Board of Directors Nominee Application

GUIDE FOR NOMINEES: APPLICATION FOR THE IAEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Deadline is Wednesday, 26 August 2026 EOD.

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 2027 on the IAEE Board: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, China Merchants Exhibition Management Shenzhen Co, Ltd., Emerald/Questx, Freeman, Orange County Convention Center, , SEMA/PRI, Smart City Networks, Society of Interventional Radiology, The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), and U.S. Green Building Council

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 three-year commitment.
  • Must be a member of IAEE for a minimum of five years.
  • Attend three in-person one-or-two-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.

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

Driven for Success: The individual should be driven to want to IAEE to succeed.

Strategic Vision: A thought leader who focuses on strategy rather than tactics.

Leadership Experience: Have a proactive attitude with previous leadership experience, especially in nonprofit or association governance, help guide the board effectively and brings in best practices.

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.

Multi-dimensional thinking and analysis skills: Guide IAEE through nuanced decisions that balance mission impact, financial sustainability, and community needs.

Innovation and the Future: Been forward thinking. Have awareness of technology, issues, and able to anticipate emerging trends.

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

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.

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.

Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of budgeting, financial statements, oversight and revenue generation helps in making sound financial decisions and being a steward of organizational resources.

Nominee Application

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

(All fields are required.)

Other Items Required with your Application:

Required Documents: Resume

Note: Documents must be 5mb or less.

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

Honor Statement:

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, [email protected]

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

Travel Commitment

  • Three in-person board meetings are scheduled each year. Two meetings, one or two days and one day at the IAEE annual meeting. The annual 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
  • Miscellaneous assignments of one or two days in duration as the need may arise.

Time Commitment

  • Directors are usually elected to three-year terms; sometimes it is necessary to fill an unexpired director’s term of one or two years.
  • May require two to three 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.
  • Directors are expected to engage with IAEE marketing channels including but not limited to, opening marketing emails from IAEE; and engaging on social media posts by liking, resharing and/or commenting.
  • Each director serves as board liaison to one to two IAEE committees, task forces and councils and is expected to maintain communications in this
  • Directors receive periodic emails from IAEE headquarters which may require prompt
  • Thoroughly review board meeting agenda and supporting materials prior to each board meeting.
  • Review minutes of board, council, and committee/task force.

Expense Reimbursement

Directors serve at their own expense and are expected to assume the cost of travel and lodging.

Timeline

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

  • The Nominating Committee evaluates candidate submissions and submits the slate of nominees to the board at its next board meeting or by e-vote.
  • Nominees will be notified following consideration by the
  • The board of directors notifies IAEE members of the proposed slate of nominees for election following the adoption of the committee’s
  • The election takes place by electronic ballot NLT 30 days prior to the annual meeting.
  • Installation of officers and directors for the next year takes place at the IAEE annual meeting and newly elected directors are invited to attend the board meeting during that same annual meeting for training and orientation.