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? 1999 was the year I received my AMM Accreditation, more and more meeting planners should take the time to undertake this process, as it will assist in lifting the level of professionalism and increasing the profile throughout the industry.
How long have you worked in the Industry? Since birth really, comes with the territory of being born into a family owned and operated business!
What was your first job? Opening the office mail during the summer holidays - wow, that makes me sound old doesn't it? All those years ago when companies actually needed a mail room, instead of banks of servers!
My first full time role was as Guest Services Agent for the Sheraton Towers Southgate, now known as the Langham Hotel.
Describe your current role: Being National Manager of ICMS Pty Ltd involves the overall management of the company, being responsible for all aspects of the day to day running of Melbourne Head Office and branch offices in Sydney, and Brisbane. Training, guidance and support to our 30 full time staff is a main component of the role.
What do you enjoy most about your job? I am constantly in awe of the diversity, level of expertise and the global recognition that our clients have in their individual industries. Many are world leaders in their respective fields, whether it be cardiac surgery, brain injury rehabilitation or ultrasound technology, the fact that our clients are so appreciative of every aspect that makes their event so successful - that is something that constantly amazes me!
What do you enjoy least about your job? Lack of recognition of the complexity of a meeting manager's role. It is not all about booking functions, gala dinners, tours and accommodation - it is time our industry received credit for assisting our clients to meet their overall key objectives and goals for the society or organisation.
What has been your proudest moment? Personally, it is the milestones of our two children, Orla , 6 years and Declan 3 achieve on a day to day basis.
Professionally, at the completion of a conference when you stand back and watch your client's face relax and see their smile grow wider and wider from the adulation from the conference attendees after a successful conference. More importantly, presenting the client with the final conference report when their event has exceeded their society's goals and objectives.
What has been your most embarrassing moment? Any public recognition! Had to think long and hard about this one, firstly it is a toss up between the way your family embarrasses you with childhood stories in front of your colleagues and clients, but then I remembered a funny story. When I was in grade six - 11 years ago - it was my first school swimming sports day, and I was too chicken to dive off the blocks. Everyone started on the blocks, except for me. I was shaking like a leaf, fighting back tears, but when the gun went off, the adrenaline took over and I won the race! Dad was laughing so hard, it quickly quelled my embarrassment!
What are you looking forward to in the future? Building on the successes of ICMS that our family has achieved over the past 37 years. By striving to increase the level of professionalism of our industry not only in Australia, but throughout the world and am equally excited about the prospects of moving forward into the next 37 years!
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