CHICAGO — Looking to connect with other young and early-career events industry professionals near you and across the country?
Here are a few communities and groups focused on providing curated networking and educational opportunities to young professionals.
IAEE’s Young Professionals Group
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)® created its Young Professionals group to encompass industry professionals aged 35 years and younger. The association provides education and events that are tailored to young professionals, and designed to equip professionals with a strong professional and social network.
Learn more about the group and how to join here.
MPI Emerging Meeting Professional Community
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) offers an Emerging Meeting Professionals community, designed for college students, early-career professionals and those who have done a career pivot into events. This group is for those with 0-3 years of experience in the industry, and offers opportunities for networking and a special designation through programming.
Learn more about MPI’s community and program here.
ESCA’s Rising Leaders Community
The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) launched its Rising Leaders community in early 2025 with the inaugural Rising Leaders Summit. However, the association is fostering year-round connection through its LinkedIn group.
Join the conversation in the ESCA Rising Leaders Community here.
EDPA’s Future Leaders Program
The Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) has its own Future Leaders recognition program, which highlights young professionals who are making an impact on their organizations and the industry. The program offers those selected with curated education, networking and exclusive opportunities to learn from industry leaders. While to be named a Future Leader requires a nomination, anyone can follow the EDPA Future Leaders LinkedIn page.
Learn more about EDPA’s Future Leaders program here.
International Live Events Association Emerging Leaders
The International Live Events Association (ILEA) has a Student + Emerging Professionals Committee which helps guide the strategy and projects designed for students and emerging professionals in the industry across the association’s more than 30 chapters.
Chamber of Commerce
Another great way to connect with other young professionals — in a way that crosses industries — is to get involved in your local Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals’ network or group. These communities offer young professionals ample networking opportunities and programs to enhance professional skills.
Don’t Forget about Meetups at Events
Another great way to ensure you’re building your network is to attend designated young professional meetups while at industry events — even if you’re going into it without knowing someone. You never know where one connection can take you.
Feeling nervous about attending a networking event? Trade Show Executive has you covered with our Networking 101: A YP’s Guide to Networking Success resource.
Want more content like this? Subscribe to TSE’s monthly Young Professionals Newsletter to get case studies on hot topics, resource rundowns and Q&As with industry leaders delivered right to your inbox.
