Research Council

CEIR Research Council

Areas of Study

An annual assessment is conducted to identify the research needs of the exhibition industry. While the CEIR board of directors ultimately determines the specific research projects, the research council makes recommendations. The Foundation is currently focusing on research topics consistent with its core goals and mission. These include:
  • Data that quantifies the value proposition of the industry for attendees, exhibitors, host communities and show organizers, as well as data that identifies trends to enhance overall ROI
  • Strategies to communicate the value of the industry to marketing decision-makers who will in turn drive greater attendance from both attendees and exhibitors
  • An industry-standard model for measuring the economic impact on host cities
  • Strategies to engage younger audiences in attending exhibitions and events
  • Research on how to deliver greater marketing value through extending the life and reach of a show by using technology and viral marketing such as social networking

Third-Party Research

CEIR also considers partnerships with external organizations to develop areas of research that benefit the exhibition industry such as:
  • The value of face-to-face events vs. recognized alternative marketing mediums
  • How to leverage technology to increase show marketability and attendance
  • The relative cost to close a sale — trade show lead vs. a sale without a trade show lead
  • Generational trends
  • Reliable metrics to calculate economic impact of exhibitions and events
  • The CEM program and other targeted education offerings
  • Education to increase the awareness of industry careers
  • Strategies to leverage existing CEIR data to promote the exhibition industry
  • Data on public events
If you are interested in discussing a third-party research opportunity, please contact us.

Meet the 2023 CEIR Research Council

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2023 CEIR Research Council Chair

Jennifer Hoff, CEM

President
Trifecta Collective LLC

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Immediate Past Chairperson

Rich Stone

CEO
ACT/EXPOCAD

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Erik Burns, MA, MBA, Ed.D.

Director, Corporate Engagement
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

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Arjun Chakravarti, Ph.D.

Managing Director and Principal
COGKNITION

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Richard Curran

President & CEO
Expo Convention Contractors

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Jim Forlenza

Co-Founder
Cobalt Event Studios, LLC

Eric J Fromentin

Eric Fromentin

Manager, Customer Insights
RX

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John Galante

President
AE Ventures

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Christine M. Klein, CMP

Senior Vice President, Meetings & Business Partnerships
National Defense Industrial Association

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Thad Lurie, CAE

Senior Vice President, Digital and Technology
American Geophysical Union

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Brett Mitchell, CVE

General Manager
Overland Park Convention Center

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Michael Rudowski

Director of Research & Business Analysis
Visit Dallas

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Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM

Director, Marketing
Personify

 
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Kim Vinciguerra

Chief Experience Officer
International Carwash Association

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Joanne Wheatley

Senior Vice President, Marketing Operations
Emerald X

Wolpert Centered

Melissa Wolpert, CMP

Vice President, Conventions & Expositions
National Automobile Dealers Association

Ex-Officios

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CEIR 2023 Chairperson of the Board

Marie Browne
Group Vice President
RX

CEIR Staff

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Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM
Chief Executive Officer
CEIR

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Nancy Drapeau, IPC
Vice President of Research
CEIR