Dear IAEE DC Members and the DC area events industry,

At the beginning of this year, it looked like events would be back in full swing in the fall and cancellations would be behind us.  With the ongoing uncertainty in our industry, it's more important than ever for our members and the industry to support each other, learn from event experts, and connect with peers and suppliers to discuss ideas and solutions to the many challenges we all still face.

The DC Chapter will continue to provide education and networking opportunities to help our members get through this trying time and transform their events in the future.  Our last two Friday Lunch & Learns of the year will be in person, with David DuBois, IAEE President & CEO presenting the state of the industry, and a sensational session on workplace bias presented by Sherron Washington. 

We are also planning an exciting series of technology rapid fire virtual sessions so event organizers can see how other event organizers are using new solutions to improve engagement, enhance education, increase revenues, and extend the event year-round.

We will be starting our strategic planning process this quarter to develop the DC Chapter's vision for the next several years. I'm excited about the future for our Chapter and I know the Board we have in place can carry out the new strategies to enhance the value we offer to members and the entire industry.

Additional community service programs are being planned with our selected local charity, United Community, and I personally want to thank those members and professionals that continue to donate to our local charity as well as the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  You can donate when you register for any DC Chapter event.

We hope to see you at the upcoming education events and our Chapter's always anticipated and exciting networking event at IAEE's Expo! Expo! in Philadelphia this December, sponsored by Fern.  Be sure to check out the events page for more information on all of our education sessions and special events.

As we go into the final quarter of 2021, I want to leave you with this quote as a reminder that we will come through this stronger as an industry, better as individuals, and more importantly kinder as a community.  “Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.” ~ Confucius

Be well, kind, and extend grace to each other.

Donna