IAEE and Informa Markets Team Up to Provide Workforce Learning Program
July 31, 2019
International Association of Exhibitions and Events and exhibitions organizer Informa Markets have partnered on a voluntary workforce development training program that will enable Informa employees to receive a Certificate in Exhibition Management.
“We are excited to offer our extensive knowledge in exhibition management with a global leader like Informa Markets,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. “This is the first-ever agreement IAEE has entered into with another company to extend knowledge in core competencies of exhibition management.”
Built on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration’s comprehensive competency model for the hospitality, tourism and events industry – a partnership that IAEE established in 2014, the in-house CEM program at Informa involves a combination of classroom instruction and applied learning that will be overseen by the company’s Global Learning and Performance team.
According to IAEE officials, the association maintains a license agreement with Informa that allows the company to access educational content that they can then modify and enhance to align with their business practices. The content is trade show-specific with an emphasis on practical knowledge, reflects the latest thinking in exhibitions and event management, and comprises the essential concepts required of professionals in the exhibitions and events management industry.
IAEE and Informa’s CEM program is two-fold: a classroom aspect and a hands-on application to ensure the proper application of the skills, knowledge and abilities learned in the classroom setting, according to Sean Ongers, head of global learning and performance at Informa Markets.
“Out of 12 courses, we’ve chosen eight that align best to our business,” Ongers explained. “Informa colleagues will need to attend a course and then pass the exam as they normally would (but) we’re putting in one further level of detail where they have to go back to their workplace and apply [what they’ve learned], then complete an applied learning certificate to understand the learning impact.”
All courses will be delivered by the Informa training team, whose members all hold the CEM designation. After successful completion of course work and achieving test scores that meet IAEE’s minimum requirements for certification, Informa colleagues will receive a CEM certificate of completion from both IAEE and Informa Markets.
According to Ongers, Informa managers and colleagues alike will have the ability to find out if this voluntary educational program is applicable to their professional development.
“What this is going to do is allow people from marketing to see what operations teams do, operations to see what content teams do and content teams to see what sales do, so it’s bringing together the whole function of exhibition management,” Ongers said. “This partnership with IAEE will bring amazing opportunities for our colleagues around the world.”
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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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