ESPA Pop-Up Member Sale Starts Now!
From Now until December 24, join ESPA and receive 25% off Member Dues. (And attend the Annual Conference at the discounted Member Rate!)
Use Promo Code: 2024PopUpSale
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.
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.
Check out what our members have to say below.
Exclusive Member Benefits
ESPA membership offers a comprehensive array of benefits tailored to enhance your event services management skills.
Continuing Education: Attend ESPA’s Annual Conference and webinars to earn ESPC and CMP credits, essential for professional growth and keeping up with industry trends. ESPA is recognized as a Preferred Provider of CMP continuing education credits.
Certification: The association offers Event Service Professional Certification (ESPC)—the hallmark of excellence for the event services profession. Earning ESPC demonstrates that you possess the skills and talents to be effective in this important role. ESPC showcases your commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which gives you credibility, instills confidence and helps to solidify strong working relationships.
Best Practices Sharing: Engage in ESPA networking and knowledge-sharing platforms and roundtables with top event managers and meeting planners in the United States and Canada to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the event service space. Learn best practices from leadership and your peers from across the United States and Canada.
Advocacy and Industry Support: ESPA advocates for the role of the Event Services professional and the ROI of their work, ultimately benefiting members and the event services sector. The association emphasizes the crucial role of convention services in ensuring planner satisfaction and fostering repeat business. Read the media buzz.
Resource Access: Access toolkits, guides and best practice examples to streamline event operations and deliver exceptional client experiences. Resources include ROI of the Event Services Professional, our Accessibility Toolkit, an online Foundational Training program, a DEI Guide for Event Service Professionals, monthly event*ure newsletter articles and an interactive member directory.
Leader Program: ESPA’s leader program supports members in leadership roles by offering education on leadership and understanding workforce challenges and opportunities. This program fosters collaboration and solution-sharing among Associate Directors, Directors and VPs of Event Service departments at hotels, convention centers and CVBs.
Community Support: Join a supportive community where you can exchange insights, advice and relevant experiences in event operations. ESPA offers abundant inclusive networking opportunities, including participation in the Annual Conference, ESPA Connect!, social media engagement, a mentorship program and National Celebrate Services Week. Additionally, ESPA is dedicated to developing best practices and tools to support diversity, equity and inclusion for our membership which creates opportunities to connect to the culture of our communities.
Join ESPA Today
If you aim to streamline operations, expand your professional network and enhance your event management knowledge and skills, ESPA provides the collaborative platform and expertise you need to thrive in the competitive event services landscape.
Unlock your full potential with ESPA—where excellence in event service management begins.
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
"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
Metal Powder Industries Federation
