With many thanks to everyone who has helped us to grow and strengthen over the years, the Computer Event Marketing Association is transitioning into a self-administered association. The move will be complete by the end of the year.

CEMA's evolution reflects the 11-year-old association's continuing expansion and stability. Revenues from our membership base and attendance at events such as the annual CEMA Summit have increased to the point that the board has opted to declare its independence from global event management company Nth Degree. Since its founding in 1990, CEMA has had a dedicated executive director but has relied on Nth Degree to provide support services, including conference management, sponsorship, program development, and accounting.

CEMA expects to grow its membership to more than 600 (half IT professionals, half event industry suppliers) in the next six months, up from 250 in 1999. We hope to continue this growth, to sharpen our focus on strategic industry issues, to align ourselves with a professional accreditation program, and to initiate regional meetings and key membership surveys. Upcoming activities for members include the CEMA Summit in July, regional workshops, a “Jump-Start to Event Marketing” workshop, and the first CEMA Membership Awards program.

CEMA is an association comprised of information technology professionals whose responsibilities include events, trade shows, and marketing communications. For more information, call me at (978) 579-2028.

Event Manager Exchange Program

Ever wondered how your colleagues run their events? How about a tour? CEMA is launching an Event Manager Exchange Program to get members (event managers only) behind the scenes at leading industry events such as Novell's Brainshare and Apple's MacWorld. In May, visit CEMA's Web site, www.cemaonline.com, for details on the program and a full list of participating shows.

Upcoming Face-to-Face Events

CEMA Face-to-Face gatherings are planned throughout the year to coincide with leading IT events. To register for these meetings or to read about more coming up later in the year, visit the CEMA Web site, www.cemaonline.com.

May 10

Salary Survey & Career Development Path

Las Vegas Convention Center, during Networld+Interop

June 27

Through the Eyes of Attendees Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, during NECC

June 28

Through the Eyes of Attendees Jacob K. Javits Center, New York, during PC Expo