Society of Independent Show Organizers - SISO

15/03/2024

A Note from our CEO, Vincent Polito

As March Madness is about to begin, a quick note about April’s CEO Summit. April 8-11, Amelia Island

• For those that attend for the networking, we have a registration list that is running over 20% ahead of last year. We have nearly all of the industry leaders you expect to see and want to interact with, and we also have quite a few new faces from the US and from many countries around the globe. It will create an incredible energy boost.

• For those that attend for the content, I consider this year’s program to be an embrace and extend experience. All the sessions that you cherish will be there, and we have added content that will challenge you and prepare you for enhancing your events the rest of this year and beyond. I know you will find actionable data in April. http://go.pardot.com/e/1007212/summit-2024-conference-program/2ck77/456169149/h/fvdQVdJy8YryUKFA4wsM7UTmdDBfN_VjotSFEx7qYYE

• If you are a sponsor and haven’t yet signed on, there are still opportunities available to you. Contact Katherine [email protected] or Anna, [email protected]

• We heard you and expanded the length of the small business roundtable. SISO Executive Women’s Forum also on Monday has an enhanced program and I expect record attendance. Both programs still have a few seats available.

• If you want to watch the NCAA Final game with friends and colleagues, we’ll have a place for that too.

• We’ll share an eclipse together.

• And you know, best sunrises at Amelia Island, and you can be back in time for the opening sessions after a nice walk on the beach!

• If you need a registration code, contact Anna. [email protected]. Hotel rooms are getting scarce and close to cutoff.

• Have you noticed the new website? Please take a look!

• Pay no attention to the fraudulent list that’s being offered. Watch this space for more information about progress we are making taking on these scammers.

As always, please contact me directly if you have any questions. [email protected]

SISO wants to call your attention to The Meetings Show Asia Pacific April 17-18

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, organized by Northstar Travel Group, brings together event organizers and suppliers to connect, contract and forge new partnerships. This inaugural event welcomes all MICE planners with inbound and/or outbound business to register now to become a hosted buyer and discover leading destinations, venues, hotels and other key suppliers in the region. Hosted buyers can utilize Northstar’s dedicated prescheduled meetings platform for targeted one-to-one appointments, engage in exclusive networking activities and participate in education programme provided by leading influencers in the global MICE industry.

Click here https://www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/register for more information and to register.

13/03/2024

Visit Atlantic City is a Gold Sponsor at the 2024 Society of Independent Show Organizers - SISO CEO Summit 🌟

Join us at the networking and information-sharing event of the year for global show organizers, both large and small.

📅: April 8-11, 2024

10/02/2024

A Note from our CEO, Vincent Polito

Two months from now, we will be in the middle of the SISO CEO Summit. I know you’ll find it to be enlightening, educational, and enjoyable, and skipping the alliteration, valuable and productive. We’ve listened to you and are trying to go deeper into some subjects, adding a bit more white space and trying to make it more interactive.

As many of you know via our LinkedIn activity, 2024 has started exceptionally well for our members and future members. I have been to a few of these and have heard from many of you with great success in Q1 events. I’ll be visiting a few more and hope/plan to bring members and future members together at a couple of these too.

Our district members (DC-MD-VA) got together informally this week and I know that plans are in the works for more of these gatherings (NY-NJ-CT to name one) soon.

At home “office” we are amid several initiatives:
• Reimagined website (promised, soon to be delivered)
• Improved new member onboarding
• Enhanced member communications (more frequent, less novella-like)

I’ve taken a lot of questions about the Industry Collective. This is a group of six industry organizations headquartered in the US to use our collective resources and strengths to better serve the industry. We all work together cooperatively on ECA (advocacy) already and now expanding this effort to address workforce development, sustainability, and health and safety as a unified effort. Think enhanced communications and leveraging our strengths to benefit our shared constituencies.

And keeping the third bullet point in mind, I will finish with two calls to action—if you haven’t registered yet for SISO, I encourage you to do so https://www.siso.org/ceo I know it’ll be worth your time on multiple levels. If you have misplaced your registration code contact Anna. Please also consider signing up for Legislative Action Day on May 30th. You can find all the details here: https://www.exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org/legislative-action-day. I have lots more to share and will soon.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or suggestions for SISO to best serve you. I can be found at [email protected].

With best regards,
Vincent

Vincent Polito
CEO
Society of Independent Show Organizers

The SISO CEO Summit continues to be 'THE' networking and information-sharing event of the year for the global show organizers, both large and small. Program

26/01/2024

A Note from the CEO, Vinnie Polito

As I write this note, we are 11 weeks from the conference and registration is running 10% ahead of 2023. We just made some minor tweaks to the conference program today and I’m legitimately excited for the blend of networking and content we have this April. I feel like 2024 will have plenty of the highest-rated session areas you’ve seen in prior editions, but the programming will extend and push us into new areas that have been suggested by the members and acted upon by leadership.

2024 has started exceptionally well for our members. There have been many strong events this January already and several more taking place over the next couple of weeks. We will be covering a few of these over the next few notes from me in February. We’ve also had a few personnel moves taking place in our membership base and I’m excited to see some big achievements in the next few months.

