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 2024 CEIR Research Council

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2024 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.

Senior Director, Corporate Engagement and Strategic Business Initiatives

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

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Arjun Chakravarti, Ph.D.

Managing Director and Principal

COGKNITION

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Dan Cole, CEM

Senior Director, Exposition Sales

AVIXA

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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

Christine Klein

Christine M. Klein, CMP

Senior Vice President, Meetings, Divisions & 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, MBA, DES, CEM

Director, Marketing

Personify

 
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Kim Vinciguerra

Chief Experience Officer

International Carwash Association

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Erik Waldman, CVE

Vice President, Venue Services

TVS Design

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Joanne Wheatley

Senior Vice President, Marketing Operations

Emerald X

Wolpert Centered

Melissa Wolpert, CMP

Senior Vice President, Meetings, Conventions & Expositions

National Automobile Dealers Association

Board

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CEIR 2024 Chairperson of the Board

Chuck Grouzard
Executive Vice President, Business Development

GES

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