The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) is proud to announce the release of new standard industry safety signage, designed to promote consistency and enhance safety practices across the exhibition industry. These print-ready graphics are now available for free use by anyone in the industry and can even be co-branded for added customization.

Safety is of paramount importance in the exhibition industry, and standardizing safety signage plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for all participants. The new signage, created by the ESCA Health and Safety Standards Committee, reflects ESCA’s commitment to industry-wide safety standards and practices.

Julie Kagy, Executive Director of ESCA, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “At ESCA, we are dedicated to advancing safety practices in the exhibition industry. By providing these standard safety signage graphics, we aim to promote consistency and elevate safety standards nationwide. This emphasis on standardization will help lower accidents, leading to stabilized costs by having labor operate under a common set of safety standards.”

ESCA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the ESCA Health and Safety Standards Committee for their diligent work in creating these essential safety resources. Their dedication to improving safety standards in the industry is commendable and reflects ESCA’s commitment to excellence.

Furthermore, ESCA acknowledges the invaluable support and encouragement of the Exhibitions Industry Collective, comprised of six key industry organizations, including the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
(ECA), Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA), International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO). Their collective endorsement of these safety signage tools underscores the collaborative spirit of the industry and reinforces the importance of unified efforts for the benefit of all.

For more information and to access the free standard industry safety signage graphics, please visit www.esca.org/resources/health-safety-resources.

Deadline to apply for the IAVM Venue Management School Internship is fast approaching!

Don’t miss the chance to embark on a hands-on learning experience and gain valuable insights into the world of venue management. The internship offers a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, working closely with industry professionals and contributing to the success of events.

This is your chance to step into the spotlight, learn from the best, and make a lasting impact on your career in venue management.

Criteria to apply – Candidates must be at least 21 years of age by Friday, June 7, 2024, and have a bachelor’s degree or be currently enrolled in a school of higher education. No late entries will be accepted. VMS 2024 will be held June 8-13, 2024, at the Saddlebrook Resort, near Tampa, Florida. Please note that interns will fly in Friday, June 7th and fly out Friday, June 14h. IAVM provides interns with up to $500 reimbursement for their travel expenses and will cover their room and board during the school.

Application Deadline: February 19, 2024

Click here to apply now!

IAVM’s Mentor Connector Program is an initiative aimed at fostering professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing within our community. Mentor Connector is design to empower individuals, facilitate learning, and drive career growth. Whether you are seeking guidance to navigate your career path or you have insights and experiences to share, we invite you to be part of this enriching journey.

Mentees:
If you are eager to learn from seasoned professionals, gain insights into your field, and expand your network, we encourage you to apply as a mentee. Our mentors come from diverse backgrounds and possess a wealth of knowledge that can help you navigate challenges, set career goals, and achieve success. Click here to learn more about becoming a Mentee!

Mentors:
If you are passionate about giving back to the community, sharing your expertise, and guiding the next generation of leaders, we invite you to join us as a mentor. Your experience, insights, and support can make a significant difference in the professional development of our mentees. Click here to learn more about becoming a Mentor!

We will carefully review all applications and pair mentors and mentees based on their goals, interests, and expertise. Once selected, participants will be notified and provided with further details about the program.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Robin Covington, Member Care Manager at (972) 906-7441 or email robin.covington@iavm.org.

Your IAVM Foundation is now accepting applications for Joseph A. Floreano, 100+ Women of IAVM, and Diversity & Inclusive Leadership Committee sponsored scholarships to attend VenueConnect 2024 in Portland, OR, July 28 – 31, 2024!

Criteria for each available scholarship are as follows:

Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship Application Criteria

• Applicants must be IAVM members.
• Applicants must be employed or recently employed in the venue industry.
• Applications must be submitted no later than the deadline.
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend VC 2024.
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested.

Diversity Scholarship Application Criteria

• Applicants are not required to be IAVM members.
• Applicants must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA, or a person with disabilities.
• Applicants must be employed or recently employed in the venue industry.
• Applications must be submitted no later than the deadline.
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend VC 2024.
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested.

100+ Women of IAVM Scholarship Application Criteria

• Applicants must be IAVM members.
• Applicants must identify as a woman.
• Applicants must be employed or recently employed in the venue industry.
• Applications must be submitted no later than the deadline.
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend VC 2024.
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested.

Student Scholarship Application Criteria

• Applicants must be IAVM student members.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a university/college at the time of the application.
• Applicants must be employed or recently employed in the venue industry.
• Applications must be submitted no later than the deadline.
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend VC 2023.
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested.

The deadline for all applications is March 3, 2024.

All recipients will be notified by April 3, 2024.