IAEE Adds Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events CEM Course

November 21, 2019

The International Association of Exhibitions and Eventshas added a new course to its CEM Learning Program titled Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events.

It will be offered May 13 during CEM Week in Baltimore, Md., next year and again Aug. 25 during CEM Week in Austin, Texas.

The course will be taught by Janet Sperstad, CMP, program director for the Event Management Degree at Madison College.

As an industry veteran and leader with more than 25 years of experience as an event professional, Sperstad has dedicated her career to defining the competencies and career pathways that articulate meeting planning as a design discipline - separate and distinct from hospitality - requiring skills in the social sciences, executive leadership and the cognitive sciences.

"Exhibition and event professionals move people's hearts and minds through the experiences they create," Sperstad said. "Knowing how the brain works will help them create experiences that maximize attendees’ brainpower and supercharge results." 

"One of the greatest strengths of the CEM Learning Program is that its curriculum is driven by practitioners with deep experience in the exhibitions and events industry," said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

He added, "Janet's extensive knowledge in how neuroscience aligns with our industry allows the theoretical and conceptual to meet real-life application. Students are sure to gain a significant advantage in their approach to organizing shows after taking this course." 

Through a unique partnership with Madison College, attendees will receive a digital badge credential for completing this course. Click here for complete information about IAEE’s CEM Learning Program.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact