The Power of Balanced Forecasting

What makes Predict truly different is its comprehensive approach to industry intelligence. The conference combines two critical elements that most industry events treat separately:

• Quantitative Foundation: Hard data from the CEIR Index provides the metrics that matter most – square footage trends, exhibitor participation rates, attendance patterns, and revenue trajectories. This data-driven foundation ensures decisions are grounded in measurable reality.
• Qualitative Intelligence: Thought leadership insights explore the human factors driving exhibition success, from evolving attendee engagement patterns to emerging user experience expectations. These qualitative elements provide the context that transforms raw data into actionable strategy.

This powerful combination delivers the complete picture that industry leaders need to make strategic decisions with genuine confidence.

A Lineup Designed for Strategic Advantage

The 2025 program brings together world-class experts across multiple disciplines, each offering unique insights into the forces shaping our industry’s future:

Global Economic Intelligence

Dr. Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist at Stifel Nicolaus, will provide comprehensive macroeconomic analysis, covering everything from growth projections to monetary policy implications and their direct impact on exhibition businesses.

“The exhibition industry operates at the intersection of global commerce and economic trends, making it uniquely sensitive to macroeconomic shifts,” said Piegza. “Understanding the broader picture of today’s fast-changing economic environment – from Federal Reserve policy decisions to international trade dynamics – isn’t just valuable, it’s essential for strategic planning. I will be breaking down the complex economic indicators that directly impact exhibition businesses, translating macro-level trends into actionable insights that can inform everything from venue investments to event timing decisions.”

Industry-Specific Market Analysis

Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics Company), will present the latest CEIR Index insights, demonstrating how to leverage sector-specific data for more accurate forecasting and opportunity identification.

“The exhibition industry is facing heightened uncertainty as trade policy affect corporate investment decisions,” said Sacks. “At the same time, CEIR Index fundamentals point toward resilience. I’m looking forward to delving into the latest data and identifying areas of opportunity and exposures to downside risk for individual sectors.”

Geopolitical Risk Navigation

Jonathan Wood, Principal with Control Risks, will map the complex terrain of global risks affecting exhibitions, from supply chain disruptions to regulatory changes and market volatility that could impact international events.

“Given the current geopolitical disruptions, exhibition organizers cannot treat international events as business as usual,” said Wood. “From sudden visa restrictions or conflicts that can derail major trade shows to supply chain disruptions that impact everything from booth construction to catering, the risks are real and costly. I will map out the specific geopolitical flashpoints that could impact your business events in the next 18 months – and more importantly, show you how to build resilience into your planning before crisis strikes.”

Experience Economy Mastery

Jim Gilmore, co-author of “The Experience Economy” and co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP, will reveal how to design experiences that transform time into your most valuable currency, creating deeper connections with all stakeholders.

“The term ‘experience’ has been familiar to practitioners in the exhibitions and events industry for decades,” said Gilmore. “I hope to provide CEIR Predict participants – both those who have not read ‘The Experience Economy’ and those who have read it – useful perspective on the myriad ways to apply experience-thinking, as well as some practical tools for designing truly engaging experiences.”

Power Shifts and Storylines: Navigating Global Change and Media Influence

Nicholas Johnston, Publisher of Axios, will join Global Leadership Expert and Geopolitical Strategist Dr. Sam Potolicchio, for an essential conversation about navigating our fast-shifting business environment. Drawing from frontline insights in global policy and cutting-edge media trends, this session will provide attendees with critical tools for understanding emerging challenges and opportunities that will empower executive leaders to guide their organizations through complexity with strategic vision and unwavering confidence.

“In today’s hyperconnected world, the events that shape headlines on Monday are reshaping business strategies by Friday,” said Johnston. “The organizations that rise to the top are those with leaders who excel at reading the signals, understanding the deeper currents and positioning their organizations ahead of the curve.”

Predictions for the Future of Business and Exhibitions

Dr. Sam Potolicchio, President of the Preparing Global Leaders Forum, will close Predict by examining the convergence of global political, social and environmental forces reshaping the business landscape, revealing what they mean specifically for the exhibition industry. His strategic analysis goes beyond surface-level trends to uncover the deeper shifts that will determine which organizations will thrive in the next five years. He will also provide a candid assessment of his previous year’s predictions, analyzing both the forecasts that materialized and those that missed the mark, offering valuable insights into the unpredictable nature of today’s strategic planning.

“The companies that thrive in the next five years won’t be those with the biggest booths, but those whose leaders understand the fundamental shifts in how commerce actually works,” said Potolicchio. “I will reveal the business model changes that are already reshaping our industry, often in ways that catch organizers completely off guard.”

The Strategic Imperative

Last year’s Predict conference covered critical topics including economic impacts, geopolitical risks, AI applications and election implications. The 2025 agenda builds on these proven foundations while introducing new perspectives essential for navigating tomorrow’s challenges.

Attendees consistently report that Predict provides them with insights they can’t find anywhere else in the industry, helping them make strategic decisions that position their organizations ahead of the curve rather than reacting to changes after they happen.

