IAEE

MATSO Meets March - In Person at HIMSS
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
This in-person MATSO Meet up is an opportunity to attend an industry show, networking with your peers and discuss ideas and trends. The event is limited to the FIRST 30 MATSO qualified members. There is no fee to attend, and your registration includes: an optional welcome reception on 9 March, day 1 lunch, and dinner on 10 March; and day 2 breakfast, and lunch on 11 March. Hotel and travel expenses are on your own. Maximum of two representatives from one show/company can attend. Once your IAEE registration is approved, you will receive additional information including show registration and housing links.

This year, the in-person MATSO Meet up will be held at HIMSS at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Join the world’s largest healthcare IT gathering as we convene in Las Vegas from March 9-12, 2026 for the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. We’re bringing together healthcare IT professionals, hospital executives, technology vendors, clinicians, and industry leaders from around the globe to explore cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Time(s):
9 March 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
10 March 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
11 March 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM

Security, Risk and Crisis Management - Virtual
2026-03-10 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Risk management is a continuing process that identifies, analyzes, evaluates, and addresses exposures and monitors risk. This involves evaluating the security needs for an event and if a crisis should occur, having a crisis management team in place to manage it.
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:
PART ONE: Security

List security components of site selection
Identify the security needs of exhibitions and events
Identify essential elements of a request for proposal for a security vendor
Evaluate security requests for proposal responses to hire a competent security contractor

PART TWO: Risk Management

Explain the principles of risk management as related to insurance coverage
List types of events and exhibition insurance
Explain the concept of event cancellation insurance
Generalize the importance of requiring certificates of insurance from exhibitors
Explore the concept of protecting against losses

PART THREE: Crisis Management

Define a crisis and understand how to prepare for a variety of crises
Develop the basics of a crisis management plan
Identify various types of threats
Identify evaluation procedures for a crisis management plan

There will be an optional 30-minute study period followed by an hour for the exam. Those that are recertifying, not taking the exam, or taking the course as not part of the CEM program will end their day at 2:30pm Central Time.
Instructor: TBD
Location: Virtual
Fee: $349 members/$490 non-members

MATSO Meets March - In Person at HIMSS26
2026-03-10 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
This in-person MATSO Meet up at HIMSS26 is an opportunity to attend an industry show, networking with your peers and discuss ideas and trends. The event is limited to the FIRST 30 MATSO qualified members. There is no fee to attend, and your registration includes: an optional welcome reception on 9 March, day 1 lunch, and dinner on 10 March; and day 2 breakfast, and lunch on 11 March. Hotel and travel expenses are on your own. Maximum of two representatives from one show/company can attend. Once your IAEE registration is approved, you will receive additional information including show registration and housing links.

This year, the in-person MATSO Meet up will be held at HIMSS26 at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Join the world’s largest healthcare IT gathering as we convene in Las Vegas from 9-12 March 2026 for the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. We’re bringing together healthcare IT professionals, hospital executives, technology vendors, clinicians, and industry leaders from around the globe to explore cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Time(s):
9 March 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
10 March 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
11 March 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM

MATSO Meets March - In Person at HIMSS
2026-03-11 08:45 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Venetian Expo & Convention Center, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV, 89109, United States
This in-person MATSO Meet up is an opportunity to attend an industry show, networking with your peers and discuss ideas and trends. The event is limited to the FIRST 30 MATSO qualified members. There is no fee to attend, and your registration includes: an optional welcome reception on 9 March, day 1 lunch, and dinner on 10 March; and day 2 breakfast, and lunch on 11 March. Hotel and travel expenses are on your own. Maximum of two representatives from one show/company can attend. Once your IAEE registration is approved, you will receive additional information including show registration and housing links.

