The International Special Events Society (ISES) was founded in 1987 in response to phenomenal growth in the Special Events industry, a growing demand for promoting professionalism, and providing continuing education. ISES is the only international umbrella organization representing professionals in all disciplines of the special events industry.

During the 1980’s, as events developed in gigantic spectacles and multi-day festivals, the risks and liabilities grew at an ever-faster pace. The need arose for an association dedicated to education, ethics, and standards for the special events industry. Thus, ISES was born….

The Mission of ISES is to educate, advance and promote the special events industry and its network of professionals along with related industries. To that end, we strive to…

• Uphold the integrity of the special events profession to the general public through our "Principles of Professional Conduct and Ethics".
• Acquire and disseminate useful business information.
• Foster a spirit of cooperation among its members and other special events professionals.
• Cultivate high standards of business practices.

• Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the profession of the special events industry while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Strive for excellence in all aspects of our profession by performing consistently at or above acceptable industry standards.
• Use only legal and ethical means in all industry negotiations and activities.
• Protect the public against fraud and unfair practices, and promote all practices, which bring respect and credit to the profession.
• Provide truthful and accurate information with respect to all performance of duties. Use a written contract clearly stating all charges, services, products, performance expectations and other essential information.
• Maintain industry-accepted standards of safety and sanitation.
• Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance coverage for all business activities.
• Commit to increase professional growth and knowledge, to attend educational programs and to personally contribute expertise to meetings and journals.
• Strive to cooperate with colleagues, suppliers, employees, employers and all persons supervised, in order to provide the highest quality service at every level.
• Subscribe to the ISES Principles of Professional Conduct and Ethics, and abide by the ISES Bylaws and policies.