LAS VEGAS – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) teamed up with two other major industry associations to launch a joint venture that will provide professional resources for industry professionals in emerging markets worldwide.
The Global MICE Collaborative intends to become a destination for professionals in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector seeking professional development and educational opportunities.
Along with IAEE, the venture includes Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). “This is a very exciting day for us,” IAEE President & CEO David DuBois during the October announcement of the plan at 2018 IMEX America in Las Vegas.
“MICE professionals need specialized, credible competencies and resources to help them learn, adapt and evolve to stay ahead of the game,” the collaborative said in its written announcement.
DuBois said teaming up on the project will also extend the presence and influence of the three organizations internationally. “Maybe their home is MPI, or maybe their home is SITE or IAEE,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that we can’t teach them other aspects of MICE disciplines at our individual events.”
The collaborative will first launch in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The Global MICE Collaborative will offer a variety of resources and engagement to ambitious MICE professionals in those regions seeking to expand their skills and expertise. The resources include:
- Professional competencies. The collaborative will provide comprehensive education and certification that will improve competencies and advance professionalism.
- Live events. A calendar of events will bring MICE professionals together for networking and education.
- Research. The collaborative will provide the latest data on the economic benefits of meetings and trade shows as well as consulting for venue managers and destination marketers.
These programs will encourage peer-to-peer engagement among MICE professionals working in different markets. “The Global MICE Collaborative will be the world’s first comprehensive community for MICE professionals,” said Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI. “We are honored to be a part of this collaborative that brings together the power of MPI, IAEE and SITE, providing world-class resources to educate, advance and transform the MICE community globally.”
The schedule of the planned events and details of the educational opportunities were still being developed and were not immediately available, IAEE said.
Reach David DuBois at ddubois@iaee.com; Paul Van Deventer at (866) 318-2743 or pvandeventer@mpiweb.org; Karen Gonzales, IAEE Director, Partnership Relations, at (972) 687-9219 or kgonzales@iaee.com
