CHICAGO (Nov. 17, 2011) The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced this week its Top Public Events for 2011, including three of the National Marine Manufacturers Associations (NMMA) boat and sportshows in the Established Events category: the Progressive Insurance Louisville Boat, RV & Sportshow, Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, and Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show.

IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, FASAE said, One of the core charges of IAEEs Public Events Council is to introduce and reinforce the importance of public and consumer events. The Top Public Events recognition program answers that call by raising awareness of and recognizing the top public event/consumer shows throughout the industry. The entries submitted by NMMA are stellar examples of top events and deserve to be recognized for their longevity and stability, excellent customer service, exhibitor and attendee satisfaction, and most importantly, for incorporating innovative methods to build exhibitor and attendee participation during difficult economic times.

Each year thousands of business-to-consumer events take place, and this recognition program was launched during IAEE's Mid-Year Meeting in June 2011 to honor the best events around the world with two categories: Established Events and New Launches. Among the criteria measured were event demographics, best practices, customer service initiatives, employee training and motivation, innovations in marketing and exhibitor and attendee support. Other events which received the 2011 Top Public Events award in the Established Events category were the Super Pet Expo and Southern Christmas Show.

Were honored to receive IAEEs prestigious award for three NMMA boat and sportshows. Instead of retrenching during the recession, we looked for opportunities to make changes to adapt for todays consumer, and its paying off. This recognition is a testament to our mission to deliver exceptional consumer boating and outdoors events across the nation, noted Ben Wold, executive vice president, NMMA.

For more information on NMMA boat and sportshows, including this years winners of IAEEs Top Public Events, visit www.boatshows.com.

For more information on IAEE and the Top Public Events Award, visit www.iaee.com.

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About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.

About IAEE: Since 1928, IAEE continues to provide quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006 consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. IAEE also supports IAEE Services, the IAEE Public Events Council, The International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing, and the Exhibition and Event Industry Audit Commission, which are IAEE councils that provide products, programs and information to members. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: American Airlines, ASP, Inc., Bearcom, Mexico Tourism Board, Orange County Convention Center and Visit Orlando, Vertical Nerve, Inc. and VoiceLogic. Visit www.iaee.com for more information

Sarah Ryser

Public Relations Manager

National Marine Manufacturers Association

sryser@nmma.org

312-946-6285 (o)

847-636-9790 (m)

www.twitter.com/ryserse

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