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Become a Member

International membership automatically enrolls you as a chapter member. To take part in the Midwestern chapter networking and programming events, please contact our international headquarters to sign up today- [email protected].

How to Join

IAEE is composed of approximately 1,300 members (organizations) and over 12,000 member representatives (individuals). Over 50 percent of IAEE's members are directly involved in the planning, management, and production of exhibitions and buyer-seller events. The remainder of our membership consists of those who provide products and services to the industry. IAEE values and promotes diversity of membership, in terms of company size, products, and geographical area. Each active member organization is given one vote, regardless of size.

Benefits of Membership

Benefits of IAEE Membership include professional development, industry news and publications, industry and professional resources, service partner discounts, advocacy before government and media, leadership development and local chapter membership. Here are just a few of the membership benefits:

  • Access to CEIR Resources
  • Career Center/Job Board
  • CEM Learning Program/Certification
  • CEM-AP (Advanced Professional)
  • Events & Education
  • Grants & Scholarships
  • IAEE's The Source publication
  • IAEE Communities
  • IAEE Member Discussion Groups
  • IAEE TV
  • International/Local Leadership Opportunities (committees/task forces)
  • Membership Directories
  • Member Discounts
  • Mentor Program
  • Publications & Reports
  • Sustainability Initiatives
  • Trade Show Calendar

Click here for full details on Member Benefits. 

Membership Types

When an organization pays dues to IAEE, it becomes the "member." Dues are based on factors other than number of individuals. Therefore, all exhibition and event industry staff can enjoy the benefits of membership without additional financial consequences.

All IAEE dues categories enjoy the resources of local chapter membership and a subscription to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).


Industry Member:  
An organization that is engaged in the exhibitions and events industry as an organizer/planner or supplier of products, services, and or solutions (consultative or other). Dues for industry members are based on gross annual exhibition and events revenues derived from the industry. While the primary member representative of the company can allow for any number of members on the company roster, this classification receives one vote per member organization. Listed below are the categories of membership.

Industry Membership has two-member categories:

  • Member Organizer/Planner
  • Member Supplier

Event Facility Member: 
Organization, such as a convention, conference, exposition center or hotel, which provides space for conducting exhibitions and buyer-seller events in North America. Dues are based on gross square footage of exhibition, conference, and meeting space. This classification receives one vote per member organization.

Member Outside North America: 
Organization that meets the qualifications for Industry Member or Event Facility Member, except its established place of business is outside North America. Dues are based on a flat fee. This classification receives one vote per member organization.

Educational Institution Membership
An educational institution membership includes both faculty and students of the institution. All designated individuals employed as faculty in post-secondary academic programs, whose main employment, remuneration, direction and efforts must be in a recognized academic institution, and they must be considered an employee with their institution. Also included in this membership are all students engaged full-time in a program at the college or university recorded as an IAEE Educational Institution Member. This classification is non-voting. 

Other Memberships (Educator, Retired or Student Member):  Individuals that meet the qualifications for educator, retired, or student member per the current IAEE bylaws. Dues are based on a flat fee. This classification is non-voting.

For further clarification on membership types, please click here.

To speak with an IAEE Member Benefits Specialist, call +1 (972) 458-8002, extension 116 or 109, or send an e-mail to: [email protected].

If New or Re-instating Your IAEE Membership, complete and return the following:

Return By Fax: +1 (972) 458-8119 or
Return By Mail: IAEE, 12700 Park Central Drive, Suite 308, Dallas, TX  75251
Return By Email: [email protected]