From the CEO
(Pictured: Linda P Gaunt, MEA Chief Executive Officer)
An Important Industry Message from MEA
MEA Meetings Manager Industry Accreditation Program
“A Credible Program for Industry Professionals”
Review Completed – Professional Outcomes Released
The MEA Meetings Industry Accreditation Program established in 1997 has recently been under significant review with some outstanding outcomes to benefit our valued members.
With the ongoing counsel, assistance and expertise of: Roslyn McLeod OAM AMM AFMEA; Sarah Markey-Hamm AMM; Lesley Woods AMM; Ruth Lilian OAM AMM; Rhona Walker AFMEA; Michael Siebert AFMEA; Jill Mason AMM; and Paul Lyons, I am pleased to formally advise the following outcomes as a result of the review:
1. Adoption by the National Business Events Strategy for Australia 2020
The Hon Martin Ferguson MP convened a joint government and industry working group to produce a national Business Events Strategy. The development of the Business Events Strategy involved a wide ranging and comprehensive examination of demand and supply issues, opportunities and impediments facing Australia’s Business Events Industry. The Strategy included 52 recommendations for consideration and action by both government and the business events industry including a process to oversee implementation. The Strategy is intended to be a key input to the National Long Term Tourism Strategy deliberations, and expands on pre-budget submissions lodged by the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) in 2007 and 2008.
Recommendation One – within the National Business Events Strategy for Australia 2020
That the Australian Government recognises and supports Business Events Industry Accreditation programs, namely and in the FIRST instance, the Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) Industry Accreditation Program. This support will ensure that endorsed accreditation programs are recognised well beyond their own industry and offer security in regard to professionalism of those using Meetings Managers to deliver their business events, meetings or conferences.
MEA has four members sitting on BECA including two Meetings Managers; this representation has enabled the following to be prominent within the strategy:
Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) Meetings Manager Accreditation Program
MEA’s Meetings Manager Accreditation Program has been in operation since 1997. It was originally designed for meetings professionals with at least three years industry experience and who were financial members of MEA. Members who have MEA Accreditation have a proven competency in their profession and obtained industry endorsement of their commitment and ability to achieve high standards and ethical practice. Accreditation also helps potential clients to identify operators who have achieved the industry standard for experience and expertise.
The accreditation program includes: Accredited Meetings Manager (AMM) – in operation since 1997 and Accredited In-House Meetings Manager (AIMM) – in operation since January 2004.
Recommendation Two – within the National Business Events Strategy for Australia 2020
That the Australian Government requests its own federal departments and agencies, recognise and give preference to MEA Accredited Meetings Managers in relevant appointments or contracts, given the large number of meetings hosted by government.
2. Accredited Member Promotion
A portfolio of tools will be developed to assist Accredited Meetings Managers promote their business and services. This will be available to all Accredited Meetings Managers. Further promotion of the Meetings Manager program beyond the Business Events Industry will occur through advertising and advertorial by MEA; Marketing to Corporate databases and including testimonials in the latest MEA collateral and ongoing, as it is developed.
3. Other Review Areas Include
• Upgraded Application Guidelines
• Upgraded Application Forms
• Expanded Evidence
• Independent Ethics Committee to ensure confidentiality
• Further recognition of Accredited members
In Conclusion
A considerable amount of time and effort has been provided by many industry professionals to ensure that the magnificent outcomes as above have been made available.
MEA as part of BECA invites you to read the National Business Events Strategy by visiting www.meetingsevents.com.au or www.businesseventscouncil.org.au.
As an industry it is important we work together as one to ensure that we work through and survive the current critical worldwide global financial crisis which magnifies the urgent need to address the needs of our industry.
The Strength of OUR Industry Future Lies in Unity
Linda P Gaunt
Chief Executive Officer
MEA Accreditation Programs are proudly sponsored by Execugifts