IAEE's Midyear Meeting Sees 20-percent Increase in Attendance

June 5, 2012

Twenty-percent more attendees took advantage of the sessions and networking opportunities at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Midyear Meeting May 31-June 1 in Washington, D.C.

"This meeting is all about intimate engagement," said IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, FASAE.

He added, "As opposed to Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, this meeting is smaller by design to allow attendees to really connect in a way that you simply cannot do among 2,000-plus attendees. It is a great building block not only in terms of networking but also for the education opportunities available."

IAEE's Midyear Meeting offered education sessions to nearly 300 attendees that addressed the latest technology and social media, best practices, return on investment strategies, marketing approaches and liability issues.

For attendees who wanted to pursue their Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), courses also were offered during the two-day event.

In addition, the Krakoff Leadership Institute and Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute program and IAEE’s Sales Academy certification program were held during the event.

Here are some of the sessions that attendees took part in:

“Risk vs Reward: Considerations for Buying and Selling a Show” – presented by Doug Ducate, president and CEO, Center for Exhibition Industry Research

“Best Practices and New Trends Driving New Revenue Through Sponsorship” – presented by Melinda Kendall, vice president of business development, Freeman

“For the Public Events Community: What Keeps You Upat Night?” – moderated by Eric Udler, president of All Show Services, with panelist Alyson Caplan, Marketplace Events and  Denise Medved, The Metropolitan Entertaining & Cooking Show

Click here to see videos taken during IAEE's Midyear Meeting.

Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, on tap Dec. 4-6 in Orlando, is the next big event on the association’s calendar, and people are able to find more information by clicking here.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.