Exhibitions industry launches next phase of National Public Relations Campaign with "Exhibitions Mean Business"

DALLAS – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced that the exhibitions and events industry will launch the next phase of its national public relations campaign with the introduction of "Exhibitions Mean Business."

Exhibitions Mean Business will continue to build on the work of Click Here First, the industry's inaugural public relations program by communicating the value of face-to-face events to key audiences, such as businesses, marketers and related media outlets. With this new stage, the campaign will also activate targeted advocacy efforts as a means of driving education and awareness to policymakers and other business and economic stakeholders.

"It is incredibly important that we continue to advocate on behalf of the exhibitions and events industry, and the evolution of our campaign is reflective of that," said IAEE Chairperson Skip Cox. "Exhibitions Mean Business represents this focus and dedication because we understand our efforts impact not only the thousands of individuals who make up our sector, but also the millions of businesses and community members who rely on exhibitions and events to help them conduct business and make a living."

As part of this year's activities, campaign organizers will host "Exhibitions Day", an industry-wide effort to engage policymakers on Capitol Hill and help them to understand the impact of select regulatory decisions, including visa regulations and government travel restrictions on the exhibitions and events industry.

The event, which will take place 16-17 June 2014 in Washington, D.C., was developed in collaboration with multiple industry organizations who have come together to develop and support this critical initiative to ensure members' voices are heard by legislators. These organizations include the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), IAEE's Washington, D.C. Chapter, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and the U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel). Additionally, industry media partners who will support the event include EXHIBITOR Magazine, Expo Magazine, Trade Show Executive and TSNN.

The Exhibitions Mean Business campaign will continue to be carried out by global public relations firm, Edelman, in collaboration with a coalition of industry representatives.