More than 1,700 industry professionals gathered at the Kentucky International Convention Center for IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, held December 13-15, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky.
On Monday before the Expo! Expo! kick-off, clients were invited to a bourbon tasting with GES to travel into the rolling hills of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region to explore the history and craftsmanship of Bourbon production. They visited Maker's Mark, Angel's Envy, and Heaven Hill's Bourbon distilleries for tours of their historic grounds where they watched Bourbon being made and savored the final product in their tasting rooms.
After a full day of education sessions, attendees mingled with their peers and colleagues on Tuesday evening, and all appreciated the opening reception at Churchill Downs, the home of one of the world’s most prestigious events, The Kentucky Derby.
Over the course of the event, attendees enjoyed 31,000 square feet of exhibit space, which featured 233 exhibitors, including GES and onPeak. In addition to exhibiting, GES and onPeak sponsored the Grow Your Show education track, Young Professional events for those 35 and younger, and Humanity Rocks, a celebration with a cause.
Those who visited GES and onPeak on the exhibit floor enjoyed horse racing games, meeting Steve Buttleman, the long-time official bugler of Churchill Downs and the GES/onPeak Derby, and our many Kentucky-themed giveaways. 
Wednesday’s networking activities included the Young Professionals Party and culminated with Humanity Rocks: A Celebration with a Cause brought to attendees by GES/onPeak and supported by CORT Events. Together, the event raised $10,000 for the Backside Learning Center, a nonprofit organization building community and enriching the lives of backside workers and families at Churchill Downs.
On Thursday, the final day, more opportunities were available for everyone to connect with industry suppliers on the show floor. The day ended with the closing general session and a reminder that in 2024, IAEE Expo! Expo! will be held December 5-7 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
To kick off 2023, team members from GES and onPeak participated in the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders. Representatives joined approximately 3,300 meeting professionals at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio from January 8-11, 2023. 
Highlights from the event included an evening performance by John Legend and presentations by speakers Allyson Felix, retired track and field star, and Carly Fiorina, an American businesswoman, and politician, known primarily for her tenure as CEO of Hewlett-Packard. GES sponsored Hospitality Helping Hands and Party with a Purpose, proceeds from both events supported the YMCA of Central Ohio.
This summer, PCMA will host EduCon in Montreal, Canada, and PCMA Convening Leaders 2024 will take place in San Diego, California.
GES is dedicated to supporting the Events and Exhibitions Industry. To learn more about our recent events, visit our show portfolios blog.
Don't miss GES & onPeak at these upcoming events:
- March 8-9 - IAEE Women's Leadership Forum - Washington D.C.
- April 20th - Large Show Roundtable - Dallas
- May 1-3 - TSE Fastest 50 - Miami
- May 31 - ECEF Conference -Washington D.C.
- June 25- 28 ESCA Summer EDU Conference - Florida
- June 25- 28 - PCMA Educon - Montreal
- Aug 29-30 - CEIR Predict - Washington D.C.
- Sept 21-23 - TSE Gold 100 - Santa Barbara
- Oct 17 -19 - IMEX America - Las Vegas
- Dec. 5-7 - IAEE Expo! Expo! 2023 - Dallas
- Jan 7-10 - PCMA Convening Leaders - San Diego
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jackie Murphy
