IAEE’s 20 under 30 program is for young-professional, exhibition organizer members who may not be supported by their companies to attend Expo! Expo! The program provides industry education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees.
Do you know anyone who would benefit from this amazing experience? Or you can even nominate yourself! Applications and nominations will be received through 08 October. (See who qualifies for the program here.)
Selected applicants will receive one full, complimentary registration to Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Baltimore, MD 1-3 December 2015, and lodging for three nights (over $1300.00 value). Honorees will be recognized throughout the annual meeting and formally at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! General Session on Thursday, 3 December 2015.
Still not sure if you want to apply? Here are three previous 20 Under 30 participants who wanted to share their experience!
Mark Mayhew
ASIS International
Being a 2014 recipient of IAEE’s 20 Under 30 program was a tremendous experience for me. Not only was it an honor to be selected from the many deserving candidates but the knowledge and experiences gained have already helped me in my career. Through the 20 Under 30 program I was given the opportunity to be included in an ASAE article and appear on IAEE TV in a segment about young professionals. I also was able to talk to many industry veterans who approached me about the program.
My best experience from the program was meeting the other 19 recipients. It was nice having a group of peers with set itinerary for Expo! Expo! and to walk away with a shared experience. I hope that our relationships with each other will persist throughout our careers in this industry, and am looking forward to our continued growth as professionals.
My biggest take away from the program was to get involved in the industry at a national and chapter level through networking and education. Attending the chapter parties and IAEE info sessions were very helpful as I plan to start my CEM next year and have begun to regularly attend DC Chapter events throughout the year.
Marissa Orr
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
Being that it was my first time attending the IAEE conference I didn’t know what to expect. Everyone was so welcoming, and I made some great connections with my 20 Under 30 peers and with other individuals in the industry.
Attending the educational sessions and exploring the Exhibit Hall was great. I was able to take away new techniques and ideas that I will be implementing in my exhibit hall for our next convention! As a young professional, I really appreciate the opportunity given to me by the 20 under 30 program. I am so grateful that I was able to attend such a successful and informative event. I plan on attending the IAEE Expo! Expo! for years to come.
Charlene Soucy
Questex Media Group LLCl
This was the first Expo! Expo! and the experience was far beyond anything I could have expected. While generally this is busy time in my event cycle, I have long-admired the event, and with this being my last year of eligibility for the 20 Under 30 Program, I knew I had to seize the opportunity to attend in 2014.
I’ve attended other shows for event organizers before, but this was a great opportunity to not only learn about the challenges and solutions in the events industry, but also and more importantly, to hear about them from a young professionals’ perspective. I also really enjoyed the networking opportunities offered to 20 under 30 honorees and really loved the location. Being able to network and learn from other attendees at amazing venues like the Standard Hotel or LA Live was an invaluable experience. Not to mention, it was a great excuse to escape the cold Boston winter in LA!
The education was great but what really stood out was the quality of networking took place. Everyone that was there was serious about making connections and putting in the time to develop relationships. It was also great to meet the New England Chapter of IAEE which I’m going to be more involved in.
There were so many things I brought back from the event. Highlights include:
- Learning about vendor solutions that can make our jobs as event planners easier
- Hearing all of the stats about the events industry, including the growth and how it contributes to the overall economy (from Skip Cox and David DuBois) has me encouraged to be a part of this industry and impact it even more
- Seeing Megan Tanel take the reign as the IAEE Chairperson has me inspired about my future as a woman in the events industry
I had a wonderful experience and look forward to Expo! Expo! next year!
Charlene also had this to add:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100140857742073&set=o.154755424544483&type=3
Are you ready to apply to IAEE’s 20 Under 30 Program? Act fast because applications and nominations are due 08 October!
