Minister supports move to professional development in events industry
The UK meetings and events industry will have an Institute of Event Management for professional development following the organisation’s incorporation last week, and endorsement from John Penrose MP, Minister for Tourism & Heritage.
In a letter to Planning Board Chair Susan Spibey, Mr Penrose wrote, “Business Tourism contributes £36bn a year and plays a vital role in the UK’s economy. Nevertheless, I want us to capture an even higher share of the international market. To do this we need to capitalize on the professionalism of our business tourism offer… The government supports the aims of any organization which seeks to raise the skills base, and I wish you future success with this venture.”
"This news follows a huge amount of hard work on behalf of the Institute to establish a credible and endorsed organisation for the events industry", commented Spibey. “This news moves us closer to the establishment of a working organisation with accredited professional development courses.”
Nick de Bois, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events also added “I welcome this development as another step to enhance the professional status of the events industry. In this increasingly competitive environment we need to attract the brightest and the best and the Institute of Event Management is another important progression in this task.”
Martin-Christian Kent, Product Development Director at People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism, said that the organisation is pleased with the decision to approve the creation of the Institute of Event Management:
“The events industry is a critical part of the UK economy and it is fitting that the Institute provides a robust legacy when the UK is hosting the biggest sporting event in the world. We will continue to support the Institute’s work and the employers involved to increase the professionalism of the industry and help tackle the skill needs of its workforce.”
The news comes following the launch of Britain for Events campaign, supported by Mr Penrose and the Minister’s visit to International Confex earlier in the year.