IELA
professional , passionate individuals , who in many cases , have made exhibitions their life ’ s work ”. This , she adds , has clearly been demonstrated in their dedicated efforts over the past year .
When asked what IELA and industry ’ s prospects are in 2021 , Trotter says : “ We will rise from the ashes to rebuild a strong , vibrant industry that is a major contributor to economies around the globe .” abroad and exhibits to keep moving to events .
IELA realises also that these are difficult times for members and the Management Board has also taken the unprecedented decision to reduce membership fees for 2021 . Trotter emphasises that it is paramount that the industry retains its sustainable and expert service providers during reconstruction and beyond .
Education Throughout the pandemic , during several editions of online virtual discussions and educational seminars , IELA members have benefited from both the wisdom of a host of qualified guest speakers as well as from the insight and support of fellow members .
Educational programmes have become very important as industry talent and special skills have a tendency to be lost during inactive periods . The recruitment of younger generations in the industry is a priority for IELA , which is intensifying its events in this field : The IELA 2020 Operations Summit was a great success , held virtually in November 2020 and attended by 74 participants ; while the Winter Seminar 2021 ( an educational seminar for newcomers to the industry ) will take place virtually from 28 January-2 February with a focus is on Building the Future in the New Now .
Trotter notes that the association ’ s strategic plans to support the industry in 2021 include a high level of industry advocacy , such as the IELA Ambassador programme and partnering with national industry associations around the world . “ To date , IELA has signed Memorandums of Understanding in 14 countries ,” she says , and explains how it hopes its IELA Red Alert Campaign can become a voice of the industry , projecting the underlying urgency through its message : “ This is our industry , our passion , our world , our future and the one all event professionals rely on for the survival of the exhibition and event industry ”.
Trotter underlines that IELA welcomes and supports initiatives from other national and international players in the exhibition industry and states its aim is to create one unique and strong voice when communicating with government bodies and advocating for financial measures to rebuild the industry .
She says full IELA support will continue , as in past years , for special events such as The Global Exhibition Day , and describes IELA as an “ association comprised of
Sandi Trotter began her carrier in exhibition logistics in 1993 with TWI Group Inc . and in 2014 , she directed the expansion of the company to include Canadian domestic shows and become a licensed Canada Customs Broker . She has been a member of the Canadian Exhibition Logistics Association ( CAEM ) for over 15 years and was the chairperson of the IELA Membership Working Group . She joined the IELA Board of Management in June 2019 and was appointed vice-chairperson of the IELA BOM in September 2020 .
IELA is currently represented by 167 members and 27 affiliates in 56 countries .
All IELA Guidelines are available on the Organiser and Exhibitor portals ( free of charge ) via www . iela . org
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 1 2021 17