By Mary Tucker, Sr. Communications & Content Manager Lauren Miller, CMP, CEM has impressed colleagues with her outstanding dedication, commitment, and contribution to the events and exhibitions industry. Lauren consistently demonstrates a strong passion for promoting and attracting young individuals to the industry using collaboration as her hallmark approach. As an active member of the Midwestern Chapter, she serves as a co-chair for the Programming Committee, where she contributes innovative ideas and strategies for upcoming networking events. Her creativity resonates with young profess ..read more

By Travis Bennett, Assoc. Director, Nat’l Casualty Loss Ctrl Leader; John Shaw, Sr. Director, Life, Disability; Christina Capobianco, Safety Loss Ctrl Consultant Originally published by Risk Strategies A crisis can strike any business at any time. From a workplace accident to a natural disaster, a well-crafted crisis management plan can be the difference between weathering the storm and succumbing to circumstances. Potential crisis scenarios Employee or third-party death: A death on company property is a devastating event. A crisis management plan can help ensure swift and appropriate respon ..read more

Originally published on CEIR.org The business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions industry has witnessed significant transformation in recent years due to technological advancements. These technology disruptors have not only enhanced the attendee experience but also provided show organizers with new opportunities to bolster engagement, foster networking and drive business growth. Learn about the top technology disruptors affecting B2B exhibitions and how show organizers are implementing them to create successful trade shows. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) VR and AR technologies hav ..read more

Editorial Note: Originally published in the April 2024 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine. As we celebrate Earth Day this month, I can’t help but think about how the trade show industry is advancing in the area of sustainability. As we continue to see the effects of climate change, it becomes more important than ever that trade shows – as well as the vendors and venues that serve them – implement sustainable business practices. Our industry must take a united approach to meaningfully impact our environment and society. We are a work in progress, but we do understand that embracing sustain ..read more

By Mary Tucker | Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE Kara Dao, CEM, DES is an extreme optimist by nature with an unwavering belief in the possibilities. Her approachable and open demeanor instills confidence in both clients and colleagues, helping them achieve their goals. Kara’s impressive track record spans more than 25 years and includes managing a top-ranking exhibition that grew five-fold within two years. She has successfully led international trade shows, collaborating with remote teams and achieving remarkable profit margins. However, Kara’s focus extends beyond successful ..read more

By Mary Tucker, Sr. Communications & Content Manager With a fervent interest in the CEM Commission, chapter participation and education, Ryan Lovell, CEM-AP has dedicated his time to consistently participating in various IAEE initiatives including the IAEE Education Committee, IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee and the IAEE CEM Commission. In his work on the CEM Commission, he has helped to develop and improve the CEM educational curriculum through his consistent and comprehensive efforts. He regularly volunteers his time and expertise in the events industry to help mentor up-and-coming ..read more

Originally published on CEIR.org In today’s dynamic B2B events landscape, the integration of entertainment is not merely an afterthought – it’s a pivotal component that can greatly influence an event’s overall success. As professionals seek experiences that are both informative and engaging, the line between strictly business and the flair of entertainment is becoming increasingly blurred. From traditional performances and games to cutting-edge VR experiences and personalized interaction zones, entertainment choices are vast and varied. But how do event organizers ensure that these entertaini ..read more

By Jennifer Potter, CEM | Senior CEM Program Manager | IAEE Robyn Davis, CPTD, CEM is a Trade Show Strategy Specialist and Owner of Exhibitors WINH (When I Need Help) LLC. She works with event organizers as a speaker, trainer and consultant to help them help their exhibitors squeeze even more value out of each event. Here, she talks with IAEE Senior CEM Program Manager Jennifer Potter, CEM about being a faculty member of IAEE’s CEM Learning Program. What made you want to become a CEM faculty member? There are a number of reasons I wanted to become a CEM faculty member (see video on LinkedIn h ..read more

By Lindsey Pollak, Career & Workplace Expert Originally published on LindseyPollak.com Do you use all of your sick days? If you’re a people leader, do you positively acknowledge when your employees do? This is a generational issue. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal addressed the so-called “problem” of younger employees using up all of their sick days. According to the article, employees between ages 25 and 34 (a.k.a. older Gen Zs and Millennials) are taking sick days most often, with their use rates jumping 45 percent from before the pandemic. My take? This is a good thing, not ..read more

By Mary Tucker, Sr. Communications & Content Manager Aaron Bludworth’s illustrious career in the exhibitions and events industry spans over three decades. Beginning his career at Modern Exposition Services in Salt Lake City, he showcased an innate aptitude for leadership, strategic thinking and innovation. Building on those traits, he progressed professionally, culminating in taking the helm at Fern Expo in 2008. Under his visionary and values-based leadership approach, the company flourished, establishing itself as North America’s third-largest official services contractor. In addition t ..read more