by Paco Collazo
As younger crowds become the primary attendees of exhibitions and events, it is crucial for associations to bridge the gap between generations and embrace the needs of younger participants. I know that I don’t see myself leaving this industry for another 30 years—at least, so it’s encouraging to see the continued interest of the youth in our industry, but it is time to actively seek ways to adapt, innovate, and secure the future of associations, such as EDPA, IFES, ESSA, FAMAB, among others.
How Can Associations Address the Needs of Younger Generations to Remain Relevant
Networking, teamwork, and collective knowledge have been the pillars of success for many professionals, myself included. Being part of top industry associations has opened doors to invaluable opportunities and has allowed me to learn from mentors who generously shared their expertise with me. Passing down this wealth of knowledge to the younger generation is not only a responsibility but also an investment in the industry’s future. As the saying goes, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. I have never agreed with anything more.
And, as beneficial and rewarding as our participation in these organizations has been, we have encountered a few challenges along the way, primarily because changes and the addition of diversity—age, gender, race and nationality—in decision making roles are met with resistance.
And I get it, familiarity feels comfortable and at times necessary, but in order to survive in the next decade, associations must embrace innovation and most importantly, renovation. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, encourage new methods of leadership, and empower the up and comer members. By incorporating the skills and perspectives of the younger generation, we can ensure the longevity and relevance of our industry. Remember, all the people over 50 were the newbies once upon a time and I feel this group has a little tough time passing the torch.
It’s not us versus them, but rather how can we better use the newer generation skills and make changes that will help us perpetuate this industry that has been SO GOOD to everyone for many decades to come.
Associations need to adapt to the rapidly changing technological and cultural landscape. It’s no longer enough to rely solely on traditional methods. We must become well-versed in new technologies, and the ever-evolving platforms of social media, all of this while trying to keep our businesses functioning. I get it, it feels overwhelming. But the real hard thing to do is staying the same when everything around you is changing at a fast pace.
However, embracing technology and giving a forum to the future leaders is just a little solution that will not make a dent. Associations must also foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and applies the unique perspective and ideas of younger generations. It is essential to actively involve them in decision-making processes. By doing so, we can tap into their creativity and harness their energy to shape the future of the live events industry.
It’s true that change can be daunting, and implementing new strategies requires effort and time, however, associations that can embrace the needs and aspirations of younger generations while making themselves look more appealing while preserving the valuable traditions of the industry will be the ones to endure and thrive throughout the years.
I believe that we are in the perfect moment to create a vibrant and sustainable future for the exhibitions industry. Let’s be open-minded, innovative, and willing to yield to the future generation. I am sure that together, we can build a stronger, global and more inclusive industry that will continue to inspire, attract and connect professionals for decades to come.
Read more in our Q3 Issue HERE .
