We just completed Predict: CEIR’s Annual Exhibition Industry Outlook Conference 16-17 September in Chicago, IL and we’re proud to say that this was our largest Predict ever! It drew a record-breaking 139 attendees, all top level executives, to learn about the future of the exhibition industry.
If you didn’t make it to 2015 CEIR Predict, here are some of the highlights. Don’t forget to watch the wrap-up video on CEIR TV!
16 September
The event started with a welcome from Britton Jones, President & CEO, Business Journals Inc.
In addition to evaluating happenings within the exhibition industry, Predict looked outside of the industry for overall economic trends and indicators. Keynote speaker Professor Amir Sufi, Ph.D., University of Chicago & Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research pointed out that a weak recovery in household spending and the persistent issues presented by income inequality will continue to affect the overall economy and, in turn, the exhibition industry.
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The day ended with a facilitated panel discussion on the state of the exhibitions and events industry moderated by Nancy Walsh, President-North America, Reed Exhibitions
17 September
Industry insiders presented topics on notable trends within the trade show industry and how they will affect the way in which organizers approach their strategies for increasing their exhibitions’ performance, sessions included:
What We See – Change! by Marc Pomerleau, Vice President of Strategy, FreemanXP
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Design the Desired Outcome by Bruce Mau, Founder, Bruce Mau Design
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Innovating Brand Activation at Trade Shows Moderatored by David Saef, EVP, Strategy & MarketWorks, Global Experience Specialists (GES)
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Business Models of the Future: A Group Discussion Moderatored by Don Pazour, CEO, Access Intelligence LLC
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Even though the two-day event was jam packed with important information regarding the state of the industry, there was still time for discussion and networking between sessions.
What were the final thoughts about CEIR Predict?
Buffy Levy, Director, Event Services, SmithBucklin said, “This was my first time attending the CEIR Predict Conference, and it was an excellent opportunity to gain further insight into my industry. My best takeaway was how important it is for show organizers to think about our product not as booths, but as experiences, touch points and memories that are made at an event. To succeed, we first need to listen to and empathize with our stakeholders. Then, we must design the show not from our own point of view, but that of our users. By doing all of this, we ensure our shows stay relevant and serve as bedrocks of their respective industries.”
Deirdre Flynn, CFSP, Executive Vice President, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers said, “The information shared at Predict – by speakers, panelists and peers – is thought-provoking and inspiring. It’s a great opportunity to listen and learn, and create shared experiences for our stakeholders!”
Galen Poss, CEM, Vice Chairman, dmg::Events said, “This year’s CEIR Predict Conference was outstanding! The quality of speakers, content and delegate participation were at all-time highs. It is hard to imagine that anyone attending did not feel they had made an excellent investment of both their time and resources. Hats off to all who made this year’s event an overwhelming success.”
A very special thank you to our speakers and wonderful sponsors for making the event possible!
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Visit the CEIR Predict website to learn more about the annual event. You can also view our program, speakers, sponsors, and list of the 2015 Attendees.
