Dear IAEE DC Members and the DC area events industry,

Summer is here, the cicadas are singing loudly, and the events industry is coming back in full swing.  Many in-person events are happening right now and will continue across the country throughout the second half of the year.  Technology continues to play a vital role in event success, allowing organizers to offer innovative virtual and in-person event offerings to expand audience reach, educate more professionals, better engage participants, and effectively match and connect buyers and suppliers.

Our chapter's focus in the first half of the year was to reflect and review lessons learned from 2020 virtual events, and ideas to successfully plan, budget, and transition back to in-person and hybrid events in 2021 and beyond.  

In the second half of the year, we will shift our education focus to cover topics that our members requested (based on the member pulse survey results conducted in February), featuring attendance marketing, extending events 365, and technology topics.  Our members are faced with new challenges to produce not only in-person events but apply new technologies to offer virtual events and components, and our chapter is here to help them navigate the new world of events.

We are excited to get back to in-person lunch & learns and networking events starting this summer!  The board has been busy planning learning and networking opportunities to better connect and support our members and the entire event industry.  Be sure to check out our events page.

I encourage everyone to join us for our first in-person event, the Summer Networking Shindig, on July 22nd at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria. Put your shorts and sundresses on and join us for a fun afternoon of reconnecting, reflecting, and recreation. 

We have created cost-effective ticket packages for suppliers to invite clients and prospects as their guests, or large associations to bring their entire team. Registration is open.

The chapter will continue our community service efforts, supporting United Community, the local nonprofit serving families in need in Fairfax County along the US1 Corridor, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research.  Stay tuned for details on how you can support these two wonderful organizations at upcoming events and a “back-to-school” program to help United Community.

Whether you vacation at the beach, lake, mountains, or do a staycation, I hope you enjoy your summer.  I look forward to seeing many members and industry colleagues at our summer networking event, new virtual programs, or at the next in-person lunch & learn in the fall!