What are the big issues affecting your association's members?
They vary from generating attendance at their upcoming events, to working with exhibitors, facilities and labour unions, to maintaining and gaining momentum established by their event, to the impact of national media coverage on government employees attending events, to potentially selling their event during a time of economic recovery. Depending on the event, its audience, location, attendees and sector, show organisers face issues that are unique to their event and deal with each issue proactively.
Are you seeing more of your members trying to set up business overseas, or entice international buyers to help grow their business?
From the international travel I have done over the past six to eight months, I can confirm that there is interest in setting up events overseas and engaging international attendees to participate in these events. IAEE has been very supportive and communicative about the Visa Waiver Program for the past decade, and we support the advocacy initiatives made by the US Travel Association on behalf of the industry because it is imperative that attendees from all countries connect to share thoughts and ideas for success. The economic impact of the global exhibition industry is more than $100 billion and continues to grow as a result of people connecting face-to-face at exhibitions to do business.
What advice would you give to international organisers looking to set up or operate events 
in the US?
I would encourage international organisers to join IAEE and take advantage of the brainpower of more than 8,000 individuals in the network who may want to set up events outside of the US. The power of the global exhibition industry can be seen through idea exchange, communication and connections which will ultimately reduce or manage the risk associated with setting up events outside of one's native country.
What does your association hope to achieve in the next 12 months?
We have several strategic initiatives built on two pillars that are focused on promoting the primacy of face-to-face events as well as educating and engaging members for their own successes. Collectively, with the board of directors, staff, chapter leaders and existing members, we want to encourage involvement and create a network of exhibitions and events industry professionals who collaborate for solutions and growth.
This was first published in issue 3/2013 of EW. Any comments? Email
exhibitionworld@mashmedia.net
