Companies can lose thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars on poorly planned and executed meetings. With the increase in nonprofessional “occasional” meeting planners—often administrative assistants or secretaries—since the pandemic, that risk has only increased.
That’s what inspired industry veteran Dianne Devitt, who has trained thousands of event professionals throughout her career as an Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Tisch Center for Hospitality and Tourism and a Preferred Educator with the Events Industry Council, to create the new Certificate in the Business of Meetings and Events™. This comprehensive plug-and-play program is designed to equip users with the foundational knowledge and skills they need to plan successful events.
The curriculum includes 19 individual modules on topics ranging from technology to transportation, risk management to ROI. Those charged with planning the occasional event, as well as seasoned planners obtaining their CMPs who are seeking to enhance their knowledge in a specific area, can customize the choice of modules based on their needs, or complete all of them (30+ hours) to earn their Certificate in the Business of Meetings and Events™.
Each module includes a free introduction and access to an overview module of the meetings and events industry, along with comprehensive workbooks, quizzes and assessments, tip sheets, case studies and the opportunity to participate in monthly town hall meetings with Devitt herself.
So far, the response has been positive, Devitt said, explaining that admins take the responsibility very seriously when they’re asked to plan a meeting, but often never have had any formal training. And even the most seasoned planners can still enhance their skills in areas they’re less familiar with, she said.
Module partners include: HPN Global, Allseated™, Arch Amenities Group, Cadre, PMSI, SongDivision, Gather Voices, STOVA, Team Pegine, B-25 Security Consultants, Meeting-U, and the Law Offices of Elaine D. Papas.
Introductory discounts are available through the module partners. Learn more here.
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