IAEE Young Professionals Committee Engages Generation X and Y to Identify Trends and Resources for Future of Industry

DALLAS, 01 February 2008 - The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) has created the Young Professionals Committee to address the specific needs of younger members of the exhibitions and events industry, as well as recruit future candidates to the field. A Web site has been established at www.iaee.com/ypc featuring a Blog and other social networking tools for participants.

Jeanavive Janssen, director of sales for Event Productions Inc., chairs the committee. “There has been a lot of great groundwork laid by various industry associations, like PCMA and MPI," she comments. "I am happy to be a part of the launching of the new IAEE Young Professionals Committee and look forward to having the opportunity to collaborate with other association leaders. As a Gen X/Y young professional, I am very passionate about supporting my generation. I hope to support those entering the industry by sharing my career experiences, which earned me the position of director of sales. I hope as well, with the support of all of the wonderful IAEE Young Professionals Committee members to engage and enable others in the industry who have the same passion.”

A series of programs and targeted communications will serve to reach key goals including:

1. Develop mentor programs.

2. Create better events and educational programs.

3. Recognize people as they come into the industry.

4. Develop and attract new talent to the industry.

Initiatives being examined or already underway for 2008 include:

1. The Young Professional Review: A program where young professionals review conferences in their area for "attractiveness." Also, to review new technologies and programming currently used in conferences.

2. Inside Young Professionals: Young professionals are given the opportunity to share case studies and career experiences to be featured on the Blog and IAEE News.

3. IAEE Conference Areas/Lounges at Conferences: “A place to be you” lounges and activities developed and set aside specifically for young professionals at IAEE events.

4. Mentor program for high school students: Young professionals speak to high school students as a method of attracting young talent.

5. Mentor program for the young professional: Identify ‘movers and shakers’ in the industry who are interested in developing Young Professionals and allowing “behind the scenes” access.

More information about IAEE's Young Professionals Committee is available at www.iaee.com/ypc.

About IAEE

Since 1928, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) continues to provide quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006 consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. IAEE also supports IAEE Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that partners with industry suppliers and service providers to offer high quality, low cost exhibition products and services to the industry. For more information, visit www.iaee.com.

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Mary Tucker
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com