The APEX Event Network (APEX), a new nonprofit member organization, recently launched to address an underserved segment of the events industry — seasoned professionals navigating the next stage of their careers.

APEX is designed for professionals with at least 20 years of experience across the events, meetings, exhibitions and experiential industries, and service providers, destinations, venues and media serving the entire market. The organization intends to provide career development and business-building resources, peer connections and mentoring, specialized education and pathways to new work opportunities. The organization also champions the value of experienced professionals, and the knowledge, leadership and expertise they bring to the industry to continue to propel it forward.

Filling a Gap

Industry associations offer extensive education and career development for students to emerging leaders and those in the prime of their career, but few resources are designed specifically around the needs of professionals in the later stages of their careers.APEX is focused exclusively on this community.

“Career transitions can look very different after 20 or 30 years in the industry,” according to Karen Vogel, CEO of Event Performance Group and vice chair of APEX Event Network. “Some professionals may want to reinvent their career by launching a consulting practice or business, where others need to learn (artificial intelligence) AI and tech skills, or find different ways to put decades of experience to work at their current job or a new role. APEX connects them with peers who understand that journey, and provides education, resources and tools to help them succeed.”

APEX is launching with a monthly webinar series focused on career development, career transition, entrepreneurship and business growth. The first two webinars, free to attend by members and non-members, include:

  • You’ve Done It All – Now What? Career Reinvention: Navigating Transition in Later Stages, October 28, 2026
  • Faced with an Unexpected Career Transition? 5 Actions to Find Your Next Career Move, November 6, 2026

In addition to education, APEX provides networking and peer connections, career coaching, business growth services and professional resources. New programs and services will continue to be developed based on member needs.

APEX Event Network, a Texas-registered 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, was created for seasoned professionals and leaders across events, exhibitions, meetings and experiential sectors, and the companies, media, hospitality firms, destinations and venues that support the entire event industry. Membership is open to qualified professionals with a minimum of 20 years of combined industry experience. Learn more or apply for membership at apexeventnetwork.org.

Author

  • Midwest Meetings works to elevate the visibility of Midwest meeting destinations while delivering meaningful, interactive content platforms for Midwest meeting professionals to learn, share, and grow together.