ISES, The International Special Event Society was founded by a small group of practitioners in 1987. Canada had its first Chapter – the fourth Chapter of ISES, in Toronto the following year. The goal of these inspired event entrepreneurs was to establish a ‘society’ that spoke to a wide spectrum of individuals working in the Social and Corporate event market.
ISES
………Is the association dedicated to the evolution of the Special Event industry and the people who work there……
ISES recognizes more than 51 varied disciplines ranging from Design, Planning, Management, Venue, Rentals, Entertainment¸ Tents, Balloons, Lighting, AV, IT, Floristry, Transportation, and so many more.
The founders of ISES saw a future where event professionals spoke one language. They created The International Special Events Society to promote Knowledge, Fraternity and Ethics amongst its membership and the industry. Twenty-plus years later, these foundations remain the key vision and Mission of ISES Canada – an Affiliate of ISES.
Although celebration has been part of our social milieu for centuries, it is only in the last two decades that the industry of ‘people-gathering’ has gained recognition as requiring a sophisticated set of skills and comprehension of the human being on a very primal level. In 1987, no text books yet existed…..there were limited courses offered at colleges and universities… there certainly were no Special Event departments in cultural or sporting venues….
Today in Canada, we have all manner of Education opportunities from basic evening courses and seminars to multi-year degree courses. There now exists a wide range of text books, blogs and resources available to one and all in all of the disciplines ISES represents.
The three Chapters of ISES Canada offer monthly programs where members can actively network as well as hear great presentations from industry pros. Many an Event team has been assembled from the breadth of ISES members found in a local community. The face-to-face networking opportunity gives ISES Canada members a chance to ‘test-drive’ ideas and share expertise amongst like-minded professionals through Program sponsorship and presentations.
ISES openly encourages Ethical and Best Business practices for all of its members as well as the industry at large. From time to time, when there are conflicts expressed between members, ISES provides support to every one of our members by encouraging each to pursue their ‘conflict resolutions’ in the ways that are both legal and honorable thus gaining the best results for everyone involved. As an Association, we would be acting inappropriately were we to assume becoming the ‘best practices’ police when issues arise between our esteemed members.
A brand is a promise………since its inception in the late eighties, ISES continues to work towards its promise to facilitate Education, Networking and Best Practices amongst practitioners in the industry of Special Events.
Penni Holdham, CSEP
Past Affiliate Chair - ISES Canada