CHICAGO — Between beginning their career, learning new skills and striking a work-life balance, young professionals in the events industry have their hands full.
But the most valuable connections might be waiting in places outside of the day-to-day grind. Professional associations, like the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)®, provide emerging professionals with an extended network and industry-wide learning opportunities.
To find out more about what kind of programming and benefits are being designed for young professionals in the trade show industry, Trade Show Executive (TSE) connected with Jackie Retzer, Co-Chair of the IAEE New York Chapter, who has been actively involved with the association since 2020. Retzer also serves as the Senior Director of Event Management at The Toy Association, and was recognized as a TSE Woman to Watch in 2024.
MADDY: What is the core mission of the IAEE New York Chapter’s programming for young professionals, and what gaps does it fill for those professionals who are early in their careers?
JACKIE: Our goal is to give young professionals a place to build relationships, learn from people outside of their immediate company or role, and understand the broader industry they are part of.
Early in a career, your professional world can be fairly small. You know your coworkers, your clients and the people you interact with every day, but you may not yet have a larger industry network. Chapter programming helps bridge that gap. We want YPs to have access to people they can ask questions of, learn from and eventually collaborate with — without feeling like they have to already be a senior-level professional to have a seat at the table.
We also want our programming to be practical. It should give someone something they can take back to their job, whether that is a new skill, a new perspective or simply a new connection.
MADDY: Many YPs are finding balance between demanding jobs, busy schedules and personal time. Why should they make time to attend a chapter meetup or event?
JACKIE: Especially in the events industry, your network is part of your career and building it takes time.
I completely understand the feeling of having a full calendar and thinking, “I don’t have time for one more event.” But some of the most valuable professional relationships are built outside of the immediate demands of your job. You never know when the person you meet at a chapter event will become a mentor, a future colleague, client, business partner or simply someone you can call when you need advice.
And it doesn’t always have to be a huge commitment. Showing up, having a conversation and staying connected can have a meaningful impact over time. You are investing in relationships that can follow you throughout your career. For our NYIAEE YPs (and all members and non-members looking to get involved), this fall we will be hosting a virtual Annual General Meeting in October and a Holiday Party in early December — two perfect opportunities to learn and connect with other members. Throughout the year, we try to pepper in educational events and classes alongside social gatherings for everyone to enjoy, including volunteer opportunities, which are always a fan favorite!
MADDY: Can you share an example of how a connection made through one of the committee’s or chapter’s events led to a career opportunity, mentorship relationship or business partnership?
JACKIE: Absolutely. A great example for me is actually someone who is now a valued member of my Toy team. A handful of years ago, I met Peri Halprin at a NYIAEE virtual event. At the time, Peri was working at Brooklyn Bowl, and we spent some time chatting about our careers and getting to know each other.
We stayed connected over the years, and when an Account Executive opportunity opened up at The Toy Association, Peri immediately came to mind. I knew her, her love for events and work ethic, and I had already had the opportunity to see how she approached her career and the industry. Today, she is a valued member of our Toy team, and we’re now working together in a completely different capacity!
That experience is a great reminder that you never really know where a professional connection will lead. You may meet someone at an event simply because you’re both interested in being part of the industry, and years later, that person could become a colleague, mentor, business partner or an important part of your professional network.
To me, that’s one of the greatest benefits of being involved with NYIAEE. It creates opportunities for people to meet, stay connected and build genuine relationships over time.
MADDY: What are the biggest misconceptions about industry associations among younger professionals, and what would you say to someone who thinks membership is only for senior leaders?
JACKIE: I think a big misconception is that industry associations are something you “graduate into” once you become a senior leader. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some of the best times to get involved are early in your career, when you’re still building your network, figuring out where you want your career to go and looking for opportunities to learn outside of your day-to-day role.
You also don’t have to wait until someone gives you a leadership title to contribute. Volunteer, attend an event, join a committee, ask questions and introduce yourself to people. The more you put into the association, the more you’ll get out of it.
One thing that feels truly unique to the New York Chapter is how many of our members have been involved for years, sometimes decades! In a city with such a huge event industry, it’s amazing how small and connected the community can feel. People are always willing to share advice, lend a hand and step in to contribute, regardless of their title or seniority. That sense of camaraderie, mentorship and genuine willingness to support one another is something really special about this chapter. I have so many members I can call up to ask advice, and I hope the YPs can create these relationships, too.
MADDY: In your experience, what skills do committee members develop through volunteering that they may not gain in their day-to-day roles?
JACKIE: Volunteering gives you an opportunity to develop leadership skills in a very different environment. You learn how to work with people who have different priorities, perspectives and professional backgrounds, and you have to find ways to move something forward without necessarily having formal authority.
You also develop communication, collaboration, project management, relationship-building and problem-solving skills. But I think one of the most valuable things is confidence. When you’re volunteering alongside experienced professionals, you’re learning how to contribute your ideas, speak up and take ownership. And all these skills will 100% translate back into the workplace.
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MADDY: How does serving on a chapter/committee help young professionals build visibility within the trade show and exhibitions industry?
JACKIE: It gives YPs the opportunity to be known for something beyond their job title.
When you volunteer, you’re putting yourself in rooms and conversations with people you may not otherwise interact with. You’re demonstrating that you’re engaged in the industry, that you’re willing to contribute and that you care about more than just your individual role.
Over time, that visibility builds credibility. People begin to know who you are, what you’re good at and what you’re passionate about. In a relationship-driven industry like ours, that can open doors that you may not even realize are there.
MADDY: Looking ahead, what role do Young Professionals programs play in shaping the future leadership of the industry?
JACKIE: A huge one. If we want a strong future for our industry, we have to actively create opportunities for the people who are going to lead it.
Young Professionals programs aren’t just about giving someone a networking opportunity today. They’re about helping people build the confidence, connections and leadership skills they will carry forward for decades.
I also think it’s important that we listen to YPs. The industry they are entering is changing quickly, and they bring different perspectives, expectations and ideas about how we work. We shouldn’t just be preparing them to lead the industry we have today … we should be giving them a voice in shaping what the industry becomes tomorrow.
MADDY: What advice would you give to a young professional attending their first chapter event to make the most of the experience?
JACKIE: Don’t wait for someone to come up and introduce themselves to you. It can be nerve-wracking but it’s worth it … Put yourself out there!
I try to set a small goal before I walk in. Maybe it’s to meet three new people or have one meaningful conversation. Ask people about their roles and how they got into the industry. You don’t have to walk into the room knowing exactly what you want to get out of the event.
And then, most importantly, follow up! Connect with the people you met and stay in touch. One event probably won’t change your career, but consistently showing up and building relationships absolutely can.
My biggest piece of advice is simply don’t underestimate the value of being in the room!
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