ILEA (International Live Events Association) is the principal global community representing creative event professionals.

ILEA membership brings together professionals from a variety of special event disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, florists, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, entertainers, educators, journalists, photographers, hotel sales managers and many more professional disciplines.

The easiest way to join ILEA is online at www.ileahub.com/joinilea. Your membership will be immediately activated and will be valid for 12 months.

Yes, when you join a local chapter, you also become a member of the international organization.

ILEA Nashville meetings are usually held on the 4th Tuesday of the month with the exception of December. Locations, times, and meeting topics can be found on our website. ILEA happy hours are usually hosted on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (with some exceptions) and are complimentary to members and non-members. ILEA Nashville meeting and happy hour notices are sent out via email several times throughout the month and posted on our socials.

Yes, there is a charge to both members and non-members to attend monthly meetings. Meetings can vary in price. For members, the cost to attend a meeting starts at $35 and can go up from there. Non-member prices usually begin at $45. Student prices generally begin at $15. Special events may have an increase in price.

Yes, non-members can attend chapter meetings at the non-member rate.

NETWORKING: Gain closer relationships with members of the chapter EDUCATION: Attending special leadership retreats, educational parts of the chapter meetings, and be considered for scholarship opportunities CHAPTER GROWTH: Recruiting new members, giving input to the chapter for new ideas and improvement, and working with a board PERSONAL GROWTH: Gain personal and business relationships and personal achievement to help further your career VOLUNTEERING: Getting more involved in the community outside the special events industry EXPAND HORIZONS: ILEA allows you to travel the globe, become more cultured, and meet other individuals in the industry all over the country PROFESSIONAL GROWTH: Work alongside your peers, gain new ideas GIVING BACK: What you get out of ILEA is what you put in KNOWLEDGE: Learning more about the industry such as new ideas, trends etc. HAVING FUN!: The main goal for ILEA is for our members to have fun while networking, learning, and serving as a leader

Attend meetings Network Volunteer Join a committee Attend regional and/or national conferences and events Enter the Esprit Awards Become certified via the CSEP designation

Yes! Student memberships are $50 per year and can be held for a maximum of two years (additional years beyond two will be addressed by ILEA International and the school’s Program Coordinator). Student members must be enrolled as a part or full-time student in a recognized certificate or degree program. Student members are encouraged to get involved with the chapter by volunteering ten (10) hours to the ILEA Nashville chapter per year, helping with chapter meetings and event registration, mailings, and other chapter business such as coordinating chapter community service and special projects. Student members do not receive full ILEA member privileges. Student members are not eligible to have a listing on the ILEA membership website, they do not qualify for member discounts, nor can they vote on chapter business or hold an office in ILEA. In addition, student members are not permitted to use the ILEA logo on business cards or any promotional material.

Yes, the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation. The CSEP is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry, and reflects a commitment to professional conduct and ethics. For more information click here.

If you are a new member or have never logged into the International website, use the membership number listed on your ILEA ID and use the password welcome. After your first login and you've changed your password, please retain it for your reference and future entry to the website. If you don’t remember your username or password click here.

Sign up for ILEA Nashville emails and our international newsletter, Backstage Chatter.

ILEA Nashville is governed by a local Board of Directors that is nominated and elected by the chapter. At the international level, ILEA is run by a Board of Governors and a full-time management team. The chapter and international boards are volunteer positions.

Founded in 1997, the SEARCH Foundation supports special event industry professionals in times of crisis through fundraising, volunteer services and donations. To learn more about the foundation, click here.