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This Just In

IAEE Rallies Industry to Press for Signing of McCormick Place Bill

HIL ANDERSON, SENIOR EDITOR

Dallas, TX – Trade show organizers and service contractors were urged to contact Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and urge him to sign the McCormick Place reform bill as quickly a possible. The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) issued a “call to action” alert May 17 asking show organizers to contact Quinn and remind him of the urgency to implement the reforms right away.

Quinn has stated that he has not yet received the legislation, known as Senate Bill (SB) 28, and that when he does, he and his staff will review it methodically to ensure that Illinois taxpayers are the primary beneficiaries. His seeming refusal to be rushed has triggered speculation in the Chicago media that Quinn could veto the bill and send it back to the legislature for modifications that would undo some of the changes to work rules that would help keep McCormick Place’s costs under control.

The IAEE asked members to contact Quinn by mail, e-mail or by phone to remind him that SB 28 will open the door to increased business at McCormick Place and should be signed immediately and without changes. “Whether you actually conduct business or service events at McCormick Place or not, the final outcome may impact other exhibition facilities and their business practices, negatively or positively,” the alert said.

“The changes that would follow the enactment of SB 28 might quickly be adapted by other jurisdictions based upon their own competitive interest,” said the alert. “It is a development that could, in retrospect, be viewed as an important industry crossroads.”

IAEE recommended that communications with Quinn include expressing appreciation for his leadership on the McCormick Place issue and remind him that time is of the essence. The writer should include the number of jobs and the economic impact created by his or her company’s shows.

Contact Information:

By Mail:
The Honorable Pat Quinn, Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL  60601

By E-mail:
pat.quinn.illinoios.gov

By Telephone:
(312) 814-2121 or (217) 782-6830

Reach IAEE President Steven Hacker at (972) 458-8002 or shacker@iaee.com

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