CEIR Report: The Voice of Young Professionals: What They Value Most On The Show Floor & How to Deliver It

Includes a Live Web Event on 03/18/2026 at 10:30 AM (CDT)

As Gen Z and young Millennials become a growing presence on B2B trade show floors, organizers and exhibitors face a critical question: Are today’s show floor experiences truly meeting their needs and expectations? To find out, CEIR went straight to young professionals, conducting in-depth interviews with a cross-section of 80 Gen Zers and young Millennials across trade shows held at venues along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The resulting research report is now available and this webinar brings those findings to life.

In this session, CEIR convenes young professionals to react to the research results, share real-world examples of when trade shows succeed (and fall short), and offer candid ideas for how organizers and exhibitors can strengthen show floor engagement.
CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC, and her Gen Z colleague, Natali Tsalikis, will be joined by young professional panelists Jackie Gronske and Liam McNicholl for a dynamic, moderated conversation. If you’re looking to better engage the next generation of attendees and ensure your event remains relevant and impactful, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

Learning Objectives:
• Discover how to pinpoint the core elements of show floor engagement that matter most to Gen Z and young Millennial attendees
• Explore real examples of how organizers and exhibitors are successfully delivering on these expectations
• Gain practical recommendations directly from young professionals on where to focus next to strengthen engagement and long-term value

IAEE and CEIR webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. Once completed, this session is eligible for 0.75 Clock hours towards CEM recertification.

Brought to you by:

Jackie Gronske, CEM

Senior Manager, Exhibits & Sponsorships

The American Institute of Architects

Jackie Gronske is the Senior Manager of Exhibits and Sponsorship at the American Institute of Architects and has been in the events and exhibits industry for six years. She has served on the IAEE DC Chapter Board for over three years as the Director of Emerging Professionals, connecting and empowering the next generation of industry leaders. Jackie specializes in creating engaging event experiences, managing sponsorships, and driving initiatives that help professionals grow their networks and advance their careers.

Liam McNicholl

Exhibitor Experience Manager

Society of Interventional Radiology

Liam McNicholl, the Exhibitor Experience Manager at the Society of Interventional Radiology brings 2 and a half years of experience in exhibitions and corporate relations. Born in 1999, as an older member of Gen Z, Liam offers his knowledge and insights into emerging trends and opportunities for growth shaped by the new generation of exhibitions and events.

Natali Tsalikis

Junior Market Researcher

Center for Exhibition Industry Research, a division of IAEE

Natali Tsalikis entered the tradeshow industry in November 2024 when she joined the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), now a division of IAEE. In her role, she supports market research initiatives that track and analyze industry trends. Natali holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Market Research and a Master’s degree in Marketing Analytics. She has led multiple academic market research projects focused on enhancing marketing strategies and identifying growth opportunities. A proud Miami native, Natali now resides in Gainesville, FL, where she enjoys exploring the area’s natural beauty.

Nancy Drapeau, IPC

Vice President of Research

Center for Exhibition Research

Nancy Drapeau, IPC. Is a market research veteran with more than 31 years in the business-to-business exhibitions industry. As CEIR’s Vice President of Research, Ms. Drapeau conducts industry wide studies and reports on current trends in the exhibition industry. In 2019, she was named to BizBash’s 1,000 Most Influential People in Events list. She holds a BA in Government from Georgetown University and a Master’s in Advanced European and International Studies from l’Institut Européen des Hautes Études Internationales. She is an AC Nielsen Burke Institute trained focus group moderator. She is a well-respected industry speaker and an active member of the Industry Insights Association and has served on the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Research & Advocacy Task Force. She lives in Maine, with her husband and a border collie named Moxie.