Investing in the next generation of event planners in Africa.
IBTM Africa, part of the IBTM Global Events portfolio of meetings industry events, is to partner with the MICE Academy to help support the advancement of the next generation of industry professionals in Africa.
The MICE Academy has created the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme for all sectors of the events and meetings industry through its subscriber based web portal. IBTM Africa will be giving the first 20 contracted exhibitors at next year’s event, an annual subscription funded by Reed Travel Exhibitions and the IBTM Portfolio of Events. Each of these exhibitors will select a member of their staff to undertake the CPD programme through their subscription.
At the same time, those individuals who will undertake the year’s CPD programme will also be invited to attend the IBTM Africa Forum education sessions as well as the networking events.
Helen Brewer, founder of MICE Academy commented on the importance of this new partnership for the industry in Africa and beyond. “This is a significant partnership in that the added value enhances the international ground swell – underway at this time – of determining the experience and knowledge-base of all individuals practicing within the various sectors of the MICE industry.
“CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is the name of the game with more and more seasoned practitioners being tested simply and effectively without leaving their screen with CPD programme accessibility 24/7. Irrespective of the type of established certification programme out there, both acceptance and recertification credits are required in one form or another to gain or retain the specific acronym. Hence whether the Academy’s CPD on-line programme is used as a free-standing credit score accumulation process with recognition and reward or as the most authentic means of credit substantiation for established certification programmes – the MICE Academy’s CPD programme will be a major advantage for IBTM Africa’s exhibitor’s nominated personnel” she added.
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager for IBTM Africa of the initiative: “We are excited to be partnering with the MICE Academy’s CPD programme which has so many important advantages for the next generation of meeting professionals in this region. The IBTM Global Events portfolio is passionate about its global education programme and empowering individuals with knowledge. IBTM Africa is the most cost effective business platform for African suppliers who are looking to do inbound business from the rest of the world, by helping develop the industry alongside our event, this is the beginning of a journey together.”
The second edition of IBTM Africa taking place in Cape Town (13-15 April) as part of Africa Travel Week, will bring together 60 African suppliers and international buyers for 3 days of business, networking and education.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
