Past Events and Recordings

Attendees who are up to re-certify for the CEM designation were given the opportunity to ask questions, get insights for studying, and how to prepare for the recertification exam from three CEM experts from the Southwest chapter of IAEE.

Marcus Johnson from the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority shared with the audience strategies to partner with DMOs to take advantage of cost savings and best practices with vendors, infuse local culture and talent, and deliver WOW! experiences into trade shows and events.

SWIAEE members voted in the 2026 Slate of the Board of Directors, reviewed the state of the chapter including updates from each committee, and learned what the chapter has planned for 2026. There are opportunities to participate on a committee and anyone interested can reach out via the website chat or email.

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.