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
Meet the 2023 CEIR Research Council

2023 CEIR Research Council Chair
Jennifer Hoff, CEM
President
Trifecta Collective LLC

Immediate Past Chairperson
Rich Stone
CEO
ACT/EXPOCAD

Erik Burns, MA, MBA, Ed.D.
Director, Corporate Engagement
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

Arjun Chakravarti, Ph.D.
Managing Director and Principal
COGKNITION

Richard Curran
President & CEO
Expo Convention Contractors

Jim Forlenza
Co-Founder
Cobalt Event Studios, LLC

Eric Fromentin
Manager, Customer Insights
RX

John Galante
President
AE Ventures

Christine M. Klein, CMP
Senior Vice President, Meetings & Business Partnerships
National Defense Industrial Association

Thad Lurie, CAE
Senior Vice President, Digital and Technology
American Geophysical Union

Brett Mitchell, CVE
General Manager
Overland Park Convention Center

Michael Rudowski
Director of Research & Business Analysis
Visit Dallas

Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM
Director, Marketing
Personify

Kim Vinciguerra
Chief Experience Officer
International Carwash Association

Joanne Wheatley
Senior Vice President, Marketing Operations
Emerald X

Melissa Wolpert, CMP
Vice President, Conventions & Expositions
National Automobile Dealers Association
Ex-Officios

CEIR 2023 Chairperson of the Board
Marie Browne
Group Vice President
RX
CEIR Staff

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

Nancy Drapeau, IPC
Vice President of Research
CEIR