BVEP to discuss European event relationships

The future professionalisation of the events industry is set to come into question at a forum this month, held by Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP). Despite a number of existing initiatives, qualifications and standards, there is no one universally supported professional body by the events industry or an agreed path to greater professional status, said the organisation. The BVEP’s Forum will seek to achieve a collective view from the industry on the best way forward for greater professionalisation or whether it is required at all. It will be held on 28 October at the University of Westminster, London, where everyone working within the events industry and its associated professional activities is invited to attend, contribute and share their views. “With the proposed apprenticeship levy, growth in graduate numbers and possible consequences of Brexit, there is no better time for the events industry to pull together on this important topic,” said forum organiser Dr Caroline Jackson, vice chair of BVEP. “The BVEP has an important role in connecting Britain’s events industry and one way of achieving this is for us to identify who and what we are as a profession. I look forward to hearing as wide a range of views as possible on how professional status may offer a secure future given both the opportunities and challenges we all face.” Anyone wishing to attend or contribute to the Forum should email cjackson@bournemouth.ac.uk.