In an industry where success increasingly depends on anticipating change rather than reacting to it, the CEIR Predict Conference offers something invaluable: the ability to see around corners. Top industry executives understand that competitive advantage belongs to those who not only understand what happened, but are fully prepared for what’s coming next.

Ready to gain your competitive advantage? Click here to learn more and register for the 2025 CEIR Predict Conference.

The post CEIR Predict Gives Today’s Leaders Tomorrow’s Competitive Edge appeared first on IAEE.

The latest Performance Benchmark Playbook for Small B2B Exhibitions  offers valuable insights from small exhibition organizers across North America. It uncovers an industry segment that has not only adapted to post-pandemic realities but is growing, thanks to a strategic mix of compelling content, digital integration and enhanced show services. To find out what offerings align with higher net profit margins, you are encouraged to download the report.

The playbook provides essential performance benchmarks, enabling small event organizers to compare their results with peers. It also highlights specific offerings and key metrics that correlate with stronger outcomes in net profit, growth in attendance, exhibit and space sales, showcasing innovative ways small exhibitions are delivering exceptional value to both exhibitors and attendees.  It discusses the importance of location selection for events that rotate locations, its impact on overall event performance outcomes. Teaser alert: results urge caution, urging factoring in attendee interests and needs when considering prospective locations. It also details the profitability of international events versus those whose geographic scope are domestic.

Financial Performance Defies Expectations

Perhaps the most striking finding from the research is the financial resilience of small exhibitions. Despite operating with significantly smaller budgets and attendee bases than their mega-show counterparts, two-thirds of small B2B exhibitions are maintaining positive net profits through strategic resource allocation and financial discipline. Benchmarks breakdown the distribution of gross revenues by exhibit sales, sponsorship/advertising, attendee fees, hotel commissions and other sources. This detailed breakdown of gross revenues by category is new, not available via other sources.

Recovery and Growth Momentum

While the exhibition industry’s pandemic recovery has been uneven, the study provides encouraging evidence that small B2B events are finding their footing. The trajectory is clearly positive, with organizers reporting year-over-year improvements in attendance, exhibitor participation and financial performance.

Though the Outlook is Positive, Storm Clouds Are Forming Prompting a Need for Organizers to Have a Game Plan for Real-Time Monitoring of Key Metrics to Maximize Outcome Results for 2025 Events

Though the majority of organizers are optimistic, they also register concern about a range of macroeconomic factors that might drag down performance of 2025 events. Four out of 10 or more small event organizers indicated concern that negative headwinds from inflation, travel costs and U.S. trade tariffs may negatively impact their events. The CEIR Q1 2025 Index Quarterly Report documents that these factors have negatively impacted events that took place from January to March. These headwinds are a call-to-action to organizers to have the right metrics in place to monitor in real-time. Pivoting while sales and marketing campaigns are in play may be a must have to maximize success in 2025. This is true for events of any size and be a more pressing need depending upon the sectors served by an event.

Unlocking the Complete Picture for Small B2B Exhibition Organizers – First-Ever Offering

The complete Performance Benchmark Playbook for Small B2B Exhibitions contains detailed financial benchmarks, specific performance metrics, operational insights and actionable recommendations drawn from comprehensive survey data. Exhibition organizers and industry professionals seeking to understand this dynamic sector will find invaluable guidance for strategic planning and performance optimization.

The playbook provides complementary insights and benchmarks to the CEIR Index. This particular report is likely a first-time ever analysis for small event organizers. For organizations looking to launch new exhibitions, optimize existing events or understand the competitive landscape, this research provides essential foundation for informed decision-making.

Click here to access the Performance Benchmark Playbook for Small B2B Exhibitions, available as a complimentary download for IAEE members and $249 USD for non-members.

The post Small Shows, Impressive Profits: Why Intimate B2B Exhibitions are Succeeding appeared first on IAEE.

The data presented paints a challenging picture for the exhibition industry: attendance in Q1 2025 has dropped 8.9% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with only 5 of 15 tracked industry sectors exceeding their pre-pandemic performance. This reflects broader economic uncertainties, as the CEIR Total Index forecast now indicates a slower recovery trajectory than previously projected.

As Adam Sacks noted during the presentation, some of the data had been updated the night before the webinar since timing is critical in an environment where economic sentiment, inflation metrics and tariff impacts shift weekly, sometimes daily.

Despite seeing some positive economic indicators including real income growth, tax cut extensions and healthy corporate balance sheets, consumer confidence remains near historic lows. Exhibition organizers are contending with mounting pressure from rising tariffs, persistent inflation concerns, increasing unemployment and ongoing supply chain disruptions.

So, what can exhibition organizers do in this challenging environment? The experts recommend three key strategies:

• Focus on core U.S. markets that align closely with your event’s value proposition
• Explore adjacent market segments with potential crossover value or unmet demand
• Position your event as the sector’s convening hub where industry members can collaboratively address challenges

One of the webinar’s most compelling revelations was that simply tracking key performance indicators strongly correlates with better overall performance. Exhibition organizers who measure Net Promoter Score (NPS) from both exhibitors and attendees, monitor retention rates across all participant groups, and track new acquisition metrics consistently outperform their peers, even before implementing improvement strategies.

