Event Planning Associations You Should Join

Event planners plan gatherings of all shapes and sizes. Team building retreats, product unveilings, weddings, concerts, charity fundraisers, and political rallies are just a few of the events that depend on planners to make seamless and perfect. Planners are part of a breed that use their own language to create flawless functions that guests can enjoy. Have you ever heard of these terms – overset, scrim, hollow square seating, air walls? It’s a science and takes a dedicated person to master it.It’s important that birds of a feather flock together, so event industry associations have been created for fellow planners to gather, share knowledge, network with peers, and learn the newest trends in the industry.Take a look at some event associations that we thought were interesting.ILEA | International Live Events AssociationILEA is an accomplished organization that brings event specialists together to learn about an “event as a whole”. The group spans the world with over 5,500 active creative professionals in over 50 countries who share best practices in order to create the biggest and best live events globally. GMIC | Green Meeting Industry CouncilSocial responsibility is a hot topic these days, and it’s important that an event’s impact on society fuels the environment instead of destroys it. The GMIC bolsters sustainability through the production and structure of corporate events. The association works with companies to create environmentally friendly events through actions like reducing waste, providing environmentally-friendly collateral, and providing attendees the opportunity to “take a break” to participate in community outreach activations.IAVM | International Association of Venue ManagersMembers of this group represent managers of assembly venues, including auditoriums, convention centers, stadiums, performing arts centers, and university complexes, to name a few. IAVM partners with over 500 companies that provide products and services for these managers to succeed and stay on top of the latest public assembly trends. Services include car services, A/V systems, architects, décor and emergency planning.EventovationEventovation is a modern take on an association, powered by event planning network Bizzabo. It’s a Facebook group that advocates event innovation and success through discussion among professionals. Members of the group are welcome to post questions about the events they are planning, effective content from which others can benefit, and forward-thinking ideas that are changing today’s events industry. ESPA | Event Service Professionals AssociationEducation and networking stand at the forefront of ESPA’s beliefs in enhancing an event professional’s career, and the group gathers professionals from convention & visitor bureaus, conference centers, and hotels and resorts from around the globe. ESPA holds an annual conference, as well as events throughout the year that present techniques and best practices in order to succeed in an event planner role.