Introducing ISES

Being in the event industry, we believe one of the best parts of our job, aside from working with brides-to-be, is meeting and interacting with local vendors and event professionals. The Center prides itself on being active in our community and joining different boards and associations to increase our knowledge of the event world. The Center is full-time supporters of ISES; the International Special Events Society, with Alana serving as the VP of Programs and Education. In order to learn more about this society and its impact on everything events, we talked with Ashley Sostaric, president of the ISES Cincinnati Chapter.

Ashley filled us in on the positive opportunities this association has provided since her first involvement with ISES as a student member over 8 years ago.

“ISES has led me to dozens of professional relationships and friendships in the industry. I know I always have an ISES member at my fingertips when I need someone I can trust for my events or when trouble calls. Sitting on the Board of Directors for 6 years has allowed me to gain incredible leadership skills that have helped me position myself ahead in this industry.”

So what exactly is this enlightening events association? “ISES is a unique networking association that offers special event industry professionals a chance to connect with others [and] stay up-to-date.” And that is exactly why we joined! We love chatting with other individuals who work in the event industry, whether they are associated with the wedding world or not.

In 1995, Cincinnati developed its own ISES chapter as this association continues to grow. Ashley told us that anyone in the special event industry can join, including “caterers, rental companies, photographers, florists, planners and more!” Simply visit the ISES website to start learning more about this association. According to Ashley, once you join you will begin the fast track to placing yourself and your company ahead in this industry.

Being ahead of the game isn’t the only benefit of ISES, however; if you become a member Ashley said you also get “discounted monthly event pricing, affiliate program discounts with companies such as FedEx Kinko’s/Quickbooks and many others and access to a worldwide database of members to connect with for products/services.”

All you have to do to receive these awesome benefits is start the easy, online application process. ISES’s membership fees runs on an annual bases, starting July 1^st and ending June 30^th the following year.

Membership dues are only a small price to pay in order to participate in events which will bring you closer to event professionals from all over the spectrum; including larger corporations, smaller business owners and of course our wedding world friends!

ISES has monthly events, held on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month, rotating between luncheons and evening events. Ashley described each event as focusing on “connecting industry professionals and providing deeper education of the event industry.”

We stand by her when she says you will gain a deeper knowledge of the industry. In fact, at this month’s meeting, which is taking place tomorrow the 18^th, we get the privilege of hearing from Rene Delane, Founder of Women Who Dare. Ashley told us that her presentation will teach us a number of ways to grow leadership skills while building better business relationships. We cannot wait to hear from Rene (and also for the lunch provided by Elegant Fare)! Feel free to join us at this event hosted at the Newport Aquarium. Tickets can be purchased here.

Along with this, Ashley wanted us all to mark our calendars for the “ISES Ohio WOW Awards event on April 11, 2014, at 21C Museum as three Ohio ISES Chapters come together for an exciting evening of fun and celebration!” As special events members who love to talk, we can hardly contain our excitement for these networking opportunities!

“We Are Your Association, Your Partner, And Your Friend. WE ARE ISES!”

Interested in becoming a member and taking your event experience to the next level? Visit www.ises.com to learn more about this national association.