Industry’s Top Leaders to Discuss Global Challenges

The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM), taking place at Chicago’s McCormick Place from June 11 – 13, will feature a roundtable of meetings association leaders from around the world to debate future industry trends and challenges. The panel discussion will take place on Education Day, Tuesday, June 11 from 4:15 – 5:15pm in Ballroom 375 E.

Major topics of discussion will include insights into the future of face-to-face meetings, the impact of technology in meeting planning, the current evolution and innovation for tradeshows, the increasing need to tie meeting outcomes and content to business goals and the continued importance of education and sharing best practices and value drivers.

The panel will feature a heavy-weight line up of association leaders including: host/moderator Christine Duffy, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI); David DuBois, CEO of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE); Martin Sirk, CEO of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); Deborah Sexton, President and CEO of Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA); John Graham, CEO of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Allison Summers, Chief Staff Officer and Managing Director of Society for Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE).

Michael Lyons, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM Exhibition Director, said, “Our theme ‘Defining the Future of Meetings Together’ prompted us to gather all the top industry association leaders to discuss the impending issues of our industry.”

In addition to the top leaders taking a stance on these industry focal points, the audience will be asked for their input as well. Using Evenium Relationship Technology, to crowd source the audience’s input, Moderator Christine Duffy will gather the views of attendees on key issues and share their responses.

“It’s equally as important for us to hear what front line meeting planners think about industry challenges,” said Duffy. “We’re all in this together as the industry rapidly changes from one moment to the next in this global business landscape.”

To apply as a Hosted Buyer or register as a Trade Visitor, go to www.aibtm.com