CEMA SPONSORSHIPS

CEMA recently released the 2002 CEMA sponsorship packages, which provide industry associates with yearlong marketing opportunities. CEMA encourages interested associates to consider the following CEMA statistics:

Of event managers polled in the 2001 CEMA Industry Survey:

• 73 percent plan or are responsible for more than 11 events each year.

• 78 percent are directly responsible for an annual event budget of $1 million or more.

• 47 percent are responsible for international events.

• 46 percent have been involved in the IT Event Industry for more than 11 years.

For a complete list of packages available, please visit the CEMA Web site at www.cemaonline.com.

EVENT CALENDAR SPOTLIGHT

Summit Keynoters Announced

The CEMA Summit committee recently announced the line-up of keynote speakers for the 2002 annual conference. Guy Kawasaki, president, Garage Technology Ventures; Corbin Ball, CMP; and accomplished rock climber Todd Skinner will address the CEMA membership when it convenes August 4 to 7 at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado Bay, Calif.

The Summit theme, Tools for the Times, will focus on how IT event marketing professionals must adapt to an industry that has experienced tremendous change because of a tough economic climate, travel restrictions, and other challenges.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

The Intangibles

There are many tangible benefits to joining an association: the Web site, newsletter, annual meeting, and the membership directory to name a few. What about the intangible benefits? Membership in CEMA can enhance professional growth, career development and training, access to information, and industry representation. CEMA helps its members manage strategic challenges within the confines of today's shrinking budgets and staff reductions. So keep in mind the intangible benefits of CEMA membership and remember what Theodore Roosevelt said almost 100 years ago, “Every man owes part of his time and money to the business or industry to which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere.”

AGENT OF CHANGE

CEMA Fights Exclusives

The Computer Event Marketing Association Board of Directors recently issued a statement against IDG World Expo Corp.'s decision to contract an exclusive I&D (installation and dismantling) labor provider at its shows. CEMA has issued a call to action to its members and urges IT event managers around the country to give their input to IDG World Expo representatives. CEMA's primary concerns are as follows:

• IDG World Expo's move could encourage others to do the same, potentially causing adverse effects to the industry at large, including a monopolistic labor model and possibly higher costs.

• IDG World Expo Corp. has not provided substantial data to support its claim that this repositioning is exhibitor-driven.

• Assumptions regarding exhibitors' abilities to make educated labor choices are not proven and are perceived by CEMA's board as somewhat demeaning.

• A clear understanding of the typical exhibitor-appointed contractor process was not adequately demonstrated by IDG World Expo Corp., and statements made about EAC markups were conjecture.

• Although an increase to IDG World Expo Corp.'s revenue stream is anticipated, enhanced service and lower pricing benefits to the exhibitor are debatable.

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