This year, the in-person MATSO Meet up will be held at HIMSS at the Venetian Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Join the world’s largest healthcare IT gathering as we convene in Las Vegas from March 9-12, 2026 for the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. We’re bringing together healthcare IT professionals, hospital executives, technology vendors, clinicians, and industry leaders from around the globe to explore cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Time(s):
9 March 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
10 March 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
11 March 8:45 AM – 3:00 P

The Role Of Communication Strategy In Event Success
2026-03-11 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
Communication is key to event success. This 45-minute virtual session with Swapcard and IAEE Staff explores how intentional communication design is what connects registration to meaningful participation, exhibitor value, and long-term event success. Using IAEE’s Expo! Expo! 2025 as a case study, we’ll examine how clear guidance, pre-event communications, and well-timed nudges shape attendee and exhibitor behavior before, during, and after the event. Learn how to create a strategic framework that unlocks stronger engagement and more measurable outcomes across the entire event lifecycle.
Learning Objectives:

Find out how intentional communication design influences attendees and exhibitor behavior throughout the event lifecycle, using IAEE’s Expo! Expo! 2025 as a case study.
Learn how to develop a strategic communication framework that integrates clear guidance, pre-event messaging, and timely nudges to enhance participant engagement and exhibitor value.
Discover how to evaluate measurable outcomes of communication strategies in driving meaningful participation and long-term success of events.

IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. Eligible to earn 0.75 Clock hour towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Nicole Bowman, MBA, CEM-AP, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, IAEE and Beverly Elliott, CEM, Account Manager, Exhibitions & Sales, IAEE and Kendra Black, Website Product Manager, Swapcard
Sponsors: New Orleans Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company

Rocky Mountain Chapter: Young Professionals Meet-Up
2026-03-11 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Denver) | Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th St, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
Join us for the YP Meet-Up at the Hyatt Regency Denver! There will be complimentary charcuterie as well as your first drink on us! Be sure to join for networking and a private tour.
Non-Members: $15
From: 2:00 PM to: 03:30 PM MT

Rocky Mountain Chapter: MIC Conference & Trade Show
2026-03-12 08:00 - 2026-03-13 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
Join us as our community comes together for the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado 26th Annual Conference and Trade Show.
We’re ready to welcome more than 1,000 participants at the Colorado Convention Center, March 12-13, 2026. The MIC community includes approximately 300 meeting and event planners, plus others from the meetings industry who join us from dozens of states around the country to support the vibrant meetings and events community in the Rocky Mountain area.

IAEE Master Series Certificate: Event Sales & Sponsorship: Sales Tactics That Work (Part 2)
2026-03-12 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
This is the second session in a dynamic three-part webinar series led by the esteemed CEO of SB Events, Jennifer Kerhin, MBA, CEM, CMP. She has designed this specific course to provide comprehensive knowledge and actionable strategies for maximizing expo and event sales. In this session, participants will learn a variety of proven sales tactics.
Learning Objectives:

Write effective sales and phone scripts and utilize them for effective outreach tactics

Uncover potential exhibitor/sponsor needs by asking the right questions.

Confidently handle objections and negotiations to secure commitments.

Credit: This webinar is eligible for 1 clock hour towards the CEM recertification.
Registration: You can purchase the full series of three webinars at a discounted rate (Members $99 | Non-Members $149).
Can’t make the date? You can still register and get access to the recordings for on-demand viewing for whatever time works best for your professional development journey.

DFW Chapter Event: Donuts & Dish
2026-03-13 09:00 - 09:45 (America/Chicago) | Virtual

DC Chapter Event: Member Appreciation Event- Super Pet Expo
2026-03-13 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Manassas Mall, 8358 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA, 20109, United States

Washington DC Chapter: March 2026 Member Appreciation Event
2026-03-13 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Manassas Mall, 8358 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA, 20109, United States
Ever wonder what goes into staging successful consumer pet events? Who’s in charge of doggie clean-up duty or how does move-in work with hundreds of live animals (including kangaroos)?
Join Eric Udler, owner of Super Pet Expo, for an EXCLUSIVE behind-the-scenes tour as part of the DC Chapter’s 2026 Member Appreciation Event on Friday, March 13th @ 4PM.
Free to all IAEE members and families – leashed pets are welcome!
Tickets are limited and on a first come, first come first serve basis.

