IAEE Announces New Certified Exhibition Program

December 9, 2016

During its annual meeting and exhibitions, Expo! Expo!, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveiled launch of its newest initiative, the IAEE Certified Exhibition Program, a certified exhibition designation that they say will set the “Gold Standard” for exhibitions and events, as well as establish a broad set of best practices that all events with exhibitions should adhere to.

“IAEE members who earn and display the Certified Exhibition symbol are telling their customers, exhibitors, members and the general public that they produce a quality exhibition that meets IAEE’s best practice standards,” said Certified Event Task Force Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM.

He added, “We look forward to the time when most of the shows produced by IAEE members meet the standards and proudly display the Certified Exhibition emblem.”

This member-driven initiative will only certify an exhibition’s compliance with minimum standards of conduct and performance.

Standards include those that are fact based and easily confirmed and that bear upon customer service to attendees, exhibitors, contractors and facilities in the broadest sense.

The exhibition must contain a marketplace in order to qualify. Organizational candidates that meet all criteria will be awarded an IAEE “Certified Exhibition” graphic made available to them for use on promotional materials.

IAEE also will announce newly designated exhibitions at regular intervals throughout the year via public relations, member communications and social media.

Complete details will be available when the program launches fully in March 2017. In the meantime, click here for more information. 

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