of the curve when organizing events. As 2024 draws to a close, industry expert Catherine Chaulet, president and CEO of Global DMC Partners, the world's largest independent DMC network, offers her opinion on what planners can expect next year and a list of industry predictions for 2025. “Overall, the events industry is embracing a future that values intentionality, resiliency and sustainability, while balancing the transformative potential of technology with the irreplaceable power of human connection,” said Chaulet. “As planners navigate these trends, The focus remains on creating meaningful, forward-thinking events.” Destination preferences are changing based on factors such as changing attendee tastes, geopolitics and climate change. Chaulet said planners are looking for more diverse destinations, including more remote and exotic places around the world, namely in Asia, Africa and Latin America. People's tastes have also changed due to overtourism, as destinations are…
Lippman Connects appoints TSE as exclusive media partner
ARLINGTON, VA — Lippman Connects has named Trade Show Executive (TSE) as its exclusive media partner for the Lippman Connects Roundtable. Roundtables include seven events held throughout the year designed to bring event professionals together to discuss the best strategies for exhibit sales and attendee acquisition. These events are held year-round in Arlington, Virginia, and Chicago. “We know from years of ongoing surveys that the trade show professionals who participate in our roundtables and read TSE have a lot in common. Most importantly, they are relentlessly committed to excellence. By working together, both organizations are able to provide community with more of the insights and intelligence they’re looking for,” said Sam Lippman, President of Lippman Connects. As the exclusive media partner, TSE will provide the trade show and events industry with event information, follow-up coverage, highlights and announcements. "No media outlet reaches more executives, managers and professionals than TSE does at the Roundtable. Together with the Lippman Connects Roundtable, we…
How can augmented reality benefit trade shows?
CHICAGO — Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive technology experience that blends the real world with digital content. A popular example of this technology is Pokémon Go, which uses smartphone cameras to place virtual creatures in one's environment. Companies such as ray ban An AR "try-on" feature is also available, allowing customers to virtually test sunglasses, clothing, cosmetics and more products. Additionally, many business events are leveraging AR to create experiences that wow participants. Christopher Baron, Senior Director of Innovation, canada againhelped create the AR experience PwC Canadathis American Academy of Dermatologythis Professional Conference Management Association Canadian Innovation Conferencethis Canadian Marketing Association and more customers. Baron and trade show director Share what organizers should know about AR. Augmented reality can improve attendee engagement and exhibitor ROI. ANDREW: How can AR make business activities more effective? Chris: Multiple independent studies have shown that AR increases engagement on multiple levels. When content is delivered through AR, audiences are more likely to engage,…
Explore climate change and events with Helen Shepherd,
Chicago—Helen Sheppard, Director of Global Sustainability at RX, speaks trade show director An overview of how climate change is impacting exhibitions and how event professionals can successfully navigate this moment. ANDREW: How do you predict the impact of climate change on the events industry? Helen: We may already be seeing the effects of climate change on our activities. Extreme weather events do not necessarily occur more frequently in different parts of the world, but they are more severe. Scorching weather in India disrupted events and there were flooding in Dubai...unusual for the region. In the United States, tropical storms in Florida are causing damage. We must anticipate that these extreme weather conditions may cause disruption to our activities. I also think that the industries we serve are experiencing the negative impacts of climate change – that’s where the events industry can provide support, because we have the opportunity to help our clients address these challenges… (and) be a knowledge partner…
Explore climate change and events with Alexandra Failla
trade show director Chatted with Alexandra Failla, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Diversified Communications, to find out how climate change is impacting the events industry and provide advice for event attendees. ANDREW: How do you predict the impact of climate change on the events industry? Alexandra: Event organizers need to adapt to the impact of climate change on the events industry and the industries we serve. For example, an increase in severe weather events may cause disruption to event schedules, leading to event cancellations or restricted access to event venues in more vulnerable areas. Attendees expect and expect that organizers will adopt environmentally sustainable practices, and this need will only increase as environmental concerns increase. As concerns grow about dependence on fossil fuels, demand for energy-efficient travel options and alternatives will grow. Andrew: Based on your answer to the first question, how can organizers get ahead of or address the potential issues of climate change? Alexandra: Event organizers can address the…
TSE Trends Report: Climate Change and Events
