Thriving As An Independent Event Organizer

Recorded On: 03/25/2026

Explore the dynamic world of independent event organizing with industry veterans Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, and Necoya L. Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP. This session will highlight the diverse opportunities available to independent organizers and how they can effectively collaborate with associations and larger organizations. Gain invaluable insights into proven best practices and learn critical mistakes to avoid, helping you build a successful and sustainable career as an independent event professional.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the various roles and opportunities available to independent event organizers, including how to effectively augment teams within associations or larger organizations.
Apply best practices for managing independent event projects, from initial planning through execution, to ensure seamless collaboration and successful outcomes.
Recognize common pitfalls and challenges faced by independent event organizers and develop strategies to avoid or overcome these obstacles.

Necoya L. Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP

Senior Director of Conventions

National Safety Council

Necoya Tyson is an accomplished association executive and event industry leader with more than 20 years of experience developing and delivering conferences, exhibitions, sponsorship programs, and strategic initiatives for national and international organizations.

She currently serves as Senior Director of Conventions for the National Safety Council (NSC), where she leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the organization's premier meetings and events, including the renowned Safety Congress & Expo, one of the world's largest annual safety conferences and exhibitions. In this role, she oversees convention operations, exhibition management, sponsorship strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver exceptional experiences that advance NSC's mission of saving lives and preventing injuries.

In addition to her role at NSC, Necoya is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lightsey Event Solutions, an award-winning event management firm specializing in conference management, trade shows, exhibitions, sponsorship strategy, and event consulting for associations and nonprofit organizations. Since founding the company in 2019, she has led successful meetings and conventions across the United States while earning a reputation for operational excellence, innovation, and collaborative leadership.

A respected leader within the meetings and events profession, Necoya has served as an International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) faculty member since 2017, teaching exhibition and event management courses throughout the United States and internationally. She currently serves on the IAEE International Board of Directors, where she contributes to advancing the exhibitions and events industry through strategic leadership and governance.

Necoya holds the Certified in Exhibition Management – Advanced Professional (CEM-AP), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), and Certified Corporate Event Planner (CCEP) designations. She is widely recognized for her expertise in convention operations, exhibition management, sponsorship development, strategic planning, and volunteer leadership.

Passionate about creating meaningful experiences and developing future industry leaders, Necoya is known for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and building partnerships that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, DES

President and CEO

JDC Events

Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, DES, has built a company that produces engagement-driven live, hybrid and virtual events for Fortune 100, leading associations and federal government clients. A 25-year veteran of designing events that spark change, Jennifer is the recipient of numerous awards and national recognition, including BizBash 500 List of Most Influential Event Professionals; Smart Women in Meetings Award; Women of Color Achievement Award and ranked by the Washington Business Journal as one of the top meeting and event planning companies since 2006. Jennifer is regularly featured in select media as an industry expert and is the internationally best-selling author of Events Spark Change: A Guide to Designing Powerful and Engaging Events, which offers sage advice on how to build impactful events. Jennifer graduated from The American University, School of Communication with a B.A. in Public Communication.