Member feedback over the past year has highlighted a need for the association to have a heightened international presence. Alongside increased attendance at events such as the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES) AGM and the appointment of Steve Barratt as International Ambassador earlier in 2011, the SO Group has agreed to become ESSA's International Partner to provide the association with additional support to help deliver its newly identified international objectives. The key focus is to raise the awareness of ESSA members on the International Arena, and develop a network to obtain business critical operational and strategic information for members, and possibly develop some partnership opportunities for them.

ESSA director Chris Skeith said: "’International Marketing Partner’ sponsorship from the SO Group will enable ESSA to commit more resources to developing our international reach ahead of plan, as well as maintaining the momentum we have gained over recent months with Steve as International Ambassador."

The next activity on the global stage will be ESSA’s attendance at the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) annual conference, Access 2011 - "Beyond Your Borders" in Las Vegas, 30 Nov to 02 Dec 2011. The theme dovetails into one of ESSA members' key requirements - international partnering.

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