Unions, employers, and industry associations often partner for joint training initiatives. Check with local unions or with tradeshow industry associations to get the most up-to-date information on available programs in your area.
Associations
ESCA
Few training resources equal the programs from the Exhibition Services and Contractor’s Association (ESCA). Their mission statement states a commitment “to advancing the exhibition, meeting, and special event industries.” ESCA offers online training, training videos, the Employco USA Training and Safety Certification Program, the ESCA Summer Education Presentations, ESCA Behind The Scenes Training, and much more. www.esca.org/education
EDPA
The Experiential Designers and Producvers Association (EDPA) Future Workforce Initiative works to develop academic partnerships with colleges and universities, alumni associations, veteran’s associations, as well as high school and trade school students. While not training directly, EDPA fosters connections for recruitment and guidance on education on all levels for the tradeshow industry. www.edpa.com/future-workforce
IAEE
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events offers the CEM (Certification in Exhibition Management) learning program taught by practicing professionals. It was created to promote high standards in practical knowledge as well as the latest thinking in the industry. www.iaee.com/cem
ICCA
The International Congress and Convention Association’s ICCAUni Foundations also fosters contact and collaboration with academia. Through education and mentorship as well as internship placement, ICCAUni seeks to shape future leaders of the industry. www.iccaworld.org/knowledge-hub/iccauni
“Academies”
CTSM
Affiliated with Northern Illinois University, the Certified Tradeshow Marketer program has classroom conferences and online tools that provide a structured route for certification for event marketers. Exhibitor Media Group operates the program, with the online tool eTrak and live classroom sessions at Exhibitor Live events. www.exhibitoronline.com/ctsm
Global Exhibitor
Trade Show Basics is an in-person training series launching in Atlanta in November 2024 and touring other U.S. cities, providing new industry professionals with foundational knowledge, certification, and insights into trade show roles, logistics, and production essentials.
The Trade Show Academy
The Trade Show Academy provides specialized online courses focusing on enhancing tradeshow staff performance and aligning marketing and sales strategies with event goals. www.thetradeshowacademy.com/online-courses
Companies
beMatrix
The company based training programs, beMatrix Academy and beUniversity, provide online tools for learning to install the beMatrix system as well as use of their beCAD webtool. www.bematrix.com/us/en-us/support/training-bematrix
Freeman
Freeman’s resource page provides various online guides for first time exhibitors. Not exhaustive, the guides help prospective clients form questions they may have for consultations, and is desgined to help get people new to the industry started. www.freeman.com/resources
Willwork
Willwork the company has Willwork University which focuses on classes of 1-3 days with faculty composed of both Willwork professionals and guest lecturers who visit various cities to provide activeboth hands-on and classroom training. This covers the spectrum of tradeshow I&D including flooring, electrical, AV, and more. www.willwork.com
Unions
IATSE
IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) which represents many workers in the tradeshow industry, offers various training programs for its members through its Training Trust. These include OSHA safety training, technical skills, and professional development. www.iatsetrainingtrust.org
IBEW
IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) represents electrical workers in many industries, including tradeshows. They offer apprenticeship programs and continuing education for journeymen. www.ibew.org/education
IUPAT
IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades) has the IUPAT Finishing Trades Institute. The union, which represents many scenic and display workers, offers training programs that can be applicable to tradeshow work. www.iupat.org/about-the-iupat/our-programs/ifti.
Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents workers in various industries, including tradeshows through the Convention, Tradeshow, and Casino Division. They offer training programs specific to the industry. www.teamster.org/divisions/convention-trade-show-and-casino-division.
UBC
The UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America), which includes many tradeshow carpenters, offers training through the Carpenters International Training Fund. Importantly, the union has programs specific to exhibition and tradeshow work. www.carpenters.org/citf-training
