SISO Pledges $100,000 to Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation

September 17, 2013

At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years.

"We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America.

He added, “The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR produces, and recognizes the value that CEIR provides the industry through its renowned research including the annual CEIR Index. We are pleased to make this contribution in support of CEIR’s mission and strategic goals."

The donation will be used to further CEIR’s research efforts on the exhibition industry.

CEIR is dedicated to advancing the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research tools that enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve their business performance and strengthen their competitive position, according to CEIR officials.

"On behalf of CEIR’s Board of Directors, we are very grateful to SISO for their contribution,” said CEIR Chair and Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Greg Ortale.

He added, “This unprecedented decision by a sister organization in our industry will greatly benefit CEIR’s long-term research initiatives to provide the critical research and information that businesses need to support exhibitions as a vital marketing medium.”

The announcement was met with a round of applause from approximately attendees at the conference. Audrain then encouraged others in the room to also consider donating to the CEIR Foundation.

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