Vicki Johnson & Associates

While the event planning industry can be quite complex, there are many support networks and associations that can help event professionals get ahead in the industry. Professional associations can help meeting planners stay up-to-date on major event news, innovations, and educational opportunities while also helping them meet their professional and career goals.

Which Event Industry Associations Should I Join?

As the event industry continues to grow, so do the number of event organizations and associations. While it can be tempting to hastily choose a membership, different organizations are better suited for different professional and career goals, which is why we recommend doing your research before committing to a specific event industry association. Here’s a quick recap of some of our favorite organizations and the unique benefits of membership.

Meeting Professionals International (MPI)

With more than 60,000 members across the globe, MPI is a great resource for networking, educational opportunities, and business exchanges. In addition to their monthly magazine the Meeting Professional, and online blog, MPI also sponsors a quarterly “Meetings Outlook” report, which collects data from professionals in the meeting and event industry to gain insight and perspective about event planning trends. They also offer several certificate programs for event planners, including certificates in meeting management, sustainable meetings, emergency preparedness, venue sales, and more.

International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)

With over 10,000 members, IAEE prides itself in diversity of membership in terms of size, products, and geography. Membership includes opportunities for professional and leadership development, access to industry and professional resources, discounts through service partners, advocacy, and much more. IAEE even offers Certification in Exhibition Management™ (CEM), which aims to help maintain a high standard of professionalism and innovation within the events industry.

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)

With nearly 7,000 members, PCMA is dedicated to providing networking and educational opportunities globally for the Business Events community across all career levels. PCMA is home to PCMA Education Foundation, which supports industry scholarship, research, and education; PCMA Convene, which publishes meeting industry news and educational content; and PCMA Digital Experience Institute, which leads the way in innovation for digital event strategists. Join one of PCMA’s 17 chapters for community events and volunteer opportunities at the local level.

Association for Women in Events (AWE)

With membership opportunities only beginning in January 2016, AWE is the newest industry association on our list; however, this organization is a great resource for event planners who believe in their vision: “creating an inclusive place for all women to find resources, mentorship, and career guidance/enhancement.” Check out our AWE Webinar Recap of “Assembling Your Kitchen Cabinet” for a quick peek at the types of resources you’ll find at AWE.

Whether you’re looking for temporary event staffing, meeting planning services, or educational resources from our events blog, Vicki Johnson & Associates can help! Follow us on Twitter or contact us today to learn more.