The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Events Industry Council (EIC) to incorporate the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) program into IAEE’s globally recognized Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) Learning Program. This collaboration highlights the organizations’ shared commitment to advancing professional standards while promoting sustainable practices across the exhibitions and events industry.
The SEPC program, developed and delivered by EIC, equips event professionals with practical knowledge and tools to implement sustainable strategies, measure environmental impact, and drive meaningful change. By including the SEPC in its educational offerings, IAEE provides CEM candidates and industry professionals with an opportunity to gain expertise in sustainability—a critical skill in today’s business events landscape.
“The CEM Learning Program supports exhibitions and events professionals at every stage of their career, and sustainability is now an essential component of that journey,” said Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE. “Sustainability has evolved from being an optional feature to an ethical obligation and a key factor in the success of modern exhibitions. Partnering with EIC to offer the SEPC program allows us to empower our global community with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead responsibly and effectively.”
IAEE also emphasizes its commitment to sustainable practices in its own events. Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, has earned Silver Level Certification from EIC in its Sustainable Event Standards for two consecutive years, an improvement from its previous Bronze certification. This recognition reflects IAEE’s dedication to implementing sustainable practices and underscores the importance of integrating sustainability education into professional development programs like CEM.
Since its launch in 1975, the CEM Learning Program has become the premier professional designation for exhibition and event organizers, recognized in over 20 countries. The program emphasizes practical knowledge, real-world application, and professional growth across key competencies, including event planning, marketing, operations, and now, sustainability through the SEPC program.
Amy Calvert, President and CEO of EIC, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to join forces with IAEE to bring the SEPC program to a broader audience. This partnership strengthens our collective ability to embed sustainable thinking into the foundation of the industry’s education and everyday practices.”
With sustainability becoming an integral aspect of the exhibitions and events industry, IAEE and EIC’s partnership sets a strong precedent, equipping professionals worldwide to create events that are not only successful but also environmentally responsible.
