Independent Show Organizers Join Forces with New Agreement
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month.
The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events.
In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION).
The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event organiser members who operate on a global basis. It will see the pure play ‘for profit’ organisations coming together to share experiences, opportunities and challenges for the benefit of all parties and the industry at large.
“SISO is a much respected organisation with similar objectives to AEO, and we share many members who have common interests and challenges,” said Chris Skeith, CEO of AEO.
He added, “The partnership with SISO will see us further extend collaborations with other associations throughout the world to help us deliver more value to our members.”
David Audrain, executive director of SISO, adds: “A third of SISO members operate outside the US on a global scale alongside half of the AEO’s membership that organise events outside of the UK. This partnership will see the very best organisers in the world sharing experiences to help shape best practice and improve exhibitor experiences which will help grow the industry overall.”
Audrain said the ION will formally meet twice a year with the first meeting taking place at SISO’s CEO Summit, which several of the members already attend.
He added that he second meeting will be standalone during the second half of the year although there will be continued virtual support provided by both SISO and AEO to enable ION members to communicate throughout the year.
“Associations can support commercial, for profit, organisers through representation by providing a common voice to benefit from international opportunities and overcome challenges. In addition, working as one should provide confidence and is particularly significant in the current climate of political and economic uncertainty, the mantra of ‘together we are stronger’ has never been more important,” Skeith said.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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