The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation was established in 1993 to recognize event professionals who have successfully demonstrated the knowledge, skills and ability essential to perform all components of a special event. ILEA endorses and manages the voluntary CSEP program for those who meet established standards. 

A CSEP has an established career supporting the live events industry. They have invested time and energy in gaining a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the various event elements and have proven they can apply their experience and critical thinking to all facets of a live event, regardless of the role they play. They are not required to be a subject matter expert in all areas, but should understand the event process well enough that, if needed, they would be able to assemble a team of event professionals, articulate a clear vision and manage that team to execute a successful event. If the candidate is not an event planner or producer, but rather a supplier or partner in the industry, the candidate should still be able to speak to all elements within an event with knowledge and understanding.