As Nancy Drapeau emphasized during the session, “Tracking performance outcomes isn’t just good practice, it measurably improves strategic planning and event results.”

The data revealed several important insights about performance tracking:

• Events that track NPS consistently report better profitability, booth sales, attendance, and rebooking rates
• Even when the NPS scores themselves aren’t particularly high, organizers who track this metric outperform peers across multiple indicators
• Tracking exhibitor retention has been directly linked to higher floor growth across events of all sizes

The message is clear: in uncertain times, data clarity provides a competitive edge.

For exhibitions and events professionals seeking additional insights, the new CEIR Index Dashboard offers real-time industry benchmarks. Click on the video below for a quick preview of the invaluable data available through the dashboard that can be used to strategically navigate today’s highly fluid marketplace:

In June, CEIR will launch its Performance Benchmarking Playbook Series, which will also provide detailed analytics on financials, staffing, exhibitor outcomes and attendee engagement metrics.

Tap into more CEIR research here, and for questions about implementing KPI tracking or applying industry data to your specific event, contact Nancy Drapeau at ndrapeau@ceir.org.

Click here to view the on-demand recording of Where Is the B2B Exhibition Industry Now? What is the Outlook? How to Plan When the Business Environment Keeps Changing!

The post Real Industry Challenges and What to Do About Them appeared first on IAEE.

The eighth and final report in CEIR’s Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor series, How Organizers Evaluate Outcomes and Future Outlook, looks at how exhibition organizers measure success and envision the future of attendee-exhibitor engagement.

At the heart of any successful B2B exhibition lies meaningful engagement between attendees and exhibitors. This report reveals that organizers are acutely aware of assuring their events deliver on this fundamental expectation, with an overwhelming majority actively evaluating the outcomes of their engagement efforts. Most conduct post-show evaluations, while approximately half monitor activity in real-time during events. These evaluations encompass both quantitative measures of participation volume and qualitative assessments of attendee sentiment.

A noteworthy finding is organizers’ commitment to continuous improvement with nearly all respondents identifying specific areas they aim to enhance in future exhibitions. Many are exploring innovative approaches including the integration of digital tools, analytics to help guide how to enhance personalization of experiences. There is also growing interest in adopting year-round engagement strategies that extend beyond the confines of the exhibition floor.

In an experience-driven economy, attendees increasingly expect memorable interactions that transcend traditional business objectives. How Organizers Evaluate Outcomes and Future Outlook indicates that a significant portion of organizers recognize this shift and are working to enhance the entertainment aspects of floor engagement while simultaneously supporting networking, product interactions and learning opportunities.

When seeking fresh ideas, organizers draw inspiration from multiple sources. To learn which sources are used, read this new report.

By understanding how organizers evaluate success and plan for the future, stakeholders across the exhibition ecosystem can better position themselves for continued relevance and growth in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Reports in the Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor Series are available as a complimentary download for IAEE members, and cost $49 USD for non-members.

Gain deeper insights into current best practices and future trends in attendee-exhibitor engagement by downloading Part Eight: How Organizers Evaluate Outcomes and Future Outlook here!

The post Struggling with How to Evolve Floor Engagement on Your Show? Here Are Some Ideas to Break Your Creative Block! appeared first on IAEE.

The business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions and events industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and few people understand these changes better than Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC and Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks.

In their CEIR Webinar: B2B Exhibition Industry Update – Thriving Amidst Uncertainty on 25 March, they will be analyzing Q4 2024’s economic indicators as well as exploring innovative approaches in attendee engagement. They will also be sharing a sneak peek at insights from CEIR’s upcoming organizer benchmarking study and what they mean for the industry’s future.

In this exclusive interview, we explore their assessment of current economic factors affecting the B2B exhibition landscape, proven strategies for maximizing engagement on the show floor and key findings from CEIR’s latest research along with their practical implications.

In analyzing Q4 2024’s economic data, what is the most significant trend that emerged in the B2B exhibition space, and how might this impact event organizers in the coming year?

Adam: The exhibition industry finished off the year strong: The CEIR Total Index hit its highest mark in more than five years. The recovery in exhibitor participation and real revenues drove fourth quarter performance, registering just 0.1% and 1.1% below 2019 values. At a time of uncertainty, the strength of those two metrics and the strong performance of exhibition space (as measured by NSF) throughout 2024 points to a resilient industry. It’s both encouraging and a little surprising to see these measures strengthening even as attendance remains more than 10% below pre-pandemic levels.

You will explore both positive and negative economic factors. Could you give us a preview of one significant challenge and one promising opportunity that you will be discussing in more detail?

Adam: Lagging attendance continues to be a challenge. The attendance index registered 12.9% below 2019 in Q4 and 10.2% behind pre-pandemic levels for all of 2024. Economic policy poses potential headwinds for the U.S. exhibition industry as tariffs would be inflationary and cut down on international trade. This would lead directly to lower corporate profits and higher travel costs.

