Industry Organizations & Certifications Terms Glossary
Your Guide To The Associations, Certifications, And Standards Every Event Professional Should Know.
In the event and tourism world, there’s no shortage of acronyms, associations, and certifications. 🏅 Whether you’re booking a venue, seeking sustainability recognition, or networking globally, knowing these organizations and credentials helps you navigate the industry with confidence.
This glossary breaks down the most important event industry organizations, global associations, and professional certifications so you can stay connected and credible.
🌍 Global Associations
AIPC (International Association of Convention Centres)
A global network of convention center professionals.
ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors)
An association representing travel advisors and agencies.
DMAI (Destinations International)
An association for destination marketing and management organizations.
Event Industry Council (EIC)
A global organization that sets standards and best practices for the events industry.
IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events)
An association for trade show and exhibition professionals.
IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers)
An organization for venue management professionals.
IMEX
A global event for the meetings and incentive travel industry.
MPI (Meeting Professionals International)
A leading association for meeting and event professionals.
PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association)
An association for business event strategists.
SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence)
An association for incentive travel professionals.
SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers)
An organization for independent event producers.
TIAO (Tourism Industry Association of Ontario)
An advocacy group for Ontario’s tourism sector.
Tourism HR Canada
An organization supporting workforce development in tourism and hospitality.
WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council)
A global forum for the travel and tourism industry.
UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry)
An international association for the exhibition sector.
🎓 Professional Certifications
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
A globally recognized certification for meeting and event professionals.
CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional)
A certification for professionals in the special events industry.
GBAC STAR Accreditation
A cleaning and sanitation certification for venues and events.
Sustainable Event Certification
Recognition for events or venues that meet sustainability standards.
ISO 20121
An international standard for sustainable event management.
LEED Certification
Recognition for environmentally sustainable buildings, including event venues.
Green Key Eco-Rating
A certification for sustainable hotels and venues.
🛡 Safety & Standards
Event Safety Alliance
An organization promoting safety standards in the event industry.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
Sets standards for airlines and travel agencies, relevant for event travel logistics.
📅 Major Conferences & Summits
Cvent CONNECT
An annual conference for event technology professionals.
Event Marketer Summit
A leading conference for experiential marketing and event professionals.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation
The charitable arm of MPI, supporting industry research and scholarships.
Professional Conference Organizer (PCO)
A company or individual specializing in the organization of conferences and events.
🏀 Sports Tourism & Event Associations
Sports ETA (Sports Events & Tourism Association)
The leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, offering education, advocacy, and networking for destinations and event owners.
Connect Marketplace
A major sports tourism and meetings marketplace bringing together event organizers, destinations, and suppliers.
TEAMS Conference & Expo
The world’s largest sports-event industry conference and expo, connecting event rights holders, destinations, and suppliers.
U.S. Sports Congress
An annual conference focused on sports tourism, governance, and industry best practices for sports organizations and destinations.