IAEE Releases Updated Skills Matrix and Job Descriptions Publication

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IAEE Releases Updated Skills Matrix and Job Descriptions Publication

2/25/2025
DALLAS – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced today the release of its updated “Skills Matrix and Job Descriptions” publication, reinforcing its commitment to workforce development and professional advancement in the exhibitions and events industry.

This comprehensive update reflects the evolving landscape of the exhibitions industry, which contributed more than $90 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023. The publication provides a modernized framework of essential skills and competencies across 12 key domains, including Strategic Planning, Project Management, Financial Management, Risk and Legal Management, Marketing and Communications, Site and Venue Selection, Sustainability, Floor Plan Design, Sales, Human Resources, On-site Management, and Learning Experiences.

A notable feature of the publication is its practical how-to guide, which provides detailed guidance for implementing skills across all 12 domains. This guide serves as an invaluable resource for professionals at every career stage, offering concrete strategies for skill development and application in areas critical to success in the exhibitions and events industry.

The updated publication is the result of extensive research and collaboration with industry experts. In 2022, IAEE partnered with ACS Ventures, LLC to conduct a thorough job task analysis, ensuring alignment with current industry practices. In 2024, IAEE further enhanced the content through collaboration with Dr. Amanda Cecil, Ph.D., CMP Fellow, Professor at Indiana University – Indianapolis and Janet Sperstad, CMP Fellow, Faculty, Emerita at Madison College who provided crucial updates to the CEM Blueprint and job descriptions.

“This publication represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to workforce development,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed, CEM. “With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth in event planning roles through 2033, it is crucial that we provide our industry with updated tools and frameworks to support professional development and career advancement.”

“Skills Matrix and Job Descriptions” serves multiple purposes:

Guides professional development and certification preparation
Supports career pathway planning for industry newcomers
Assists organizations in training and development initiatives
Provides benchmarking tools for performance evaluation
Helps organizations adapt to emerging industry trends

This release builds upon IAEE’s longstanding work with the U.S. Department of Labor, which formally recognized Meetings, Events and Exhibitions Management as a separate industry sector in 2016, validating it as a “career of choice.”

The updated publication, including the comprehensive how-to guide for mastering the 12 essential skill domains, is available to IAEE members for $249 USD and to non-members for $639 USD. Purchase your copy at iaee.com/publications.

About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

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