Membership

» Why Join ISES
» Benefits of Membership
» Membership Rates/Drives
» Testimonials
» Join ISES
   - Join Online
   - Membership Application PDF
» Students
   - Student Membership Application PDF
   - Student Member Scholarship Application PDF Posted in Early Summer 2008
» Find a Member


» Why Join ISES

We wish to invite you to explore the benefits of joining ISES - the premier association for those in the field of special events! Promoting professionalism and ethics in the industry, along with life-long learning, joining ISES is making an investment in yourself and your business for a lifetime of opportunities.

ISES membership is about making yourself known to your clients and colleagues as a member of our local event community who is committed to collaboration, creativity and credibility in special events. ISES is the definitive resource to enhance and advance your career in the industry. From our local monthly programs to the international network of more than 5,000 special events professionals, joining ISES is making the commitment to life-long learning, leadership development and raising the bar of professionalism. ISES members serve their clients as the most trusted source for innovative, knowledgeable and professional special event services that consistently deliver high-quality events and tangible results.

Are you ready to excel beyond excellence? Are you ready to distinguish yourself as truly “special” in the special events community? Explore the member benefits listed below and contact Membership to begin the conversation today!



Return to top

» Benefits of Membership

Being successful is about the investment you are willing to make in yourself. Investing in ISES through membership and involvement offers you a host of benefits for professional development and recognition through strategic alliances, as well as access to an unparalleled network of event professionals around the world.

Career Enhancement
Through our monthly programs, you will learn about industry topics and trends that will help you gain relevant skills to grow your knowledge base. These programs offer great opportunities to network with local event professionals who can become your event team partners on future projects. As a member, you will receive members-only benefits including discounted access to these programs and first communication of new local industry job postings

Continuing Education Opportunities
Educational opportunities are not limited to local monthly meetings. You have the opportunity to attend Eventworld: An Institute for Professional Development, ISES’ international education conference held each August at a member-only rate. Here you can experience hands-on training, well-known industry speakers and educators, networking and more at this annual international conference.

Membership also automatically includes a free subscription to Special Events Magazine every month for the entire year.

Recognition
As an ISES member, you gain recognition as an industry professional. Your name and company will be printed in the annual ISES international directory and listed on the ISES international website so that future clients and ISES members can find you and the services you provide. You are able to submit your work for award recognition both locally, for the ISES Minnesota Star Awards (statewide awards competition), and internationally for the ISES Esprit Awards (international awards competition). Gain your Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation, the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry, and truly set yourself apart in the field.

Strategic Alliances = Discounted business services and exclusive savings

ISES members receive discounts for a number of special event business services including Fed-Ex/Kinko’s, DHL shipping, Alamo, Staples, EarthLink Web Hosting and Shaker Group, Inc. Click here for details.

Return to top

» Membership Rates/Drives

Membership Dues
- These dues are in effect through June 30, 2008.
- ISES membership year is July 1 – June 30.
Membership Type Dues Prorated Dues Dues
Join July 1 - Nov 30 Join Dec 1 - April 30 Join May 1 – June 30
If you join during this period, membership will expire June 30th of the following year.
• Corporate
Membership is company owned and is transferable at the request of the company by written notification to ISES international headquarters.
  • Primary Member $399.00* $199.00* $399.00*
  Any one person serving as the official representative of a company.  
  • Additional Member $299.00* $149.00* $299.00*
  Each subsequent membership employed by, or affiliated with, a company that currently holds a Primary Membership in good standing.  
• Member $399.00* $199.00* $399.00*
  Any person who wishes a personally owned membership, rather than owned by the company.  
• Non-Profit $299.00* $149.00* $299.00*
  Any representative employed by a non-profit agency, tax exempt foundation, government, or philanthropic organization.  
* There is a one-time $50 application fee, payable at the time a new member joins for the first time or a lapsed member re-joins after the renewal period.


Return to top

» Testimonials

For the past five years I've had the pleasure of being a member and a board member of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter of ISES. I have found both to be very rewarding. Coming from a different background, festivals, it's been instrumental to learn about new trends through the whole gamut of event planning. Speaking to others about projects they are working on has been inspirational. - Amanda Schultz, Executive Director, Grand Avenue Business Association

The first time I heard about an association called ISES I was very intrigued. It sounded like an amazing group of individuals who were very passionate about what they did. As I became more involved I learned this was indeed true and I have benefited so much from the people I have met, the programs I have attended and the conference I went to in Hollywood. It has helped me to think more creatively, given me the confidence to try new things and has encouraged me to step out of my box. I encourage anyone who is considering joining to come check us out!" Diane Keller, Wildside Caterers


My ISES Story
What can happen when you become an ISES member? You could find the employee you've been looking for or perhaps the job of your dreams. Shayna Clute and Jean Peine of Studio 6 Speciality Linen and Decor experienced just that.



Return to top

» Students

Are you considering a career in the field of special events? Wondering what working in the events industry is all about? Curious to know what it takes to pull of a spectacular event?

Student Membership in ISES offers you, the next generation of event professionals, the opportunity to explore this growing, demanding, creative, diverse, energized (and, at times, highly caffinated) field. As a student member, you can attend local events, network with the leaders in the field, both locally and internationally, to explore various job opportunities and career possibilities and gain hands on event experience!

To be a student member, you must be enrolled part or full time student in a department/program/major related to the field of special events. Student membership is $35 for the year and student members are required to offer 10 hours of voluntary service to the chapter.

To join: complete the Student Membership Application PDF


Student Testimonial

When I first applied for the scholarship to be a student member of ISES, I had no idea what opportunities could come of the experience. One of the things I wanted to gain as a member was hands-on experience to explore what aspects of the industry interested me the most. At the Jingle Mingle December event, I spoke with Erika LaDousa. I told her the challenges I am facing and she, without hesitation, offered me the opportunity to shadow her for a wedding. I was THRILLED! The next day we began to set a plan for me to shadow her. The benefits of being a student member are there for the taking, you just have to seek them out!
- Jamie Plantenberg, Student Member



CALLING ON ISES MEMBERS: Do you have an upcoming project which requires extra help? Would you like to help teach to the next generation of event professionals? Could you use some student volunteers? ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul is often contacted by students looking for ways to get involved and learn more about the industry. If you have an upcoming project and would like more information on how to reach potential student volunteers, please contact us at info@ises-msp.org

Return to top