The following chapter provides a synopsis of discussions taking place in relation to CPD within the Events Industry. For the complete report please visit

http://www.derby.ac.uk/corporate/news/taking-the-pulse-the-future-of-event-training-learning-and-development

Taking the Pulse

The following points were recommendations from the group. They represent popular thoughts with some degree of consensus, although they have not been subject to any degree of evaluation.

• There was consensus for a body (format to be agreed), which would seek to provide guidance on a CPD structure for the industry.
• There was agreement on closer links with universities and industry: approved speaker list, channelled through AEME
• Modules need to be developed by industry groups/associations and sold to universities as training packs to prepare students for industry
• MPI members have to go to the US to sit MPI exams, which are very US biased. Europe and the UK need to address this.

There was unilateral agreement that a CPD Programme is definitely needed to meet the demands of all sectors of the Events Industry and all the individuals working in them. To allow this to occur it was felt that there would need to be a Working Party who would establish a CPD programme that took account of the diversity of views and requirements of various Industry sectors. The intention is not to create another association but to provide an umbrella ‘Institute’ with a remit that could coordinate a CPD scheme.  

The Events Industry offers a wealth of occupations and working roles that give all types of individuals the chance of finding something that matches their career aspirations. Access to opportunities and knowing what is available for those wishing to enter the Events Industry is not always easy. It was recommended that a guide on events careers be produced, which would signpost various careers and cover all aspects of the profession, and with a variety of academic and vocational qualifications.

There was clear support for courses that provide accreditation and a variety of learning routes, similar to the University Diploma in Events Safety Diploma. Topics that were mentioned included:

• Event marketing
• Event sales
• Experiential Marketing
• Event Technology
• Innovation and Creativity
• Accredited exhibitor training
• Licensed Chair/Facilitator courses

A number of recommendations were made for other courses, which, while not necessarily being accredited, could earn CPD points. These may already be provided by some of the industry trade associations– or subject to approval – by other training providers.

There was great support for an industry-specific website which would serve a number of functions, including:

• Communicating the CPD message
• acting as a PR point of contact for proactive and reactive comment on relevant topics
• developing into a web-based CPD recording portal
• acting an a gateway to other industry associations
• providing information about the size and scope of the events market, along with links to research papers
• links to education providers and other associations 
• links to commercial support services, such as Events Review/Meetings Review
• a list of approved event trainers and Speakers

This report to be circulated to as wide a range of organisations and individuals as possible, with feedback and comments to n.jordan@derby.ac.uk and c.moss@derby.ac.uk received by Friday 13 November 2009.

A final report will be produced and circulated to all respondents in January 2010 with a view to working towards an Events Industry CPD Programme by Autumn 2010.

Comments

Write a comment