ILEA Shines Bright at IMEX America 2025

The International Live Event Association took center stage at IMEX America with a vibrant lineup of inspiring events that brought our community closer and showcased the power of ILEA's network and expertise.

CSEP Leadership Lunch:

We kicked off by uniting Certified Special Events Professionals (CSEPs) from coast to coast in an intimate lunch setting. This exclusive gathering sparked meaningful conversations about the future of the CSEP program and its ever-growing impact on the live events industry. Our certified leaders shared insights, ambitions and strategies to elevate our credential's influence — reminding us all why investing in professional growth matters.

Transforming Meetings into Memorable Moments Panel:

ILEA proudly hosted a dynamic panel moderated by India Rhodes, CSEP, featuring a powerhouse lineup: Dustin Westling, CSEP (OneWest Events), Michelle Moon (Visit San Antonio), Jennifer Sheets (ACCESS DMC), and Heidi Brumbach (Technish Creative). Together, they delved into how to "eventify" meetings by applying experience design principles to gatherings of any scale through integrating storytelling, technology, design and entertainment into your event strategy. Attendees were energized by the insightful dialogue and actionable ideas that challenged us all to elevate every event into an unforgettable experience.

Celebration & Connection at the ILEA Meet Up:

After a day packed with education and inspiration, ILEA members from across the globe — including Europe, Canada and throughout the U.S. — gathered at Rhythm & Riff for an unforgettable Meet Up. Over 50 members joined in a lively evening of relaxation, connection and camaraderie, proving once again the power of our global community.