MEA/BEA Mentor Program
The Next Step
The MEA/BEA Mentor Program was launched at Coast Restaurant on the evening of Monday 1 September, with thanks to Robin Williams who sponsored our evening event with use of the venue, drinks and canapes.
The program is a joint venture with MEA and BEA partnering the important initiative to grow the Business events industry.
Our thanks go to Joyce DiMascio, head of Business Events Australia, who spoke on the night to the participants of the program and encouraged them on their mentoring journey.
We have had the pleasure of accepting 12 Mentors and 12 Mentees on total.
Mentoring is an excellent way of ensuring that up and coming business events professionals develop the right skills to improve the industry standards and competitiveness. The MEA/BEA Mentor Program, offers mentees a great opportunity to talk through the issues they may be facing in their work life and to explore the options available to them in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. They can listen to the experiences of the mentors and determine the right way for them to overcome obstacles in their day-to-day roles and in their career development.
The value of the program lies in the fact that it is industry-based. Pairing mentees with mentors from different organisations provides an enhanced learning environment. Opportunities are also provided for participants to meet each other and discuss the issues and challenges they face. This is done through group meetings or site visits.
Mentors attended a half day training program developed and facilitated by MEA’s National Training & Accreditation Manager, Gaille Barr. Mentor training is free to participating mentors who volunteer their time and expertise – giving back to the business events industry by assisting less senior business events professionals. Mentees also attend a one hour induction session – ensuring that they understand the mentoring relationship and are able to establish realistic expectations and set clear goals.
MEA will provide updates over the next 6 months as the program progresses.
All photos courtesy of EventPix
(Pictured from Left to Right: Linda Gaunt - MEA, Robin Williams - Coast Restaurant & Joyce DiMascio - Head of Business Events Australia; Coast Restaurant; Mentors & Mentees networking)
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor or a Mentee, please email Kate Duldig kduldig@mea.org.au.