CHICAGO — The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) announced the creation of the Rising Leaders Committee, which will help to support and develop early-career professionals in the events industry. Membership is open to those under 40 or within the first 10 years of their careers in the exhibitions industry.
The committee will create programs and initiatives aimed at young professionals to help build their skills and industry knowledge and grow their networks.
The Rising Leaders Committee also has a non-voting seat on the ESCA Board of Directors, highlighting the association’s dedication to this demographic and the future of the live events industry.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the Rising Leaders Committee, which represents our commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals in the exhibition and live events industry,” said Julie Kagy, Executive Director of ESCA. “By empowering these emerging leaders, we not only invest in their personal and professional growth but also ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the future of our industry. This initiative will provide the resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to drive innovation and build lasting careers.”
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Kevin Small, Director of Client Services at GES, will serve as the Primary Committee Chair, with Katherine Baize, Director, Client Solutions at Freeman, serving as the Secondary Chair. The two will guide the committee’s initiatives that will include leadership summits, strategic programming and facilitating industry connections.
“Joining the Rising Leaders Committee provides an experience of being a part of something bigger, exposure to the entire ESCA membership, leadership opportunities and the ability to drive change that can help shape the future of the industry,” Small said. “As newer generations continue to grow or enter our industry, they have different needs such as career progression, navigating workplace challenges, and expanding knowledge. A voice to help promote these different needs, help address and promote change and representing ourselves as we bridge across generations of the workplace. I’m very excited to grow our membership of Rising Leaders and Young Professionals within ESCA. I believe that as we grow this segment, we help future-proof our association and provide a key resource to our new members in their professional landscape.”
You can join the Rising Leaders Committee or stay informed on its work by signing up here.
