Thriving As An Independent Event Organizer: Best Practices & Pitfalls To Avoid

Includes a Live Web Event on 03/25/2026 at 10:30 AM (CDT)

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.

IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $49.

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.

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

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Lightsey Event Solutions

Necoya Tyson, CEM-AP, CCEP, CGMP, CWP is the Founder and CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions (LES), a leading conference and tradeshow management firm. With a passion for creating unparalleled event experiences and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Necoya has built a reputation for excellence and innovation. Having started LES from the ground up, Necoya brings a wealth of expertise in tradeshow logistics, strategic planning, and client relationship management. With a career spanning almost 20 years in the tradeshow and event management sector, she has successfully overseen the execution of numerous high-profile events, earning the trust of clients and industry partners alike.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Necoya is an active participant in industry associations and forums, contributing her insights to further elevate the standards of tradeshow management. She is a graduate of Shaw University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She is also a certified corporate event planner (CCEP), certified exhibition manager-advanced professional (CEM-AP) and certified government meetings professional (CGMP).