CHICAGO LABOR DISPUTE
At press time, the industry is abuzz with news that Chicago’s Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority was proposing legislation to the Illinois State Assembly that would essentially turn union workers at McCormick Place into public employees and prohibit labor strikes. The plan, backed by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Gov. Pat Quinn, would give McCormick Place managers more control over unions at the venue in an effort to attract show organizers put off by labor union work rules and the resulting higher costs. But opponents of the measure note that the proposed plan doesn’t explain just how costs would be reduced.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) outlined its concerns in an official response on Jan. 11. “At the core of customers’ concerns has been the extraordinarily high electrical labor costs at MPEA facilities,” the statement read. “The current legislative proposal unfortunately does little to address this volatile issue. In fact, it is entirely likely that over time the inflexibility of a legislatively imposed solution will only serve to drive rates even higher and to do so with very little prospect for eventual relief.” An added layer to the hubbub? Just one day after the proposed legislation was announced, the Illinois House moved unanimously to remove the 13-member MPEA and replace it with a smaller seven-member interim board that would be tasked with examining the expenses and loss of business at McCormick Place.

As of press time, the measure was heading to the state Senate. Freeman and GES also released a statement on the controversy, noting that while the need for labor reform in Chicago is paramount, the companies “share the concern of many of our Chicago customers regarding the potential cost and customer service implications of this specific approach.”

CES ALL ATWITTER
Now this is how it’s done. The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) leveraged micro-blogging site Twitter this month to share buzz-worthy updates, tips, contests and special deals with attendees — as well as those not at the show — to help build excitement around the event and keep the momentum going. In the days leading up to the event as well as during the show, CES communications team staffers tweeted links to a range of helpful information, such as the event’s virtual show guide, floor map, registration and badge holder pickup locations, breaking news, press day schedules, a mobile phone application, help resources, local hotel and restaurant deals and more. The show’s social media team hosted a Tweetup on the second evening of the show for Twitter followers to network with their online community peers over cocktails. Staffers also launched a CES Twitterhunt contest for Twitpic-savvy participants who took and posted photos of themselves and their favorite products in specified locations. Winners had to attend the Tweetup to receive prizes such as tickets to Monster Cable’s Awards Concert featuring Grammy-winning recording artist John Legend.

12%
The average increase in attendees show producers see from their first virtual show
to their second. – InXpo