CHICAGO — Lisa Buchanan, Senior Vice President of Operations at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), sat down with Trade Show Executive (TSE) to share how joining an IAEE® Chapter can enhance your professional life and more.
ANDREW: How can getting involved with an IAEE® Chapter benefit you and your career?
LISA: Involvement with your local IAEE® Chapter can offer multifaceted benefits that enhance your career and personal growth. By engaging with your chapter, you gain access to a wealth of educational opportunities designed to keep you informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.
Additionally, volunteer leadership roles within the chapter provide a platform to develop and showcase your management and organizational skills, which are highly valuable in any professional setting.
Furthermore, if you have an interest in refining your public speaking abilities, the IAEE® Chapter presents an excellent avenue to practice and enhance this skill. Frequently, chapters host events and meetings where members can speak on a variety of topics, allowing you to gain confidence and become a more-effective communicator.
Ultimately, active participation in your IAEE® Chapter not only enriches your professional expertise but also expands your network, providing you with connections that can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. Embracing all these benefits can propel your career forward and open doors to new possibilities within the exhibitions and events industry.
ANDREW: What types of educational opportunities do IAEE® Chapters offer?
LISA: IAEE® Chapters offer a diverse range of educational opportunities designed to cater to various aspects of the exhibitions and events industry. These opportunities encompass a broad spectrum of topics including operational strategies, marketing techniques, sales approaches and leadership skills. Additionally, they focus on professional development, offering resources and learning experiences aimed at enhancing individual competencies and career growth.
Members can benefit from a wealth of knowledge through workshops, seminars, webinars and networking events specifically curated to keep professionals at the forefront of industry innovation and best practices. Each event is structured to provide practical insights and tools that can be directly applied to improve day-to-day operations and strategic planning in your career.
Through these educational platforms, IAEE® Chapters support the continuous learning and development of their members, ensuring they remain equipped to tackle the evolving challenges of the exhibitions and events sector.
ANDREW: What networking opportunities can members find by joining their IAEE® Chapter?
LISA: Joining an IAEE® Chapter opens the door to a diverse array of networking opportunities designed to cater to various interests and professional needs.
Members can connect with industry peers through a variety of settings, including:
- Informal Meetups: These casual gatherings offer a relaxed environment for members to connect, share insights, and build relationships outside of a formal setting.
- Pre- and Post-Educational Event Networking: Surrounding our educational sessions, members have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and establish connections with fellow professionals who share similar interests and challenges.
- Community Service Events: Participating in community service projects not only allows members to give back but also includes a networking component, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among participants.
- Social and Recreational Activities: From kickball tournaments to karaoke nights, these fun and engaging events provide unique platforms for building connections in a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Chapter Receptions at Expo! Expo!: Our chapter-hosted receptions during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition present an unparalleled opportunity for members to network with a wide array of industry professionals from across the globe in a dynamic and festive environment.
By participating in these gatherings, IAEE® Chapter members can cultivate valuable professional relationships, enhance their industry knowledge through shared experiences and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers, all of which are integral to personal and career development within the exhibitions and events landscape.
ANDREW: What are the benefits of joining multiple IAEE Chapters?
LISA: Joining multiple IAEE® Chapters widens your networking by providing access to diverse groups and regions. This approach is popular among members who wish to engage deeply with their local community while also connecting with wider communities relevant to their sales territories or areas of professional interest.
The dual affiliate chapter membership enables a broader understanding of regional dynamics, enhances professional visibility and multiplies opportunities for both personal and career development across different geographic locations.
ANDREW: How do IAEE® Chapters benefit the exhibitions industry?
LISA: IAEE® Chapters greatly benefit the exhibitions industry by delivering a wealth of educational content, fostering collaborations with other industry associations, and establishing a strong foundation of essential practices. These chapters are instrumental in linking the IAEE® community at the local level, ensuring a cohesive and interconnected industry ecosystem that promotes growth, innovation and professional development across regions.
ANDREW: Did IAEE® Chapters help members stay virtually connected during the COVID-19 pandemic?
LISA: During the COVID-19 pandemic, IAEE® Chapters played a critical role in keeping members virtually connected. They provided a suite of virtual educational events, networking opportunities and a sense of community that was especially vital during an era of uncertainty in our industry. These efforts ensured that members continued to feel supported and engaged, fulfilling an essential need for connection and camaraderie.
ANDREW: Are there any upcoming events or news that you would like to share from a particular IAEE® Chapter?
LISA: There are so many great events happening, it is impossible to narrow them down to just a few! Visit https://www.iaee.com/chapters/ to stay updated on what’s happening at an IAEE Chapter near you.
ANDREW: How can IAEE® members who want to go the extra mile get involved?
LISA: IAEE® members eager to take their involvement to the next level are encouraged to reach out directly to IAEE® or their local Chapter. Our team is dedicated to connecting you with the right contact within your Chapter to ensure you make the most of your membership experience. Taking this step forward is vital, and we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.
Contact Lisa Buchanan at lbuchanan@iaee.com if you’re interested in an introduction to your chapter.
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