On the positive side, consumer spending is expected to remain the main growth driver in 2025, buoyed by a sturdy job market, rising wages and rising household wealth.

You will be discussing best practices for show floor engagement. What is the most common mistake exhibition organizers are making when trying to facilitate meaningful connections between attendees and exhibitors?

Nancy: The biggest mistake is not having enough show services or engagement options on the show floor that will support exhibitor overall goals for exhibiting. CEIR research reflects that 96% of exhibitors report attendee engagement tactics aim to influence their overall goals for exhibiting, whether it is to generate leads, achieve branding objectives or something else.

A majority of exhibitors that aim to achieve specific performance metrics say their attendee engagement tactics are highly effective in influencing them. For example, those aiming to hit a target for generating qualified leads or media impressions rate attendee engagement as highly effective in helping influence a successful outcome. Consultative selling and/or helping exhibitors invest appropriately to achieve their overall goals for exhibiting is key.

Based on CEIR’s findings from its most recent organizer benchmarking study, what is one counterintuitive finding that challenged your previous assumptions about successful B2B exhibitions?

Nancy: At the time of this interview, this survey is still in the field. Therefore, any insights are preliminary. One discovery is that how organizers assess attendee and exhibitor sentiment and/or satisfaction with a participating is not necessarily based on capturing NPS (Net Promoter Scores). That sentiment metric is more popular and used by large trade shows.

ROI (return on investment) measurement remains a top priority for all stakeholders. What is one key metric from your research that suggests B2B exhibitions are becoming more valuable for companies?

Nancy: In my opinion, the word ‘ROI’ is overused, particularly when discussing value for investing as an exhibitor. ROO (Return on Objective) might be a more appropriate measure for assessing the outcome of exhibiting.

If an exhibitor is launching a new product or aiming to boost/reinforce brand awareness, the better measure is ROO. The ROI metric implying sales generation really depends on the sales cycle for a given product being promoted. An immediate discernment of whether sales revenue generation has been achieved is more likely to happen for shows that are showcasing/selling products immediately available for purchase, such as consumer goods shows or even in industrial manufacturing shows selling supplies to intermediary manufacturers, etc.

So, the answer isn’t that one measurement is top priority for all stakeholders. Instead, the metrics depend on what an exhibitor aims to achieve. CEIR’s latest engagement report series indicates that exhibitor engagement on the exhibition floor is highly effective in influencing a number of specific performance metrics to evaluate outcomes relating to ROI or ROO.

Click here to register for CEIR Webinar: B2B Exhibition Industry Update – Thriving Amidst Uncertainty and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here.

The post CEIR Update on Economic Trends, Engagement Evolution and What’s Next for B2B Exhibitions appeared first on IAEE.

This strategic approach serves multiple purposes by keeping attendees engaged on the floor between booth visits, providing additional value to participants and offering exhibitors new sponsorship opportunities that align with their marketing objectives.

The research shows that exhibition floor learning has evolved in recent years. Where traditional education sessions were once relegated to meeting rooms outside the exhibition area, today’s exhibition organizers are bringing learning directly to the exhibition floor action. This shift recognizes the fundamental needs of attendees who seek not just products and networking, but meaningful learning experiences that enhance their professional development.

Exhibition Learning Activities Outside Exhibit Booths examines which learning formats generate the highest attendee engagement. Interactive sessions that address professional development, industry trends and new product innovations appear to resonate strongly with participants. The report explores various session formats, optimal lengths, and ideal participant sizes to provide organizers and exhibitors with practical guidance for implementation.

For exhibitors considering sponsorship of these learning opportunities, this report offers strategic insights into aligning these investments with specific marketing goals. Whether seeking to enhance brand visibility, generate qualified leads, or position as an industry thought leader, the data suggests certain approaches may yield better results than others.

The research is based on comprehensive surveys of both exhibition organizers and exhibitors active in the North American B2B exhibition market, providing a balanced perspective from both sides of the equation. This dual viewpoint strengthens the reliability of the findings and ensures the recommendations are grounded in practical experience.

In an industry constantly seeking innovation while maintaining core value propositions, this research provides timely guidance for creating exhibition experiences that truly deliver on the promise of people, product and learning engagement.

Reports in the Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor Series are available as a complimentary download for IAEE members, and cost $49 USD for non-members.

Optimize your exhibition floor learning strategies by downloading Part Seven: Exhibition Learning Activities Outside Exhibit Booths here!

The post Reimagining Education: How Learning Spaces are Transforming Exhibition Floors appeared first on IAEE.

The report identifies engagement strategies that are proving effective in the post-pandemic environment. As the B2B exhibition industry continues its strong recovery, understanding these dynamics is important for both organizers and exhibitors to monitor.

Results indicate a majority of organizers are actively providing product engagement opportunities in common areas. These spaces are strategically designed to complement, rather than compete with, traditional exhibit booths. The research shows that exhibitors who take advantage of these opportunities are seeing meaningful results in terms of attendee engagement.

