The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will help lead Exhibitions Day in Washington, DC, June 16-17. The initiative will educate federal lawmakers on the business value of face-to-face events and how regulatory action can affect organizers’ attendance-building efforts. Exhibitions Day is spearheaded by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). It will include Capitol Hill visits to members of Congress and their staffs, as well as outreach to educators and the media.

AEM Vice President Exhibitions & Events Megan Tanel is event co-chair with Chris Brown, who serves as National Association of Broadcasters executive vice president, conventions & business operations.

Making ‘noise’ in Washington
IAEE collaborated with multiple exhibitions/events organizations in this industry-wide effort to ensure member voices are heard by legislators. Tanel is IAEE chair-elect, and AEM has been a longtime participant in IAEE activities.

We know through experience in our own industry sectors that you have to be present if you want to make change or be heard,” stated Tanel. “This IAEE-led gathering will be a very visible way to reinforce the message that trade shows such as ours are a vital business tool; they provide an ideal opportunity for cost-effective and industry-specific business connections and learning.”

AEM exhibitions include CONEXPO-CON/AGG, ICUEE-The Demo Expo and CONEXPO Latin America. AEM has long been active in the nation’s capital to advance the interests of equipment manufacturing. For trade shows, this includes the need for policies that do not unnecessarily restrict exhibition attendance of qualified international visitors and government employees.

Shows are industry gathering places
The June Washington gathering aligns with IAEE’s strategic planning of increased advocacy and education. It is the first major initiative that supports the IAEE Exhibitions Mean Business public relations campaign (a continuation of its Click Here First program) that promotes the value of face-to-face events for business growth and development.

Our exhibitor and attendee feedback perennially cites the value of AEM trade shows as industry gathering places, in addition to the focused buying environment and best-practices education. It’s the opportunity to meet peers in person from across the country and internationally to discuss what’s new and what’s ahead,” Tanel said.

Show exhibitors & attendees also encouraged to attend
There is no registration fee to attend IAEE Exhibitions Day. All companies, organizations, and business professionals, including trade show exhibitors and attendees, who participate in any way in exhibitions and events are encouraged to attend.

Our members and their customers may not realize that they too are a part of and benefit from a strong exhibitions/events industry, whether exhibiting is a sales and marketing strategy or attending is a valuable way to research new products and buy equipment,” Tanel explained. “To get more value from trade shows, they should also engage in this event to help effect positive change.”

To register online and for more information go to www.exhibitionsday.org.  The event hotel is the Capital Hilton (1001 16th St NW.)