
What Sets ESPA Apart
ESPA is the premier association exclusively committed to enhancing the professional growth of event service professionals, thereby bolstering the financial performance of the hotels, venues and CVBs they serve. Our association truly comprehends the daily hurdles event service professionals encounter; our initiatives are tailored to empower you to discover resolutions, achieve your goals and flourish in your career.
Join ESPA: The Premier Association Empowering Event Service Professionals
At ESPA, we believe in empowering event service professionals—whether you’re from a CVB, Hotel, Convention Center or Venue—to effortlessly exceed client expectations through top-tier education, networking and professional development. By joining ESPA, you unlock the full potential of your event management capabilities and gain exclusive access to a dynamic network of your peers—all dedicated to achieving event excellence.



Take Our Members’ Word for It
We’re Right for Hotels and Venues…
A Hotel Event Manager is the focal point that ties all the details together for groups that bring significant revenue into a hotel–from communicating the specific vision of the Meeting Planner’s goals to delivering seamless hospitality and a successful event experience. ESPA helps hotel Event Service Managers understand the latest trends, how to manage challenges and how to excel in their roles to ultimately benefit the hotel and deliver repeat groups.

“Being a member of the Event Service Professionals Association has been a rewarding experience. The collaborative spirit, extensive networking opportunities, continuous education, and dedicated professional development have collectively empowered me to excel in my role as Director of Conference Services and Events.”
Paul Ruby
CMP, Director of Conference Services & Events
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
We’re Here for CVBs & DMOs…
ESPA provides a forum for best practices and education for CVB Destination Service professionals who are a critical part of any large event team. The CVB/DMO event service professional helps planners traverse their city and connects them to local resources. As a key liaison between the city and the meeting planner, the CVB/DMO event service professional is a vital contributor to securing repeat business for the city. Network, learn from peer CVBs and elevate your service through ESPA.

“Joining ESPA has been empowering. It’s more than a professional association; it’s a vibrant community where I’ve built invaluable friendships and expanded my network with industry experts. ESPA has enriched my education, honed my leadership and meeting planning skills, and inspired me to pursue excellence and innovative thinking. Additionally, it has fueled my passion for DEI, fostering a deeper commitment to learning and inclusivity. Every moment with ESPA is truly inspiring and impactful.”
Natalie Young
CMP, Associate Director of Client Services
Visit Houston (a brand of Houston First Corporation)
Meeting the Mark for Convention Centers…
Through ESPA, convention centers can learn about new technologies, services and trends that can enhance their event offerings. As the key organizer who ensures every aspect of the planner’s vision and objectives are executed throughout all departments within a Convention Center, an Event Manager plays a critical role in the success of high profile and other events coming into their Center. Through ESPA, Event Managers learn tips to excel and execute top-rated events.

“What we do as event service professionals is the magic of knowledge, hard work, collaboration and dedication. Let's spread the word together and promote the transformative impact of ESPA within the event services community. Don't miss out on the opportunity to champion excellence in service delivery.”
Dominique Bonds
Director of Engagement
Pennsylvania Convention Center
A Planner's Perspective
Through ESPA, convention centers can learn about new technologies, services and trends that can enhance their event offerings. As the key organizer who ensures every aspect of the planner’s vision and objectives are executed throughout all departments within a Convention Center, an Event Manager plays a critical role in the success of high profile and other events coming into their Center. Through ESPA, Event Managers learn tips to excel and execute top-rated events.

“The Event Services Manager is a valuable extension of my team. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to host successful and meaningful meetings. I utilize their unmatched knowledge of the property or city throughout the planning of the conference which enables me to set my meeting up for success. A well-informed and knowledgeable CSM provides me with resources and recommendations that are invaluable.”
Diane Haggerty
CMP, Director of Events, Exhibits and Advertising