The study also highlights the emergence of interactive and experiential engagement strategies. While traditional product showcases remain important, the report indicates that hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences are gaining significant traction among attendees. The research also explores an emerging trend in the use of social media and brand influencers to enhance product promotion and attendee engagement.

New product showcases and competitions continue to play a vital role in the exhibition ecosystem, with the report providing fresh insights into their effectiveness and implementation. The research examines various formats for these showcases and offers guidance on maximizing their impact for both organizers and exhibitors.

Exhibition Floor Product Opportunities Outside Exhibit Booths also delves into the strategic use of pavilions and various amplification techniques that can help maximize buzz on an exhibition floor and help extend the reach of exhibition floor activities to the larger industry audience that may monitoring an event’s activities via social media. These findings are particularly relevant as exhibitions adapt to changing attendee expectations and communications preferences.

For organizations looking to enhance their exhibition strategies, this report offers evidence-based insights that can help inform decision-making about product engagement investments. The full report includes detailed data on attendee usage patterns, exhibitor participation rates and organizer offerings across various engagement formats.

Reports in the Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor Series are available as a complimentary download for IAEE members, and cost $49 USD for non-members.

Dive into the strategies that maximize interaction opportunities between attendees and exhibitors beyond the exhibit booth by downloading Part Six: Exhibition Floor Product Opportunities Outside Exhibit Booths here!

The post Ignite Product Engagement on the Exhibition Floor appeared first on IAEE.

Drawing from her extensive experience at tech giants Amazon and Microsoft, Russell offered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in AI development, while emphasizing the critical importance of building inclusive and responsible AI systems.

The Human Side of AI Development

Russell began her session with a powerful demonstration of AI capabilities through a deep fake introduction that set the stage for a discussion about AI’s rapid advancement. She shared her personal motivation for entering the AI field, driven by her son’s Down syndrome, and her desire to make technology more accessible. This human-centered approach has influenced her work, from developing Alexa at Amazon to training large language models at Microsoft.

Creating Inclusive AI Models

In discussing the development of AI systems, Russell emphasized the crucial role of intentional data collection and early decision-making in shaping AI models. She stressed that addressing biases and ensuring inclusivity must begin at the earliest stages of development. Through various anecdotes from her career, she illustrated how human intervention and continuous improvement are essential for creating AI systems that truly serve all users.

Ethical Considerations and Security Challenges

Russell shared compelling examples of AI vulnerabilities, including instances where systems were manipulated through creative approaches. She recounted how a journalist used a personal story to extract sensitive information from an AI model, highlighting the importance of robust security measures. The concept of “red teaming” – ethical hacking to test AI systems – was presented as a crucial practice for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The solution, she emphasized, lies in establishing clear guardrails and maintaining clarity of thought in AI system development.

Implementing AI with Core Values

When it comes to implementing AI within organizations, Russell strongly emphasized the fundamental role of core company values. She pointed to examples where even tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon faced failures in AI projects when they strayed from their core values. The key to successful implementation, she suggested, lies in understanding and addressing risks specific to each organization rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.

To demonstrate practical implementation, Russell shared how organizations can build effective AI systems using simple tools like whiteboards and enterprise versions of ChatGPT, proving that successful AI implementation doesn’t always require complex technical resources – instead, it requires clear thinking and strong alignment with organizational principles.

Environmental Impact and Future Challenges

Russell addressed growing concerns about AI’s environmental impact, particularly regarding energy consumption by large models. She discussed how AI can be part of the solution by optimizing energy usage and supporting sustainable practices. Looking to the future, she touched on the emergence of quantum AI and its potential implications for current encryption methods, emphasizing the need for continued investment in cybersecurity measures.

The Path Forward

In her closing remarks, Russell called for a balanced approach to AI development that prioritizes both technological advancement and human needs. She stressed the importance of asking difficult questions and maintaining human oversight in AI systems. Organizations must remain adaptable and informed about AI developments while ensuring their implementation strategies align with core values and prioritize responsible practices. She emphasized organizations guide their AI journey through responsible development, security considerations and strategically applying the human element.

Save the date for next year’s Predict Conference on 11-12 September 2025 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Stay tuned for more details here.

The post Noelle Russell Shares the Ins and Outs of Building Safe and Inclusive AI appeared first on IAEE.

This study reflects that nearly all exhibition organizers (97%) offer networking opportunities in common areas, with 55% of exhibitors sponsoring these spaces in the past two years, further transforming exhibition floors into dynamic engagement zones.

Savvy exhibition organizers are exploring how strategic networking opportunities in common areas can transform the exhibition experience. Food and beverage areas are particularly potent, with both organizers and exhibitors agreeing that these spaces generate high attendee engagement and create natural networking environments.

Lounges have emerged as critical spaces, with about half of organizers reporting high attendee use in areas designed for impromptu meetups, relaxation and specialized networking. From key buyer lounges to areas with WiFi and relaxation spaces, these strategic zones are reimagining how professionals connect.

