Written by IAEM members, these modules and accompanying white papers formed the basis of information for the academic programs that followed. Convention education, including meetings and expositions, has come a long way since the first classes began emerging in hotel schools in the late '70s. Georgia State University in Atlanta offered its first convention course in 1978. While the majority of students will likely go into the hotel side of the industry, they will at least have an understanding of and appreciation for their largest market segments. Learning from professionals Industry professionals have played a vital role in training students on real-world applications.
Many dedicated professionals teach part-time in programs near their homes.
The class teaches them to pursue the trade show exhibit as a marketing communications tool in a fully integrated marketing program. Convention and meeting industry associations have also been instrumental in the development of education. Associations are the bridges to industry, and they have been partnering with academia by providing financial support to fund faculty positions, scholarships and opportunities for students to attend national conventions, as well as providing opportunities for internships and graduate placement assistance. IAEM recently published the first exposition management textbook, The Art of the Show, written by Sandy Morrow, CAE, CEM, President of Calgary, Alberta-based Trade Show Managers Inc., and a professor at the University of Calgary. Students also regularly use industry-related Web sites to keep current on trends.