What Is ISES?
The International Special Events Society is comprised of more than 3,000 professionals in over a dozen countries representing special events producers (from festivals to trade shows), caterers, decorators, florists, destination management companies, rental companies, special effects experts, tent suppliers, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, balloon artists, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers, specialty entertainers, convention center managers, and many more.

ISES History
By J. Robert Graves

The seed which later became ISES was planted at the first “Special Event” produced by Miramar Publishing held at the Hotel Del Coronado in 1985. This was the first time members of the various disciplines came together as peers and focused on the “Event” itself rather than their individual parts in it.

Through conversations with other attendees and the seminars on various subjects, we were enlightened as to where our individual parts fit into the finished “Event,” gained new respect for each other and were able to eliminate many of our problems that had troubled us for years.

The seed germinated in Palm Beach at “The Special Event II” when two attendees met and found they were of like mind in recognizing the potential for a new professional society to foster enlightened performance through education with great emphasis on ethical conduct.

During the following year, it became apparent the seed of the idea found fertile ground throughout the country as the word was spread. By “The Special Event III” in Dallas there were enough in attendance to form a steering committee and to reach into their pockets for the seed money. A few months later some forty believers came together in Atlanta to give form and shape to the idea. One group set out to hire our first executive director (who was largely responsible for pulling off our first CPD), another worked on the tricky subject of ethics, while yet another group worked on classification to make our efforts as inclusive as possible of all disciplines, yet keep the categories to a manageable number.

Another group worked on the need for regional efforts, and great credit goes to one member who spent a great deal of time and effort to bring us the first few chapters. This led to some early problems as the chapter advanced and brought to our attention some needs that had to be addressed.

As a result of an enormous and talented effort on the part of many individuals we come to the present. Twenty-three chapters strong, over 2,000 members and a strong executive staff puts us in the position to serve the industry more meaningfully than ever before, and with the Educational Foundation we will be able to reduce the pressures that go along with a dues-driven society and further our educational efforts.

If we are successful, it is because the need for the Society is real, we have an enormous pool of talented people, and have built into the structure a means of continuing leadership.

All of this leads to professionalism. Our Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation will help propel us into the future. A future that is bright for the special events industry.

Excerpt from “ISES Gold” © 1994.

What Does ISES Mean?

Professional Development and Certification
Affiliation with local chapters provides education and idea exchanges and keeps you on top of industry trends through educational programs. Work towards professional accreditation by becoming a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) or attend the ISES International Conference for Professional Development (CPD).

Recognition
The "Allies," the first chapter-initiated awards program within ISES, recognize Atlanta-based companies for excellence in event design, planning and production. This is a local adaptation of the prestigious ISES Esprit Awards, which recognize the best and most creative within the special events industry in the international arena.

Networking
Involvement means building relationships with other professionals from your region and beyond. The exchange that takes place grows your business contacts, as well as your potential client base, and/or provides you with employment opportunities. By committing time through membership, you invest in yourself and the industry while gaining an industry edge.

Strategic Alliance
ISES and Special Events magazine currently have a strategic alliance that provides benefits to ISES members. ISES recognizes Special Events as “the official and premier magazine of the special events industry in North America” and The Special Event as “the official and premier trades show for this industry in North America.