CEIR Report: The Voice of Young Professionals - What They Value Most On The Show Floor & How To Deliver It
2026-03-18 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
As Gen Z and young Millennials become a growing presence on B2B trade show floors, organizers and exhibitors face a critical question: Are today’s show floor experiences truly meeting their needs and expectations? To find out, CEIR went straight to young professionals, conducting in-depth interviews with a cross-section of 80 Gen Zers and young Millennials across trade shows held at venues along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The resulting research report is now available and this webinar brings those findings to life.
In this session, CEIR convenes young professionals to react to the research results, share real-world examples of when trade shows succeed (and fall short), and offer candid ideas for how organizers and exhibitors can strengthen show floor engagement.
CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC, and her Gen Z colleague, Natali Tsalikis, will be joined by young professional panelists Jackie Gronske and Liam McNicholl for a dynamic, moderated conversation. If you’re looking to better engage the next generation of attendees and ensure your event remains relevant and impactful, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
Learning Objectives:
• Discover how to pinpoint the core elements of show floor engagement that matter most to Gen Z and young Millennial attendees
• Explore real examples of how organizers and exhibitors are successfully delivering on these expectations
• Gain practical recommendations directly from young professionals on where to focus next to strengthen engagement and long-term value
IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. Upon completion, this session is eligible to earn 0.75 Clock hour towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Nancy Drapeau, IPC, VP of Research, CEIR; Natali Tsalikis, M.S., Junior Market Researcher, CEIR; Liam McNicholl, Exhibitor Experience Manager, Society of Interventional Radiology; Jackie Gronske, CEM, Senior Manager, Exhibits and Sponsorship, American Institute of Architects
Sponsors: New Orleans Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company

IAEE Master Series Certificate: Event Sales & Sponsorship: Analytics and Review (Part 3)
2026-03-19 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
This is the third session in a dynamic three-part webinar series led by the esteemed CEO of SB Events, Jennifer Kerhin, MBA, CEM, CMP. She has designed this specific course to provide comprehensive knowledge and actionable strategies for maximizing expo and event sales. In this session participants will learn what, how and when to dive into analytics and what areas to focus on for reviewing event ROI.
Learning Objectives:

Evaluate sales performance using key metrics, dashboards, and pipeline tracking in your CRM.

Learn to translate sales analytics into actionable strategies for future revenue growth.

Conduct a structured post-show review to identify successes and areas for improvement.

Credit: This webinar is eligible for 1 clock hour towards the CEM recertification.
Registration: You can purchase the full series of three webinars at a discounted rate (Members $99 | Non-Members $149).
Can’t make the date? You can still register and get access to the recordings for on-demand viewing for whatever time works best for your professional development journey.
Presenter: CEO of SB Events, Jennifer Kerhin, MBA, CEM, CMP
Sponsors: New Orleans Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company

DC Chapter Event: Education Program - Beyond Operations -Building Order, Influence, and Partnership Across Teams
2026-03-20 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Clyde’s of Gallery Place, 707 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States

Healthcare Insights Hour
2026-03-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
We are excited to continue our Healthcare Insights Hour, a dedicated platform crafted exclusively for our healthcare event organizers. This initiative has evolved into a cornerstone for fostering collaboration, sharing expert knowledge, and elevating the healthcare trade show experience.
Understanding the critical importance of shared insights and innovative strategies in achieving success, the Healthcare Insights Hour serves as a unique forum for industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and empower one another. Through meaningful discussions and collaborative engagement, this initiative is designed to inspire innovation, refine organizational approaches, and drive the healthcare event industry forward.
We’re confident that the continued success of the Healthcare Insights Hour will not only support your event planning efforts but will also play a pivotal role in advancing the entire industry toward new heights of achievement.
Open to healthcare show organizers only.

Thriving as an Independent Event Organizer: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
2026-03-25 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
Explore the dynamic world of independent event organizing with industry veterans Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, and Necoya L. Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP. This 45-minute session will highlight the diverse opportunities available to independent organizers and how they can effectively collaborate with associations and larger organizations. Gain invaluable insights into proven best practices and learn critical mistakes to avoid, helping you build a successful and sustainable career as an independent event professional.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the various roles and opportunities available to independent event organizers, including how to effectively augment teams within associations or larger organizations.

Apply best practices for managing independent event projects, from initial planning through execution, to ensure seamless collaboration and successful outcomes.

Recognize common pitfalls and challenges faced by independent event organizers and develop strategies to avoid or overcome these obstacles.

IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. This session is eligible to earn 0.75 clock hours towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, and Necoya L. Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP

CEM Preferred Provider: Attendee Acquisition Roundtable (AAR)
2026-03-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Convene (Rosslyn City Center) in Arlington, VA, 1201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22209, United States
Attendee Acquisition Roundtable (AAR) is a facilitated information-sharing experience where you will engage with the best marketing minds in the industry and share field-tested tactics for acquiring new and more attendees. Take away insights from executives, managers, and marketing specialists who walk the walk.
AAR’s facilitated group dynamic encourages lasting professional relationship-building. Develop face-to-face connections that benefit your organization, your event, and your career.
Credits: Eligible for 5.75 clock hours towards CEM Recertification

Strategic Planning and Management - Virtual
2026-03-26 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
In order for organizations that plan, manage or own exhibitions and events to remain competitive, they must continually define and review their strategies. This includes measuring where an event falls within a particular market segment, developing plans to ensure business continuity, and positioning an exhibition or event for success.
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:
PART ONE: DEFINE EXHIBITIONS

Use the CEIR Census and CEIR Index Report to gain an understanding of the current scope and performance of the exhibition industry
Understand the differences between business-to-business and business-to-consumer exhibitions
Explain the roles of the exhibition organizer, attendee and exhibitor
Identify the purposes for corporate private exhibitions and events and understand their target audiences
Discuss the principal ways that exhibitions can be grown

PART TWO: STRATEGIC ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT: PROCESS AND OUTCOMES

Define strategic enterprise management (SEM)
Compare the various models of strategic planning
Identify and define the major components of a strategic plan
Understand experience design principles to optimize the overall experience of stakeholders and attendees
Understand how to incorporate principles of EDI, sustainability, and health and safety into event design
Describe a basic strategic planning process
Differentiate between strategic enterprise management and the strategic planning process
Explain the benefits of strategic planning and management

PART THREE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT: MANAGING SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITIONS

Identify the major elements in the project management process
Demonstrate the role of project management in developing goals and objectives
Identify the elements in a work breakdown structure
Identify the requirements necessary to effectively manage and motivate a project management team

There will be an optional 30-minute study period followed by an hour for the exam. Those that are recertifying, not taking the exam, or taking the course as not part of the CEM program will end their day at 2:30pm Central Time.
Instructor: TBD
Location: Virtual
Fee: $349 members/$490 non-members

Students Insights – March 2026
2026-03-26 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join other students for this free event: 9:30 AM CT / 10:30 AM ET / 7:30 AM PT to 10:20 AM CT / 11:20 AM CT / 8:20 AM PT.
IAEE will only have Students Insights in the spring, the fall, and at Expo! Expo!, so do not miss out!
Experience Makers: Building Careers That Connect the World
You attend events – now discover the work and careers behind them. Explore how creativity, business, and hospitality come together to power global experiences.
Program Description
As a student, you probably think events are about planning celebrations – but exhibitions and events are powerful platforms that drive global business, innovation, and industry connections.
This interactive virtual program introduces students to the world of exhibitions and events, showing how professionals create experiences that launch products, build brands, and connect industries worldwide. As a participant, you will explore diverse career opportunities across hospitality, marketing, technology, operations, and business development – and can visualize how your current skills can translate into a variety of career paths.

Washington DC Chapter: Lead With Identity, Grow Through Connection-an Emerging Professionals Session
2026-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Westin National Harbor, 171 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745, United States
Designed exclusively for emerging professionals, this interactive workshop explores two key elements of early‑career growth: building a strong personal brand and leveraging the benefits of reverse mentorship. Through shared experiences, collaborative discussions, and hands‑on exercises, participants will uncover strategies to strengthen their professional identity, expand their networks, and learn from leaders across the industry. Attendees will leave with practical tools and actionable next steps they can integrate into their career development.
Schedule:
5-5:15 Registration/Badge Pickup
5:15-6:15 Education Session
6:15-7 Networking Reception with Food & Drinks
Parking:
Attendees should park in the Mariner Garage at National Harbor. National Harbor CVA will provide parking validation to registered guests.

