Spotlight On Accreditation
MEA Accreditation programs are proudly sponsored by Execugifts
Just who are the Accredited Industry Members who have proven their competency in complex meetings and conference management, and obtained Industry endorsement of their commitment, high standards and ethical practice?
In each edition of the MEA National e-newsletter, we will be introducing you to a randomly selected member of this elite group of Accredited Meetings Managers. In this edition we will shine the spotlight on....
How long have you been an Accredited Meetings Manager? Seven years.
How long have you worked in the Industry? Fifteen years.
Describe your current role: My current role is very challenging overseeing a team of 40+ staff encompassing the conference organising, special events and sponsorship & exhibition sides of our business as well as strategic planning as part of the executive team. I see my role as pivotal in ensuring that our client's expectations are always exceeded and our conferences deliver delight for all.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The people. We are privileged to come in contact with some very accomplished doctors, scientists and researchers in a wide range of fields, and meeting and building relationships with them keeps me motivated and interested in what I do.
What do you enjoy least about your job? Trying to balance the challenges of the role and the time with my family.
What has been your proudest moment? I would find it difficult to pick just one. I feel proud of the managers who work with me when they grow and achieve something outstanding for themselves. A recent example is my very first conference assistant who is now a very able Conference Manager, has recently developed a strategic marketing plan for one of her national Conferences. The result has been a 66% increase in delegate attendance for the national Conference and a forecast 60% increase in the international Congress. This has been a major step forward for the client and the manager was integral in the process.
What has been your most embarrassing moment? Snapping my heel clean off my shoe minutes from a client meeting and having to face the choice of walking in stocking-feet or lop-sided! (They saw the funny side and it gave me an excuse to buy new shoes).
What are you looking forward to in the future? Continuing to grow my skills in company management whilst helping my kids grow and to experience their lives, loves and challenges.
Accreditation is the Industry endorsement of proven competency in complex meetings and conference management, and commitment to achieving high standards and ethical practice in the Meetings, Convention & Business Events Industry. MEA highly recommends the use of Accredited Meetings Managers.
For more information on the value of utilitsing an Accredited Meetings Manager and to locate those members who have attained this prestigious status, please contact MEA or go to the MEA website www.meetingsevents.com.au