The History of International Live Event Association 

ILEA, formally the International Special Events Society, was founded in 1989 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct. ILEA works to join event and meeting professionals to focus on the "event as a whole" rather than its individual parts. ILEA has grown to involve over 5,500 members active in over 51 chapters throughout the world. The solid peer network ILEA provides helps special events professionals produce outstanding results for clients while establishing positive working relationships with other event colleagues.

For over 30 years ILEA has been a valued and trusted partner in the events industry. An industry that generates over $200 billion for the global economy and supports over four million jobs.

ILEA members are regarded as the very best in what they do, creating a powerful and influential community of event professionals around the world, working together to find new ways to communicate through the power of live events.

As our association continues to expand and engage, reaching new audiences and markets around the globe, so the ILEA brand continues to evolve. Today, we have a new brand vision and story to tell our clients, colleagues, suppliers and partners. ILEA is changing. We are launching our new vision to become a community of creative event professionals. A community that values creativity as part of our culture and our spirit. A community that is looking to the future with confidence and anticipation, and looking back at our achievements with pride.

PAST PRESIDENTS OF ILEA INDIANA

2022-23    Jessica McCormick

2020-22    Amy Payne

2019-20    Amanda Roell, CMP

2018-19    Megan Johnston, CSEP, CMP

2017-18    Kate Edwards-Baumbach, CSEP, CMP

2016-17    Chris La Mar

2015-16    Kristin Hornberger

2014-15    Jason Ryan

2013-14    Sarah Mullins, DMCP

2012-13    Mike King

2011-12    Jennifer Barenie

2010-11    Jim Cerone, WED

2009-10   Monica Richard, MWP

2008-09   Dee Haddad, CSEP

2007-08   Kari Strohlberg, CSEP

2006-07   Vince Early, CSEP

2005-06   Leslie Swathwood

2004-05   Gene Huddleson

2003-04   Kelly Early, CSEP

2002-03   Anne Decker-Steinberg

2001-02   Mark Thorton

2000-01   Sally Cooksey, CSEP

1999-00   Deanna L. Bunten

1998-99   Jim King

1997-98    Melissa Cooper Bingham

1996         Jill Martin

1995         Mary Kate Myers

1994         Gary Bravard

1993         Kevin Markey

1992         Lynne Mositner

1991         Sherri Mills

1990         Betsy Wiersma, CSEP

1989         Debbie Locklear