Exhibition Floor Networking Opportunities Outside Exhibit Booths highlights that attendees expect personalized experiences. While only a minority of shows offer specialized experiences like matchmaking or fan-based interactions, these options see surprisingly high attendee engagement. Live concerts, picture-taking areas and one-to-one appointment settings are also becoming innovative tools for creating memorable networking moments.

Are you curious about how top exhibitions are leveraging networking spaces? How are organizers balancing attendee experiences with exhibitor objectives? Exhibition Floor Networking Opportunities Outside Exhibit Booths offers comprehensive insights that could revolutionize your approach to exhibition engagement. For professionals in events, marketing and B2B sales, this report offers a strategic roadmap for the future of exhibition networking.

Reports in the Maximizing Attendee and Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor Series are available as a complimentary download for IAEE members, and cost $49 USD for non-members.

Get the complete picture of curating next-generation exhibition networking experiences by downloading Part Five: Exhibition Floor Networking Opportunities Outside Exhibit Booths here!

The post Networking Magic Happens on the Exhibition Floor appeared first on IAEE.

As a long-time member of the exhibition industry who has helped my exhibiting clients achieve greater sustainability since 2008, I was asked to write this article for the CEIR blog to explain recent developments that can help exhibition industry members increase sustainability.

Exhibitor’s sustainability practices were briefly covered in a recent CEIR report, 2024 Maximizing Attendee Exhibitor Engagement on the Exhibition Floor, Part 1. The survey showed there is some interest in exhibiting more sustainably, with 33% of exhibitors reporting they made one or more choices to be more sustainable. Certain segments reported even great sustainability, such as 44% of most active exhibitors and 45% of Consumer Goods and Retail Trade exhibitors. Also, the report shared passionate statements from multiple exhibitors that included significant sustainable exhibiting practices.

For exhibit houses and exhibitors who want to do more, there is another recent industry report that provides significant guidance.

How Can Exhibit Houses Help Their Exhibiting Clients Be More Sustainable?

To help answer that important question, three industry groups published in May 2024 the first version of Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction. This is a ground-breaking report that provides detailed guidance for exhibit houses and exhibitors.

The three groups collaborating on these guidelines include:

• EDPA (Experiential Designers + Producers Association)
• ESCA (Exhibition Services & Contractors Association)
• EIC’s (Events Industry Council) Centre for Sustainability & Social Impact

Here is a link to the complete 42-page report: EDPA ESCA EIC Sustainable Exhibition Stand Guidance. I was honored to be one of the 14 people from the EDPA Sustainability Committee who helped create these guidelines.

Make the Sustainability Journey More Accessible

Our goal was to make sustainable exhibiting more accessible, no matter where an organization is on their journey. We also wanted to provide guidance for exhibit houses and agencies to reach for those next steps up from where they are now.

The Sustainability Guidance provides a concise overview of the value and journey towards greater sustainability. Then it provides recommended steps exhibit houses can take to improve sustainability in 11 areas:

• Exhibit Structures
• Flooring
• Furnishing, Staging Materials, Lighting
• Electronic Display, Graphics & Signage
• Packaging
• Waste Management
• Supply Chain
• Logistics
• The Human Element
• Energy
• Communications

Within these 11 areas, sustainability steps are prioritized between highly recommended practices and recommended practices, so exhibit houses can first choose steps that will have the greatest positive effect. These recommendations are written for the exhibit house, but also very helpful for exhibitors to also understand areas they can focus on to lower their carbon footprint.

Here’s an example section on Exhibit Structures:

You can move further down the path towards net zero with these guidelines, no matter where you are now. Once you choose a more sustainable alternative for one element, look to the report to find the next thing to do. It’s a laddered approach.

Easy Sustainable Choices You Can Make Now

And as an exhibit house, you can choose equivalent yet more sustainable options for your clients without having to ask them. For example, my company, Exhibit Expressions, recycles our clients’ fabric exhibit graphics. We pay to ship out-of-date graphics to a recycling center. We consider it part of our operating costs, and do not charge our clients.

Similarly, we have clients who want graphics printed on foamcore (made from polyvinyl chloride) for their exhibit. After two or three uses, their graphics are no longer presentable, so they go to the landfill, where they will last virtually forever. For a more sustainable yet equivalent alternative, we instead print on an equivalent lightweight, rigid board that looks and acts the same, but can either be recycled or will break down much faster when landfilled.

These are just two of many choices we make to help our clients be more sustainable. In most cases, these choices no longer cost more than non-sustainable alternatives.

Other choices include:

Up to 100% recycled and 100% recyclable:

• Shipping Cases: 100% recycled and 100% recyclable
• Fabric Graphics: 60% to 100% recycled and 100% recyclable
• Aluminum Exhibit Extrusions: Up to 70% recycled and 100% recyclable
• Recycled Acrylic for Graphics: 100% recycled and 100% recyclable
• Graphics Substrate: 100% recycled and 100% recyclable

More sustainable exhibit components:

• LED Lighting: Uses about 70% less energy and lasts many times longer than halogen lights
• Bamboo Plywood: Made from 100% fast-growing bamboo with emission free adhesives
• FSC-Certified Wood Crates: Lined with recycled fabric and including reusable packaging

These are choices we have made on our journey towards providing our exhibiting clients greater sustainability. Exhibit houses like us can look to the Sustainability Guidance for further steps we can take next.

6 Reasons Exhibiting Companies Want to Be More Sustainable

Some exhibit houses may be less motivated to expand sustainable exhibiting choices for their exhibiting clients because they are not explicitly asked to by their corporate marketing clients.

Yet, these same corporations often have sustainability goals for their overall company, announced via an ESG or CSR program. They may have even embraced – and promoted – sustainability in their own product offerings. They just haven’t asked their exhibit marketers to be more sustainable.

Exhibit houses can find incentive knowing their corporate clients are increasingly motivated to adopt sustainable practices for a variety of reasons:

1. Enhanced brand value and loyalty with consumers, B2B buyers, and investors
2. Mitigating risk of disruption from the increasingly visible existing climate crisis
3. Meeting stricter environmental regulations worldwide coming into force
4. Cost savings and waste reduction that improve financial standing
5. Leadership commitments motivated by personal beliefs
6. Increased market share with sustainability-driven buyers

So, when an exhibit house provides more sustainable choices for their exhibiting clients, there is value exhibit managers can promote about those choices to their corporate management.

I hope that, having read this article, you will click through and review the EDPA ESCA EIC Sustainable Exhibition Stand Guidance. Even more, I hope that as an exhibit house or exhibitor, you will identify viable next steps you can take on your company’s sustainability journey.

About the Author

Nicole Klein is the President and Owner of Exhibit Expressions, a trade show exhibit provider in Atlanta and Denver. Since joining the trade show industry in 1992, she has enjoyed helping event managers and B2B leaders craft elegant trade show experiences that captivate audiences and convert leads.

The post How Exhibit Houses Can Increase Sustainability for Themselves and Their Exhibiting Clients appeared first on IAEE.

Carmichael began with a refreshing admission: as a futurist, he doesn’t actually predict the future. Instead, his work focuses on understanding possible futures and preparing for them. He shared a personal anecdote about anxiety, relating how his teenagers often ask him how he manages to speak publicly without nervousness. His answer? Preparation. While he can’t control everything (like his wife setting the car clock ahead), he can plan for contingencies. This philosophy forms the foundation of his approach to future planning.

Carmichael emphasized the importance of understanding “known unknowns,” a concept borrowed from a famous speech by Donald Rumsfeld. He outlined how his company, Ipsos, approaches future thinking through its theory of change framework. This includes analyzing macro forces (like climate change and demographic shifts), monitoring signals (such as new patents or policies), and tracking shifts in societal values. He illustrated this with a fascinating historical example: Charles Joseph Menard’s visualization of Napoleon’s march to Moscow, which demonstrated how poor foresight regarding weather led to catastrophic results.

Carmichael also delved into several key areas of change affecting events and businesses.

Population Dynamics

Our aging workforce presents unique challenges for event planning, potentially requiring venues to accommodate both 28-year-olds and 82-year-olds simultaneously. The rise of the “1099 economy” (contract work) is also changing how professional development and conference attendance are funded.

Technology

While AI and automation present opportunities, they also create anxiety. Carmichael noted that people simultaneously believe technology will solve our problems while destroying our lives – a fascinating contradiction in human nature. Major tech companies are already preparing for massive workforce disruption, planning to retrain 100 million workers.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures and increasing weather disruptions may force events to reconsider traditional venues and timing. Phoenix in July might become untenable, while increased flight turbulence could drive a trend toward more regional events.

Trust and Disinformation

In an era of synthetic media and declining trust, in-person events might gain new importance as venues where people can verify authenticity with their own eyes.

Carmichael also touched on pandemic preparedness, noting that another pandemic isn’t a question of “if,” but “when.” The political polarization around health measures suggests future outbreaks could be even more disruptive to events and gatherings.

He emphasized the importance of brand risk in our polarized world, where consumers increasingly align purchases with their values. This affects everything from speaker selection to sponsor relationships and venue choices.

Carmichael concluded with practical advice for activating research and planning for the future: curate information carefully, tell compelling stories, run workshops and give teams time to think creatively. Different stakeholders need different approaches – what works for an innovation team won’t necessarily resonate with the C-suite.

The key takeaway? While we can’t predict the future, we can imagine possible tomorrows and prepare for them. This forward-thinking approach leads to better research, better questions, and ultimately, better preparation for whatever the future might bring.

Save the date for next year’s Predict Conference on 11-12 September 2025 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Stay tuned for more details here.

The post Matt Carmichael Discusses Risk, Resilience and Planning for Known Unknowns appeared first on IAEE.

Chamorro emphasized that we are entering an era marked by increased complexity and nuanced relationships between nations. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the key trends and predictions he noted are currently shaping our world.

The End of the Unipolar World

One of the most significant shifts highlighted is the transition from a unipolar world dominated by the United States (1990-2015) to what Chamorro describes as a “multi-layered” world. This isn’t simply about multiple powers competing for influence; it’s about the complex web of relationships and interests that sometimes seem contradictory.

