Why IACEP? IACEP was formed by a group of professional producers in the corporate entertainment industry following an inaugural roundtable brainstorming session in September of 2004. After a full day of interaction and sharing ideas in San Diego, 40 of the world's most prestigious entertainment producers voted to make the organization official. From the onset, the Board was excited about what seemed to be unanimous support from the corporate entertainment industry. Forming an association is nothing new. Obviously, we've all heard the expression, "there is strength in numbers". As we're going through the kind of changes we're experiencing in the industry, we perhaps need an organization like this now more than ever. Some have suggested that we are seeing a paradigm shift in the way we operate our business now, and how that will occur in the future. "The proof that this was a good idea and one whose time has come was in the unanimous support of the nearly 40 industry professionals who pledged their allegiance to IACEP by joining onsite in San Diego," said Past Board Chair Dick Smith, communivisions, llc, Oak Brook, IL. The expectation is that the International Association of Corporate Entertainment Producers can, and will, speak as one voice in the entertainment industry with a collective(and eclectic) niche membership of some of the most experienced and tenured people in the industry, as well as some of the new emerging producer companies. Our collective unity enables us to deal with our industry affiliates (from artists to agents, managers and suppliers) through a position of strength, creating much needed standards and procedures of which the entire industry will benefit. Perhaps, down the road, we can take up industry related issues regarding insurance, unions and legislative bodies. You can also join the IACEP Members-Only Online Social Network and use it as a continuing resource and information bank. Another key benefit of IACEP is the integral connection between what members voice as needs, and how the Board of Directors listens and responds. One major example is the reduced rate offered to a second producer membership from one company (after the initial producer member has paid the full price) and the first-for-the-industry installment plan for membership fees. This is in direct response to the economic slowdown and how it has dramatically impacted our industry and our membership. Our Vision IACEP is dedicated to providing education, networking and leadership opportunities for our members. Our goal is to improve the lives and careers of our fellow professionals involved in this previously-fragmented corporate entertainment industry. Now is the time to make our industry stronger, more professional and ethical. Join now and help make a difference! "I was a non-believer in IACEP until I attended the Chicago meeting in 2005. Since then, I've not only become a true believer, but am one of IACEP's biggest proponents... IACEP is the first association that I've been a member of that actually cares about our corporate entertainment industry." Mark Felix, Director of Entertainment Services, Drury Design Dynamics "Not only have I made new relationships and obtained new clients, I have also gotten some wonderful education relative to insurance, legal issues, and industry wide issues that are common to the entire Association. The exchange of ideas and practices is invaluable and I don't know of another organization that is geared exactly to our field." Peter Berliner, President Innovative Entertainment and past IACEP Board Member "Having been involved since it's inception, I have enjoyed being apart of and watching this Association grow as it's members work to create a reliable, more professional and ethical corporate entertainment industry." Maria Battaglia, President, Always Entertaining and IACEP Chairman Elect |
