President’s Letter: ILEA Celebrates and Prepares for its Future
Thursday, April 19, 2018
It’s so hard to believe my presidential year is winding down! As we continue to strengthen ILEA and the value you get from your membership, I’m sharing key updates about the organization ahead of our Annual General Meeting at ILEA Live this August.
Global Meetings Industry Day
On 12 April, thousands of events professionals from around the globe gathered for Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). Several ILEA chapters and members hosted or participated in activities within their local community, including ILEA Austin, ILEA Charlotte, ILEA Chicago, ILEA New Jersey North, ILEA Northern California, ILEA Pittsburgh, ILEA South Florida and ILEA Vancouver. Participation in GMID allows us to showcase the power of the full meetings and events industry and elevates ILEA’s voice to tell the story of the unique value of live and special events.
ILEA recognized GMID with a live members-only webinar that shared results of the membership surveys, conducted this spring to help position ILEA for the future. Our strategic plan was reviewed and new member benefits were announced based on the feedback we received from the surveys. Everyone has a voice in ILEA, and we take your feedback seriously, so thank you.
Membership Updates
To keep current and relevant, we must continue to monitor how we operate and the benefits we offer. Soon, ILEA membership will offer more value for the same rate — including peer-to-peer groups, year-round educational webinars, new discount programs and refreshed online communities to maximize engagement. ILEA is also in the process of launching a new member onboarding plan based on recommendations from the Membership Development Committee, which will launch in July with the conclusion of the May Membership Drive and renewal period.
Renewing or joining ILEA now is the best rate for membership. We shared on the webinar that the pro-rated December rate will no longer be available and, after 1 December, new members will purchase an 18-month membership valid through 30 June 2019.
Dates to Remember
Your Board of Governors has been hard at work ensuring the right strategy and resources are in place to help ILEA carve out a bright future. Some key dates to remember:
- 23-24 April – Chapter Leaders Summit Providence
- 25 April – extended deadline to submit a late entry for the Esprit Awards
- 30 April – 1 May – Chapter Leaders Summit San Francisco
- 7-8 May – Chapter Leaders Summit Chicago
- 1 June – deadline to apply for the 15-30 July CSEP exam period
- 29 June – early registration discount ends for ILEA Live
- 30 June – deadline to renew your membership for 2018-2019. Renewals will begin soon, including the opportunity to purchase multi-year membership for US and EMEA members.
- 1 July – non-renewed members will lose access to ILEA community and will pay a $50 application fee to re-join.
- 1 December – 18-month membership available, valid through 30 June 2019
Registration for ILEA Live, 16-18 August in Denver, is now open! I encourage you to register before 29 June to receive the best rates. ILEA members save $400 compared to the non-member rate so joining now will grant you a year of ILEA membership + registration savings. Please plan on joining us in Denver!
Together we have accomplished so much this year! I’m excited for what is ahead for our members and this organization and look forward to celebrating our achievements at ILEA Live.
Until next time…
Ingrid Nagy, CSEP
ILEA President
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