FIA Futures & Options Expo

FIA Futures & Options Expo is an annual event that the Futures Industry Association (FIA) holds that showcases risk management products, trading tools, books, exchange and technology products as presented by more than 140 U.S. and international companies.

The Expo also offers a variety of sessions that allow participants to discuss industry trends, hear experts' views on key issues, improve trading skills and learn about new products, systems and practices. The programs include sessions for business, operations and technology professionals and traders.

More than 4,000 people from more than 30 countries attend Expo in a typical year ranging from senior staff at brokerage firms and exchanges to professional traders, floor traders, CTAs and CPOs, and individual investors. The first Expo, in a trial run, was held on the CME trading floor in the 1980s.

Key People

• Marsha Saunders, Director, Conferences and Tradeshows at FIA

Challenges

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy ripped through the East Coast and hampered travel for many who would have attended the conference.

Following the conference, the FIA released the following statement from Walt Lukken, chairman of the FIA:

Open Letter of Appreciation to FIA Expo Participants On behalf of the FIA, I want to express my sincere thanks for helping us host another successful FIA Expo in Chicago. This year's conference was overshadowed by some of the worst weather that the East Coast of the U.S. has ever seen, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastation caused by the storm. We also deeply appreciate the extraordinary efforts made by participants in the greater New York metropolitan area to come to Chicago, even if that meant driving all the way or flying in for only one day. I also want to thank many of our Chicago and international colleagues who stepped up as speakers to replace those who were unable to travel. Although attendance was understandably down from last year due to the storm, we are pleased to report that nearly 3,800 people showed up in person, and the gala dinner held on Thursday night raised over $360,000 for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and our fight against hunger. Our industry has always shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity. This year's Expo is a testament to that fact, and all of us here at the FIA appreciate your continued commitment and dedication.