At MEA much time has been dedicated to the professional
development needs of our members. We recognise that
the diverse skills required across the nation are reflected
in the range of industry sectors and job roles within
those areas. There will always be a need for MEA to
offer targeted programs, to address local/state issues,
however, the overall career paths in the industry and
the skill needs that relate to those paths are universal.
MEA has a broad range of topics to cover the required
industry skills at all levels. The two major streams
within the industry, being sales & marketing and
meetings & events management, are provided for in
the MEA PD calendar, which truly reflects the professional
development needs of meetings and events industry people.
Although MEA is made up of a large variety of businesses,
the core membership deals in the area of sales &
marketing, and meetings & events management.
Foundational Level
PD Topics
Given that the Introductory level is well catered for within MEA via the Essentials program, it is important to note that it is not presumed that all of these topics/skills shall be acquired before appointment into a conference coordinator/sales assistant type role.
Instead it needs to be understood that these PD topics are recommended for those already in these roles in preparation for their move into a supervisory role at the Intermediate or Advanced level.
It is also important to note that the Foundational topics are, by definition, appropriate for the more senior levels as it is presumed that these skills are needed, as well as the additional skills required to perform supervisory and management tasks.
Appropriate for delivery to PCOs/Venue Sales Staff
with 1-2 years industry experience.
Common Topics
Length (hours)
Event Industry Update I
3.0
Planning
Developing a Critical Path
Introducing Exhibitions
Understanding Conference Catering
1.5
1.5
1.5
Systems & Procedures
Suppliers - Building Working Relationships
Insurance Matters: Covering your Event
1.0
1.0
Marketing
Getting the best out of your Promotional Material
Creating Promotional Displays
2.0
1.5
Human Resource Management
Improving your Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills
Working with Cultural Groups
3.0
3.0
Financial Management
Managing your Budget
3.0
Technology
The Basics of using Audio Visual
Technology
The Basics of Staging and Venue Set-up
1.5
1.5
Meetings Management Electives
Length (hours)
Designing your Event
1.5
Event Site Selection & Negotiation
1.5
Understanding Conference Committees: Their Role & Structure
1.5
The Do's and Don'ts of Conference Programmes
2.0
Dealing with Registrations
2.0
Site Visit
2.0
Sales & Marketing Electives
Length (hours)
Planning your Sales Strategy
1.5
Selling your Product: From Call to Closure
1.5
Choosing Promotional Activities that Work for You
1.5
Site Visit
2.0
Intermediate Level PD
Topics
Appropriate for delivery to Meetings Managers/Sales Managers with between 3-5 years industry experience.
Intermediate topics
Length (hours)
Meetings Mgmt
Sales
Event Industry Update I
3.0
Planning
Managing Projects
Managing Contractors
Building Business Relationships
Planning Exhibitions: The Critical Success Factors
Winning Bids
Competitive Quoting
Winning Sponsorship
3.0
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
1.5
2.0
Systems & Procedures
Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Secure Conference Environment
Your Business and the Law: Compliance Issues
Keeping your Customers Happy: How to Manage
Quality Customer Service
Managing Risk
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Marketing
Developing New Products
Persuading your Readers: How to Produce Effective Written Communication
Event Marketing in the e-Business World
Public Relations and the Media
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
Human Resource Management
Making an Impact: Improving your Presentation Skills
Negotiating your way to Success
3.0
3.0
Financial Management
Preparing your Budget
3.0
Technology
Getting Technical: Learning more about Lighting and Sound
2.0
Advanced Level PD Topics
Appropriate for delivery to Senior Management with
more than 5 years industry experience.
Advanced Topics
Length
(hours)
Meetings
Mgmt
Sales
Event Industry Update II
3.0
Planning
Developing and working with Business Plans
Benchmarking
Advanced Projects Management
How to Develop Successful Operational Plans
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Systems & Procedures
Managing your Office Assets
3.0
Marketing
Developing Successful Marketing Plans
3.0
Human Resource Management
Leading the Team
Recruiting and Selecting the Best Staff
Monitoring Staff Performance
How to Become an Effective Mentor
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Financial Management
Managing your Financial Operations
3.0
Executive Level PD Topics
Appropriate for delivery to Business Principals/Executive
Management with responsibility for running the business.
Executive Topics
Length
(hours)
Meetings
Mgmt
Sales
Event Industry Update II
3.0
Planning
How to Gather and Use Competitive Intelligence for Strategic Planning Purposes
