Australia’s MEA announces 2023 Mentor Programme in partnership with EventsAIR

National industry association Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has announced the 2023 launch of its popular Mentor Programme, which will once again connect event professionals across the country in a programme of expertise sharing designed to enhance career progression prospects. This time the programme is being undertaken with the support of events management platform EventsAir, who will sponsor the programme in 2023. Successful applicant mentees will be matched, based on their unique objectives, with an industry expert who’ll provide valuable counsel and growth guidance in a mentor capacity over the three-month period of April through June. With the only caveat being current MEA membership required by mentees, the Mentor Programme presents a big opportunity for budding future leaders of the sector to take advantage of the knowledge and insights delivered by current event industry veterans. As one of MEA’s most valuable membership offerings, this rollout will aim to develop the skills and confidence of 25 events sector up-and-comers by nourishing their professional character. An online hosted platform will once again ensure a premium level of interaction, objective tracking, and provide valuable resources for participants. MEA chief executive officer Peter McDonald said: “MEA’s Mentor Programme is a multi-faceted investment in the future.. and [participants] end the programme a better version of themselves than the one who that started it, more empowered to achieve both professionally and personally. Concurrently, a more capacitated and skilled workforce is achieved, better insulating the greater industry against risk factors that could otherwise be its demise.” Program Partner EventsAir’s CEO Chris Ridd commented: “We’re delighted to play a part in setting up the next generation of the dynamic Australian events industry for successful careers. We’re looking forward to supporting both the mentees and mentors during the programme.” He added: “EventsAir has a long history of supporting the development of skills for this industry’s entrants, providing graduates globally with comprehensive event management education and certification via our own Rising Star programme. We have supported more than 7,000 event planners’ journeys to learn their craft and sharpen their skills. We see a strong correlation between our history of industry support and our new alignment with MEA’s Mentor Programme.” Visit MEA’s website to find out more: www.meetingsevents.com.au/2023-mentor-program or email your expression of interest directly to MEA via cwatson@mea.org.au. Applications close 20 March 2023.