‘….Planner Standards is a benchmark, a foundation for reasonable expectations to ensure successful event undertakings. The Professional Planner Standards (PPS) will be a common reference guide by the event decision-makers in selecting external planning services as well as an internal framework for ensuring the objectives are met irrespective of event type or capacity …..’
The 2nd Event Summit late last year at Hackle Brooke Centre made it clear – to a large audience of industry individuals – that the decision-makers in contracting event management services had dissatisfactions with the implementation and outcomes of many planning assignments. In frequent instances the financial commitments by corporate South Africa in particular were high and unjustified in comparison to the delivery of an acceptable end result.
With no clear bench-mark – the well-attended Event Summit were unanimous in their support for a Professional Planner Standard which would be accepted as a clear planning practice guide going forward.
The MICE Academy took up the challenge as requested by human resource management with the completion of the first draft of the Professional Planner Standards.
In order to familiarise Corporate South Africa in particular and occupational associations in general on the PPS – the MICE Academy commenced a MICE Buyer Circle in which short, sharp sessions are held on a regular basis to provide input and gain acceptance from these key individuals who represent major organisations and associations.
Of the 150 invitations to corporate and association event managers – to date 24 have expressed keen interest in accepting the PPS with their inputs included.
Further MICE Buyer Circles will be held as ‘buy-in’ grows towards the 3rd Event Industry Summit later this year / ends
*Helen Brewer from The MICE Academy is an independent contributor and articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Planner.
