As a college student going into my senior year at the University of Indianapolis, one of my current priorities is to build a wide network of professionals in the industry I choose to work in. Ideally, I would love to work in the tourism and hospitality industry, specifically through a communications role.
I love the industry of tourism and hospitality because it’s the business of making experiences and long-lasting memories. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by media and the ability to communicate to a large audience with ease through the internet and other digital marketing strategies. It’s so powerful how a message can be spread to so many people, especially when that message is used to create good in the world. I believe that tourism creates a positive impact on people’s lives by providing families with fun experiences, giving couples unique adventures, providing workers with much-needed breaks, and so much more. I want to be a part of that impact by combining my passion for the industry with my passion for communication.
As a Meetings Intern at RGI this summer, I had the amazing opportunity to visit ISAE’s (Indiana Society of Association Executives) ICON conference- an annual event aimed at providing education and networking opportunities for association professionals. Below are just a few of my many takeaways from my experience as a student at ICON 2025!
ICON Day 1
While I was only attending the ICON welcome reception for the first day of the conference, I was very hopeful of creating new connections. I did have some apprehension that as a student, I would not be able to offer much to the professionals in attendance. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that everyone at the welcome reception was extremely kind, and many professionals took time to speak with me and hear about my goals for the future. They offered me tips and tricks that hopefully will help me land a full-time job after graduation.
With this being my first time visiting Fort Wayne, I was also very impressed by their nice convention center, hotel accommodation and various venues in the downtown area. The baseball field where the reception was held was a fun and unique venue to have a networking kick-off reception. I truly enjoyed this experience and getting to explore some of the city’s attractions.
ICON Day 2
Day two was filled with a variety of educational sessions that taught me a lot! I loved all the sessions I attended, but if I had to choose one as my standout session, I would have to choose CJ McClanahan’s conversation on reducing stress. As a stressed college student, it was nice to hear his thoughts and advice, and I look forward to implementing some of the tools he suggested. On top of all the amazing things I got to learn about, I also had the opportunity to network with many different DMO (destination marketing organization) exhibitors. With my interest in the tourism industry, I loved the chance to network with people working directly in this industry and I found this opportunity priceless.
As someone who is working on the event side of RGI, I kept noticing little details about the conference throughout my experience, such as the sequence of events and even minor venue details like balloon stands, catering, speaker organization, and AV. I found myself amazed at even the simplest things like a balloon, because I understand the hard work necessary to make everything happen. I thought that ICON was very well planned and executed, and I commend the team that was responsible for the event!
Takeaways
Attending ISAE’s ICON conference highlighted the dynamic nature of association work and the exceptional professionals in the industry. Especially after getting to talk with so many association professionals at the conference, I am seriously considering going down the association path after graduation. I love the diversity of options within this industry, as I could work in communications, events, advertising, membership, and so much more!
As an intern, I believe it’s important to take advantage of your internship and to pursue any opportunities you can during your time with the company. I am so lucky to work with an organization that has frequent conferences serving our many clients, and I’m so grateful RGI encouraged me to attend ICON. What I love about conferences is that they’re full of people who understand you, with each conference tailored to your professional goals. In terms of professional development, conferences can offer so much, from meeting new people to expanding your knowledge, and I’m so grateful that I was able to take advantage of this opportunity to attend ICON 2025!
Evan Porterfield
Evan joined the RGI team as a Meeting Intern for Summer 2025. He currently attends the University of Indianapolis, where he studies communications, public relations, and media. A fan of media production and photography, Evan looks forward to starting his professional career in hospitality and tourism.