Here's a Bright Idea

As many of you have heard, Tradeshow Week launched the Be-Cause It's Cancer program earlier this summer as part of an industry-wide initiative to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

All we asked was that participating show organizers donate $1 for every attendee at their shows. We have had several shows sign up and are working with more every week.

This is the first time the American Cancer Society has ever helped with an industry-wide effort — for any industry. Thus, I feel the tradeshow industry has an extra level of responsibility.

Recently, I received a note from Steven Hacker, president of the Intl. Assn. for Exhibition Management, and a member of the Be-Cause It's Cancer advisory committee. I was delighted to read that, rather than giving a gift to speakers at its Expo! Expo! annual meeting and exhibition this year, IAEM would be donating money to Be-Cause It's Cancer in their names.

Now that's leadership.

It is my hope that IAEM's gesture will be a model for other associations and industry groups.

Thank you, Mr. Hacker.