Stephanie Lippi
Dec 16, 2025
From Parties to Connections to Education and Resources, Expo! Expo! Had It All!
This year's IAEE annual event was filled with incredible experiences and opportunities that culminated in the Mid-South Chapter's continued growth for an outlook that promises a healthy future.
It all started with our Chapter Reception, held in conjunction with the New England and Northern California Chapters. The turnout was amazing and we met so many friends—new and old! Thank you to Fern, Map Your Show, and Willwork for sponsoring this opportunity!
Tuesday kicked off with an energetic keynote session, including celebrating new members attaining their CEMs, hearing Kyle Scheele's effervescent perspective on how to think inside the box when resources are limited, and meeting the First Annual Chapter Challenge winner, the DC Chapter.
Sessions were all held on the show floor with some being offered as "Quiet Sessions" to help with noise reduction. The Sustainability Stage offered new ideas to increase your sustainability efforts. Across the board, this year's speakers brought us new levels of innovations and education to further our exhibitor/sponsor relationships, marketing efforts, and usage of AI in event planning.
The Expo Floor saw an increase in exhibitors this year who were excited to offer new products and services to event organizers. Some exhibitors stepped up the experiential portion of the show floor by offering free coffee drinks or giving you time to snuggle with adorable puppies! Visit Houston sponsored amazing lunches, as well as morning and afternoon pick-me-ups, that took us on a journey around the world.
Tuesday's opening night celebration saw many distinguished members receiving awards, followed by an exciting fireworks and drone display, along with an ice sculptor working magic before our eyes. Stations were set up for creating hats and leather goods that you could personalize and take home to remember the fun.
For those of you who joined us, share your favorite memory with us! And for those who missed, let us know if you'll be joining us next year. We can't wait to see you all again in Milwaukee!
