MATSO Makes BOD Changes
and
Implements New Program

Washington, D.C. (September 2, 2004) - MATSO, The Major American Trade Show Organizers Board of Directors nominated Pat Dwyer of Smith Bucklin as its incoming Chairperson. Pat will be filling out the term of Jack Chalden, who last week left SUPERCOMM to take a position with BD Metrics, an industry supplier. "Jack's volunteer leadership has inspired us and led us in all the right directions. We wish him the best of luck in his new position. At the same time, we're also very excited about Pat Dwyer coming on board as our new Chair," said Pat Phillips of VNU Expositions and Board member. While new to the B.O.D. of MATSO, Pat (Dwyer) brings with her many years of senior level experience in the trade show business as well as being a 15 year member of MATSO. Additionally, Jim Pittas, PMMI and PACK EXPO has been appointed to the position on the Board vacated by Pat. "Jim is one of the movers and shakers in the industry and we're very excited to have him on board, added Phillips."


The MATSO Marketing Exchange Program

The Major American Trade Show Organizers has developed and will bring 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 really tops on everyone's mind these days," said Ellacott. 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. The first meeting to jump start the program will take place September 23rd at the GASC/NPES and GRAPH EXPO headquarters. Regis Delmontagne, President of GASC/NPES has invited MATSO members (and newly interested members) to join his own staff as they hear from legal counsel regarding the new 'no solicitation' laws due to take effect January, 2005. Discussion and potential case scenarios will then be visited by the group. GASC/NPES headquarters are located in Reston, Virginia.

P.S. - for your Calendar of Events: MATSO Mid-Year Meeting is set for January 6-7 in conjunction with CES, Las Vegas.