
Benefits Buzz is the quarterly meeting to greet new members and make valuable connections. This time, our hosts "The Jills" have invited special guest, Marcus Johnson, to share insights how Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority has partnered with trade show and event organizers to infuse local experiences, assist with logistics, and provide local know-how to make events pop.
Date: 13-NOV-2025
Time: 10:00 am PT
Meeting Type: Online
Fee: No Charge
A Zoom link will be sent 24 hours in advance of the webinar.

Feeling overwhelmed by CEM recertification? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. In this interactive roundtable, join seasoned CEM instructors as they share actionable tips, time-saving strategies, and cost-effective ways to renew your certification with confidence. Whether you’re just starting or already behind, we’ve got your back.
✅ Identify free and low-cost credit opportunities
✅ Earn multiple credits efficiently with bundled activities
✅ Use strategic planning tools to stay organized and on track
✅ Bust common recertification myths
✅ Get real-time answers during a live Q&A with CEM experts
✅ Feel supported by the CEM community—no shame, no stress
Date: 12-NOV-2025
Time: 1:00 pm PT
Meeting Type: Online
Fee: Free for IAEE members; $10 for non-members
A Zoom link will be provided by email immediately after registering

Tommy Goodwin shared critical updates on policy changes, advocacy efforts, and key developments impacting exhibitions and event to help us stay informed and empowered to help shape the future of our industry.

IAEE offers several distinct communities for member involvement including special interest groups, women in the industry, young professionals, and more. Our special guest, Robyn Davis of Exhibitors WINH delivered a structured outline to enhance SWIAEE member engagement and get more from IAEE membership. Read about it on our blog!

Hosts Jill Syler and Jill Jensen launched this year's first Benefits Buzz with a focus on earning the CEM designation. IAEE Senior CEM Program Manager, Jennifer Potter, guided attendees on the CEM journey explaining the growth trajectory and earning opportunities achieving the designation provides.

Our speaker, Marsha Flanagan, M. Ed., CEM, IAEE President and CEO, took attendees on a discovery of important trends and forecasts important to the exhibitions industry in 2025. Insights included quicker international visa processing times, potential tax and tariff implications, and the exhibitions industry recent legislative impact.

The theme of this quarter's Benefits Buzz was "Grow Your Network". Jill Jensen, membership engagement chair, and Jill Syler, director, shared six strategies to develop and grow professional and business networks using the membership benefits provided by IAEE. We got to meet our newest members, learn new skills, and get the most out of IAEE membership.

In advance of ECA Legislated Action Day, Julie Kagy, Tommy Goodwin, and Julie Pazina shared strategies attendees in the program can use to advocate on behalf of the events industry with federal, state, county and local leaders. Examples of positive outcomes from direct advocacy with elected leaders were outlined including the recent FTC rule addressing common event scams.

Three AI experts discussed artificial intelligence at the intersection of academia and event production on Tuesday 24-October. The session convered:
Video assets will be posted to the public approximately 45 days after the event.

Inclusive leadership expert, Melissa Majors, revealed how great leaders enjoy superior team performance and drive much higher profitability by incorporating inclusive practices. This presentation offers a common-sense yet compelling and actionable approach to inclusion for all leaders - leaders of self, peoTple, initiatives, and organizations. This Premiere Chapter Education series was brought to us by Fern.

Technology experts Kapil Kher and Andy Lomasky demonstrated the incredible capabilities of Generative AI for event organizers and suppliers from across the US. In addition to the creative possibilities, the discussion included ethical issues, data quality, and malacious use. Registered guests can re-watch the video for 30 days after the presentation.