ICCA
Education , education , education …
ICCA CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH SAYS THE ASSOCIATION ’ S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME IS POISED TO WELCOME A NEW GENERATION OF INNOVATORS AND LEADERS INTO THE MEETINGS AND EVENTS MANAGEMENT SPACE
E ngaging the next generation of professionals is one of the challenges faced by the associations and events industry . Attracting and retaining talented individuals who embody the values and ideals that make this community great is a priority for all stakeholders . ICCA strives to be proactive when reaching out to young people and showing them that joining the meetings industry can be a meaningful , lucrative , and rewarding career .
As part of its education portfolio , ICCA offers a variety of instructional materials , courses , programmes , and events across a range of platforms , accessible by participants all over the world . We have developed – both inhouse and in partnership with thought leaders and key industry stakeholders – materials that build the skills and knowledge participants need to succeed in the industry . ICCA events and congresses , its database , White Papers , and knowledge hub offer a wealth of knowledge for members . ICCASkills , the only globally recognised certification programme for suppliers in every sector of the meetings industry , offers educational programmes that elevate business events standards , with two certification tracks offering tailored learning paths and advanced content . The courses are taught by industryexpert instructors with business events experience .
Those who fulfil the course requirements receive certification that sets them apart . CICS ( Certified International Convention Specialist ), aims to equip recent college graduates and junior professionals with essential skills and knowledge necessary to succeed , and CICE ( Certified International Convention Executive ), provides a training in advanced event management techniques , strategies ,
Above : Senthil Gopinath
“ The ICCA team is forever challenging , thinking , reworking . To use a cricketing term , we stay on the front foot .”
and legacy .
In March we announced the launch of ICCAUni . Designed to partner with universities and colleges to foster collaboration between academia and the events industry , ICCAUni is based on three foundations : Data Sharing , Mentorship and Education , and Networking and Collaboration . These areas are critical for the development of the next generation of meetings and events professionals , and ICCA is poised to help propel the next cohort of leaders to the forefront of the community .
ICCAUni was developed in response to the need for a pathway for recent graduates and young professionals to succeed in the industry . Especially in a post-pandemic world , many careers in the meetings and events space were perceived as difficult to access , unattainable , or unsustainable . ICCAUni aims to dispel these perceptions , break down barriers that limit access to meetings and events careers , and provide the missing piece of the education puzzle to those interested in joining the ranks of meetings professionals .
ICCAUni joins ICCA ’ s innovative educational resources of certification events , Masterclasses , podcasts and online content , all serving the needs of the professional community . ICCA Masterclasses are geared toward established professionals seeking to keep their skillset fresh and keep up with developing trends . This year , ICCA will launch two new Masterclasses focusing on current issues in meetings and events , including AI and sustainability .
ICCA is proud to help guide the next generation of young people – as well as professionals who have already begun their careers – toward becoming leaders in the industry and the association ’ s portfolio of educational programmes is a valuable resource for professionals in all levels and areas of the meetings and events space . n
ISSUE 130 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 9