The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) celebrated another highly successful ‘ Expo! Expo! IAEES ANNUAL Meeting & Exhibition held from 28-30 November 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. This event attracted more than 2,000 attendees representing 21 countries (pending verified audit) to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, “The response we have received to this year’s meeting has been outstanding,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “The diverse education offerings on and off the show floor combined in-depth learning experiences with palatable snippets of expertise that attendees can apply to their own shows. And, of course, the business connections made at Expo! Expo! gave attendees the opportunity to enter the new year with positive and renewed energy for a successful 2018.”
IAEE’s annual conference kicked off on Tuesday, 28 November with preconference education, the Opening General Session and the CEM Class of 2017 Presentation. IAEE recognized this year’s 252 graduates to date of the CEM Learning Program (international courses are still taking place), who joined the ranks of the more than 2,600 CEMs worldwide who have earned and maintained their designation. Keynote speaker Ryan Estis closed the session by inspiring audience members to engage in personally connecting with their clients and colleagues in ways that translate to a successful and meaningful business model. The Expo! Expo! show hall featured 274 exhibitors in more than 39,000 net square feet of sold exhibit space. Attendees closed the evening at the Opening Reception where they enjoyed networking and entertainment on the beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk.
The General Session on Wednesday, 29 November featured motivational speaker Valorie Burton who challenged attendees to apply positive psychology to their business and personal dealings. That evening, attendees helped raise $15,000 at the ninth annual Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause for Boysville, a local organization that provides children in need with shelter and education opportunities. Attendees also donated much needed items such as clothing, toiletries and toys.
The Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 30 November recognized graduates of the IAEE Robert L. Krakoff Leadership Institute, 20 Under 30 honorees, Platinum Circle inductees, winners of IAEE’s Art of the Show Competition, Helen Brett Scholarship recipients and Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund grant recipients. The recipients of IAEE’s individual awards were also honored with a special presentation.
2017 IAEE Chairperson Ryan Strowger, CEM recapped IAEE’s successes during the year, then passed the gavel to 2018 Chairperson Daniel McKinnon, CEM who discussed his vision for the coming year. McKinnon discussed the importance of continuing IAEE’s advocacy efforts, expanding learning experiences and determining the course of future marketplaces for exhibitions and events. Expociety, the closing event for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2017, provided attendees with the perfect platform to further develop connections made at the event, as well as create new ones that will flourish at next year’s meeting. Expo! Expo! IAEES ANNUAL Meeting & Exhibition will be held 11-13 December in New Orleans, La. at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
