As I proudly embark upon my year as IAEE Chairperson, alongside my fellow board members, I am enthusiastic to fulfill our charge of amplifying the trade show industry’s collective voice, fostering vibrant professional communities, and creating pathways for continuous learning and development. It is also my sincere pleasure to work with IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM in developing a vision that builds on IAEE’s strengths while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation. 

IAEE’s mission to globally promote the unique value of exhibitions and events remains unwavering. This year we are expanding our focus to support organizers who produce smaller to mid-size shows as well as those who serve the healthcare sector, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities these segments face. We announced earlier this week that the Organizer Insights Summit and Half-Day Healthcare Forum will be held on June 25, the day prior to the IAEE Leadership Institute. 

Another area I’m eager to dive into speaks to IAEE’s dedication to building community. Community is at the heart of what we do – as an industry and as the association that serves that industry – and something I am passionate about. We’ll be growing and strengthening connections among our members because we recognize that strong communities foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and business growth. 

I love seeing members connect through the many channels IAEE offers, whether it be attending chapter meetings/events/meetups, or delving into IAEE MemberLink chats, or participating in the various community Insights Hours held each month. These activities create invaluable opportunities for expanding networks, exchanging concerns and solutions, and learning from each other. The feedback we receive reflects that we are filling a need and a want that aligns with our commitment to connection. 

Of course, every community needs effective advocacy and representation. We know that our industry plays a vital role in driving economic growth and facilitating commerce across the globe. Working with the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), we are dedicated to ensuring our industry’s interests are upheld in policy discussions with U.S. government leaders, especially since we have a new administration. 

We will address sustainability challenges, navigate complex regulatory environments, and promote the economic impact of our industry throughout the year. However, participating in Legislative Action Day on May 29 is paramount because it offers us the chance to meet face-to-face with policy makers. If anyone understands the power of face-to-face, it’s our industry, right? So, I expect a great turnout as we’ve had every year. 

When speaking of face-to-face, you cannot deny that innovation and technology represent both a challenge and an opportunity for our industry. It behooves us to embrace today’s digital transformation yet maintain the irreplaceable value of our in-person interactions. Although IAEE launched its digital renaissance before my tenure, I strongly support tapping into resources and developing partnerships that help our members leverage emerging technologies to enhance their event experiences and ROI. It’s no secret that today’s tech journey is a sprint that requires the stamina of a marathon. 

Naturally, technology and data go hand in hand, which is why I am thrilled to be a part of the evolution of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) to a department within IAEE. This strategic alignment will streamline our efforts and strengthen our industry through enhanced data and insights. The launch of CEIR’s Organizer Benchmarking Survey and the Symphony BI tool will provide our members with valuable business intelligence to optimize their strategies and make informed decisions. 

The next generation of industry professionals remains crucial to our long-term success. We will continue to work outside of the industry with educational institutions and the Department of Labor as well as within the industry through our mentorship, scholarship, and grant programs to not only attract new professionals but also nurture upcoming leaders that will take our industry to new heights. 

These are exciting times for our industry and an amazing time to serve as IAEE Chairperson. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of shaping our future and am 100% in for where we’re headed! I’m confident that IAEE will continue to lead the way in advancing exhibitions and events and look forward to working together to make 2025 a landmark year. 

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