What's the Fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association?

February 26, 2012

Rachel Wimberly

Rachel Wimberly is Executive Vice President of Business Development at Tarsus Group, US. Follow her on Twitter @TSNN_Rachel.

UPDATE - Tues. Feb. 28 - Breaking News - TSEA transfers members, assets to EACA --- more on TSNN HERE.

I started hearing rumors a while ago about the possible fate of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, most suggesting the organization was going to close its doors.

I’ve been a journalist for a long time, and I firmly believe in two things about rumors: 1.) I would never, ever print one unless it was confirmed and 2.) Usually rumors don’t start in a vacuum – there tends to be something to them, although they might be a different version of what’s being spread around.

The TSEA rumors started picking up steam last week, and then on Friday, Exhibit City News sent out news saying “Over the last few days, Exhibit City News has heard circling comments from several industry sources regarding the welfare of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA). Although ECN has tried to verify this information with TSEA’s president as well as the marketing director, there was no response from either.”

The article continued to say that “the TSEA has steadily been losing income and incurring debts,” as well as losing membership, while continuing with daily operations.

I immediately reached out to TSEA President and CEO Margit B. Weisgal asking if the organization was indeed going to close down, and she wrote an e-mail saying: “Board discussions are underway as to the future of TSEA. We are considering a change in management and membership structure to provide long term viability to the Association. We are sure rumors may abound, but there are no truths to what you are hearing, and until the Board issues its official statement, we have nothing more to add.”

TSEA was started in 1966 and currently has 5,000 members. It manages the all-important Certified Manager of Exhibits program, along with HCEA, and offers networking and education for a segment of the industry – exhibitors and suppliers – who often feel overlooked.

With the economic downturn putting pressure on all organizations to prove their value more than ever before to not only maintain, but also try and grow their membership, TSEA faced some big challenges, including the loss of the trade show, TS2, that had anchored the organization’s annual meeting.

Last year, National Trade Productions, which bought TS2 from TSEA, canceled the event, and according to a message on the TSEA Web site, dates for the 2012 show were meant to be announced early this year.

Without the trade show, Weisgal and her team put a lot of time and resources into making the 2011 annual meeting, the Red Diamond Congress, an event that still would pull in attendees without the lure of the exhibit floor. See TSNN article HERE on TSEA’s efforts.

Around the same time the ‘closing down’ rumors started heating up David Mihalik, CEO of ELITeXPO Tradeshow Services and board director at TSEA, posted a question in the organization’s LinkedIn group – “What do you expect from your TSEA?” saying he thinks the organization has value, but wanted to hear from members (or even potential members). LinkedIn discussion is HERE.

Several members commented, and most said they absolutely saw the value in being a member of TSEA, especially praising the association’s advocacy efforts, education and networking opportunities.

But, there also there were others who said TSEA needed to have a more global focus, as well as a reorganization and new strategy moving into the future.

The bottom line is without TSEA, exhibitors would lose an organization that is dedicated to representing their voice in the industry.

Trade show managers, convention and meeting planners and even specific niches of suppliers all have cohesive organizations that are constantly tasked with creating value for their members, but those groups aren’t as far-flung as the huge universe of exhibitors.

In the LinkedIn thread, Weisgal commented: “Associations are made up of people with common interests, common concerns, common needs and wants and, most important, the willingness to share knowledge and expertise with their cohorts. Maybe TSEA's reorganization will be a wake-up call to the 5,000 members of this group that the association, its mission and membership are worthwhile and a worthy investment. I believe in TSEA as, hopefully, do you.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact