Las Vegas, NV – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) closed its Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting and Exhibition on Wednesday after hosting 2,496 attendees (pre-audited figures) and a sold-out exhibition. The expo, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, featured 270 exhibitors using roughly 41,100 net square feet of exhibition space. Next year’s show is 40% sold out with 69 contracts to date.
New technology and new faces were everywhere on the show floor and in the sessions. Pre-audited figures indicated 25% of attendees were first-timers. The meeting also welcomed 151 new CEMs (60 of whom were at the meeting); honored 13 individuals with IAEE’s various awards; inducted a new chairman and new board members; and announced new ideas and initiatives.
Tuesday was China Friendship Day to recognize the expansive business role and friendship that IAEE’s leaders and members have with Chinese organizations and show producers. Chinese dragon dancers closed the main event session by leading attendees to Expo! Expo!
Three main areas of focus will mark the upcoming year for IAEE’s 2008 Chairman, Randy Bauler, CEM, who is corporate relations and exhibits director for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Bauler unveiled his three goals: expand volunteer participation; encourage and market a drug-free workplace; and “educate and celebrate.”
IAEE’s President Stephen Hacker announced that membership in IAEE has climbed to 8,109 members, and at the present rate of growth, IAEE expects to reach 10,000 members by December 2009.
For the complete report, see the January issue of Trade Show Executive.
