IAEM and SISO Boards Decide Not to Consolidate After All

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 4/18/2005

The Intl. Assn. for Exhibition Management and Society of Independent Show Organizers will not be merging after all.

Ending months of speculation, the two tradeshow industry groups announced at the SISO CEO Summit luncheon April 11 that their boards had decided not to join forces. IAEM officials expressed disappointment with the decision.

SISO Chair Margaret Pederson said the boards concluded that each organization serves an important function. "Consolidation is not in the best interest of the industry or the members we serve," she said.

While the 75-year-old IAEM serves several sectors of the tradeshow industry, SISO was formed 15 years ago by private show managers who felt their interests weren't being met by IAEM.

The merger discussions had been driven by the feeling that there were too many industry meetings. There was also a sense that one umbrella group could provide a stronger industry voice.

Last August, each of the groups assigned four members to meet and discuss possible partnerships. Eventually, a facilitator was hired to assess the situation.

Pederson told CEO Summit attendees that SISO has reviewed its strategic plan and is looking for opportunities to better serve members. The review turned up deficiencies in two areas: advocacy and marketing.

Even though the two groups' voted not to consolidate, Pederson said IAEM and SISO will continue working together.