MEA SKILLS REVIEW

MEETING & Events Australia (MEA) is coordinating a survey to identify skills shortages.

The association has invited the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) and the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux (AACB) to support the survey by distributing the questionnaire to their members to ensure all sectors of the events industry are represented.

Robyn Johnson, ceo of MEA, said maintaining the highest service levels was critical to ensuring the continued growth of the Australian events industry.

“MEA has taken a collaborative approach by working across the industry to explore what gap there is in the industry so that we can develop programs and work with government and other agencies to fill this gap,” she said.

The survey will highlight perceived gaps in experience and skills so that training packages can be developed to help the industry appropriately, address shortfalls.

AACB ceo Andrew Heibl said Australia would forever be on an uneven playing field when attracting international business events because of its geographic location in the world.

However he said Australia could still remain on everyone’s bucket list and have a reputation for delivering world class events.

“To maintain this competitive advantage, we must continue to lead with the professionalism.”

He said this required experienced and qualified professionals in all areas of the business events industry to come together.

The report on the outcomes of the survey will be announced at MEA’s National Conference, which will be held 30 Apr-02 May, 2017.