Meetings + Conventions Calgary Offers New Digital Experience Institute Digital Event Strategist Scholarship Opportunities
August 18, 2017
Scholarship applications now are being accepted for the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course and certification exam.
Sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary and supported by the PCMA Education Foundation’s Digital Experience Institute (DEI), the scholarships support meeting professionals seeking to further their digital and hybrid event education.
As the exclusive sponsor of these scholarships, Meetings + Conventions Calgary supports the application, online course and exam fees, a more than $1,000 USD value.
“It’s been exciting to see the digital event space evolve into a strategic tool to help organizations amplify their reach and drive results as demonstrated in The DEI Power of Digital White Paper” said Jennifer Kingen Kush, executive director of DEI, a global organization dedicated to advancing engagement around events, meetings, learning and marketing programs through technology.
She continued, “Meetings + Conventions Calgary has been a true visionary, helping to empower organizations and the entire industry with their support of scholarships and the ongoing advancement of digital event education.”
Designed to help individuals and organizations develop a means to effectively plan, produce and measure the results of their digital engagement practices, the DES certification program is recognized throughout the globe and boasts graduates from more than 15 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Israel and Singapore.
“Meetings and Conventions Calgary is committed to supporting education in our industry and it is very gratifying to tangibly make the statement that we have sponsored over 100 individual meeting planners to achieve their DES Certification,” said Dave Sclanders, executive director of Meetings + Conventions Calgary.
He continued, “As in anything new, three years ago when Calgary first aligned with DES there was some unknown. Today, however, there can be no longer any doubt the contribution online events are making to our industry. The bottom line is Meetings + Conventions Calgary is proud to be there to support any way today’s meeting professional can better navigate our rapidly changing industry more effectively and more efficiently, thereby planning more successful events and booking more Calgary events.”
The upcoming scholarship application deadline is Aug. 24, with recipients to be notified by Sept. 1. Those awarded with scholarships will be eligible to participate in the DES LIVE online 7-week course that starts Sept. 20 and takes place online Wednesdays and Fridays at noon ET.
To learn more about the DES certification program and scholarship application go here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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