In a revolutionary move aimed at elevating the exhibition and events sector, THE International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Trade Show News Network (TSNN) have solidified a multi-year strategic partnership at Connect Marketplace, creating a powerful collaboration that will shape the industry through 2026. This is not just a partnership, but a deliberate strategic alliance that will define the future of the exhibition industry.
The event will kick off with a spectacular, co-located awards program at The Novo December 16 during Expo! Expo! IAEE Annual Meeting and Exhibition® In Los Angeles, this collaboration will celebrate the best of the industry on a stage that has hosted legends, including the inaugural GRAMMY Hall of Fame gala.
The partnership was announced on the Connect Marketplace main stage during the Baird Center by Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed, CEM, IAEE President and CEO, alongside Danica Tormohlen, Vice President of Content, Informa Connect Group. This agreement builds on years of collaboration between two industry giants and, for the first time, they will join forces to co-locate and present dual industry awards programs. This historic moment signals a new era of innovation and excellence.
Representing more than 20,000 exhibits and buyer-seller events worldwide, the IAEE recognizes TSNN as a visionary sponsor, giving the media brand a prominent role at the annual Expo! Expo!. This premier event, the beating heart of the $90 billion U.S. B2B exhibit industry (stats courtesy of CEIR), is the ideal platform to showcase our combined strengths.
For TSNN, this partnership is a monumental achievement. As the industry’s leading online news outlet covering exhibitions, trade shows and events since 1996, TSNN will provide ongoing, high-level editorial coverage and strategic support to the IAEE and the Exhibition Industry Research Center (CEIR). With a reach of over 200,000 event professionals each month through our website, newsletters and social channels, TSNN is uniquely positioned to amplify the success and influence of this partnership.
“IAEE is pleased to partner with TSNN on this initiative that will benefit everyone in our industry,” said Flanagan. “Not only is collaboration part of IAEE’s core values, it leverages the organizations’ greatest strengths in a way that allows us to collectively advance our industry more effectively. There’s no doubt that it’s a win-win situation. And what better way to kick off this program than with a joint awards ceremony where we celebrate the accomplishments of those we serve? It’s a wonderful expression of our mutual respect for our industry and our appreciation for the professionals who strive to improve it every day.”
“This collaboration showcases the best of what TSNN and the IAEE have to offer: innovation, influence and an unwavering commitment to moving the industry forward,” Tormohlen said. “We look forward to launching a reimagined, star-studded awards program in collaboration with the IAEE in one of the world’s most sought-after venues, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Imagine a red carpet filled with industry leaders and rising stars, all gathered to celebrate excellence in the heart of Los Angeles’ entertainment district.