You know that feeling when you walk into a space that’s absolutely electric with possibility? Where the air buzzes with fresh ideas, cutting-edge innovations and the kind of energy that only happens when the brightest minds in the exhibitions and events industry come together in one place? That’s exactly what awaits you at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition! If you’ve never experienced Expo! Expo! before, you’re in for ONE EPIC EVENT on 8-10 December 2025 in Houston, Texas.
ONE EPIC EVENT That Changes Everything
Expo! Expo! isn’t just another trade show or networking event. It’s THE PLACE TO BE for show organizers to discover what’s possible when you dare to dream bigger.
What makes Expo! Expo! truly EPIC?
It’s where everything you thought you knew about organizing events gets turned upside down in the best possible way. This is where you’ll experience activations that you will want to implement at your own shows, discover behind-the-scenes strategies that industry trailblazers are using to exceed attendee expectations and walk away with a roadmap that speaks directly to your goals.
The First Timer Advantage: Your VIP Experience Awaits
If you’ve never attended Expo! Expo! before, you may qualify for IAEE’s Show Organizer First Timer Program, which is designed to make your inaugural experience absolutely unforgettable. Here’s what makes this opportunity so valuable:
Incredible Value Investment
Get full access to everything Expo! Expo! offers at a fraction of the cost. While regular member registration is $1,099, First Timers pay just $299 if you register by the BE SMART deadline on 17 October (or $499 after 18 October). That’s access to every learning session, the entire show floor, networking receptions and all general sessions.
Your Personal Welcome Mat
IAEE rolls out the red carpet with exclusive First Timer experiences that include a virtual orientation session, a special breakfast and a dedicated reception. Plus, you’ll have access to the First Timer Lounge – your home base for complimentary refreshments and connecting with fellow newcomers.
Three Ways to Maximize Your Expo! Expo! Experience as a Hosted Buyer
#1: Reimagine How You Build Your Events
Leave everything you think you know about event organizing at the door. At Expo! Expo!, you’ll see the latest trends and tactics in action through hands-on experiences that spark fresh ideas for your own shows. From tech solutions that will take your attendee engagement to new heights, to planning tools that turn complexity into simplicity, you’ll discover innovations that will inspire and invigorate your upcoming shows.
#2: Make the Ultimate Networking Playground Work for You
Great events happen when great people connect, and Expo! Expo! is built for exactly that. This isn’t just about collecting business cards – it’s about finding your tribe, swapping game-changing ideas, and forging partnerships that elevate both you and your events. Expo! Expo! energy is contagious, and the connections you make will continue paying dividends long after you return home.
#3: Turn Infinite Possibilities Into Your Reality
The First Timer experience includes exclusive meetings with exhibitors during show floor hours – your golden ticket to discovering solutions you didn’t even know you needed. Each conversation could be the key to solving a challenge you’ve been wrestling with or introducing you to a tool that revolutionizes your process.
Program Requirements & Commitment
To ensure you get the maximum value from this transformative experience, the Show Organizer First Timer Program includes specific participation requirements:
Qualification Requirements
- Must have never attended Expo! Expo! before
- Must maintain active IAEE membership through January 2026
- Space is limited, therefore IAEE reserves the right to limit opportunities
Mandatory Participation Elements
- Virtual Show Organizer First Timer Orientation (date and time to be announced)
- Show Organizer First Timer Breakfast: Tuesday, 9 December at 7:30 AM CT
- Show Organizer First Timer Reception: Wednesday, 10 December at 3:30 PM CT
- At least one visit to the Show Organizer First Timer Lounge during operating hours
- Four (4) scheduled exhibitor appointments during show floor hours, including one with Map Your Show
Important Note: Participants who don’t fulfill all program requirements, including the mandatory exhibitor appointments, will be charged the full registration rate of $1,099. Those who don’t meet qualifying criteria can still register as regular attendees.
What Others Are Saying
There’s a reason Expo! Expo! is THE PLACE TO BE. Here’s what previous attendees who have enjoyed Expo! Expo!’s Show Organizer First Timer experience have to say about it:
“Really enjoyed the First Timer program, there were a vast array of different attendees that participated.” – Rebecca Smith | Senior Event Manager | Etherio
“Loved the first timer program! It was awesome and I got to connect with so many great people!” – Madison Crawley | Manager of Event Sales | American Clean Power
“Expo! Expo! provided excellent education sessions and the exhibit floor had a good mix of all the suppliers I wanted to meet.” – Josh Henry, CMP | Meetings Manager | SPIE
“Overall, Expo! Expo! and the First Timer Program were great!” – Jeremiah Alger | Housing & Registration Manager | National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America)
Ready to Take an EPIC Step Forward?
The Show Organizer First Timer Program offers an incredible opportunity to invest in your future, expand your possibilities and connect with a community that understands your challenges and celebrates your successes.
Exhibitions and events are moving faster than ever, and staying ahead of the curve means being where the future is being shaped today. At Expo! Expo!, you’ll learn how industry leaders are rethinking event delivery, scaling their operations and consistently exceeding expectations through proven strategies you can implement immediately. Don’t let this opportunity to be part of ONE EPIC EVENT pass you by!
