Reference no: EM132742991

A people industry

The conference industry depends for its success and future profitability on attracting people with the highest-quality interpersonal and organizational skills. Such skills are equally important to both the buying and supply sides of the industry. Education and learning programmes, coupled with training and continuing professional development (CPD) courses specific to the conference sector, have emerged and are increasing in number and quality. In this activity students should:

• Overview the importance of people skills,
• Discuss the education and training opportunities available in the industry,
• Identify the salary level.

Activity 8: Leading industry organizations.

The conference industry has been described, or more accurately criticised, as being 'fragmented', because of its multiplicity of representative bodies and organizational structures. In this activity students should:

• Explain the activities of international organizations and associations,
• Discuss the roles of selected national trade and professional associations.

Activity 9: Trends, issues and future developments.

Satellite technology now gives us instant communications across our planet. The internet provides access to an ever-expanding encyclopedia of information and knowledge. Both phenomena enable us to understand and evaluate more effectively the opportunities and threats facing us in many aspects of our daily lives. In this activity students should:

• Outline the industry's global trends and forecasts,
• Identify the differences between virtual and face-to-face conferencing,
• Explain the concept of sustainable meetings,
• Discuss the emerging reality of corporate social responsibility.