OCS, or on-line content solutions is the leading global engagement platform for sharing information. Virtual events, live streaming and hybrid conferences are sometimes misunderstood as add-on features of live events whereas they are actually fully integrated but separately produced events with their own set of objectives, strategy and outcomes. Another misperception is that hybrid events and conferences detract from face-to-face engagements, whereas the opposite proved true. This statement is supported by comprehensive case studies. Conference Consultancy South Africa (PTY) Ltd (ConfSA) has been working for a while now on preparing to launch this capability to their local market. They have taken their time to develop the capacity and now posess the expert knowledge to do this professionally. Acquiring the appropriate certification was the last goal before they attempted to roll this service out to their clients, two of which have already signed up for fully produced hybrid conferences. This is the future of their dynamic and ever-changing industry and profession.
They are therefore bursting with pride to announce that one of their management team members have added yet another specialised certification to their team’s list of esteemed CMM and CMP certifications. They congratulate Kyle Smith, DES, who became the first Certified Digital Event Strategist (DES) in Africa when he passed the stringent PCMA Digital Experience Institute exam with distinction on 1 May 2017. Kyle is ConfSA’s Information Systems Manager.
The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Digital Experience Institute® (DEI), the definitive authority on digital and hybrid meeting strategy and production, is a global organisation dedicated to advancing engagement around digital events, meetings and learning. DEI supports and contributes to research, education, thought leadership, promotion, and the digital events community. DEI also produces and supports the Digital Event Strategist® Course and accompanying DES Certification designation.
While event planning and management certification demonstrates an individual’s high standard of professional achievement within the meeting, event, convention and exhibition industries, DEI recognises the unique attributes required of digital event strategists. As such, there are no exceptions to the DES program prerequisites. Kyle joined an esteemed list of only 186 global professionals who have earned the DES certification.
