The International Association for Exhibition Management, Dallas, will roll into its annual meeting and exposition, December 1 to 3 in San Antonio, with a number of new initiatives under its belt.

The association launched an ongoing series of TrendWatch reports conducted by the market research firm Jacobs Jenner & Kent. The research focuses on identifying how emerging developments will affect the exhibition industry. The results of the recently released second TrendWatch study examined various ways that show organizers are focusing on return on investment for exhibitors and attendees. Future areas of focus include spending trends, globalization issues, and pros and cons of co-location.

IAEM also recently launched a survey on its Web site to help determine the financial impact of visa issues on international meetings and exhibitions held in the United States. The data that is compiled will help in the group's lobbying efforts to make new visa restrictions less onerous to international visitors who want to attend U.S. meetings and exhibitions.

Earlier this year the association gained member approval to change from individual to corporate memberships, a move that IAEM President Steve Hacker has said would help IAEM become more effective in lobbying for industry issues. The association also struck an agreement with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. As part of that agreement, four IAEM members taught exhibition management courses in China within the last nine months.

Keynote speaker at the annual meeting this December will be noted economist Jeff Thredgold, who will explore economic questions affecting the exhibition industry, such as how the U.S. and global economy will affect shows in the next decade. What effect will inflation have, if any, on the exhibition industry? In addition to dozens of education sessions, there will be a two-day exposition. For more information about the annual meeting and any of the initiatives mentioned here, visit www.iaem.org.