Meetings + Conventions Calgary Offers New Digital Experience Institute Digital Event Strategist Scholarship Opportunities

August 18, 2017

Scholarship applications now are being accepted for the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course and certification exam.

Sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary and supported by the PCMA Education Foundation’s Digital Experience Institute (DEI), the scholarships support meeting professionals seeking to further their digital and hybrid event education.

As the exclusive sponsor of these scholarships, Meetings + Conventions Calgary supports the application, online course and exam fees, a more than $1,000 USD value.

“It’s been exciting to see the digital event space evolve into a strategic tool to help organizations amplify their reach and drive results as demonstrated in The DEI Power of Digital White Paper” said Jennifer Kingen Kush, executive director of DEI, a global organization dedicated to advancing engagement around events, meetings, learning and marketing programs through technology.

She continued, “Meetings + Conventions Calgary has been a true visionary, helping to empower organizations and the entire industry with their support of scholarships and the ongoing advancement of digital event education.”

Designed to help individuals and organizations develop a means to effectively plan, produce and measure the results of their digital engagement practices, the DES certification program is recognized throughout the globe and boasts graduates from more than 15 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Israel and Singapore.

“Meetings and Conventions Calgary is committed to supporting education in our industry and it is very gratifying to tangibly make the statement that we have sponsored over 100 individual meeting planners to achieve their DES Certification,” said Dave Sclanders, executive director of Meetings + Conventions Calgary.

He continued, “As in anything new, three years ago when Calgary first aligned with DES there was some unknown. Today, however, there can be no longer any doubt the contribution online events are making to our industry. The bottom line is Meetings + Conventions Calgary is proud to be there to support any way today’s meeting professional can better navigate our rapidly changing industry more effectively and more efficiently, thereby planning more successful events and booking more Calgary events.”

The upcoming scholarship application deadline is Aug. 24, with recipients to be notified by Sept. 1. Those awarded with scholarships will be eligible to participate in the DES LIVE online 7-week course that starts Sept. 20 and takes place online Wednesdays and Fridays at noon ET.

To learn more about the DES certification program and scholarship application go here.

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.