What, no trade show industry rep on convention center authority board?

I read your April 4 editorial, “Convention center may need some unconventional thinking,” with great interest. For some time, I have been puzzled by the makeup of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority board of directors. I am not questioning the intelligence or individual accomplishments of the members. I am questioning why no one from the trade show industry itself is a member of this board.

Yes, the union of hospitality workers has a representative on the board. But shouldn’t the organization responsible for convention facilities that attract conferences to this area have as a member of its board a person with direct relationships to the industry it serves? There are people in our area with strong ties to organizations such as the Experiential Designers and Producers Association, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, the Professional Convention Management Association, the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, the International Association of Exhibition and Events, and the International Association of Venue Managers. It would seem to me that a person living every day in the industry would have valuable insights into the needs of the industry, relevant trends, and what lies ahead while being able to balance responsible management of the facilities.

Representatives of the exhibition and convention industry reside in the Commonwealth and would have a lot to contribute to the MCCA. Call me crazy, but executives of companies who participate in an industry that supports more than 39,400 good-paying jobs in Massachusetts and drives $4.9 billion of economic impact to the Commonwealth may just have a good idea or two to contribute.

ROB COHEN Vice president Display Supply & Lighting Inc. Framingham