On Feb. 24, leaders from 17 trade associations will convene in Atlanta for what will be their second all-exhibition-industry summit, the groups announced this week.
The first all-industry summit took place in October 2011 in Irving, Texas, and was attended by 27 representatives from 16 trade associations. Its objectives were to: bring volunteer leaders of key industry organizations together in order to promote long-lasting and meaningful inter-organizational communications; explore current business processes so that all parties clearly understand each other's internal practices in an attempt to dispel incorrect assumptions; seek new opportunities for joint action to address issues that can enhance the exhibition experience for exhibitors and attendees; and lay a foundation for continuing dialogue.
The objective of February's meeting will be to "advance discussion about key industry issues identified at the first meeting and establish the framework for ongoing engagement by the organizations."
"Further defining the key industry issues identified at the first meeting will be an important step for the industry," said Exhibit Designers and Producers Association President Emeritus Rob Cohen. "There are many differing viewpoints as was evidenced in the October summit, but if the collaborative spirit remains strong, I feel confident that progress will happen."
Added Exhibition Services & Contractors Association President Chuck Grouzard, "Industry leaders shared open and candid dialogue at the first summit, and together we established an open forum to identify some initial industry concerns and observations; I am hopeful that when we meet again we will be able to roll up our sleeves and identify realistic short-term and long-term solutions to shared concerns."
Each participating organization has been invited to send to the one-day event — dubbed the "Exhibition Industry Summit II" — elected leaders who participated in the first summit, as well as an additional, paid staff member to provide their "unique organizational knowledge" as the process of industry collaboration becomes more detailed.
The organizations attending include: American Business Media (ABM); United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America; Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); Corporate Event Marketers Association (CEMA); Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA); Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA); Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA); Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA); International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM); International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (ICEEM); International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA); Major American Tradeshow Organizers (MATSO); National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS); Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO); and Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA).