Guilty by Association

Connecting with an industry trade association is a great way to network and stay current as a professional. Their impact on the industry can be more than you realize. The live entertainment industry is what I want to get into, as my goal is to be a Creative Director working with events and productions. After doing some research I discovered one association that caters to this field, the International Special Events Society (ISES). This professional association’s vision “Dedicated and Educated to Deliver Creative Excellence and Professionalism in Special Events” is a great summarization of what it offers.

This certified organization brings people together and gives them the opportunity to network and collaborate. Small businesses are able to help each other and develop a relationship whether they are a novice in the industry or a veteran. The chapters are spread throughout a couple continents and my very own city of Orlando has a chapter. This is understandable, seeing as how this city is a tourist hotspot filled with special events. The organization also works with schools and their programs that are industry related. ISES is the only association that represents creative people in events. They allow the sharing of failures as a learning opportunity. Because this is a young industry, ISES gives its members the ability to position themselves as credible in their field. All this information can be retrieved from the short film video on the association’s website.

It would be wise of me to join this association or another one that relates to build up my network of those who are doing what I find enjoyable. The members of the International Special Events Society all encompass different aspects of special events, from technical to marketing to photography and catering. ISES has a great career center that connects its members to new employment opportunities. This organization is important to my industry because it has put together everyone and everything that one would need to put on a production. Thanks to organizations like this, the live entertainment industry can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.