Increase in Certified Audited Events Reported
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 2/19/2007
The Exhibition and Events Industry Audit Commission reported a 30-percent increase last year in the number of events that were audited by firms it certified, from 38 in 2005 to 49 in 2006.
The EEIAC was created in 2005 as the result of an Intl. Assn. for Exhibitions & Events (then IAEM) task force to set audit standards for exhibitions. After setting those standards, the EEIAC began offering certification to audit firms. So far, three have applied.
"While the number of audited events is small right now," said Vincent Polito, an EEIAC commissioner and senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions, "support from industry organizations like IAEE and others is producing a positive momentum of growth in appreciation for the importance of verified attendance data."
The EEIAC is composed of exhibitors and event organizers who monitor event or trade-show audit standards. Independent auditors must follow these standards in order to have their audits certified. The certified auditors are BPA Worldwide, Exhibit Surveys and Veris Consulting.
Polito said IAEE provides administrative support to the EEIAC at no cost because it believes in the value of verified attendance data. The auditing fees shows pay are determined by each show and auditor.
The EEIAC report said the jump in the number of published audits meant an increasing number of exhibition and event organizers realize the need to make their numbers public, and the competitive advantage they gain over those that do not audit. The report also noted increased interest among exhibitors in the value of audits, and predicted that 2007 would bring even more.