Turkey exemplifies this new multi-layered complexity in global relations. As NATO’s second-largest military force, Turkey maintains significant military cooperation with Western allies, demonstrated through its supply of drones to Ukraine. Yet simultaneously, the country has become a crucial haven for Russian businesses, creating an interesting dichotomy in its international relationships. Adding another layer of complexity, Turkey serves as the banking center for Hamas while maintaining an authoritarian democracy that attempts to balance secular and religious interests. This intricate web of seemingly contradictory relationships perfectly illustrates the nuanced nature of modern global politics.

Rising Economic Powers

India’s Ascent

India’s economic transformation has been remarkable over the past decade, climbing from the tenth to the fifth largest economy globally. Economic projections suggest an even more impressive future, with India on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030. The country has reached a crucial economic milestone with its $4,500 per capita GDP, a threshold that historically marks a significant transformation in consumer behavior. At this income level, citizens typically begin purchasing durable goods such as motorcycles, refrigerators, and homes, representing a fundamental shift in consumption patterns.

However, India’s economic landscape comes with significant challenges and complexities. Despite its technological advances, half of India’s population remains dependent on agriculture, making the economy vulnerable to weather patterns and monsoon seasons. The formal economy excludes approximately half the population due to illiteracy, creating a significant barrier to full economic participation. Even as global companies like Apple shift some production to India from China, these manufacturing transitions represent only a small fraction of global production totals, indicating that the path to manufacturing dominance remains long and challenging.

The Rise of “Connector Markets”

A new category of economically significant nations has emerged in response to global supply chain shifts away from China. These “connector markets” – including Mexico, Poland, Morocco, Vietnam, and Indonesia – are becoming increasingly crucial in global trade and manufacturing. Each of these countries brings unique advantages to the global supply chain, though their success stories vary. Mexico, for instance, has benefited significantly from its proximity to the United States, succeeding largely due to geographical advantages rather than supportive policy decisions. These markets represent a fundamental restructuring of global supply chains and offer new opportunities for international business and investment.

Global Challenges and Risks

Climate Change Impact

Chamorro outlined a comprehensive view of climate-related challenges across different timeframes. In the short term, we’re witnessing an increase in extreme weather events occurring in unexpected locations, disrupting traditional weather patterns and business operations. Medium-term challenges center around evolving policy requirements and regulatory compliance, as governments worldwide implement new environmental regulations. The long-term implications are perhaps the most profound, raising fundamental questions about where people can live and work. Insurance companies are already limiting coverage in vulnerable areas, while extreme temperatures are challenging workplace viability in certain regions. These developments are forcing businesses and communities to reconsider their long-term planning and risk management strategies.

Pandemic Risks

The ongoing threat of pandemics remains a significant concern in our interconnected world. Environmental encroachment has increased the frequency of cross-species disease transmission, creating new pathways for virus mutations and spread. While COVID-19’s global mortality rate averaged around 1%, Chamorro highlighted the more alarming potential of diseases like avian flu, which has shown mortality rates as high as 50% in direct transmission cases. The continued intersection of human expansion and wildlife habitats creates new risk vectors that could lead to more severe disease outbreaks in the future.

Digital Security

The emergence of artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed the digital security landscape. Bad actors can now process and exploit large datasets more effectively than ever before, creating new vulnerabilities in previously secure systems. Chamorro emphasized that data integrity, rather than mere access, has become a critical concern. The potential for subtle manipulation of financial data presents systemic risks that could undermine confidence in financial institutions and markets. This shift in the nature of digital threats requires a new approach to cybersecurity and risk management.

Global Policy Shifts

Industrial policy has evolved into a global phenomenon, with nations worldwide implementing strategic economic initiatives. The United States’ CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) exemplify this trend, with similar initiatives emerging in other countries. However, these benefits can be withdrawn or modified based on shifting geopolitical relationships, creating a new layer of complexity in international business relations.

Looking Forward

Chamorro identified several critical areas requiring ongoing attention and monitoring. Terrorism, particularly in the form of “lone wolf” attacks, shows signs of resurgence. The European Union faces potential dysfunction in its decision-making processes, which could affect global trade and economic stability. Pandemic risks, especially from variants like avian flu, continue to threaten global health and economic systems. Perhaps most challenging is the need to manage multiple simultaneous crises, requiring new approaches to risk management and strategic planning.

The key takeaway is that while the world isn’t necessarily more dangerous than before, it has become significantly more complex and nuanced. Success in this environment requires a sophisticated understanding of the interconnected nature of global challenges, coupled with continuous monitoring of key indicators. Organizations must maintain regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions while developing the capacity to recognize early warning signs of emerging risks. While these challenges might appear overwhelming, they also present opportunities for organizations that can effectively navigate this new landscape. The key lies not in predicting every possible outcome but in building the capacity to understand and respond to an increasingly complex global environment.

Save the date for next year’s Predict Conference on 11-12 September 2025 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Stay tuned for more details here.

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