As we move into renewal season for ILEA, the Chicago Membership team sat down with Lifetime, Long Term, and Past President members to hear why they are so committed to being a part of ILEA. Learn more about why these members are moving ONWARD with ILEA!
How long have you been a member of ILEA?
I have been a member and volunteer of ILEA for more than 19 years. I am very committed to the events industry and love to actively contribute to the professional advancement of its members.
What did it mean to you to be the President of the Greater Chicago Chapter?
I was incredibly excited to serve the ILEA Greater Chicago Chapter as president. I was grateful to be able to give back to the chapter and association that had given so much to me. One of the best things for me was the exceptional knowledge and perspective I gained by watching individual members contribute to the overall growth and success of the chapter.
Did you meet any important people of influence in your career through ILEA?
I have met too many influential people through ILEA to count. There have so many people I have learned from throughout the years including designers, rental professionals, and other event managers, just to name a few. Each of these individuals has made a profound impact on me personally and my professional career. And many of them have also become friends.
Who/ what inspired you to go into the events industry?
It was my love of events and planning details that inspired my career. I love being able to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to create beautiful spaces and experiences for guests. Each day is different, and you are constantly learning new and creative ways to overcome challenges and drive results. The thing that keeps me going is when you have created a beautiful room and experience; and then your first guests walk in and take a deep breath full of excitement and satisfaction. That is what inspires me and keeps inspired moving forward.
What are you most excited for in the future of events?
Event technology continues to excite me about the future. Not only has technology taught us over the past year what a useful tool it can be; but it has also proven to us that we cannot live without it. There are so many exciting innovations on the horizon in event technology, and I cannot wait to see what the new developments in the not-too-distant future.
How are you continuing to evolve your network and community over the years?
As a member of ILEA, I can meet and network with a passionate and diverse community of industry professionals, as well as socialize and learn from with friends and colleagues all over the country and world.
Connect with Gwen:
Instagram: Gwendolyn McNutt, CSEP
LinkedIn: Gwendolyn McNutt, CSEP
Referral Program
Have a new referral or closed piece of business that came from another ILEA Member? Please complete our Referral Tracking Program, linked here, to help us track the ROI of membership! If you have questions, please reach out to the membership team at ileachicagomembership@gmail.com.