IELA provides a forum for those people and companies engaged in the international transportation of exhibition material.

• To establish standards of performance for contractors involved in the physical movement of material to and from an exhibition site, as well as for contractors providing customs clearance, lifting, handling, trucking and storage services on-site.
• To establish a general database which eventually will provide the membership with a schedule of international exhibitions categorised by both country and industry, the temporary and permanent import regulations, temporary and permanent customs regulations by country, as well as floor plans of the major exhibition venues around the world.
• To provide formal liaison between those involved in the transportation of exhibits and associated industries such as show organisers, exhibit designers and stand builders.
• To allow each member to develop a world-wide network of reliable contractors, able to provide the services required by their clients.
• To establish an environment which fosters general discussion and the exchange of experiences.
• To provide information on the industry for those who may have just entered it or may be considering entering it.
• To facilitate the transfer of both voice and data communications by keeping abreast with the latest advances in the telecommunication industry.