The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has launched a new membership category for universities.
The category is designed to attract universities that incorporate association events into their degree programmes. Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan) and Manchester Metropolitan University become the first to have their courses recognised by ABPCO under the new scheme with the former receiving their membership certificate at the ABPCO Chairman’s Lunch and Excellence Awards on 7 November 2014, whilst Manchester Metropolitan received theirs on Monday 17 November as part of a lecture delivered by ABPCO Association Director, Heather Lishman.
“I am delighted that the UK Centre for Event Management was the first university member of ABPCO,” comments Rhodri Thomas, Head of ICRETH at Leeds Beckett University and ABPCO board member. “The association is comprised of highly talented and progressive senior event managers who are willing to share their expertise and are open to suggestion. I am now delighted that Manchester Metropolitan University is also joining us and hoping that other universities will also shortly become part of this valuable network.”
Sehar Graham, Programme Leader in Events Management, Manchester Metropolitan University said: “Our reason for wanting to join ABPCO was to introduce professional association bodies to our students so they can see the wider industry, make connections and use research opportunities. Heather’s lecture was a great insight for them – and I hope our relationship develops and grows.”
The membership category includes opportunities for universities to network with leaders in the industry, and to help enhance the research efforts of universities by potentially providing seedcorn funding, access to companies and suggestions for future research. ABPCO members will in turn benefit from access to appropriate university research, beneficial to their ongoing career growth and knowledge development.
“ABPCO members have a wealth of experience and knowledge so the opportunity to use that to benefit university students and the industry as a whole, is an exciting one,” said, Jennifer Jenkins, current chair of ABPCO. “The education of the PCOs of the future is vital as is the need to share knowledge. Universities such as Leeds Beckett and Manchester Metropolitan prepare their students by arming them with the skills they need to succeed in the industry and our new university membership category will enhance that.”
ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
