IAEE Leverages TriNet to Control Benefits Costs, Gain HR Infrastructure

Organized in 1928 as the National Association of Exposition Managers to represent the interests of trade show and exposition managers, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events is today the leading association for the global exhibition industry. Today IAEE represents more than 6,000 individuals who conduct and support exhibitions around the world. When CFO Scott Stanton joined IAEE in 1999, the company was using a payroll service and administering its own benefits.

He says, "I recognized that as a small company we were facing challenges in keeping our benefits costs in line. Those costs were unpredictable, and I realized that using a professional employer organization (PEO) would be the best way to control our premiums. We would get more affordable benefits and more options than we could get on our own."

Choosing TriNet
Mr. Stanton remembers, "We were with another PEO for a while, but their customer base was largely blue collar and low wage. That meant that the PEO could not control the risk associated with its own customer profile, and that meant that IAEE was seeing rapidly escalating benefits costs year after year. We saw a 30% increase one year, and then 45 percent, and then 90 percent!"

The company quickly switched to TriNet, which specializes in high wage employees in the industries of technology, financial services, and professional services. IAEE was now grouped together with companies that resembled its own industry and workforce profile, which meant that TriNet was able to deliver on far more cost-effective benefits and insurance.

Mr. Stanton sees real ROI in the relationship. "It has been a 'No Brainer.' IAEE's relationship with TriNet has absolutely made sense from an economic and financial standpoint. Whatever the cost of TriNet's services, we more than make it up in the cost of their benefits package."

The HR Outsourcing Advantage
Benefits aren't the only advantage of IAEE's partnership with TriNet. Mr. Stanton points out, "As a small company, it is hard to justify an entire position solely concentrating on HR. TriNet provides HR guidance in the form of an assigned human capital consultant, which we find very helpful."

"In addition, TriNet limits the organization's liability from a payroll tax reporting and compliance standpoint. As part of what they do, they assume portions our employer-related risk and liability. That is a great protection for us."

The company also uses TriNet's online services, provided through HR Passport™. "We do not see paper pay stubs or benefits enrollment forms. Most of that is online, and it allows our employees to complete their HR transactions at their own pace and time."

Mr. Stanton summarizes the relationship: "It is a model that makes sense for us. And we think it will make sense for many of IAEE's members, as well."