IAEE Adds Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events CEM Course

November 21, 2019

The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventshas added a new course to its CEM Learning Program titled Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events.

It will be offered May 13 during CEM Week in Baltimore, Md., next year and again Aug. 25 during CEM Week in Austin, Texas.

The course will be taught by Janet Sperstad, CMP, program director for the Event Management Degree at Madison College.

As an industry veteran and leader with more than 25 years of experience as an event professional, Sperstad has dedicated her career to defining the competencies and career pathways that articulate meeting planning as a design discipline - separate and distinct from hospitality - requiring skills in the social sciences, executive leadership and the cognitive sciences.

"Exhibition and event professionals move people's hearts and minds through the experiences they create," Sperstad said. "Knowing how the brain works will help them create experiences that maximize attendees’ brainpower and supercharge results." 

"One of the greatest strengths of the CEM Learning Program is that its curriculum is driven by practitioners with deep experience in the exhibitions and events industry," said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

He added, "Janet's extensive knowledge in how neuroscience aligns with our industry allows the theoretical and conceptual to meet real-life application. Students are sure to gain a significant advantage in their approach to organizing shows after taking this course." 

Through a unique partnership with Madison College, attendees will receive a digital badge credential for completing this course. Click here for complete information about IAEE’s CEM Learning Program.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.