Event planning associations play a crucial role in the event planning industry, providing resources, networking opportunities, and support to professionals who organize corporate events. Joining a corporate event planning association can help event professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, expand their professional network, and gain access to valuable resources and training programs. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of joining a corporate event planning association and offer tips for finding and selecting the right association to suit one's needs.
What are Event Planning Associations?
Event planning associations are organizations that bring together professionals who plan, organize, and execute corporate events. These associations provide members with access to resources such as industry news, educational programs, and networking events. They also offer opportunities for members to connect with other professionals in the industry and share ideas, experiences, and best practices.
The benefits of joining a corporate event planning association are many. Members gain access to valuable resources and tools, such as event design templates, checklists, and guidelines. They can also participate in training programs and attend conferences and workshops to learn about the latest trends and best practices in the industry. Membership in a corporate event planning association can also enhance one's professional reputation and credibility.
How to Find and Select Corporate Event Planning Associations:
Finding the right corporate event planning association can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the industry. Here are some tips for finding and selecting the right association:
Research: Start by doing some research online. Look for associations that cater to your specific area of interest or expertise. Read reviews and testimonials from current and former members to get an idea of what it's like to be a member of the association.
Attend events: Attend industry events and conferences to network with other professionals and learn more about different associations. Talk to other event planners and ask for their recommendations.
Consider the benefits: Look for associations that offer benefits that are important to you, such as educational programs, access to resources, and networking opportunities. Consider the cost of membership and whether it's worth the investment.
Check the reputation: Research the reputation of the association and its members. Look for associations that have a good reputation in the industry and that are well-respected by other professionals.
Strategies, Tactics, Processes, Tools, Means and Considerations in Corporate Event Planning Association Selection:
Once you have identified potential associations, it's time to evaluate them and make a decision. Here are some strategies, tactics, processes, tools, means and considerations to help you make the right choice:
Evaluate the benefits: Consider the benefits that each association offers, and evaluate how they align with your goals and needs as an event planner.
Look at the membership: Evaluate the membership of each association to ensure that it includes professionals who share your interests and expertise.
Consider the cost: Evaluate the cost of membership and compare it to the benefits that each association offers.
Look at the resources: Evaluate the resources that each association offers, such as training programs, webinars, and templates.
Attend an event: Attend an event hosted by the association to get a sense of its culture and to network with other professionals.
By taking these strategies, tactics, processes, tools, means and considerations into account, you can make an informed decision and select the right corporate event planning association to meet your needs. In the next section, we will discuss some of the leading corporate event planning associations in the industry and what sets them apart.
Leading Corporate Event Planning Associations and What Makes Them Effective
In this section, we will provide a list of 15 leading corporate event planning associations engaged by the highest-profile event planning companies, along with a brief history of each association, its unique features, and its main office zip codes. Additionally, we will discuss what makes each of these associations effective and how they can help event professionals.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) MPI is the largest global community of meeting and event professionals, with over 60,000 members in more than 75 countries. Founded in 1972, MPI offers its members networking opportunities, education, and certification programs. With its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, MPI is a leading voice in the industry and sets the standard for professionalism and excellence.
International Live Events Association (ILEA) ILEA is a global community of creative event professionals dedicated to promoting the value of live events. Founded in 1987, ILEA has more than 5,000 members in 30 countries. ILEA offers its members networking opportunities, education, and certification programs. With its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, ILEA is known for its commitment to creativity and innovation in event planning.
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) PCMA is a global community of business event strategists, with more than 7,000 members in 50 countries. Founded in 1957, PCMA offers its members education, networking, and certification programs. With its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, PCMA is dedicated to advancing the business events industry and promoting excellence in event planning.
National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) NACE is a community of catering and event professionals dedicated to advancing the industry through education, networking, and certification programs. Founded in 1958, NACE has more than 4,000 members in 20 countries. With its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, NACE is committed to providing its members with the resources they need to succeed in the catering and events industry.
Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) SITE is a global community of incentive travel professionals dedicated to promoting the use of incentive travel as a business tool. Founded in 1973, SITE has more than 2,000 members in 90 countries. SITE offers its members networking opportunities, education, and certification programs. With its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, SITE is a leading voice in the incentive travel industry.
Association for Women in Events (AWE) AWE is a community of women in the events industry dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Founded in 2015, AWE has more than 1,000 members in 17 countries. AWE offers its members networking opportunities, education, and mentorship programs. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., AWE is committed to empowering women in the events industry and promoting their professional growth and development.
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) IAEE is a global community of exhibition and event professionals dedicated to advancing the industry through education, networking, and certification programs. Founded in 1928, IAEE has more than 11,000 members in 50 countries. With its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, IAEE is a leading voice in the exhibition and events industry.
Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) WIPA is a community of wedding industry professionals dedicated to promoting excellence in wedding planning. Founded in 2008, WIPA has more than 1,000 members in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. WIPA offers its members networking opportunities, education, and certification programs. With its headquarters in Santa Ana, California, WIPA is committed to promoting the highest standards of professionalism in the wedding industry.
Best Tips for Implementing Effective Corporate Event Planning Associations
Stay informed: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and other events hosted by your association to keep up-to-date with the latest industry news and trends.
Network and Collaborate: Connect with other event planners in your association to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other's experiences. Build relationships with other members to expand your professional network.
By implementing these tips, you can make the most of your corporate event planning association membership and enhance your professional development.
Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the resources provided by your association such as templates, training programs, and webinars to improve your skills and knowledge.
Attend Association Events: Attend events hosted by your association to network with other professionals, learn from experts, and gain exposure to new ideas and technologies.
Engage with Leadership: Engage with the leadership of your association to share your thoughts and ideas, provide feedback, and offer suggestions for improvement.
15 Instances of High Profile Corporate Event Planning Associations Engaged by Companies:
These are just a few examples of high-profile corporate event planning associations and resources available to event professionals. By exploring these options and considering the factors discussed in this article, you can find the right association to help you achieve your goals and deliver outstanding events for your clients. Remember to evaluate the benefits, membership, cost, resources, and attend an event hosted by the association to make an informed decision. Joining a corporate event planning association is an investment in your career, and it can help you stay up-to-date with industry trends, network with other professionals, and access valuable resources and training programs.
Leverage resources: Take advantage of the resources and tools provided by your association, such as templates, checklists, and best practices guides.
Learn from experts: Attend training sessions and webinars hosted by experts in the industry to gain new skills and knowledge.
Stay organized: Use project management tools and software to stay organized and ensure that events are delivered on time and on budget.