IAEE and Informa Markets Team Up to Provide Workforce Learning Program 

July 31, 2019

International Association of Exhibitions and Events and exhibitions organizer Informa Markets have partnered on a voluntary workforce development training program that will enable Informa employees to receive a Certificate in Exhibition Management. 

“We are excited to offer our extensive knowledge in exhibition management with a global leader like Informa Markets,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. “This is the first-ever agreement IAEE has entered into with another company to extend knowledge in core competencies of exhibition management.”

Built on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration’s comprehensive competency model for the hospitality, tourism and events industry – a partnership that IAEE established in 2014, the in-house CEM program at Informa involves a combination of classroom instruction and applied learning that will be overseen by the company’s Global Learning and Performance team.

According to IAEE officials, the association maintains a license agreement with Informa that allows the company to access educational content that they can then modify and enhance to align with their business practices. The content is trade show-specific with an emphasis on practical knowledge, reflects the latest thinking in exhibitions and event management, and comprises the essential concepts required of professionals in the exhibitions and events management industry. 

IAEE and Informa’s CEM program is two-fold: a classroom aspect and a hands-on application to ensure the proper application of the skills, knowledge and abilities learned in the classroom setting, according to Sean Ongers, head of global learning and performance at Informa Markets.

“Out of 12 courses, we’ve chosen eight that align best to our business,” Ongers explained. “Informa colleagues will need to attend a course and then pass the exam as they normally would (but) we’re putting in one further level of detail where they have to go back to their workplace and apply [what they’ve learned], then complete an applied learning certificate to understand the learning impact.”

All courses will be delivered by the Informa training team, whose members all hold the CEM designation. After successful completion of course work and achieving test scores that meet IAEE’s minimum requirements for certification, Informa colleagues will receive a CEM certificate of completion from both IAEE and Informa Markets.  

According to Ongers, Informa managers and colleagues alike will have the ability to find out if this voluntary educational program is applicable to their professional development.

“What this is going to do is allow people from marketing to see what operations teams do, operations to see what content teams do and content teams to see what sales do, so it’s bringing together the whole function of exhibition management,” Ongers said. “This partnership with IAEE will bring amazing opportunities for our colleagues around the world.”

  

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.