The Value of Staying Connected: How Industry Associations Strengthen Our Work
The Value of Staying Connected: How Industry Associations Strengthen Our Work
By: JAMIE HELLesen, DMCP
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You get out of it what you put into it.” That couldn’t be more true when it comes to industry associations. Being part of industry associations and networking in our community is not just something we truly value at Corinthian Events, it’s part of what makes us who we are.
I started attending ADMEI (Association of Destination Management Executives International) in 2014, and more than a decade later, I can confidently say that the time and energy I’ve invested have paid off, and then some. Since 2022, I’ve served on the Board of Directors, and I’m currently honored to be stepping into the role of President-Elect for 2027.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including Conference Chair, Marketing & Communications, Special Projects, VP of Finance, Awards Co-Chair, and now President-Elect. What I’ve learned is this: associations are built by passionate, dedicated volunteers who truly care about advancing our industry. The knowledge, mentorship, and perspective I’ve gained from fellow leaders have been invaluable.
Serving on the ADMEI board has pushed me to grow as a leader in the best possible way, and it’s also influenced how I lead our own team at Corinthian Events. I often encourage them to get involved by joining a committee, starting small, and taking that first step. When you’re engaged in something you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like work, it’s energizing. And along the way, the connections you build become just as valuable as the experience itself.
Locally, our team is active in the chapters of MPI, PCMA, and ILEA. We also have team members serving on committees and association boards. And when they’re not volunteering in those roles, you can find our team at local networking events, staying connected to community knowledge, vendor partners, and clients.
Being part of an association has filled my cup personally, but it’s also had a direct impact on our business. The vendor relationships we’ve developed, the education we’ve gained, and the mentorship we’ve experienced have all been incredibly meaningful. Having a network of peers across cities, and even across the globe, reminds us that while our markets may differ, many of our challenges are the same. There’s real power in coming together, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
When working with Corinthian Events, you will find that we don’t just provide a team; we bring the collective insight and experience of our entire network. We invest in connection, collaboration, and community throughout our day-to-day, and the return extends far beyond any single event.
To see the industry associations Corinthian Events is part of, visit Our Team page
here.
