The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is gearing up for its Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, which will be held December 10-12 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Organizers expect to draw event managers from more than 20 countries to the meetings’ educational sessions and networking opportunities. Educational tracks run the gamut, from marketing, operations, and event and meeting management to sales and strategic business intelligence. The expo itself promises to be more than 40,000 square feet of exhibits, including those of hotels, registration providers, technology, and housing and travel services. Those interested in pursuing the Certified Exhibition Management designation have a full-day learning program the day before the main conference. Another pre-show special is the IAEE E2 Tech Showcase, which will provide a peek at the latest in trade show technology innovations and a look at emerging tech trends.

The Convention Industry Council also will be holding its Hall of Leaders Gala during Expo! Expo! This year’s honorees include Christine Duffy, president and CEO of Maritz Travel; Steven Hacker, CAE, IAEE president; Robert Moore, executive vice president of sales and corporate accounts with Freeman; Edward Scannell, CSP, CMP, director, Center for Professional Development and Training; and Roger Tondeur, president, MCI Group Holding.

For more on Expo! Expo!, go to IAEE’s Web site