Cover Feature
That’s precisely the purpose of Coetzee won a scholarship, and a trip
Meeting Professionals International to MPI’s World Education Congress in
(MPI)’s University Challenge scheme, Toronto.
which the industry association has
Schemes such as this are a fantastic
been running for several years. It sees way of engaging younger generations
students submit detailed pitches for with association events, in a way that
their dream event, which are then boiled values their fresh perspectives without
down to six finalists before a winner is intimidating them for lack of experience.
chosen by a panel of industry judges.
I had the pleasure of sitting in on the
This is a point highlighted by Noemi
La Torre, who served as a student
“As a student, I felt
slightly intimidated
by the association’s
members,
and its high
position
in the
industry.”
finals of MPI’s University Challenge at representative on the board of the IMEX Frankfurt in May, and hearing the Association of British Professional six pitches made by a diverse group of Conference Organisers (ABPCO). She students. The event was fascinating as says: “There need to be stronger links a snapshot of the recurring themes and with the institutions young talent ideas being taught on modern event comes from. My advice to young people degrees, with many of the pitches entering the industry is to not feel full of old people trying to define
putting a heavy emphasis on legacy intimidated that their limited experience the word ‘millennial’. I’ll tell you a
projects and sustainable innovations. does not add value – on the contrary, secret now: you can’t. It’s a completely
they bring in new solutions, valuable meaningless word.
It was also fascinating as a
demonstration of the sheer creativity on skills and the ability to adapt to fast-
show from the younger generations. The paced changes of technology.”
theme was ‘food of the future’, and its
If associations want to harness these
Instead, connecting with young people
is about ensuring that a generation born
and raised in digital communities also
winner was South African Emile Coetzee, skills, it is their responsibility to seek understands the unique benefits that
who proposed a cruise ship lined with out and encourage young members. local communities like associations can
edible insect meals, hosting game shows Connecting with young people isn’t bring. And most of all, it’s about valuing
with ‘dare’ cards to break down stigma about riding skateboards, creating an their opinions without intimidating or
surrounding alternative food sources. Instagram account, or sitting in a room patronising them, dude.
I’ll tell you a secret now: you can’t
define the word ‘millennial’. It’s a
completely meaningless word.
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