Leadership Structure Established for Integration
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has completed its acquisition of Exhibitor Group and announced the formation of a new Exhibitor Group Division. Stephanie Gibbs, CTSM, will serve as General Manager of the division, overseeing the complete portfolio of Exhibitor Group brands including EXHIBITOR magazine, EXHIBITORLIVE, and the Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) certification program.
"We're committed to preserving what makes these brands invaluable to our industry while enhancing their reach and impact through IAEE's global network," said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. "Stephanie's leadership ensures that the quality and innovation our community expects will not only continue but flourish."
Historic Event Consolidation Planned for 2028
In a significant development, IAEE announced plans to integrate EXHIBITORLIVE with Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition in December 2028 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The merged event will coincide with IAEE's 100th anniversary celebration, bringing together organizers, exhibitors, suppliers and stakeholders in what the association calls an unprecedented industry gathering.
"This fusion of the ecosystem is a powerful symbol of our united industry," said Flanagan. "Bringing these two premier events together into one location to mark IAEE's centennial year creates an unparalleled opportunity for connection, learning and celebration."
Expanded Resources for Industry Professionals
The acquisition creates expanded benefits for corporate event marketers and exhibition organizers, including enhanced industry advocacy, exhibit-specific intelligence, and access to IAEE's global network. The integration maintains both the CTSM and Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) programs as professional development standards.
"This moment is about more than integration – it's about alignment," said Gibbs. "By uniting Exhibitor Group's deep expertise in education and engagement with IAEE's global platform, we're creating a more connected, informed and empowered industry."
About the Organizations
IAEE, trusted since 1928, represents the world's largest association of exhibitions and events industry professionals. Its membership includes organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide. Exhibitor Group operates as North America's leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education, producing EXHIBITOR magazine and EXHIBITORLIVE conference.
Based on reporting by IAEE. Read the original article.