Attending industry conferences offers much more than just an opportunity to network; it’s a chance to renew your passion for your craft, reflect on current practices, and gather actionable tools for your next project. Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, recently shared his key takeaways from the MPI World Education Conference (WEC) 2025 in St. Louis, and his reflections provide a helpful guide for anyone working in corporate events, experiential marketing, or production.
If you’re seeking professional growth and a more fulfilling experience in your event career, here are some principles you can put into action.
1. Make Lifelong Learning a Priority
One of the standout reminders from WEC 2025 is that there’s always something new to learn in this field. During the conference, over 100 education sessions covered topics from artificial intelligence to practical event technology, meeting safety, and enhanced planning strategies. Even if you’ve spent decades in this business, there’s always more wisdom to be gained.
Stay curious. Pick at least one new topic or tool to explore each month, whether that’s attending a workshop, joining a webinar, or simply having lunch with a colleague who specializes in an area you’d like to understand better.
2. Build and Nurture Partnerships
It’s easy to feel isolated when all eyes are on you to solve production challenges or create flawless experiences. The conference underscored the immense value of partnerships and knowledge-sharing. Whether you’re an event planner, AV provider, or part of a larger production team, seeking collaboration and offering your expertise can yield better results than operating in a “silo”.
Expand your professional circle. Reach out to colleagues for advice, or offer to collaborate on a project with someone whose perspectives you value. Remember, sharing your knowledge helps build a more resilient and generous community.
3. Prioritize Health and Well-being
A common thread among attendees was fatigue. Many professionals have been working at a relentless pace for several years. Pressure to achieve more with fewer resources, while delivering experiences clients expect, can lead to burnout.
Create and honor boundaries. Schedule regular downtime, whether that’s an afternoon with loved ones or an hour to recharge by yourself. Recognize when you’re running low on energy, and treat self-care as a non-negotiable aspect of your professional life. Your creativity and effectiveness depend on it.
4. Share Your Knowledge with Newcomers
A fresh wave of young professionals and mid-career changers are entering the industry. They’re eager to learn, adapt, and contribute to vibrant event programs. Even if you’ve only been in the field for a few years, you have valuable experience to share with those just starting out.
Seek teaching moments. Offer to mentor, speak at an educational session, or simply answer questions from new colleagues. Every bit of guidance helps cultivate talented future leaders. Your encouragement can make the difference as we welcome fresh energy and perspectives into this industry.
5. Embrace and Shape the Future
Despite uncertainties in the economic climate, excitement about the future of events is palpable. New technology, along with the time-tested principles of teamwork and creative problem-solving, promises an exciting road ahead. Seth described optimism about where the field is heading over the next five, ten, or fifteen years.
Keep an eye on the horizon. Engage with new technologies, and consider how you can blend them with your existing skills to craft memorable, impactful events. Stay optimistic, adaptable, and proactive about the changes on the horizon.
Whether you are planning small corporate meetings or large-scale productions, these lessons from WEC 2025 can help you grow not only as a professional, but as a member of a collaborative and innovative community. Stay curious, build strong partnerships, care for your well-being, share your experience generously, and continue to look forward. With these principles, you’ll not only deliver better events, you’ll also shape a future that’s as exciting as it is rewarding.
Remember: Progress in this industry is a team effort, and your willingness to learn, share, and support others is the key to both your personal satisfaction and the enduring success of every event you create.
To listen to the podcast where Seth describes his experience and takeaways from WEC 2025, click here:
