Australasia’s first in-person ICCASkills Training Programme has just concluded. The event was held in Christchurch, New Zealand between 10-12 September. Established by ICCA (the International Congress & Convention Association), ICCASkills is the only globally-recognised professional accreditation for every sector of the business events industry.
18 business events professionals from New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and India gathered at Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre to take part in the three-day ICCASkills training event. The sessions were facilitated by ICCA’s (International Congress and Convention Association) international instructors – Deanna Verga from Australia and Juan José García from Spain. Following the completion of a set of exams, attendees will receive CICE (Certified International Convention Executive) accreditation.
ICCA instructor Juan José García said: “Over three days, key business events leaders have come together in New Zealand to shape the future of business events in Asia Pacific, exchanging cutting-edge insights and best practices from across the globe.”
Tourism New Zealand supported the training with an ICCASkills scholarship programme, giving New Zealand business events professionals the chance to undertake the certification by sharing costs with the scholarship recipient’s employer.
Tourism New Zealand global manager of business events Penelope Ryan said: “Business events are a key part of Tourism New Zealand’s strategy to attract visitors to New Zealand year-round, with particular focus on growing arrivals in the off-peak season. “This training programme provided a valuable professional development opportunity for New Zealand’s event professionals, enabling them to build their capabilities.
“In 2023, the business events sector was worth $403m to the New Zealand economy. Upskilling business events professionals will help New Zealand to attract future events and ensures delegates have an exceptional experience while they are here.”
Attendee Erwin Matheeuwsen, research coordinator at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, and ICCA Researcher of the Year in 2023, said: “The programme has been very valuable: it has provided a general oversight of the whole business with practical examples and given me new perspectives. There is a lot of expertise in the room, the sharing of different experiences from the other students is a real part of the learning.”
Learn more at www.iccaskills.org.
