By Mary Tucker | Senior Communications and Content Manager | IAEE
Leigh Ann Simpson, CMP exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership that drives the exhibitions and events industry forward. As the Community Service Committee Chairperson for the IAEE Southeastern Chapter, she has revolutionized the chapter’s outreach efforts by coordinating simultaneous service projects across multiple cities, dramatically expanding both its impact and reach. Her remarkable ability to mobilize volunteers and resources demonstrates the exceptional leadership qualities that make her so valuable to the IAEE community.
In addition to chairing the Community Service Committee, Leigh Ann serves as Vice Chair of the Sponsorship & Strategic Partners Committee, where she strengthens vital relationships that support the chapter’s initiatives. Her multiple years of service on the Southeastern Chapter Board have provided consistent and thoughtful guidance to the organization.
Fellow chapter members applaud Leigh Ann’s consistency in exceeding expectations in fulfilling her committee responsibilities, noting that her dedication, vision and tireless volunteer spirit has greatly contributed to the chapter’s success.
Leigh Ann’s extensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to fulfilling IAEE’s mission earned her the 2024 IAEE Volunteer of the Year Award, which was presented to her this past December at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Los Angeles, California.
Here, Leigh Ann shares insights about her exemplary leadership journey, strategic committee work, community service innovations, and her vision for volunteerism that continues to elevate the standards of excellence within IAEE and the industry at large.
You are adept at coordinating service projects across multiple cities simultaneously. What is your approach to managing these geographically diverse initiatives, and what has been the most rewarding outcome of expanding the chapter’s impact?
Leigh Ann: I believe you must start by identifying strong local partners or volunteer leads – often our own incredible chapter leaders – who deeply understand their community’s unique needs. These leaders are instrumental in locating opportunities, building relationships and organizing impactful events. Because the IAEE SE chapter is a very volunteer driven community, finding members to help with any community service event is never a problem!
Seeing the ripple effect of engagement and awareness grow beyond a single community is very rewarding. In one initiative, we launched simultaneous projects that not only met immediate needs but also sparked new local partnerships and long-term volunteer commitments. It is powerful to see the collective strength of our efforts magnified across different regions.
Your leadership on various committees demonstrates your versatility. How do you balance these different roles, and how do they complement each other from a leadership perspective?
Leigh Ann: Having an understanding of the committee’s mission, goals and expectations helps prioritize tasks and contribute meaningfully. And possessing strong time management skills never hurts. I think the IAEE SE committees complement each other well. Serving on different committees exposes me to a range of perspectives, challenges and solutions. Each experience deepens my understanding of what makes teams effective, and I often find that insights gained in one setting enrich my contributions in another.
Your colleagues praise your commitment to exceeding expectations. What drives your dedication to go above and beyond, and how has your extensive industry experience influenced your approach to volunteer leadership?
Leigh Ann: Like many of my peers in the trade show and meeting industry, I have a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to deliver meaningful results – for both the organizations I serve and the people behind them. I take pride in being dependable and detail-oriented, and I genuinely care about the impact of our work. Whether it’s supporting a colleague, improving a process or mentoring a new volunteer, I find fulfillment in making a difference beyond what’s required.
My experience has taught me how to anticipate needs, lead with empathy and stay solutions-focused under pressure. I’ve learned that successful leadership isn’t just about managing tasks – it’s about empowering others, fostering collaboration and creating a positive, purpose-driven environment. I bring that same mindset into every volunteer role I take on, which allows me to build trust quickly and help elevate the overall success of the experience.
Throughout your years of service on the IAEE Southeastern Chapter Board, what changes or evolutions have you observed in the chapter, and what would like to see happen in the near future?
Leigh Ann: I’ve seen the IAEE SE chapter grow in both reach and relevance. We’re a large chapter encompassing several states, so we’ve become more intentional about inclusivity of all members. There’s also been a noticeable shift toward mentorship and leadership development, which I believe has strengthened our community and pipeline of future leaders.
Looking ahead, I’d love to see continued growth in cross-chapter collaboration and more robust opportunities for emerging professionals to lead initiatives. I’d also like to see us focus on accessibility – ensuring our events and content are truly inclusive of all members, regardless of career level, geography or background. By doing so, we can continue building a chapter that not only adapts to industry changes but help lead them.
As someone recognized for exceptional volunteer service, what advice would you give to industry professionals who are considering becoming more actively involved with IAEE on either the national or local level (or both)?
Leigh Ann: My advice to industry professionals considering getting involved with IAEE is simple: say yes and show up. Whether it’s volunteering for a committee, mentoring a peer or helping at a local event, every bit of involvement opens doors – not just professionally, but personally. Start local if you’re unsure, your chapter is a welcoming place to find your footing. But don’t hesitate to raise your hand for national opportunities when they arise. The connections and perspectives you gain are invaluable.
I began my career in the trade show and meetings industry right out of college, at a time when formal hospitality and meeting planning degrees were rare. I knew early on that if I wanted to grow in this field, I needed both education and a strong network. Joining IAEE, and eventually volunteering on committees and boards, was a turning point. The educational sessions offered exactly the kind of industry-specific training I was missing, but what truly made the difference were the people and the opportunities to become involved.
I vividly remember attending my first Expo! Expo! and feeling a bit intimidated, surrounded by professionals I had admired from afar. But instead of brushing off a newcomer, they welcomed me with open arms. Their willingness to mentor, answer questions and offer guidance built my confidence, and helped shape the direction of my career. Over the years, those initial connections have grown into lifelong friendships, many of whom I speak to almost daily. And on a personal level, this industry has had an even deeper impact: it’s where I met my husband! IAEE has given me the tools to grow professionally, but just as importantly, it has given me a community. That impact has stayed with me through every stage of my career.
The connections and perspectives you gain by volunteering with IAEE are invaluable. I truly believe that when you lead with service, the rewards – networking, growth and fulfillment – come naturally.
