update 1. Proposed Ethics Regulations Spark Concern The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has asked the Office of Government Ethics to clarify proposed new regulations that could prevent federal employees from attending certain shows. The proposed regulation tightens exceptions to the ban on federal employees accepting gifts valued at more than $20, and would specifically prohibit gifts in the form of free registration or attendance at “widely attended gatherings.” ASAE is asking for language in the rule that would ensure educational and professional-development trade shows and conferences continue to be an exception to the ban. 3. McCormick Reaches Agreement with Chicago Labor Unions The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) announced that it has reached an agreement with labor unions that will make McCormick Place more exhibitor friendly. Among the reforms is a provision that allows exhibitors to perform their own work in any size booth, using their own ladders and hand, cordless, or power tools. Exhibitors may also operate, load, and unload their own small utility vehicles at McCormick Place docks or other designated loading areas. In addition, the reforms reduce the minimum work-crew size from three to two, and modify straight-time and holiday pay to lower exhibitor expenses. “McCormick Place is a major economic engine for the city of Chicago, bringing more than 3 million visitors to the city every year,” says Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I am grateful that labor is our partner in implementing these reforms that will keep thousands of Chicagoans working, save exhibitors money, and ensure our city remains a competitive destination and leader in the convention and trade show industry.” 2. Marketing Executives Assign High Value to Trade Shows According to recent findings by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), a Dallas-based research firm, marketing executives assign a high value to using business-to-business exhibitions to achieve marketing and sales objectives, and expect their exhibiting levels to stay the same or increase in years to come. Sixty percent of respondents said the greatest benefit of exhibiting is the ability to see a large number of prospects and customers over a short period of time. They also placed importance on face-to-face meetings and the opportunity to demonstrate products, with 99 percent noting that exhibiting has unique value to them that is not provided by other marketing channels. According to 83 percent of the sales and marketing executives surveyed, building or expanding brand awareness is their highest priority. Respondents also said their marketing objectives are focused on new product or service promotions, targeting specific business sectors, and advancing existing brands. Nearly three-fourths said exhibiting is highly valuable toward achieving their goals in these areas. Additionally, 77 percent said shows help them manage existing customer relationships, engage prospective customers, and generate leads for new business, all of which were deemed among their highest priorities. Though six out of 10 respondents said they are participating in fewer shows than they did several years ago, 60 percent expect their current exhibiting level to hold steady, and 25 percent say it will increase in the future. “Even with an explosion of digital media in the marketplace, the use of business-to-business exhibiting in the marketing mix is holding its own,” CEIR research director Nancy Drapeau says. “Executives see the value in it, and they have a commitment to continue using exhibitions even as other new marketing methods come into play.”