Target Audience

The Course is aimed at Meetings industry personnel, corporate employees, organisation volunteers and/or students with little or no previous experience, (less than 12 months) who are, or want to be involved, in the delivery of meetings. Typical groups of people who will benefit from attending the course include:

• Corporate, Association or Government Conference Coordinators/Assistants
• Special Events Coordinators
• Junior Staff or Professional Conference Organisations, or Conference Service Suppliers
• Banquet and Venue Coordinators
• Sales Executives/Coordinators
• Personal Assistants
• Students in related courses
• Volunteers responsible for meeting organisation in Charity or Community Organisations

Aims of the Course

After completing this Course, participants should be able to support the work of a professional meetings manager and understand the processes undertaken to organise a conference.

Specifically they should be able to:

• Define the term "meeting" and describe the Meetings Industry in Australia - how it has evolved and who is involved in it.
• Define "Meeting Objective", and state typical objectives for Association, Corporate and Government Meetings
• Identify the requirements of a positive venue environment which will support the meeting's objectives
• Establish the benefits of holding an exhibition in conjunction with the meeting
• Identify the main components of a Budget as they relate to meetings
• Describe sponsorship opportunities which support the meeting's objectives
• Brief venues
• Select food and beverage appropriate to the needs of the meeting
• Describe the audio-visual support necessary for professional and cost-effective speaker presentations
• Describe the benefits of integrating themed or special events into the social program
• List the range of administrative activities required to ensure the effective conduct of a meeting.

Course Curriculum

1. Setting the Objectives of the Meeting
2. The Meetings Manager
3. The Budget
4. Sponsorship
5. Site Selection
6. Venue Operations and Accommodation
7. Food and Beverage
8. Speaker Support and Production
9. Themed Events
10. Trade Exhibitions
11. Administration and On-site Management

Note: Some subjects may not be included in some States. Please check your State listing.

Benefits of Attending

• An opportunity to meet, and share information with, a range of meetings industry professionals
• The experience of participating in a highly interactive, reality-based training process
• A manual of notes for future reference
• A certificate of Attendance issued by the Meetings and Events Australia
• Ability to earn up to 16 PD points.