What’s Next?

Upcoming Webinar:

Q & A with Meeting and Event Planners: Behind the Planner's Perspective

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026


Virtual Roundtable:

Convention Center Virtual Roundtable  

Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

ESPA’s Webinars & Virtual Roundtables

Virtual Education for Event Services Professionals

Each month, ESPA hosts a live Webinar featuring members and industry leaders delivering virtual education. Don’t let your ESPA education stop at the conclusion of the Annual Conference. From your own desk or conference room, schedule an hour to log in and learn – do it over lunch!

Most of our programs offer 1 hour of approved continuing education credit.

August 2026

Q & A with Meeting and Event Planners:

Behind the Planner's Perspective

Panelists

as of 10/05/2025

Panelists coming soon!

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Q & A with Meeting and Event Planners: Behind the Planner's Perspective

Step into the planner's world! Hear directly from meeting and event planners about what they value most in their event service partners, what makes a difference, and how we can elevate the client and attendee experience from planning to execution.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of meeting and event planner expectations, identify strategies for effective communication and collaboration, apply best practices for anticipating client needs, all while strengthening professional partnerships and delivering exceptional service throughout the event experience.

Learning Objectives

  • After participating in this session, attendees will be able to:
  • Identify the unique roles and contributions of DMOs, DMCs, hotels, convention centers, and planners throughout the event lifecycle.
  • Apply stakeholder management strategies that strengthen communication, alignment, and collaboration among event partners.
  • Leverage destination expertise and local resources to enhance event design and attendee experiences.
  • Implement partnership best practices that improve operational efficiency and contribute to successful event outcomes. 

Panelists: Coming Soon!

Details:

  • Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
  • Time: 1:00pm ET
  • ESPC Approved: 1 Hour
  • CMP Domain: Project Management

Our Quarterly Hotel & Convention Center Virtual Roundtables will return in 2026.

Missed them in 2025? Topics included:

Accessibility

Guest Experiences

Staffing

Collaboration and Communication

Event and Operations Challenges

ESPA 2026 Virtual Roundtables

ESPA’s virtual roundtables are an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and talk through real-world challenges in a collaborative setting. This facilitated conversation is designed to be interactive and bring together professionals to share experiences, ask questions, and explore solutions around today’s key operational and logistical priorities.

Who Should Join: Hotel & Special Event Venue Service Managers

  • Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
  • Time: 1:00pm ET
  • ESPC Approved: 1 Hour
  • CMP Domain: Strategic Planning

Topics will include:

  • How do we stop focusing on the “rules” and focus on hospitality?
  • What are your best practices for a smooth turnover process from Sales to CS?

Who Should Join: Convention Center Service Managers

  • Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
  • Time: 1:00pm ET
  • ESPC Approved: 1 Hour
  • CMP Domain: Strategic Planning

Topics will include:

  • What new approaches are convention centers using to manage large-scale events while maintaining safety, security, and efficiency? 
  • Has there been a need to increase security in their cities or limit presence due to safety concerns?

Upcoming Calls in 2026:

  • Tuesday, September 1st @ 1:00pm – Convention Center Virtual Roundtable
  • Tuesday, September 22nd @ 1:00pm – Hotel & Special Event Venue Service Managers
  • Wednesday, November 4th @ 1:00pm – Hotel & Special Event Venue Service Managers

Earn CE credits with ESPA Webinars!

The Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) education is qualified for ESPC (Event Service Professional Certification) and ESPA is also a CMP Preferred Provider. All LIVE webinar attendees will receive CE credit. Webinars identified with the CMP Preferred Provider logo meet the requirements to receive continuing education credit for the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential. The use of the CMP Preferred Provider Course logo is not an endorsement by the Events Industry Council of the quality of the session.

How do I receive CE credits?

ESPC and CMP Credits earned though ESPA can be accessed through their ESPA Profile in the portal. For CMP, your attendance will also be uploaded to EIC (after EIC pre-approves the webinar) with the email tied to your webinar registration. If your email does not match, you must contact EIC directly. Note: This process can take up to 6-8 weeks after the live webinar date for it to appear on your EIC profile. If you can’t wait, you can always self-report at any time using your registration confirmation email.

For more information about the CMP credential or CMP Preferred Provider Program,
please visit: www.EventsCouncil.org

*Please note ESPA’s policy regarding Continuing Education Credit:

All registered participants will earn a Continuing Education hour for this webinar. Continuing Education credits may be extended to up to 2 additional participants from a registered member’s location. For members inviting non-members to participate, please make sure they are aware that they must individually register with ESPA in order to receive Continuing Education credit.

Attention Members:

Attend multiple webinars at a discount!

ESPA is pleased to offer a Continuing Education Package that allows you to sign up for multiple Webinars at a discounted cost. Take advantage of this valuable year-long educational benefit of membership and earn ESPC and CMP credit!

  • 10 Webinars (a full year of programs) for $400 – saving you $100
  • 5 Webinars (a half year of programming) for $175 – saving you $75
  • Pick 3 (buy 2 Webinars, get 1 free) for $100 – saving you $50