By Mary Tucker | Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
As noted in Part One of the Feel the IAEE Love! series, we live for providing members the best resources and opportunities in bringing their “A” game to their professional journey. IAEE staff never stops working to enhance the educational programs and offerings that keep you at the forefront of the industry. However, there is nothing like peer support when it comes to elevating your performance, and that is where participating in your local IAEE chapter offers a unique space to benefit and grow.
IAEE’s local chapters are an excellent avenue for forging lasting relationships and networking with fellow professionals in your area. This sense of community and support is invaluable as it allows you to engage in idea exchange, collaborate on projects and access local expertise – all of which can lead to new business opportunities, mentorship connections and career advancement.
Enhance your knowledge, skills and expertise at the educational programs, workshops and seminars offered by local chapters. Develop your leadership skills by volunteering for committees and/or serving on the chapter’s board. Make a difference in your community by participating in events benefitting local charities and raising funds for worthy causes in your area. Contribute to the future of our industry by educating the local young workforce on the vast career opportunities available in exhibitions and events.
There are so many ways in which you reap the rewards of getting involved at the grassroots level. But here’s the biggest benefit of all: have fun with colleagues and nurture friendships that infuse joy into your work/life balance!
IAEE members automatically receive a complimentary membership to their local chapter, although you are welcome to join other chapters at an additional cost. When traveling, IAEE members are free to drop in on local chapter meetings. Members may also participate in other chapters’ virtual events at any time – a fantastic way to extend your reach in IAEE programming and networking!
Now that you are eager to dive into as many IAEE chapter activities as you can, let’s make sure you know exactly where to find them!
Central Texas Chapter
IAEE’s Central Texas Chapter serves the central and south Texas areas including Austin, San Antonio and Houston along with neighboring towns. This year, chapter members are lending their support to local food banks by organizing food drives, donation campaigns and volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Upcoming professional development includes July’s behind-the-scenes tour of the highly anticipated 2024 Texas Restaurant Show followed by an industry update from IAEE President & CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM.
Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter
IAEE’s DFW Chapter serves members throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, North and West Texas, and Oklahoma. The chapter kicked off the year by volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank, which it has supported for many years and members count among their favorite events of the year. In addition to holding various education sessions and events geared toward young professionals, the chapter hosts monthly “Donuts and Dish” virtual chats that are very popular.
“We have found this meeting really involves our members that may not otherwise make it out to our in-person events,” said DFW Chapter Chair Christen Tye, CEM, Education Manager, World of Concrete. “These chats always stir up conversations about the industry ranging from our trade show funny stories to AI to the struggles we face in the industry.”
Midwestern Chapter
IAEE’s Midwestern Chapter reaches a broad region of the Midwestern states – Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwest Indiana and Wisconsin. In addition to professional development programs exploring a wide range of topics, highly anticipated events include the annual kickball tournament and an annual all-day chapter event. The chapter also offers an Emerging Leaders Scholarship that serves to identify, grow and develop future leaders for the industry by providing funding for individuals in college and those in the early stages of their career who have shown interest in learning more about exhibitions and events.
New England Chapter
IAEE’s New England Chapter serves members in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The chapter presents education opportunities such as its recent “Spring into Sustainability” panel discussion and luncheon, as well as fun activities like Young Professional Night that included batting cages, an indoor rock-climbing wall and golf simulator.
New York Area Chapter
IAEE’s New York Area Chapter serves members in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania with events such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the 68th Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in June to YP meet-ups throughout the year. The chapter also offers special professional development programs that include its CEM Scholarship Program, YP Development Program and NYIAEE Mentorship Program. Members also connect and have fun at social events such as the Summer bash, Fall volunteer event and annual holiday party.
Northern California Chapter
IAEE’s Northern California Chapter includes Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, Monterey and surrounding areas.
Rocky Mountain Chapter
IAEE’s Rocky Mountain Chapter truly rocks its calendar of events by offering members in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota an opportunity to meet, learn and earn credit virtually and in-person almost every single month of the year. The chapter’s stellar lineup of events has something for everyone at every stage in their career through relevant and timely events; industry education; unique behind-the-scenes tours offering CEM credit; co-located industry events and education with MIC of Colorado Annual Education Conference and Trade Show; the chapter’s annual Member Appreciation Day at the Rockies Game in July; fulfilling community service with Serving Up Hope in November; and several in-person Emerging Professional meetups.
“I truly believe 2024’s events are reflective of a newly engaged and thriving chapter that encourages members to join in on the new era of IAEE Rocky Mountain Chapter,” said Chapter Chair Sarah Griffin, CEM, Event Manager, Pharma Brand US. “We look forward to many new stories of growth and volunteer engagement, and we encourage chapter members outside the Rocky Mountain region to join us especially our virtual events!”
Southeastern Chapter
IAEE’s Southeastern Chapter serves members in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North and South Carolina. The chapter hosts chapter luncheons for its members and their guests during the course of the year. The Annual Southeastern Classic is a chapter tradition going back 25 years and serves as its premier education and networking event. Two full days of seminars, panels and roundtables featuring noted industry and non-endemic speakers, plus social events and opportunities for behind-the-scenes facility and venue visits make the Southeastern Classic a must-attend event!
Meetups are scheduled throughout the year and are typically held outside the Atlanta metropolitan area. YP meet-ups throughout the year at local area pubs are a great way for IAEE YPs to network and socialize. For those earning their Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation, the chapter typically hosts a CEM course immediately prior to the Annual Southeastern Classic or a chapter luncheon. Community Service Project Day on 17 May will benefit Atlanta and Orlando food banks.
Southwest Chapter
IAEE’s Southwest Chapter serves members in Arizona, Nevada and Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego. The chapter addresses topics such as AI and tech innovation, leadership, and health and well-being via in-person and virtual education opportunities throughout the year. Its Annual Charity Golf Classic raises funds for the California Family Life Center as well as the chapter.
Washington, D.C. Chapter
IAEE’s Washington, D.C. Chapter serves members in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia by offering education, volunteer and networking opportunities in addition to its annual Technology Transformation Virtual Series.
