By Mary Tucker | Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
The true power of IAEE membership lies in its ability to connect the diverse communities that make up the exhibitions and events industry. IAEE members not only gain access to resources specific to their niche, but also join a large ecosystem where knowledge flows freely between its various communities.
In Part One of this series, we explored the professional development opportunities offered by IAEE. Part Two delved into how individual chapters serve as a gateway between local connections and the extended national/international IAEE “family.” Here, we take a look at the individual communities IAEE serves as well as the conduits that enable learning and collaboration across all groups.
Consumer Events
For business-to-consumer (B2C) show producers, IAEE’s Consumer Events Community is a treasure trove of opportunities. Members benefit from networking with fellow B2C organizers, access to specialized resources and guidance from IAEE’s dedicated Consumer Events Council, in addition to the opportunity to attend learning experiences specific to B2C shows.
For example, the upcoming Consumer Events Roundtable on 21 August 2024 is a FREE networking opportunity that will include an open discussion about venue contract negotiations. The roundtable will be facilitated by Lew Shomer, CEO, Shomex Productions and Chairman, Abilities Expo; Debbie Barbieri, Operations Director, Tradeshow & Event Services, Abilities Expo; and Mark Roysner, Attorney, Law Office of Mark Roysner. Learn more and register here.
Faculty
Higher education professionals find a home in our Faculty Community, which offers the comprehensive Faculty Resource Center containing lesson plans, learner outcomes, activities, test/quiz questions, presentation slides, videos, access to IAEE’ s textbook, The Art of the Show, An Introduction to the Study of Exhibition Management, 5th Edition and more. Members stay connected through in-person education opportunities and meetups.
MATSO: Major American Trade Show Organizers
Large show organizers producing events over 200,000 net square feet (NSF) can tap into the MATSO Community, which offers dedicated programming twice a year, private discussion groups and valuable insights from the MATSO Council. Upcoming MATSO Meets networking discussion groups include 14 August 2024 (register here) and MATSO Meets at CEIR Predict on 12 September 2024 (register here).
Students
IAEE is committed to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Members of IAEE’s Student Community are privy to an extensive resource center for career navigation, guidance on building a lifelong career in the trade show industry and networking opportunities with industry veterans in addition to fellow students.
Women in Leadership
IAEE’s robust community for Women in Leadership offers exclusive events and networking opportunities for women in the industry regardless of age, individual situation or current position. Tailored learning experiences such as the annual Women’s Leadership Forum motivate and inspire female industry professionals to take their career to the next level.
Young Professionals
Recognizing the importance of emerging talent, IAEE provides dedicated resources and tips for its Young Professionals Community in which members can take advantage of specialized programming at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition and networking opportunities with industry veterans.
Industry Insights Hours
IAEE hosts regular “member meets” to connect industry professionals within the various communities with each other through relevant and timely conversations. These networking events are included in the IAEE membership at no extra cost. Join us for our next Insights Hour to engage with your peers!
- Faculty Insights Hour on 27 August 2024
- New Members Insights Hour on the 3rd Tuesday (Bi-Monthly)
- Show Organizer Insights Hour on the 3rd Friday (Monthly)
- Women’s Insights Hour on the 2nd Tuesday (Monthly)
MemberLink
Each of our diverse communities can partake in pertinent conversations relevant to their interests through IAEE’s online forum, MemberLink. Member-driven discussion platforms facilitate peer-to-peer connections by enabling show organizers to share experiences, ask questions and seek advice from their peers. Suppliers are welcome to join the Open Forum, available to all members and covering a wide range of topics, to gain insights into organizers’ needs and to offer solutions while building their network.
Whether you’re a seasoned trade show organizer, an aspiring student or a faculty member shaping the future of our industry, IAEE membership opens doors to collaboration, learning and growth. Our interconnected communities create a support network that spans the entire exhibitions and events landscape, ensuring that no matter your specialization, you will find your people at IAEE.
