The Exhibitions Industry Collective has launched a nationwide workforce development initiative in the US aimed at introducing students and young professionals to career opportunities in the exhibitions and events sector.

The Exhibitions Industry Collective is a collaboration of leading US industry organisations, including the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, Experiential Designers & Producers Association, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, International Association for Exhibitions & Events, International Association of Venue Managers, and Society of Independent Show Organisers.

This initiative seeks to address the workforce gap by collaborating with schools, universities, and educational institutions to enhance awareness of careers in event planning, logistics, marketing, and more.

The Exhibitions Industry Collective says it is committed to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel through informative presentations, mentorship opportunities, and industry resources.

“The future of our industry depends on educating and inspiring emerging professionals. By directly engaging with students, we can showcase the diverse career paths available and provide a clear roadmap for entering the industry,” the Collective points out.

Key elements of the initiative:

  • Educational presentations: Professionals from the industry will visit schools and universities to provide insights into careers in exhibitions and events.
  • Resource toolkit: Participants will receive a complete toolkit that includes a PowerPoint presentation, speaking notes, email communications, speaker training and FAQs, and key messaging points to ensure a consistent message.
  • Social media engagement: Attendees and presenters are encouraged to share their experiences by using designated hashtags and tagging the participating industry associations.
  • Impact tracking: A reporting system will evaluate outreach success by collecting data on the number of students reached and their level of interest in industry careers.

To further amplify the impact, the audience can scan a QR code to take a brief survey and provide feedback on the presentation. To access the full set of resources, including presentations, speaking notes, and key messaging points, visit exhibitionsindustryawareness.com/workforce-initiative.