Our SIG (Special Interest Groups) leaders are working on providing a schedule of events that can be published this winter that will allow greater time to plan participation.

Our district membership (DC-MD-VA) is having a meetup on February 8th and I expect other regional gatherings to take place later this spring as well, likely centered around member meetings. Our membership renewals were strong, and we’ve added some great new members both domestically and abroad that I expect will join us in April.

Suffice it to say, a lot is going on. I also confidently say 2024 is not the year to let things get in the way of your participation at the SISO CEO Summit this April at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, home of some of the world’s best sunrises.

As always, please contact me directly at [email protected] if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

22/08/2023

Congratulations Liz!

Clarion Events, Inc. named Liz Irving President of Clarion Events North America, the first president role held in North America. Irving has worked at Clarion since 2015, and most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer, North America. Throughout the years, Irving has been integral to Clarion Events North America's strategy for commercial success, and developed new revenue models and demonstrated leadership on technology boards and Society of Independent Show Organizers - SISO.

11/08/2023

Message from the CEO Vincent Polito

I recently chided a close friend about not being the best attendee at conferences as I see this person multitasking and perhaps half-listening at times. I must admit, I am at times guilty of the same. That being said, I was reviewing the content of SISO’s Summer Conference, and quite honestly, I don’t see places where it will be ok to half-listen. All the sessions are unique and innovative and the speakers are all bringing first-time content to the stage.

SISO Summer has built a reputation for being very interactive. I expect/guarantee more of the same. I also see multi-generations of leadership in attendance which always creates exceptional learning opportunities.

The conference opens on August 22, so inside of two weeks! I also looked at the flights from several locations and they remain remarkably affordable. And don’t forget, members get the first attendee complimentary. Salt Lake City will not disappoint on any level. It’s a remarkable place, hosting a conference of remarkable content. Any questions, you can find me at [email protected]. See you there!

03/08/2023

SISO Member Terrapinn / Total Telecom Acquires SISO Member Broadband Communities

https://www.terrapinn.com
https://www.totaltele.com

Terrapinn / Total Telecom is delighted to announce the acquisition of Broadband Communities, a publishing and events business specializing in the provision and delivery of broadband services in the USA.

https://www.bbcmag.com/

Rob Chambers, Managing Director, Total Telecom, said: ”Broadband Communities is a fantastic fit with our Connected series and provides a beachhead for the further development of our business in the USA. We are excited and looking forward to a very bright future with BBC. The Broadband Communities Summit, held annually in May, near Houston, is the industry standard.”

Barbara DeGarmo, CEO, of Broadband Communities, said: “We are really glad that BBC has found such a good home. Total Telecom has what is needed to make BBC prosper in the future.”

We look forward to serving all stakeholders in building the broadband future in the USA.

And we would also like to thank all staff and advisors for making this happen.

For further information:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Terrapinn is a global events company. Our events promote innovation and technology that changes people's lives. We partner with the world's leading companies and innovators to make a difference.

16/06/2023

June 15, 2023

A Message From Our CEO, Vincent Polito:

It has been a very hectic and very rewarding period for many of our member companies, and the industry, among the shows owned or produced by the members I’ve visited. These include Coverings (Taffy Event Strategies); National Restaurant Association Show (Winsight, soon to be Informa); Sweets and Snacks Expo (ConvExx); and ECEF (Lippman Connects).

Read the full newsletter here https://www.siso.org/newsletters

31/05/2023

Registration is open and we are pleased to have Salt Lake City as our Host City for the 2023 Summer Conference, which will be held August 22-24.

This year's SISO Leadership Conference will explore the topic that is truly foundational to our work, "The Evolving Customer Expectations." In this rapidly changing landscape, where customer preferences and expectations transform rapidly, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. This summer's program will dive into what customers are looking for from events and what organizers must do to unlock those needs and delight them. PLUS, our programming will allow you to actively engage with your peers on topics, ideas, and experiences you can bring back to your teams, so come ready to engage in the discussion.

Send all inquiries to [email protected] and SISO looks forward to having you join us.

27/04/2023

SISO Update | April 27, 2023

A message from our CEO, Vincent Polito:

As I mentioned during the SISO CEO Summit, I will be looking for and encouraging opportunities for our current and future members to get together during other member events to experience the show and have quality time together.

Two such opportunities exist between now and the end of May.

The first occurs at McCormick Place in Chicago during the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo on May 22.

Read the full story and the latest version of the SISO Update for April here https://www.siso.org/newsletters

29/01/2023

Remembering SISO Founder and Industry Icon Peter Nathan

By Vincent Polito, CEO - SISO
Peter Nathan had a nearly sixty-year career in the event industry and he passed away on Saturday, January 28th. He was a founding member of the Society of Independent Show Organizers. Click here https://www.siso.org/press-releases/remebering-siso-founder-industry-icon-peter-nathan to read the rest of the story.

