<\/span><\/h2>\nThe trade shows that you choose might depend on your location and what you have access to, but some shows are so well known that they attract attendees from all over the world. Here are some trade shows that might be worth your time!<\/p>\n
ISES Live<\/h3>\n
Each year, ISES (International Special Events Society) hosts a three day trade show designed to enable professional event planners to continue learning about their industry by networking and interacting with their peers. The event features guest speeches from notable industry members, educational workshops and seminars, and leadership development activities. Participants are encouraged to think about the industry on an international scale in order to accommodate attendees from around the world. It is also designed specifically to foster creativity and encourage collaboration between planning professionals to throw high quality events. Registration does cost a fee, which is cheaper for actual ISES members, but any MICE oriented professional is welcome to attend. Planners can even stream certain parts of the event live online if they can\u2019t be there!<\/p>\n
International Confex<\/h3>\n
The International Confex trade show is based in London, England, but hosts attendees from all over the world and is geared toward and international audience. This is the largest MICE oriented trade show in the UK, and it welcomes event planners, vendors, and service providers of any kind within that industry. The aim of the trade show is to support event planning careers and provide planners with advice, assistance, information, and inspiration so they can hold the highest quality events possible worldwide. Planners attending Confex use the show as an opportunity to seek new venues and services, compare prices, and get new ideas. Attendees do have to register, but the show is free.<\/p>\n
Event Solutions Catersource Conference and Tradeshow<\/h3>\n
The Event Solutions Catersource Conference and Tradeshow, a four day event in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a well know show targeted specifically toward event planners! The show holds seminars, workshops, social events for networking, and even a catering symposium. Although the event is primarily for planners, other events-related service providers attend to display products that planners might find useful or inspiring. Participants can also attend the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards, which honor some of the best people and places in the industry. The event is not marketed specifically as an international show, but it is undoubtedly a valuable networking opportunity for any planner. Various pricing packages are offered as registration, including a full priced all-access pass or entry fees for individual events.<\/p>\n
IMEX America<\/h3>\n
One of the most well known \u2018meetings industry\u2019 trade shows is the International Media Educators Exchange Group\u2019s World Exhibition for Incentive, Travel, Meetings, and Events. This is hosted in the United States for North American planners and also in Frankfurt for European planners. The show aims to encourage planners to network together and learn from each other in order to advance within the industry. Various opportunities are offered for planners to see vendor showcases, go to leadership workshops and take advantage of educational opportunities. The event is free to attend, but you must register online in advance or on-site.<\/p>\n
IncentiveWorks Meetings and Events Show<\/h3>\n
IncentiveWorks is a Canadian meetings and events show that is open to anyone in the event planning industry. The event offers a display of products and services for planners to consider, as well as social opportunities for networking. The show also features educational programs in the form of sessions and workshops focusing on how to execute the most effective and interesting events, as well as motivational speakers. The emphasis of the event is placed on motivating business owners and providing employees with incentive. The material is marketed primarily toward Canadian planners, but global perspectives are also presented. Attendees are required to register, but the trade show is free.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>An emphasis on continued education<\/span><\/h2>\nAttending tradeshows and event conferences geared towards leadership and learning can be extremely beneficial networking opportunities, especially for new planners. If you\u2019re interested in learning more about the world of event planning and the kinds of exciting trade shows you\u2019ll be able to attend as a planner, check out the courses<\/a> here at QC Event School!<\/p>\n