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Perhaps taking a cue from Conference Centers, whose leading association IACC, recently created special board positions for younger members of the profession, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) is reaching out to generation X/Y. IAEE has now formed the Young Professionals Committee, a group within theorganize that specially focuses on and addresses the needs and distinctive culture of younger members of the exhibitions and events industry. The Young Professionals Committee will also work towards recruiting future candidates to the field and encourage younger professionals to pursue leadership positions.

Jeanavive Janssen, Director of Sales for Event Productions Inc., chairs the new committee. "I am happy to be a part of the launching of the new IAEE Young Professionals Committee and look forward to having the opportunity to collaborate with other association leaders."

The IAEE has created a special Web site specially for Gen X/Y at http://www.iaee.com/ypc The website features a Blog and other social networking tools for participants. In addition, organizing efforts targeting younger professionals are beginning on grassroots, state and local chapter level.

Other Initiatives being examined or already underway for 2008 include: special "review" committee, where young professionals will evaluate conferences in their area for "attractiveness," and assess technologies and programming currently used in conferences; IAEE Conference Areas/Lounges at Conferences—"A place to be you"— lounges activities developed and set aside specifically for young professionals at IAEE events.; a Mentor program for high school students and a Mentor program for the young professional to Identify ‘movers and shakers’ in the industry earlier in their careers.

While the immediate agenda may seem ambitions, Janssen believes that she, and her ‘generation’ are eager to take on the task. "As a Gen X/Y young professional, I am very passionate about supporting my generation," she added. "I hope to support those entering the industry by sharing my career experiences, which  earned me the position of director of sales. I hope as well, with the support of all of the wonderful IAEE Young Professionals Committee members to engage and enable others in the industry who have the same passion."

The new committee is actually an extension of ongoing IAEE efforts to better cater to younger professionals, which was spearheaded by the Future Leaders Institute, due to have its second meeting this year. The Future Leaders Institute, which is made up of members nominated by IAEE chapters, works on programs about growing the industry, including outreach and chapter workshops, mentor program development, and formulating new methods of attracting new and younger talent to the industry.

In addition to Janssen, other members of the YPC are: Rob Dinker, National Account Manager, ICAT Logistics, Chris Galione, Senior Sales Executive, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Jennifer Hardee, CEM,  Director of Operations, National Trade Productions Inc., Nancy Johnson, Manager of Tradeshows & Corporate Partnerships, International Society of Arboriculture, Nora Johnson, Executive Assistant, Eastern and Western Regions, Experient, Matt Kormann, Director of Sales, Exhibitor Services & Exhibitor Sales & Services, AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions Inc., Anna Zammataro, Director, Exhibitions, American Academy of Ophthalmology.