After a series of strategic planning meetings over a two-year period, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Board of Directors is realigning its resources to focus more clearly on the mission of the organization: producing industry-leading research on the exhibitions and events industry. As a result, CEIR will not only work more closely with International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ to produce forward-looking research in collaboration with the CEIR Research Committee, but also CEIR President Brian Casey will be stepping down in January. “I am honored to have led CEIR for the last three years,” said Brian Casey, CEM. “Over that period we have updated the CEIR Census, which is the basis for the CEIR Index and responded to many press calls from trade and business media requesting data. CEIR has been able to provide data to destination marketing organizations and convention centers to justify new builds and expansions. We launched a new website with a new look and better functionality, including adding an Event Performance Analyzer and an Economic Impact Calculator tool." He added, "A new blog has also recently launched with industry thought leaders contributing their insights on where the industry is headed. Perhaps my proudest accomplishment is producing three very successful CEIR Predict Conferences, with the 2016 event holding the largest attendance, the proceeds of which help to fund research. Working with CEIR has been a very good run for me.” CEIRF Chairperson of the Board of Directors Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern said, “Brian’s background in the exhibitions and events industry and his fresh approach have brought CEIRF’s research to a higher level. We will miss him in this role and we wish the best for him.” The intention of this overall organizational shift, according to CEIR officials, “is to simplify governance, fundraising and administrative responsibilities.” Also with IAEE, CEIR plans to grow existing relationships with related industry organizations and continue producing CEIR Predict, the industry’s annual outlook conference. CEIRF will remain a nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation with the Chairperson-Elect of IAEE serving as the Chairperson of the CEIR Foundation Board of Directors. CEIR’s Research Director Nancy Drapeau will remain in the position and she will continue to work with the CEIR Research Committee to identify research needs and conduct research. A 2017 calendar of research has been developed with the first study being released in Q1 2017. IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP will add the title of CEO of the CEIR Foundation and she will be responsible for driving CEIR’s future strategy. Breden has worked with CEIR since 2006 and has been with IAEE since 1995. A CEIR Project Manager will be hired to work with Breden, Drapeau and other staff. IAEE Chairperson Julie Smith, CEM, CTA said, “We are honored to have been entrusted with the CEIR Foundation and we are committed to continuing the excellent work and valuable research CEIR produces. We have the perfect person to assume the CEO role of the foundation. The IAEE Board of Directors, IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, Cathy and I are all confident that this realignment will only enhance the mission of CEIR into the future.”