CHICAGO — Sixty-five percent of respondents to a survey by the International SOS Foundation said their organizations have been impacted by extreme weather in the past five years. As the impact and importance of climate change increase, trade show director (TSE) spoke to two sustainability thought leaders – Helen Sheppard, Global Sustainability Director at RX, and Alexandra Failla, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Diversified Communications – to discuss how global warming is challenging the events industry, and how professionals can succeed. How will climate change affect events? Activity interruption Helen Sheppard, RX Global Sustainability Director "Extreme weather events are not necessarily happening more frequently, but they are more intense," Shepard said. "The intense heat in India has disrupted activities and we've had flooding in Dubai... which is unusual for that part of the world. . Across the U.S., tropical storms are causing damage in Florida." Failla shared a similar sentiment. "An increase in severe weather events may cause disruption to event…
Meet the women to watch in 2024: Jackie Retzer
CHICAGO — Women in the trade show and events industry are helping to drive our continued innovation and excellence. The Trade Show Executive's (TSE) Women's Watch program recognizes this through its annual winners category. TSE spoke with one of this year's most noteworthy women—Toy Association Director of Event Management Jackie Retzer—about her career, lessons learned, and her thoughts on the trade show and event landscape. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Jackie: While I never planned to get into the trade show industry, I’m so glad I did! I interned at a PR firm during college and then got a job offer from the Toy Association. Here I am tasked with helping run the annual Toy of the Year Awards Night. As time went on and I took on more responsibilities, this is where my love for activities really began! After a while, the…
CEIR Q3 2024 Index Results Show Exhibition Growth
DALLAS – The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its third quarter 2024 index results, a measure of overall exhibition performance, which indicate growth in the U.S. B2B events industry. “The third quarter index results demonstrate the industry’s continued recovery, with exhibitors and exhibition spaces leading the way,” said CEIR Vice President of Research IPC Nancy Drapeau. “However, attendance is lagging and needs to be monitored. According to Oxford University, high Travel costs may lead organizations to send fewer employees, hoping that as costs come down, more will be sent.” Key statistics related. Stats showing plateauing – TSE dashboard records flat third quarter performance According to CEIR, the index's results are consistent with the performance of the U.S. economy - annualized GDP growth of 2.8% in the quarter, personal consumption expenditure deflator growth of 2.3% year-on-year, and real disposable income growth of 1.6% annualized - despite high Interest rates remain a risk. CEIR believes the United States will…
Uncover the secrets of the high-impact Hosted Buyer Program
CHICAGO – Hosted buyer programs and personalized pairings at trade shows and events are more important than ever as attendees, exhibitors and sponsors expect high return on investment from participating in events and are accustomed to curating and A culture where efficiency is the standard. It's all about serving your community. trade show director Speak with HLTH, Inc. Investor and Network Executive Nancy Mastroianni to learn how her team elevated HLTH's Managed Buyer Program to the next level by understanding the keys to success: technology integration, enthusiasm, pragmatic staffing, and clear thinking new level. Strategy. Key Components of a Successful Hosted Buyer Program When considering implementing a hosted buyer program at an event, organizers need to gain a deep understanding of attendees’ needs and expectations from both a sponsor’s and a buyer’s perspective. “Events are no longer a transactional business; it’s a business. We’re about building strategic relationships. Our business is about driving value,” Mastroianni said. As an organizer, Mastroianni…
Clarion Events North America promotes Liz Irving to CEO
SHELTON, Conn. — Clarion Events North America has promoted Elizabeth (“Liz”) Owen from president to chief executive officer. During his tenure as president, Owen helped the company open new revenue streams and doors to impactful business opportunities and instilled a culture of accountability and collaboration. Irvin will continue to report to Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America, and will oversee all divisions except the newly formed Clarion Connect division. “Clarion’s success has always been rooted in the creativity, passion and dedication of our employees,” Irving said. “My goal is to continue to foster a culture of innovation, inclusion and excellence – one that inspires everyone to bring their best ideas forward. As we navigate an ever-changing environment, my top priority is to empower The team is able to deliver exceptional value to our clients through meaningful experiences, cutting-edge solutions and a relentless focus on results. "I see Clarion as not just a business, but a catalyst for progress.…
Meet the women to watch in 2024: Anita Y. Mui
CHICAGO — Since 2018, trade show director (TSE) annually recognizes a select group of women who are helping to shape the future of the industry through its Women Watch program. The Class of 2024 is an exceptional group of up-and-coming women who are making a significant impact on their organizations through their work, from operations, marketing, pricing to sales. TSE spoke with one of the most noteworthy women of the year, RX US Director of Strategic Pricing Anita Y. Mui, about how she ended up in the events world, her strategies for avoiding burnout, and why strategic pricing was the perfect choice for her. MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected? Anita: I was laid off from my position as a Senior Financial Analyst in the healthcare industry in 2010 at a time when there was massive cost cutting across the industry. I was lucky…
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