Kara Dao Earns IAEE’s First CEM Fellow Designation

Kara Dao, CEM, DES, Chief Operating Officer at JDC Events, has been awarded the first-ever Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) Fellow designation by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE). This prestigious recognition honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and service to the exhibitions and events industry.

Jennifer Collins, JDC Events President commented “Kara’s dedication to excellence and her unwavering commitment to elevating the industry are truly remarkable. Her leadership, passion for continuous learning, and genuine desire to mentor others set her apart as a true industry trailblazer. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for the positive impact she continues to make at JDC Events and beyond.”

For Kara, the recognition is a testament to her love for the events industry and her commitment to lifelong learning. She’s expressed how much joy she gets from supporting others and mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field. “Every day, this industry teaches me something new,” Kara shared. “I’m grateful for the opportunities to provide thought leadership, mentor, and facilitate. There’s nothing quite like the joy of supporting others on their journeys – it’s truly unmatched by the world of events.”

Learn more about the CEM Fellows program.

Read the full IAEE press release.