The UK conference and meetings sector is to create an Institute of Event Management with the aim of producing a cohesive professional development framework.

In a meeting of the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), which brought together some of the leading professionals, conference organisers and associations from the sector, it was decided that an autonomous body should be set up.

The new organisation will accredit the learning provision of educational institutions, trade associations and private training providers working with event organisers.

"I believe that we are now seeing a broad consensus on the way forward, both in terms of developing relevant qualifications and providing a cohesive professional development framework," commented Michael Hirst, chairman of the BVEP.

He added that the next step was to put together a business plan to deliver this framework for the industry.

The news follows the announcement that leading figures from the event industry will meet with MPs at the House of Commons in autumn to discuss support for the sector.

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