Anaheim, CA – A strategic shift in the mission of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) that will more closely align the research organization with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) was announced December 6.
The most visible aspect of the plan will be a change in the CEIR leadership with President & CEO Brian Casey stepping down at the end of January after three years on the job. His role will be filled by Cathy Breden, who will add the title of CEO of the CEIR Foundation to her current duties as Executive Vice President and COO of IAEE. In addition, the annual chair of IAEE will also serve as chair of CEIR.
CEIR has been the lead research arm of the trade show industry. It will continue to produce its oeuvre of research reports as well as organizing the annual CEIR Predict conference.
CEIR and IAEE have been closely tied for several years. Breden has been Managing Director of CEIR since 2006 in addition to her role at IAEE.
The realignment announced at Expo! Expo! in Anaheim was the result of two years of discussions by the CEIR board of directors and will result in a more streamlined management and fundraising capability as well as a tighter focus on CEIR’s mission to provide timely research and analysis to the exhibitions industry.
“We are honored to have been entrusted with the CEIR Foundation and we are committed to continuing the excellent work and valuable research CEIR produces,” said IAEE Chair Julia Smith. “We are confident that this realignment will only enhance the mission of CEIR into the future.”
CEIR will remain a nonprofit organization. Research Director Nancy Drapeau will remain at the helm of CEIR research operations.
Reach Julia Smith at (562) 356-3729 or jsmith@ges.com; Cathy Breden at (972) 687-9201 or cbreden@ceir.org; Brian Casey at (972) 687-9242 or bcasey@ceir.org
