Leadership Structure Preserves Brand Continuity
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has outlined its integration strategy following the acquisition of Exhibitor Group, establishing a new Exhibitor Group Division under General Manager Stephanie Gibbs, CTSM. The division will oversee 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.
Gibbs emphasized the strategic alignment of the integration: "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."
Historic Event Merger Set for IAEE's Centennial
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 timing coincides with IAEE's 100th anniversary celebration, creating what the organization describes as the industry's most extensive gathering of organizers, exhibitors, suppliers and stakeholders.
"This fusion of the ecosystem is a powerful symbol of our united industry," Flanagan stated. "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 integration provides exhibition organizers and corporate event marketers with expanded access to industry resources. These include enhanced advocacy efforts, exhibit-specific intelligence through research and benchmarking data, and professional development through both CTSM and Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) programs.
IAEE, established in 1928, represents organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide. The organization positions itself as the largest association in the exhibitions and events industry globally, advocating for face-to-face exhibitions as a primary medium for business development.
Exhibitor Group, based in North America, produces EXHIBITOR magazine and operates EXHIBITORLIVE, described as the industry's premier conference for trade show and corporate event marketing professionals. The organization founded the university-affiliated CTSM certification program.
Based on reporting by Exhibitor Magazine. Read the original article.