Issue link: https://tradeshowexecutive.epubxp.com/i/107551
M O NTH I N R E V I E W Continued from page 11 of CES. "In the end, afer a careful and thorough review process, we selected Freeman because we believe they will provide a fresh eye and approach that will greatly beneft our show and our customers as we plan for the 2014 International CES." Te International CES is the largest annual trade show in the U.S., but ranked No. 2 on the TSE Gold 100 in 2012, due to the cycling in of the triennial CONEXPOCON/AGG. Earlier this month, the 2013 show broke all records, reaching new heights in its 45+ year history. CES spanned 1.92 million nsf, and drew 3,250 exhibiting companies and more than 150,000 attendees. Big Dollars Tree years ago, CES spent $5.4 million on general contracting services to GES in 2010, according to a 990 IRS form fled by CEA. (See the feature article, On the Margin, in the December 2012 issue of Trade Show Executive). Industry estimates suggest total contractor revenue, including CES and its exhibitors, exceeds $30 million annually, but TSE could not confrm this number. "We greatly appreciate our long relationship with GES. While the partnership has been highly successful and satisfactory, we felt it was time for a diferent approach and view of our event," said Chupka. "Tis is in line with our eforts as a show organizer to try to deliver a new experience and an innovative approach to our customers each year." Reach Karen at (703) 907-7639 or kchupka@ CE.org Webinar on Requirements and Impact of Healthcare Reform Set for February BY HIL ANDERSON, senior editor Plano, TX – A webinar on the requirements and expected impacts of the U.S. Afordable Care Act will be presented February 25 by the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the human resources consulting frm SESCO Management Consultants and sponsored by Trade Show Executive. SESCO lists several companies and associations among its clients. Speakers will provide an overview of the new responsibilities businesses will face as well as the consequences of noncompliance with the new law. "Te challenge is companies are dealing with all of this when there is still so much that has to be defned," said Jamie Hasty, SESCO vice president and lead presenter for the webinar. "We are still at the point where one government agency is saying one thing and another agency is saying something else. It's challenging for employers and groups." Titled Te Employer's Guide to Healthcare Reform, the webinar will take place February 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST. Te cost is $25 for ESCA members and $50 for nonmembers. Te Afordable Care Act is expected to have an impact on strategic planning for group health plans. Commonly referred to as "Obamacare," the Afordable Care Act was upheld as constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in June. Te plan was seen from the start by many in the business community as an unwelcome package of additional costs, man hours and upheaval to employer health plans all tied up in red tape. And, Hasty told TSE, the situation has not changed much. "It's a killer," Hasty said. "Te law makes it extremely hard on employers when you look at some of the penalties and other challenges involved. Tey will also be focusing more time on training, paperwork and communications." Healthcare reform will likely produce some tricky issues for many employers, such as possible reductions in the hours of full-time workers and in collective-bargaining negotiations with unions. Tere are also ongoing interpretations and adjustments by the Internal Revenue Service. Te ideal strategy is to be as pro-active as possible, which Hasty said was a challenged in itself due to the still-fuid situa- tion. "Tere are always new interpretations and guidelines coming out and they will continue to come out," Hasty said. SESCO has been monitoring the development of the Afordable Care Act since it debuted in 2010. A cadre of lawyers, human resources specialists and federal ofcials has provided input and analysis of the legislation and what it means to the business community. "Te will be signifcant challenges to meet and decisions to be made, but some folks haven't event started to address them," Hasty said. February 25 will be a good place to start. Reach Mitt Arnaudet, ESCA member services director, at (972) 447-8212 or mitt@esca.org VISIT US ONLINE to catch up on breaking news and significant industry developments at www.tradeshowexecutive.com 12 February 2013 | Trade Show Executive