Executive Program Experience: Building The Next Generation Workforce For The Events Industry
Information
The events business is at an inflection point: while innovation in technology and business models accelerates, the talent pipeline has not kept pace. Many event organizations struggle to recruit and retain young professionals who bring fresh skills, diverse perspectives, and long-term potential. Without intentional workforce development, the industry risks losing relevance and resilience.
This 15-minute session will highlight practical steps event leaders can take to invest in the next generation of talent. Drawing from The Annabelle Project, a mentorship initiative designed to connect college students, particularly from HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions, with career pathways in events, the session will showcase how intentional outreach, structured guidance, and mentorship can create stronger, more diverse entry points into the industry. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for developing workforce initiatives that strengthen their organizations, diversify their talent base, and ensure the long-term vitality of the events industry.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover why the events industry struggles to attract emerging professionals—and what’s at stake.
- Learn the role of partnerships with colleges and universities in creating career pathways.
- Listen to lessons learned from The Annabelle Project, including how mentorship transforms both students and mentors.
- Walk away with actionable strategies for building internship pipelines, student engagement programs, and mentor networks.
The Executive Program is first come first served, no registration needed.
Credit: This session is eligible for 2.5 clock hours towards your CEM recertification if participants stay for the entirely of the Executive Program Experience 9:15-11:45 AM.