IAEE Faculty Community Insights - March 2026
2026-03-27 13:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Open to all faculty, member and non-member for this FREE informal forum for faculty to talk and network on the topic, “What We’re Seeing in the Field: Translating Event Trends into Teaching” on Friday, 27 March 2026 at 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM CT / 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM ET / 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM PT.
This discussion will focus on trends faculty are observing at events, exhibitions, and conferences, and how those insights are being integrated into classroom content, assignments, and student learning experiences.
IAEE will only have Faculty Community Insights in the spring and in the fall in 2026.

Southwest Chapter: Webinar - What I Wish I Knew Sooner In My Career
2026-03-31 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom, United States
Join IAEE Southwest Chapter members, students, and young pros for an interactive discussion about building a career in the events industry.
This isn’t a typical webinar. There are no formal speakers, just a community conversation where professionals can give back, share lessons learned and next gen pros can ask questions and gain real-world insight.

New England Chapter: Networking + Industry Insights in Boston
2026-03-31 16:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Swingers Boston, 777 Boylston Street,, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
Join IAEE New England Chapter for an evening of networking, industry updates, and mini golf at Swingers Boston!
(21+) Event/ID is required to attend
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – 4:30PM – 7:00PM ET
Swingers Boston | 777 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116
What to expect:

Social hour with light appetizers & a complimentary drink
Industry insights on upcoming major Boston events including FIFA World Cup 2026, Sail Boston 2026, and the U.S. 250-Year Celebration
Mini golf + networking

Guest speaker, Howie Choi from Informa on Marketing & Producing Events in a Major Metropolitan Market • Hosted mini golf experience and continued networking
Connect with industry peers, hear what’s ahead for Boston’s events landscape, and enjoy a fun interactive venue.
Space is limited!

Successful & Scalable Email Marketing Tactics
2026-04-01 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
Are you looking for fresh, scalable email marketing strategies to reach the right audiences and boost attendance at your expos and events? Join Chris Gloede, CAE, Chief Consultant at Ricochet, and Nicole Bowman, CEM-AP, MBA, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at IAEE, for an engaging 45-minute webinar. They will share practical, proven email marketing tactics tailored specifically for associations and companies in the events industry. Attendees will walk away with actionable ideas you can implement immediately to enhance your email campaigns and drive event success.
Learning Objectives:

Identify key strategies for segmenting and targeting email audiences to increase engagement and attendance at expos and events.

Explore scalable email marketing tactics that can be adapted and applied across different association and company event contexts.

Develop an actionable plan to implement innovative email marketing techniques that deliver measurable results for event promotion.

IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. This session is eligible to earn 0.75 clock hours towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Chris Gloede, CAE and Nicole Bowman, MBA, CEM-AP
Sponsor(s): New Orleans Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company

Getting Young Professionals Into The Events Industry: The Annabelle Project Case Study
2026-04-08 10:30 - 11:15 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
The events industry doesn’t have a “talent shortage.” It has a relevance problem. Young professionals aren’t avoiding our industry because they lack interest, they’re avoiding it because we’ve failed to clearly articulate the value of a career in events, provide credible on-ramps, and deliver early wins that justify long-term commitment. Career fairs, internships, and inspirational panels haven’t fixed the problem. In many cases, they’ve made it worse. This session will provide a case study into the Annabelle Project which was designed as a direct response to that failure.
In this 45- minute, no-theory, case-study-driven session, Warwick Davies breaks down how a focused mentorship and exposure model has successfully moved college-age talent, particularly students from HBCUs and Hispanic-Serving Institutions, from industry-curious to industry-committed. This session challenges conventional “pipeline” thinking and replaces it with a practical, repeatable system for attracting, qualifying, and retaining young professionals who actually stay. If your organization is serious about talent, not optics, this session will give you a different way to think, decide, and act.
Learning Objectives:

Diagnose why most young professional initiatives fail, and identify the hidden assumptions that sabotage recruitment and retention efforts.

Deconstruct the Annabelle Project model to understand how mentorship, access, and accountability create real career momentum—not temporary enthusiasm.

Implement one immediately actionable shift that increases the perceived value of an events career to young professionals and strengthens long-term talent ROI.

IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49. This session is eligible to earn 0.75 clock hours towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Warwick Davies

Northern California Chapter: Spring Fling Networking Social
2026-04-08 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hyde Beach, 655 Beach St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Join us for the Northern California Chapter’s Spring Fling Social! Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Free to attend, come build meaningful relationships and celebrate the season with our vibrant community!
Wednesday, April 8 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM PT
655 Beach St, San Francisco, CA
In person event

Washington DC Chapter: Mini Meetup Spring Themed Happy Hour
2026-04-08 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
IAEE members and friends are invited to a Spring-inspired networking happy hour. Celebrate the Spring season while connecting with your industry peers, sharing ideas, and enjoying great conversation over appetizers and drinks. Fun, games, and surprises are on the agenda! It will be hosted at the home of DC Chapter member, John Dandeneau, EVP at eShow who lives walkable from the Virginia Square metro orange line. The address will be released to those confirmed prior to the event.
Questions? Email: Ally Jenkins at ajenkins@taffyevents.com

IAEE Master Series Certificate: Event Design For The Brain
2026-04-09 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Webinar Description:
IAEE Master Series Certificate: Event Design for the Brain presented by Lisa Schulteis is designed to help event and exhibition professionals better understand how people experience events and how design decisions influence engagement, recall, and connection across live and virtual environments. The series focuses on practical, experience-driven design strategies that translate research on attention, memory, and social interaction into real-world event applications.
Each session builds on the last, guiding participants through three core elements of event experience: attention, memory, and connection. Built-in micro breaks are integrated throughout each session to support focus, model effective design, and enhance learning in real time. Each webinar is 60 minutes in length and includes interactive moments, reflection, and Q&A. A downloadable workbook supports applied learning across all three sessions.
After attending all three virtual sessions, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and earn 3 clock hours towards CEM recertification. This session is $99 Members | Non-Members $149.
Times:
9 April: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CST (60 Minutes)
16 April: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CST (60 Minutes)
23 April: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CST (60 Minutes)

9 April 2026
Session 1: Designing for Attention: How to Keep People Engaged Without Overloading Them
Attention is limited and easily disrupted in modern event environments. This session explores how people process information and allocate focus, and how event design decisions directly influence engagement throughout an experience. Participants will learn how to reduce cognitive overload, improve session flow, and design agendas and environments that support sustained attention without adding more content or complexity.
Learning Objectives

Explain how attention functions in live and virtual event settings
Identify common event design choices that reduce focus and engagement
Apply practical strategies to support sustained attention
Design agendas and sessions that balance stimulation and recovery Built-in micro breaks will be used throughout the session to model attention-supportive design in real time.

16 April 2026
Session 2: Designing for Memory: Creating Events People Actually Remember
While events often deliver large volumes of information, much of it is forgotten shortly after the experience ends. This is the second session in the series and this session focuses on how memory is formed and how event design can support recall of key messages, moments, and experiences.
Participants will explore how session structure, storytelling, repetition, and sensory cues influence memory and learn how to design experiences that help important messages stick beyond the event itself.
Learning Objectives

Distinguish between engagement and long-term memory
Identify design elements that support retention and recall
Apply techniques that strengthen memory without increasing content volume
Build memory anchors into sessions, exhibits, and experiences. Memory-anchoring micro breaks will be integrated to demonstrate retention strategies in practice.

23 April 2026
Session 3: Designing for Connection: How Events Build Trust, Belonging, and Meaningful Interaction
Connection is central to successful events. This session explores how people experience social environments and how event design influences trust, comfort, and participation. Participants will learn how layout, facilitation, pacing, and interaction design affect whether attendees feel included, engaged, and willing to participate, and how these factors shape overall event outcomes.
Learning Objectives

Understand how social environments influence engagement and trust
Identify barriers to interaction created by common event design choices
Design experiences that encourage meaningful connection
Apply inclusive strategies that support different engagement styles. Connection-focused micro breaks will be embedded to model interaction and reflection.

Presenter: Lisa Schulteis, Founder/Owner ElectraLime Marketing; Your Event Marketplace; Executive Director, Northwest Event Show Seattle
Sponsors: New Orleans Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company

DFW Chapter: Donuts & Dish
2026-04-10 09:00 - 09:45 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
You do not want to miss this free opportunity to connect with industry colleagues! You’ll make new connections and hear about things happening in the event industry.
Plan to grab your favorite coffee mug and join us on Zoom to just say hello, discuss what’s happening in the industry and talk about our upcoming events!
