This post written by Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, CEIR

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) conducted two major studies on the implications of generational shifts in demographics to the exhibition industry. The core values of the GenX and GenY demographics have been well documented. Research being conducted by organizations on the GenZ generation, born from the mid 1990’s through the late 2000’s, is just now revealing insights into what can be expected of that generation and the implications of their core values. By 2020, approximately 15 percent of the U.S. workforce will be comprised of the GenZ generation.

Another element that needs to be considered with the GenZs, and what hasn’t been discussed, is the added complexity of the cultural shifts that this younger generation is experiencing in the homes in which they are raised. Consider for instance how the term “family” is being redefined. Young people such as Millennials are waiting to get married, and although they say that parenthood is a priority, they do not necessarily believe in the traditional definition of marriage, instead for instance, taking the route of being a single parent. Currently one in five children is being raised in single-parent families. Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, one-third of all people are not white, and 50.5 million are of Latino descent (one in six U.S. residents).

These shifts will have a tremendous impact on workforce development and how business is conducted in the future. CEIR Executive Director Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP will be speaking on this topic on 23 June at the upcoming Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA) annual meeting. Tell us how your organization is planning for these dramatic generational and cultural shifts.

For more information:

Power of Exhibitions in the 21st Century
Power of Exhibitions in the 21st Century Phase II
Generational Differences in Face-to-Face Interaction Preferences and Activities

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