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04 Jul 2022

Message from the Chair - Q2

Dear IAEE DC members and the DC area event community,

Summer has officially begun, and it has been an intensely busy meeting season as meeting planners are getting back to in-person events while at the same time having to figure out this new event reality.

I just got back from a couple of days in San Diego at a major international tradeshow and conference, and while I don't have the official numbers, I can tell you that there were literally thousands of more attendees there than the planners projected at the beginning of the year. They described the experience as being “like changing your tires while driving.”

I think that we're all in that same position to some extent and the good news is that, although this COVID-driven transformation of our industry has been tough on everyone, it has also created some exciting new opportunities for us as event organizers and suppliers to the industry.

One very interesting topic we are hearing a lot about these days is how planners are thinking about leveraging some of the new digital tools to deliver online content and more value to their members and the industry.  “Hybrid” has almost become a dirty word, but even with planners who don't intend to live-stream any content at their events are using new technologies to offer networking and on-demand content outside of the actual days of their in-person event

Extending event content to new audiences and other challenges will be addressed in the Chapter's new “Technology Challenge Virtual Series” launching in August. These sessions will give you a focused look at two or three companies and how their solutions can be applied to overcome specific challenges you may be facing right now. These are fast-paced formats that deliver ideas and answers you can use immediately without going through hours of exploration and discovery to get the same information.

I hope you'll join your colleagues at these new webinars as well as our lunch & learns and other fun networking events we have planned for the fall.

Finally, as you may know, our Chapter is supporting the local charity, A Wider Circle, this year. The organization's goal is to help end poverty through some very practical efforts, including providing furnishings for homes and helping people gain the skills they need to be competitive in finding meaningful work.

We held a fantastic volunteer day at their main facility in June with several members lending a hand to help sort donated items to place in their store where participants can select anything they need at no cost to them. Stay tuned for more information on another volunteer day in the fall to help this marvelous and vital organization.

Thank you for your membership and your participation, and we look forward to seeing you at one or several of our next events!

Best,

 

Rob

Rob Hamlin
IAEE DC 2022 Chair

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IAEE Members say...

IAEE Members say...

  • I am a member of IAEE, and particularly the DC chapter of IAEE, because it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences I have ever encountered in this Industry. My membership with IAEE has taken me to places that I only dreamed of! Because of IAEE, I have been able to teach CEM classes all over the country and in other parts of the world! The Networking opportunities and the camaraderie of belonging to the DC chapter are HUGE benefits of membership. If I had to prioritize where to spend my “marketing dollars,” my first choice would be with IAEE.
    B. Murphy
    Senior National Sales Manager, Fern Exposition Services
  • I have been a member of IAEE for over 30 years, starting with the early NAEM days, to IAEM, and now through IAEE. Throughout this journey, the DC chapter has provided me with invaluable networking opportunities and educational experiences thanks to the incredible peers I've encountered. My interactions within and beyond the chapter have significantly contributed to my growth and have played a crucial role in shaping me into the successful professional I am today at Freeman. Freeman has collaborated with the local chapter in various capacities, and we have greatly valued the opportunity to support and work alongside such exceptional leadership. Our shared commitment is to deliver the highest quality service and education to our customers, incorporating the latest trends and data to ensure mutual success.
    Susan D Haning, CEM, CMP
    Industry Relationships Director, Freeman
  • As someone deeply passionate about the world of exhibitions and events, being a part of IAEE holds immense importance to me. I have been a part of the organization for many years and have made some incredible connections and made some valuable friendships along the way. Because of IAEE, I have had the opportunity to teach globally and to have very special experiences that I will always appreciate. I highly recommend that if you are in the industry, you should be involved with IAEE!
    Josie Zámolyi Caldwell, CEM-AP, DES
    Senior Client Relationship Director, Freeman

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