Associations Form New Council

Five tradeshow industry associations recently formed the Exhibit Industry Council because of exhibitors' concerns that some industry businesses practices are leading to an unsustainable business model.

“The EIC's goal is to unite tradeshow industry stakeholders in support of exhibitor-focused best practices that support world-class service and increased exhibitor value at tradeshows,” said Eric Allen, executive vice president of the Health Care Exhibitors Assn.

Along with HCEA, Trade Show Exhibitors Assn., Corporate Event Marketing Assn., Exhibit Designers + Producers Assn. and Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Assn. are the founding members of the EIC. The inaugural meeting was held in San Francisco.

“Exhibitors are frustrated by confusing rules, lack of audited attendance information and inconsistent and archaic business practices at tradeshows – all of which lead to costs that escalate out of control,” said Margit Weisgal, president and CEO of TSEA. “We believe it's time our industry worked together to create a customer service mindset that recognizes and responds to the needs of its customers – the exhibitors. In our opinion, it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. It just needs to consistently meet their needs and expectations.”

According to EIC officials, the goals are to develop and promote tradeshow best practices. The members will meet quarterly to review issues aimed at increasing exhibitor value at tradeshows.