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An unprecedented all-exhibition industry summit meeting involving twenty-seven representatives of sixteen associations met at the Irving Convention Center, Irving, Texas on 6 October 2011. The objectives of the organizers -the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), and the Society of Independent…
An unprecedented all-exhibition industry summit meeting involving twenty-seven representatives of sixteen associations met at the Irving Convention Center, Irving, Texas on 6 October 2011. The objectives of the organizers -the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)- included:
Bringing volunteer leaders of key industry organizations together in order to promote long-lasting and meaningful inter-organizational communications.
– Exploring current business processes so that all parties clearly understand each other’s internal practices in an attempt to dispel incorrect assumptions.
– Seeking new opportunities for joint action to address issues that can enhance the exhibition experience for exhibitors and attendees.
– Laying a foundation for continuing dialogue.
According to ESCA President Chuck Grouzard, Senior Vice President of National Sales, Global Experience Specialists (GES), “it looks like we accomplished important progress on each of our objectives based upon the comments that I heard at the end of the day. When asked to describe the experience using only one word what we heard was ‘collaborative, intriguing, consensus, dynamic, interesting, enlightening, exploring, and bold to share just a few.”
Vinnie Polito, Chairman of IAEE, Managing Director of VP International agreed, “there were clearly significantly different points of view exchanged during the day, but we also found a lot of common ground and the basis for creating some innovative solutions going forward. I would say almost everyone in attendance seemed encouraged and motivated to continue our work together when the day ended.”
The group identified five key actions that were thought essential to improve and grow the exhibition industry through their collaboration:
– Continue the dialogue and commitment
– Advocate on behalf of the industry
– Build industry understanding
– Explore & develop recommended industry standards
– Establish vision.
Sean Guerre, Chairman of SISO, President/CEO of Access Intelligence LLC observed that, “the real value of this event is to recognize that all of us, no matter whether we are event organizers, facility management, general service contractors, exhibit designers and producers, organized labor, event marketers or exhibitor appointed contractors, live in the same very connected eco-system. We owe each other the obligation of support and cooperation. This Summit opens new doors in that regard and that is very exciting and promising for the entire exhibition industry.”
Rob Cohen, President of the EDPA, Vice President of Display Supply & Lighting, Inc. added, “this is a very important cross road for all of us. It is the first time I can remember when the broadest spectrum of interests in our industry came together voluntarily to begin crafting solutions to the challenges that we must address. We are all connected to each other and must actively collaborate with each other to make the exhibition experience as robust as it can be.”
The group agreed to meet again to continue its work. A date and site are now being investigated. IAEE has agreed to host a social gathering of the group on Wednesday 8 December during its annual event, Expo! Expo! in Las Vegas.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
