Point of View: Candice Kass

Candice Kass
Founding Fellow of IEM
https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-kass/

As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.

Candice has worked in the events and marketing industry for over 14 years, with varying roles and responsibilities during this time, and is currently Event Manager at the Institute of School Business Leadership.  Her present role means she is required to keep on top of current event, venue and sector trends (more so during the COVID-19 pandemic) and sharing this within her own network and teams, to drive participation and inspire confidence.  She has has overall responsibility for the successful delivery of all large conferences, awards, and UK regional events, so collaboration and thought leadership is important to ensure content is relevant.  She also ensures that every member of the project team is kept informed, engaged and understands their role to ensure successful delivery of the event.  Candice is also an active member of the Association of Professional Conference Organisers and the Association of Association Event Organisers and regularly engages with the Meetings Industry Association.

Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A The UK events industry is one of the biggest success stories, we create communities and bring people together from all walks of life, to network, engage and get to know each other and I am proud to be part of that.

Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A Working in events has afforded me with opportunities to meet some amazing people from all over the world, organise incredible events on a variety of subjects and has been the driving force behind my own personal development and passion for the industry.  I want to be able to mentor those interested in and just starting out in their careers – as they say, you can only learn by doing and having a strong network behind you.

Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
A I hope to see the IEM as an organisation that supports the development of event management professionals and is the over arching body where all other associations, membership organisations are linked to ensure consistency and collaboration.  To support members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to the ever-changing field of the profession and where employers recognise the institute as a professional organisation that encourages development and skills at all levels.

Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A As an event organiser the memory that sticks with me most is being an integral part of managing the awards for another professional institute. The award recognised individuals for their input into the profession, which included individuals and companies from all over the world. We had one individual who had travelled from another country solely as they had been advised they had been shortlisted for one of the award categories and had no idea they had won. When they got up on stage to receive the trophy and certificate, they professed to say it was the best moment of their life and one they would never forget. To be part of that individuals experience and to be able to share that with them is ultimately why I love working in the events sector as you become part of that individuals story.

Also see https://iem.institute/founding-fellow-candice-kass/