Re-Imagine the Possibilities

Welcome to the revitalized Academic Event Professional (AEP) website! We’re thrilled to unveil our new look and share our latest offerings; all designed to support and nurture our academic community.

In revamping our platform, I’ve been reflecting on how crucial it is to refresh our events periodically. Even our beloved annual celebrations can start to feel routine over time. It’s essential to continually seek innovative ways to convey our institutional messages and engage our attendees in fresh and exciting ways.

Technology is transforming our communication landscape at a rapid pace. From LED lighting and video screens to 3D mapping and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the possibilities for enhancing our events are expanding. Embracing these advancements can invigorate your events and create memorable experiences for your guests.

Consider how 3D mapping, once a costly and speculative idea, has become more accessible and affordable. In recent years, I’ve successfully integrated 3D mapping into numerous academic events. The key is to tailor the scale of the projection to fit your budget and desired impact. For instance, focusing on a prominent feature like a bell-tower with projection mapping can be just as effective as covering an entire building.

AI is another game-changer. Imagine the impact of sending thousands of personalized digital invitations from your institution’s leadership, addressing each recipient by name. This level of personalization is now achievable with just a brief 30-minute investment of time from your president or chancellor. As I said, things are changing fast!

As we enter a new academic year, I encourage you to think creatively about your events. Whether you’re incorporating cutting-edge technology or simply reimagining your program format, such as shifting from a formal dinner to a lively reception with student performers, you can breathe new life into your celebrations by reimagining them. Embrace the possibilities and don’t be afraid of change, it will make your events more interesting, and it will help you expand your professional skills. As this new academic year begins, I encourage each of you to become a change-makers at your school!

And while we’re talking about change, I also want to encourage you to reengage with AEP if you haven’t visited us for a while. I hope you will consider sending us your own blog with ideas that can influence and shape the way we all produce our events. I also encourage you to submit photos and fresh ideas from your celebrations so we can post them on the website and share them with our colleagues across the country. Your involvement is what makes AEP special!

You are the ones who bring value to what we do every day. After all, this organization was created by us, for us.

Jim Hooker
Chair, AEP