NEW YORK, 12 September 2013 – Today, during the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) annual outlook conference, Predict, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) made a record-breaking announcement and confirmed a contribution of up to $100,000 over the next five years to support the ongoing creation of research which fuels the exhibition industry and reinforces the ongoing value of face-to-face events. The magnanimous gesture was met enthusiastically by the nearly 200 executives attending Predict in New York City.
SISO Chairman and President & CEO of Clarion Events North America David Audrain, CEM, said, “We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost. The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR produces, and recognizes the value that CEIR provides the industry through its renowned research including the annual CEIR Index. We are pleased to make this contribution in support of CEIR’s mission and strategic goals.”
SISO’s contribution will help CEIR in continuing to produce the research that is vital to validate the primacy of exhibitions. CEIR is dedicated to advancing the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research tools that enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve their business performance and strengthen their competitive position.
“On behalf of CEIR’s Board of Directors, we are very grateful to SISO for their contribution. This unprecedented decision by a sister organization in our industry will greatly benefit CEIR’s long-term research initiatives to provide the critical research and information that businesses need to support exhibitions as a vital marketing medium,” said CEIR Chair and Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Greg Ortale.
During CEIR Predict, key sectors of the exhibition industry were presented to exhibition industry executives, debt providers, private equity firms, investment firms, merger and acquisition firms and the general financial community. Predict is the single, essential event for executives in the exhibition industry and financial community for effective and strategic planning purposes in regard to exhibitions in the coming year, and it provides an objective measure of the annual performance of the exhibition industry, measuring year-over-year changes and predictions through 2015.
More information about CEIR, CEIR Predict and supporting CEIR research can be found at www.ceir.org.
About SISO
SISO, founded in 1990, is the largest organization in the USA that represents the for profit show organizer. SISO has more than 160 member companies that range in size from small hotel meetings and exhibitions, to organizations with billion dollar global portfolios representing just about every industry sector. Although primarily based in North America, SISO members produce more than 3,000 events globally including trade and consumer shows, industry and targeted conferences, and other face-to-face events. Members operate and own their own shows as well as manage shows for others. SISO headquarters are in Santa Monica, California.
About CEIR
CEIR serves to advance the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering knowledge-based research tools that enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve their business performance and strengthen their competitive position. For additional information, visit www.ceir.org.
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SISO Media Contact:
Lew Shomer
lshomer@shomex.com
CEIR Media Contact:
Susan Brower
sbrower@ceir.org
