New events, business locations, educational offerings and research reports are some of the most recent developments keeping the trade show industry a-buzz this month. Here’s our latest roundup of the latest industry news in brief to keep you in-the-know.

Women in Exhibitions World Summit Announces Second Edition

Following the success of its inaugural edition in The Netherlands last June, Women in Exhibitions (WIE) announced its second Women in Exhibitions World Summit, taking place Nov. 18-19 at I Chiostri di San Barnaba in Milan, Italy.

Dedicated to empowering and advancing women professionals in the global exhibitions and events industry, the summit will build upon the previous edition’s success by further elevating conversations surrounding gender equality and leadership in the exhibitions industry, according to WIE officials. 

With the theme of “Building bridges, breaking ceilings,” the event will include keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops. Participants will have the opportunity to gain insights, share experiences and network with fellow professionals committed to driving positive, sustainable change, according to WIE officials.

“We are thrilled to announce the upcoming second edition of the Women in Exhibitions World Summit,” said Oana Cipca, senior business development manager international exhibitions, MECC Maastricht, who is WIE founder. “Following the overwhelming success of our inaugural event, we remain committed to empowering women professionals and championing diversity within our industry. We look forward to welcoming participants from across the globe as we continue our collective journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.” 

Fondazione Fiera Milano and Fiera Milano are providing support for this summit, which will mark the creation of the Italian Chapter of Women in Exhibitions. 

Launched in 2018 to support the continued professional development of women working in exhibitions and provide opportunities for them to meet and network, Women in Exhibitions currently has six international chapters operating and new chapters are being launched progressively. TSNN’s VP Content Danica Tormohlen serves on the executive committee of the North American Chapter of WIE. 

Further updates on the 2024 Summit’s speakers, agenda and registration details will be announced soon.

2024 CEIR Index Forecasts Full U.S. Exhibitions Industry Recovery in 2026

On April 24, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) released its 2024 CEIR Index Report, which analyzes the U.S. B2B exhibition industry’s performance in 2023 and provides an economic and exhibition industry forecast through 2026. The resilient trade show industry is on track to make a full post-pandemic recovery in two years,  according to the report.

“Despite the expectation of moderating economic growth, the exhibition industry is poised to gain from the intrinsic business value of face-to-face participation,” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, which produced the report in partnership with CEIR. “The Index showed renewed momentum in exhibition activity at the end of 2023 and our models indicate continued growth through the forecast horizon with full recovery in 2026.” 

As an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry, the CEIR Index measures year-over-year changes in four key metrics to determine overall performance: net square feet (NSF) of exhibit space sold, professional attendance, number of exhibiting companies and gross revenue, and provides data across 14 key sectors, including: 

• Business Services
• Consumer Goods and Services
• Discretionary Consumer Goods and Services
• Education
• Food 
• Financial, Legal and Real Estate 
• Government 
• Building, Construction, Home and Repair 
• Industrial/Heavy Machinery and Finished Business Inputs 
• Communications and Information Technology 
• Medical and Health Care 
• Raw Materials and Science 
• Sporting Goods, Travel and Entertainment 
• Transportation

“The Index is grounded in consistency with government-reported data based on a variety of data sources,” added CEIR CEO Cathy Breden. “Tourism Economics has augmented the analysis with the incorporation of additional data sources that more fully capture the visitor economy serviced by our industry, and you will see that the report is communicated in an easily digestible and visually appealing format.” 

To purchase the complete 2024 CEIR Index Report or individual sector reports, go here. For more insights into the report, read CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau’s blog post here.

HERITAGE Opens New Production Facility in San Diego Area

Nationwide general service contractor and event production company HERITAGE opened its latest full-service production facility in Chula Vista, Calif., which is located minutes from San Diego area meeting and convention venues like the San Diego Convention Center, Gaylord Pacific, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Hotel del Coronado, Town and Country San Diego, Sheraton San Diego Hotel and more. 

Offering a comprehensive range of exposition services, including event design, print production, carpet, furnishings, logistics and technology solutions, the new facility will enhance HERITAGE’s capability to offer premium trade show and conference event experiences, streamlining its operations in the region while enhancing its ability to deliver industry-leading customer service and products, according to HERITAGE officials.

“Our San Diego facility brings our unique brand of creativity, efficiency and quality to a proven and fast-growing market,” said John Bettag, HERITAGE senior vice president - business development. “It’s a testament to our dedication to growing alongside our client partners while continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in event production, enabling amplified support of our client partners throughout the greater Southern California market, including Long Beach, Los Angeles and Anaheim.”

The expansion is the culmination of a long-planned strategic move that will enable HERITAGE to support its existing national client base while bringing a locally based event solutions partner to meet the growing demands of the San Diego and Greater Southern California events industry, added HERITAGE President Ryan Yemm. 

“The opening of our San Diego facility marks a significant investment in the region and an important milestone in our continued growth strategy complementing our existing network across the nation,” Yemm said.

IAEE Launches New Exhibitor Relations CEM Course

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has added a new Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) course designed to help show organizers understand how to partner with exhibitors to ensure their success.

Joining IAEE’s roster of 11 CEM courses covering key event production topics, “Exhibitor Relations” sheds light on the root causes of exhibitor pain points and what systems, processes and solutions show organizers can implement to address exhibitors’ unique needs. 

“Understanding the intricacies of exhibitor relations is not just beneficial – it’s essential,” said Exhibitor Relations Instructor and The Exhibitor Advocate Executive Director Jessica Sibila. “The Exhibitor Relations course has been meticulously crafted to arm the show organizer with critical insights into the unique challenges exhibitors face.”

She continued, “The course provides practical solutions to implement cost-effective strategies and discover untapped areas for revenue generation. Show organizers that enhance their exhibitors’ experience and partner with this critical stakeholder group will be better positioned for long-term success.”

The course is currently being offered virtually and will take place June 11 and Oct. 3. 

Aluvision Opens Las Vegas Showroom and Parts Depot

Modular trade show exhibit systems manufacturer Aluvision opened its third specialty showroom and first-ever parts depot in Las Vegas, which is located 20 minutes north of The Strip. 

Stocked with Aluvision components like connectors, frames, full-length corner profiles and puck lights, the fully operational depot can provide emergency support or last-minute parts and accessories for exhibitors working Vegas-based trade shows, while the showroom houses an extensive array of Aluvision’s sustainable, modular systems and event design solutions. 

Beyond samples of Aluvision’s vast range of profiles, corner accessories and various powder-coated color options, guests can see and even step into some of Aluvision’s immersive LED innovations at the showroom, which will be regularly updated with the company’s latest advancements and new products.

According to Aluvision officials, the Vegas showroom is open to anyone interested in learning more about Aluvision’s products and processes, and event designers and sales executives are welcome to bring their clients to the new location. 

“Our aim is to demonstrate the limitless combinations and elegant design that Aluvision systems offer,” said Dirk Deleu, co-founder of Aluvision alongside Ann Vancoillie. “As we continue to innovate and engineer new solutions, we will update this showroom along with our others so that customers can physically experience the Aluvision difference.”

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