"MATSO forums are among the most honest in the industry, because the group is open only to show managers in the field. And because the membership is exclusive, it's easy to connect with anyone on the roster."

MATSO's industry leading events reflect the complexity, reach, influence and Best Practices unique to large-scale trade shows.

• Discover new solutions to your toughest challenges
• Network with the largest group of senior-level show
professionals in the industry
• Help guide and develop new strategies and policy
• Share your ideas. Share your imagination
• Chart your future
• Stay current
• Make a difference

MATSO generally holds 2 meetings each year:

• Spring 2012 – In conjunction with the Vision Show, NYC, Javits Center, MATSO meeting to be held March 23
• Fall 2012 – In conjunction with PMMI, Chicago's McCormick Place, MATSO meeting, October 29
• In addition, Task Force meetings are convened via teleconferencing as needed.

MATSO meetings are the forum for information-sharing and problem-solving. Round-table discussions are rich with insight. You'll have a chance to address your most daunting challenges together with your industry peers. And invited experts brief attending members on issues of highest importance.

Industry News

Exhibition Industry Associations and Practitioners Come Together to Support Public Relations Campaign

DALLAS, 25 October 2011 – In a unified and resounding measure of support, more than 65 organizations have pledged their support of the Public Relations Campaign which will communicate the long-term, positive impact exhibitions and events deliver to local communities. From the initial ideation and creation of the vision of the Campaign, industry associations including the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) led by President/CEO Michael Gehrisch; Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) led by Executive Director Larry Arnaudet; Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) led by Executive Director Meg Ellacott, and The Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Executive Director Lew Shomer, have been instrumental in the development and establishment of their long-term commitment to the Campaign.

Shomer says, “On behalf of the SISO Board of Directors, we are excited and very pleased to support the public relations initiative that will increase awareness and understanding about the exhibitions and events industry as well as foster an understanding as to why trade shows are unsurpassed as the vital medium in bringing buyers and sellers together to do business.”

As evidence of these organizations’ ongoing collaboration, chief staff executives of these key organizations agreed to share ideas and meet regularly which came to fruition last week at the Exhibition Industry Summit. Additionally, these organizations were early supporters of the Public Relations Campaign and will continue to explore opportunities for joint cooperation across a broad spectrum of common industry activities including advocacy, education, industry affairs and best practices.

“ESCA is thrilled to support the campaign,” says Arnaudet. “We believe the exhibitions and events industry will soon be better understood, and with the implementation of the PR Campaign will continue to positively reinforce decisions made by executives to attend conventions and exhibit at trade shows as part of their overall marketing plan.”

Gehrisch adds, “This is a perfect time for us to join together and spread the word about the positive impact of trade shows and convention. DMAI is confident that the results of our collaboration and joint support of the Public Relations Campaign will generate new opportunities for all industry professionals and niches served by face-to-face interaction.”

“On behalf of the Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) members and its’ Board we are very happy to support IAEE’s new public relations initiative,” says Meg Ellacott, MATSO Executive Director.  “There has, for so long, been a need to broaden awareness and understanding of our industry. So we are thrilled with this undertaking. This will be a win, win in building business for the entire field of trade shows and events.”

The Public Relations Campaign will officially launch at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 6-8 December 2011 in Las Vegas. View all campaign donors, and for more information about supporting the campaign, contact IAEE.

MATSO Marketing Exchange Program

The Major American Trade Show Organizers has developed and brought to market a new program called the MATSO Marketing Exchange Program. Paige Pringle, National Trade Productions, Ashley Mills, Vision Council of America and Meg Ellacott, Managing Director of MATSO head up the Committee to implement this program. "The Group, as a whole, wanted to see more focus placed on the trade show marketing arena since this is tops on everyone's list these days," said MATSO's Chair, Pat Dwyer. The program will be geared toward MATSO marketing teams and those prospective MATSO members who meet the eligibility rules of 200,000 nsf size shows and above. Two to three meetings will be held annually on critical marketing issues in the Washington, DC area.

Task Force Meetings:

Currently, five City Task Forces are in place to focus on the needs and concerns of members holding their events in Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando. Members may participate in any or all of the Task Forces.

Task Force meetings are typically held via teleconferencing throughout the year, with activities reported at MATSO's Annual Meeting.