Our History
It all started one night in September 2004 during the IT&ME "Motivation Show" in Chicago. Eight industry leaders met for dinner at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant to discuss the challenges and changes that affect us all in the corporate entertainment industry. This group seemed to agree that perhaps "the time has come" to bring together this rather fragmented industry and form an organization that would provide an opportunity for experienced producers to share best practices, ideas, emerging trends and resources.
In Chicago, and later in San Diego, we discussed the mission of this new organization to provide education, networking and leadership opportunities that would improve the lives and careers of those professionals involved in the corporate entertainment industry. The bottom line is that our founders felt there was enough interest to pursue this organization, and further, that we should invite interested parties to an event and let the majority in attendance determine the membership parameters, dues, fee structures, frequency of meetings, governance, etc. The only thing that was absolutely "cast in stone" was that everyone was committed to supporting the creation of the IACEP.
"Since the First Meeting in San Diego, it has been amazing to see IACEP so widely embraces by the industry at large. Being a member has not only helped me to develop new business relationships, but also develop new friends in this business. In the short time IACEP has been around, it has developed something that takes most other organizations sometimes years to develop.... a "community"." Sam Trego, President, Imagination Entertainment and past IACEP Board Member.
The attendance at our First Conference in San Diego was better than everyone expected. We were proud to attract 40 of the industry's "giants" for this day that was full of insight, education, networking and sharing of ideas and practices. What we found at our first Annual Meeting in San Diego was an overwhelming opinion that this is an organization whose time had come. Someone made the comment that 30 years ago, a group of 30 met like this and embarked on forming a group now known as MPI. There was a similar feeling in San Diego --- we were in the midst of making history. Indeed, IACEP's time had come.
IACEP Rocks Chicago! In September of 2005, IACEP met in Chicago for two full days and brought together a prestigous group of producers and sellers of talent. Many had done business with each other for years but had never met face-to-face. The Conference was so well received that attendees urged the Board to expand the program by adding a Showcase component and increasing networking opportunities.
IACEP Again Blows Into Chicago! After another exceptional two day conference that included an impressive education program, expanded exhibit area and a phenomenal first American Entertainment Magazine/ IACEP Showcase, attendees claimed it was better than they ever expected!
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