Event management qualifications get global nod

The event management industry has been under the spotlight since the conference kicked off on Monday; it ends on Wednesday, 4 July.

“The global certification model is an agreement on recognition of industry standards and reciprocity of credentials between South Africa, Canada and Australia,” said Blumenthal.

Blumenthal added that since the custodian of skills development in the services industry, including the events management industry, the establishment and enhancement of internationally competitive standards, remain a key issue for the SSETA, hence they sponsored the imbizo.

Preparations underway

A strong contingent of speakers and industry experts from across the world have been sharing, delivering and facilitating various topics that cover organising local events with an international flavour. This is particularly important for the country as the preparations for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup are underway.

‘Experience the community from Congo to Canada, Las Vegas to Limpopo, Sandton to Shantytown', was one topic covered. It wasintroduced by Dan Nelson from Dan Nelson Productions from the US. Health and safety at live events, capacitating graduates in the event sector, the 2010 national communications partnerships, are but a few topics that have come under the spotlight.

Blumenthal also added that the imbizo has also brought together professional bodies that have collectively contributed towards the National Skills Development Strategy over the last seven years, as well as academics, researchers, government agencies, socio-economic initiatives and community driven event related cooperatives, who are seeking to establish business links as suppliers and customers.

Critical call

There have also been discussions on a call for a fully representative board of governors and advisory board for the Institute of Events Management, a call that will be critical in ensuring that there are no barriers to entry into the industry which can contribute positively towards the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA).

“This is an exciting time for the events management industry as South Africa prepares for the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup,” concluded Blumenthal.