The AEP Story
Defining the
AEP Community
Whether you’re producing an immersive donor experience, a high-level conference, an epic lecture series, graduation or homecoming celebrations, or an overseas alumni program, you’ve found your people.
AEP is a place to unite, connect, and keep leveling up together. We facilitate invaluable conversations, collaborations, and knowledge sharing, all to spark innovation. At AEP, we help you build lasting professional relationships that lead to greater professional success.
Expanding Relationships in the Academic Event Community
18 Years of Connections
The Academic Event Professional Conference is likely what you know us best for—a staple industry event tailored to academic planners.
The annual conference offers a rare opportunity for event planners in academe to receive tailored professional development and discover vendors specializing in products for academic environments. But beyond education, the conference unites all of us to elevate our entire field’s best practices together.
Here, you’ll gain fresh inspiration, grow your network, and explore innovative sponsor products—all while shaping the future of extraordinary academic experiences.
AEP Conference Host Universities
Meet the AEP Advisory Board
Lance Connolly
Purdue University
Assistant Vice President for Special Events
Mandi Crisp
University of Virginia
Director of Special Events
McIntire School of Commerce
Kyla Dunn
University of Missouri
Director of Engagement & Outreach
College of Arts and Sciences
Andrea Elaver
Appalachian State University
Assistant Director
University Events
Jim Hooker
The Special Event Company
Executive Director
Academic Programs + AEP Chair
Hayley Houston
Boston University
Director of Events and Conferences
Questrom School of Business
Jenny Jones
EAB
Principal Consultant
Joy Matheny
The Special Event Company
Program Manager
AEP Conference
Jehnny Rivera
Florida International University
Executive Director
University Ceremonies and Events
Jill Townsend
University of California San Diego
Executive Director
Special Events and Protocol
Meg Umlas
Boston University
Senior Director
Campaign & Development Events
Steve Whyte
University of the Pacific
Retired
Our TSEC Partnership
At AEP, promoting excellence in the academic events space is woven into our DNA. We were founded in 2006 by The Special Event Company (TSEC), a visionary and global experiential agency with over 30 years of award-winning event producing expertise.
As our founding sponsor, TSEC has laid the groundwork for AEP’s mission and remains an indispensable partner in everything we do. TSEC supports AEP with world-class expertise, helping us nurture creativity and innovation in academe.
Together, we uphold the highest standards and ensure academic gatherings deliver lasting impact.
For more information about The Special Event Company, please visit www.specialeventco.com or contact TSEC at hello@specialeventco.com.
Get Involved
We’re a vibrant community dedicated to creating extraordinary academic experiences.
Most importantly, we give you an essential community to call home – because putting on next-level academic events doesn’t have to be a solo mission.
Are you interested in getting more involved? Volunteer to be part of advancing the mission of AEP.