Board of Directors Nominee Application

You have been identified as an area that IAEE is currently looking for board representation. IAEE Board can only offer one spot on the board per organization. If your organization is listed below, wait until another year to apply.

Here are the current organizations that have current directors that are carrying through 2026 on the IAEE Board: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) American Institute of Architects (AIA), Auto Care Association, Clarion Events North America, Emerald X, Freeman, GES, Informa, Lightsey Event Solutions, and MDM USA

GUIDE FOR NOMINEES: APPLICATION FOR THE IAEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Deadline is Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

Mission: IAEE globally promotes the unique value of exhibitions and events and is the principal resource for those who plan, produce and service the industry.

We are delighted to learn of your interest in serving on the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Board of Directors. Your desire to do so illustrates your commitment to and dedication to our industry and to IAEE.

The Board of Directors establish IAEE policies and priorities based upon the association’s mission and strategic objectives, values, and vision; represents member needs; ensures the financial stability and growth of the association; and promotes the broad exhibitions and events industry.

These are the minimum requirements.

Board appointments are a 3-year commitment.
Must be a member of IAEE for a minimum of 5 years
Attend 3 in-person 2-day board meetings and provide additional feedback throughout the year.
Discussions held during board meetings are confidential in nature and at times topics may be a conflict of interest for you/your organization. One must maintain the integrity of the meetings and being self-aware to recuse yourself from discussion as needed

There are several ideal qualifications for a director.

Business Acumen/Personal Characteristics/Qualifications

Strategic Vision: Forward-thinking, able to anticipate trends, and adept at setting long-term goals for the association.

Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the industry, its challenges, and its future direction is invaluable, especially for making informed decisions that affect members.

Diverse Perspectives: Diversity of background, expertise, and viewpoint enhances decision-making and better reflects the association’s member base.

Commitment to Mission: Should have a deep commitment to the association’s mission and its objectives, working in the best interest of all members.

Collaborative Mindset: Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential for a cohesive board that works effectively to achieve common goals.

Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of budgeting, financial statements, and revenue generation helps in making sound financial decisions.

Accountability: Needs to be reliable, uphold ethical standards, and ensure transparency in decision-making processes.

Adaptability: Being open to change and willing to adapt to new ideas and technologies is essential, especially in a rapidly evolving industry.

Advocacy Skills: The ability to advocate for the association and its members, build relationships, and engage with key stakeholders is key for external influence and growth.

Leadership Experience: Previous leadership experience, especially in nonprofit or association governance, helps guide the board effectively and brings in best practices.

Nominee Application

State your name, as you would want it to appear in all official references. Include 3 professional references including email addresses and/or phone numbers. One of the three should be an IAEE chapter leader or committee/task force chairperson with whom you have served in the past 5 years.

(All fields are required.)

First Name

Last Name

Title

Organization

Address

City/Town

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country/Nation

Phone

Mobile Phone

Have you ever served and/or are you currently serving on a board of directors? If so, list the organization(s) and the position(s) holding/held

What has been the scope of your organizational management, in terms of size of budget, size of show(s), size of team(s), etc.?

Can you speak to your leadership skills and strengths that can build consensus and support IAEE in carrying out its strategic plan?

How would you envision leveraging your sphere of influence to support IAEE’s strategic objectives? (Industry Involvement: Current exhibitions and events industry experience. Strong awareness of issues and relationships. Knowledge of emerging trends affecting the industry.)

Global: Does your organization produce, participate in, or provide contracted services to exhibitions outside your home country? Please answer yes, or no and if so, where?

How confident are you in participating in discussion on how IAEE can continue to grow its global presence?

Professional References: Name

Title

Company

Telephone

Professional References: Name

Title

Company

Telephone

Professional References: Name

Title

Company

Telephone

Other Items Required with your Application:

Required Documents: Resume

Note: Documents must be 5mb or less.

Resume

Note: Your application will not be considered without proper documentation.

Honor Statement:

I attest that the information I have provided to be used in the candidate selection process is true and verifiable.

Travel Commitment

3 in person board meetings are scheduled each year. Usually, a 2-day meeting in March/April/May, 2 days in August, and 1 day at the IAEE annual meeting in December. The December meeting requires arriving on Sunday for the meeting on Monday and staying through the end of Expo! Expo!.
Conference calls will be scheduled as needed.
Every effort is made to conduct email votes for items needing action outside of meeting times.
Participation in chapter activities in your own region.
Miscellaneous assignments of 1 or 2 days in duration as the need may arise.

Time Commitment

Directors are usually elected to 3-year terms; sometimes it is necessary to fill an unexpired director’s term of 1 or 2 years.
May require 2 to 3 hours a week depending upon need and current circumstances and in some cases more time might be Emails, phone calls, social media posts/sharing, etc.
Each director serves as board liaison to 1-2 IAEE committees, task forces and councils and is expected to maintain communications in this regard.
Directors receive periodic emails from IAEE headquarters which may require prompt responses.
Thoroughly review board meeting agenda and supporting materials prior to each board meeting.
Review minutes of board, council, and committee/task force meetings.

Expense Reimbursement

Directors serve at their own expense and are expected to assume the cost of travel and lodging. IAEE does provide limited expense reimbursement to directors with demonstrated cases of need for board meetings other than those conducted at the IAEE annual meeting upon application to and approval of the secretary/treasurer.

Timeline

The Nominating Committee begins the work of identifying candidates for nomination for the following calendar year of IAEE in January of each year.

The Nominating Committee evaluates candidate submissions and submits the slate of nominees to the board at its next board meeting.
Nominees will be notified following consideration by the board.
The board of directors notifies IAEE members of the proposed slate of nominees for election following the adoption of the committee’s report.
The election takes place by electronic ballot NLT 90 days prior to the annual meeting.
Directors-Elect are invited to attend the December board meeting as an important part of their training and orientation.
Installation of officers and directors for the next year takes place at the IAEE annual meeting and newly elected directors attend the board meeting during that same annual meeting.

The information contained in this guide is designed to provide you with an accurate appraisal of the role that IAEE board members play. It is also intended to give you a clear understanding of the candidate selection process. If you have questions about the process, the materials to be submitted, or request that an application to be emailed to you, contact Beverly Benbow, Director of Governance, bbenbow@iaee.com

Completion of the application does not guarantee a spot on the IAEE Board of Directors.