IFES Talent Team • IFES

Committees | Talent Team

Combining young creative ideas with the power of experience.

It will be up to the next generation of industry professionals to take our industry forward. The Talent Team is a group for the under 40’s young talent working within our sector – a solutions-driven hub for knowledge sharing, collaboration and brainstorming.

Let’s put our heads together to resolve the common issues we face globally, share best practice and to highlight new innovations and the ever-changing requirements of the market.

Together, the goal is to bring fresh wind to the industry, make a valuable impact on the association and inspire long established company leaders to meet customer needs optimally.

ITT – Inspire. Transform. Thrive.

Every Wing Needs a Vision.

The IFES Talents Team (ITT) is the voice, engine and community for the next generation within IFES and the global event industry.

We believe that every generation brings new wings – but true progress only happens when experience and young perspectives rise together.
That is why ITT is not just a team. It is a mindset, a movement and a promise for the future of our industry.

Where young ideas and experience take flight together.
#ITTWingsOfTomorrow

Why ITT exists
Creating our Butterfly Effect

The butterfly is more than a symbol – it represents our WHY.

Transformation does not happen overnight. It starts with curiosity, courage and the willingness to grow. Just like a butterfly, young professionals need space, guidance and trust to unfold their potential.

ITT exists to:

empower young voices
create belonging across generations
turn potential into impact

We bring fresh wind into IFES and the event industry – not by replacing experience, but by complementing it with new perspectives, energy and future skills.

ITT stands for growth, transformation and momentum.
From learning to leading. From ideas to impact.

Inspire. Transform. Thrive.

#WeAreTheFuture

Inspire

We spark curiosity, creativity and confidence.
We motivate young talents to raise their voices, challenge the status quo and actively shape the future of events.

Transform

We turn ideas into action and learning into leadership.
Through collaboration, knowledge exchange and reverse mentorship, we drive meaningful change across IFES.

Thrive

We grow together – as individuals, as a community and as an industry.
ITT creates long-term impact, purpose and a sense of belonging beyond borders.

Vision of the ITT

The members of the ITT build a strong, international community for the next generation of event industry leaders.

A space that encourages networking, collaboration and cross-generational exchange – bringing fresh wind, new skills and future-oriented thinking into IFES and the global events industry.

Mission of the ITT

How do we make this happen?

By inspiring and motivating ambitious, creative individuals who believe in collaboration and contribution.
By connecting young talents with experienced leaders.
By creating lasting relationships across cultures, generations and disciplines.

Hand in hand with past and present generations, ITT empowers the next generation with leadership skills, experience and confidence – to create a thriving, innovative and sustainable future for our industry.

Let the figures speak

The ITT in numbers

ITT MEMBERS

ALL UNDER

Core Team

Who we are: the Core that lifts ITT

Together, the Core Team shapes the strategic direction of ITT, acts as a bridge to IFES leadership and ensures that young perspectives are embedded where decisions are made.

STRATEGY

OPERATIONS

Martin Besaris

The Inside

OPERATIONS

Louisa Lorenz

Holtmann+

Sebastian Tens

Moss Europe

Nelly Zeißig

Holtmann+

The Value ITT Creates

For the Event Industry & IFES

Future leadership & continuity
Stronger innovation and strategic relevance
Knowledge transfer & reverse mentorship
Higher engagement and long-term member retention
A stronger, future-oriented global brand

For Companies & CEOs

Access to emerging talent and fresh perspectives
Global talent development
Innovation & knowledge exchange
Stronger employer branding and retention
CEO-level dialogue with the next generation

For ITT Members (Young Professionals)

A visible voice within IFES
Personal and professional growth
International exposure and global networking
Real contribution instead of symbolic participation
Purpose, belonging and impact beyond job titles

The ITT Journey

Our Talent Team Roadmap

At the IFES World Summit (2022) it was decided that the Talent Team is a vital and beneficial component of the IFES global engagement and that a new Talent Team Committee would be elected to carry this initiative – originally begun as YIFES in 2019 – forward as a beneficial international network for young professionals working in the event and exhibition industry.