22/12/2022

09/12/2022

If you hold events in Kentucky you need to be aware of this serious Sales Tax issue being imposed starting Jan/1/2023. Not only will you now be charged KY Sales Tax on Venue Rental and several other new items, but more importantly we are being told that the intent is that Event Organizers will have to charge and collect KY Sales Tax on all Exhibit Space, Sponsorship and registration Fees charged to customers!

https://taxanswers.ky.gov/Sales-and-Excise-Taxes/Pages/default.aspx

09/12/2022

SISO Update | December 9, 2022

While the exhibition industry’s pace tends to slow during the holiday season, trade shows and events across the country are still taking place successfully, serving their purpose as forums for face-to-face business, education and networking. As the industry looks toward a potential full economic recovery in 2023, now is an excellent time to reflect on the successes and lessons of the past year while setting goals and fresh strategies for the new one ahead. Take a look at your latest SISO news, including some new tax and workforce issues facing the business events industry, as well as some upcoming SISO gatherings you’ll want to attend in the New Year!

https://www.siso.org/newsletters

07/12/2022

Visa Processing Delays are a critical issue for Events in the USA with international participants!

See this new website put together by the U.S. Travel Assn, and provide your own details on the impact on your events/business.

First-time visitor visa applicants in the key markets for U.S. inbound travel are currently facing interview wait times of 400-800 days—a de facto border closure in the way of excessive wait times to receive a visa. The data shows a severe backlog in processing visitor visas is delaying visits to ...

03/12/2022

Visa Processing delays in the USA are a critical issue for attracting international participants to USA-shows.

Lengthy visa wait times are a major contributing factor to the downturn in international visitors to the U.S., and the just-released travel forecast...

22/11/2022

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/11/2022

SISO Update | November 11, 2022

Despite the rising cost of producing events and concerns about a possible oncoming recession, the exhibition industry continues to hold its own. In-person trade shows and events are continuing to pull off successful iterations, many event-related organizations are maintaining strong hiring and promoting momentum, new shows will be launching in 2023 and industry associations, including SISO, are unveiling important initiatives to benefit their memberships. Check out your latest SISO news, including a recap of our first annual Asia CEO Summit!

https://www.siso.org/newsletters

04/11/2022

“Exhibitions industry must be more enticing to draw in new talent” - Trevor Foley

Exhibitions industry veteran recruiter Trevor Foley tells Emily Wallin we desperately need to make the industry more enticing to draw in the…

26/10/2022

mdg, A Freeman Company will be hosting an Executive Roundtable on Thursday, November 10, sponsored by SISO, the San Diego Tourism Authority and Freeman. This executives-only forum will focus on the ways B2B organizers can draw inspiration from consumer events. Session and speaker info can be found here.

Attendance is by invitation only, limited to executive-level (VP and above) professionals from associations or organizations that own, produce and/or manage live events. Space will be limited to maintain an atmosphere conducive to networking, so reserve your spot. Registration for the roundtable is complimentary. Reserve your seat by Thursday, November 3.

http://ow.ly/8lBV50KXrVL

22/10/2022

Registration for the next SISO CEO Summit is open to senior executives from SISO Member Companies.

If you missed your personalized email with your invitation code please contact [email protected].

The SISO CEO Summit is the largest and most influential annual gathering of the leaders in the industry, don't miss it!

www.SISO.org/CEO

21/10/2022

SISO Update | October 21, 2022

Despite a gradually slowing job market, not to mention stubborn inflation and lingering supply chain issues, the exhibitions industry is still harnessing a positive momentum that is propelling it toward recovery. Buyers and suppliers are flocking to face-to-face exhibitions across North America and abroad, event industry organizations are busily building their workforces, launching new initiatives and releasing key research, and industry leaders are preparing for whatever challenges the coming year may hold. Check out our latest Update to stay in-the-know!

https://www.siso.org/newsletters

18/10/2022

SISO Webinar: Finding the Future Together

Please join us on Wed., Oct. 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET, as we review the findings of the newly released report, Finding the future, together: towards a more sustainable B2B trade show industry in the U.S. and Canada.

In the webinar, we’ll cover the six main areas of greatest ‘Material Impact,’ quantifying each impact, highlighting the progress already made to reduce that impact, and looking towards ways of further reducing the impact in the future.

• Carbon emissions from participant travel
• Carbon emissions from venues
• Carbon emissions from logistics
• Material waste from venues
• Waste from GSC warehouses
• Booth materials

We’ll also highlight the many good sustainability practices already in use across the event ecosystem –organizers, venues, and service providers, etc. and set out a high-level roadmap for change covering 30 “quick wins” and longer-term actions the industry can take to move towards a more sustainable future.

This webinar is free to attend, but you need to register in advance: http://ow.ly/7XNp50Lexvh. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

14/10/2022

SISO Member News!

Messe Stuttgart Inc. appoints Phil McKay as new president for Stateside operation

News Americas Oct 14 / Submitted by Paul Colston Messe Stuttgart Inc. appoints new president for Stateside operation Messe Stuttgart's American subsidiary has a new president. Philip McKay (pictured) took up the role of president at Messe Stuttgart Inc. on 1 October. He is also CEO of nGage events,....