On this weeks podcast we catch up with Roger Rickard, professional speaker and advocacy consultant to the meetings and exhibitions industry.  He's the founder of "Voices in Advocacy", and you can learn much more about his work with industry groups via his website: RogerRickard.com We talked in depth about an industry initiative headed by IAEE (the International Association of Exhibitions and Events).  They've created a broad coalition of exhibition industry supporters to advocate for the industry via the website: Exhibitions Mean Business.  Since launching in 2011 they've generated over 750 million impressions, 2600 media impressions and a total of over 70 million dollars in publicity.   For the past three years they've sponsored an annual Exhibitions Day where industry members can meet with their representatives in Washington DC to advocate for the industry.  They've also created an Advocacy Center to provide information on pending legislation and convenient ways to reach out to your elected representatives. On the podcast, Roger provides a wealth of information about current issues that can affect the meetings industry and all of us.