Having ended 2011 with strong results across its events, Reed Exhibitions Greater China has identified talent development as one of the key means of replicating these outcomes in 2012, and the way to sustain its competitive advantage in the long term.

In a country currently facing a dearth of exhibition industry talent, Reed China has made skills building a priority. As the strengthening RMB affects the value of exports, the ability to produce industry–defining events that attract investment into China is taking on a new significance. The leading organiser of trade events, Reed Exhibitions sees developing talent for the local exhibition industry as an opportunity to promote the advantages of the country and boost inbound trade. It is also a responsibility the company bears to the industries in which it operates. “More than ever, we are focused on driving training and activities forward. We really want to make the most of China’s growth and the fact that we operate in one of the few optimistic global economies today”, said the President of Reed Exhibitions Greater China, Preecha S. Chen.

The Reed Exhibitions China University, established six years ago, aims to inspire learning and teach exhibition industry professionals how to achieve greater effectiveness in their work. Today, the university has four learning platforms: the annual Reed Exhibitions China Summit, Reed’s yearly Knowledge Day, Talent Day and regular professional training programs.

Reed Exhibitions also launched its inaugural RMAP (Reed Management Associates Program) in 2010. The program was open to highly competitive, recent graduates. After several rounds of selection tests and interviews, offers were made for shortlisted candidates to undergo extensive training staggered over stages. The most outstanding recruits from 2010 are now enjoying accelerated career advancement within the Reed ranks, thus ensuring that the company’s talent pipeline remains robust.

As the year progresses, the training program will be explored through a number of development initiatives, a selection of which include sales & marketing effectiveness activities; shared service effectiveness initiatives; talent assessment programs; performance improvement courses; career development and growth seminars; the second installment of the RMAP and various informal activities designed to cater for the personal wellbeing of staff.

Reed Exhibitions Greater China hopes that its commitment to their professional development will encourage its 437 employees to strive for ambitious goals in 2012. This is sure to keep the company well placed to attract bright talent from across the event management industry.