After a three-year period of planning and consultation, on May 2 this year we changed our association’s name from the International Special Events Society (ISES) to the International Live Events Association (ILEA). We’ve changed just two words, yet our new name broadens the association’s appeal to the global events industry and is a significant step forward that will ensure we remain relevant to our communities for years to come.
During the detailed planning process that ultimately produced our name change, we looked at what our members need now, but also spent time researching what would be most important for them in the future. It was important for us to identify a name that spoke clearly to the work being done every day by our members and that would better position them to deliver excellence in the coming years.
We also knew that, while the name ISES worked well for us for many years, the changing industry, along with the economic, technological and political climate, were making the need to consider change more necessary. Obviously, that process was expedited this year by the unfortunate similarity between ISES and ISIS, the acronym of the extremist terrorist organization. We were fortunate that our earlier research allowed us to move quickly and provide the change needed for our members when it became necessary.
So, why “live?”
As everyone knows, the influence of technology and digital events has been an ongoing topic of conversation in our industry. ILEA places emphasis on the word “live” not because we wish to distance ourselves from digital events—but because live events are different from digital events. We embrace and incorporate technology and digital experiences into our work, but we also understand and communicate the high value in bringing people together for live experiences.
“Live” is the most powerful business and brand communication tool available. When people meet face to face and side by side, they make deeper connections, share emotions and form lasting memories. More importantly, brand engagement flourishes at live events and that is what modern businesses need to remain relevant and competitive in today’s economy.
Using the word “association” is equally important. Association means relationships, partnerships, friendships, and these words represent what ILEA encourages in our global communities. We associate together in sharing knowledge and nurturing talent, we build friendships that allow deeper and more meaningful connections, and we build important partnerships that move our industry forward.
Put simply, “live” expresses in one powerful word the energy and clarity that face-to-face experiences bring to human communication and understanding—something that live events do better than any other medium in the world. And, ILEA provides an association of likeminded people working together towards a sole purpose—the growth and advancement of the live-events industry.
If you’d like to know more about ILEA or to connect with someone in a local chapter, or are interested in joining, please visit ileahub.com.
