The APEX Event Network, a new nonprofit member organization, has launched to support seasoned professionals with at least 20 years' experience in the industry as they navigate the next stages of their careers.
For both planners and suppliers in the events industry, APEX aims to provide career development and business-building resources, peer connections and mentoring, specialized education, and pathways to new work opportunities. The organization also champions the value of experienced professionals, and the knowledge, leadership and expertise they have that helps propel the industry forward.
"Experienced professionals have spent decades developing knowledge, relationships and leadership skills that are enormously valuable to our industry," said Tim McGuinness, managing director of Sterling Advisory Group and chair of the new organization. "APEX was created to make sure that experience continues to be valued and leveraged — whether through a new career opportunity, consulting, entrepreneurship, mentoring or another way of contributing."
Creating a seasoned community
Industry associations offer extensive education and career development for everyone from students and emerging leaders to those in the prime of their careers, but few resources are designed specifically around the needs of professionals in the later stages of their work lives.
APEX's goal is to focus exclusively on this community.
"Career transitions can look very different after 20 or 30 years in the industry," said Karen Vogel, CEO of the Event Performance Group and vice chair of APEX. "Some professionals may want to reinvent their careers by launching a consulting practice or business, where others need to learn AI and tech skills, or find different ways to put decades of experience to work at their current jobs or in a new role. APEX connects them with peers who understand that journey, and provides education, resources and tools to help them succeed."
APEX is launching with a monthly webinar series focused on career development, career transition, entrepreneurship and business growth. The first two free events are "You've Done It All — Now What? Career Reinvention: Navigating Transition in Later Stages," on Oct. 28; and "Faced with an Unexpected Career Transition? 5 Actions to Find Your Next Career Move," on Nov. 6.
In addition to education, APEX provides networking and peer connections, career coaching, business-growth services and professional resources. New programs and services will continue to be developed based on member needs.
Led by industry veterans
The APEX board represents decades of leadership across the events and hospitality industries.
Aside from McGuinness and Vogel, the board includes David DuBois, former president of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and current president of the DuBois Group; Chris Brown, formerly with the National Association of Broadcasters and now president of Level Up Event Strategies; Dan Cole, senior director, partner relations for eMerge Americas and founder of TSSNG Group; Jill Birkett, former event director for Questex and now president of Escapades Together; Joe Felperin, director of strategic business development for Popshap; Shelley Cohen Renn, a 30-year meeting planning veteran; and BJ Enright, president and CEO of Tradeshow Logic.
"The positive response from seasoned professionals about APEX has reinforced what we believed when we started the organization: This community wants something designed specifically for them," said Birkett, one of the membership chairs. "APEX will bring professionals from across event sectors and service providers to learn from and support each other."
