The recent formation of the Council of Event Professionals (CEP) Africa has been described as bold, writes Glenn van Eck
CEP Africa will create recognised certification for the business events industry, partnering with the South African Qualifications Authority – thanks to SAACI, the Exhibition and Events Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) and the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Africa joining forces. Other associations are welcome to join the fold, by the way.
As soon as CEP Africa is operational, possibly before year-end, individuals will be able to apply for one of four likely certification levels, namely Event Organiser, Event Manager, Event Director or the Convention Industry Council’s Certified Meetings Professional (CMP).
CEP Africa will also certify courses though. The good news is that this will include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where we will engage with experts such as the Event Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK) project and the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council. RPL requires a portfolio of evidence which includes years of experience, published industry articles and serving on industry bodies.
Eventually only CEP Africa accredited training courses, including those on specialist functions like safety and security, should be opted for and ultimately be a requirement for all tenders. What is more, they will count as Continued Professional Development points.
What is more, we (industry) will finally be in a position to approach government with one voice and ensure that we have ownership of our own affairs.
For the skeptics among us, let me assure you. This is not just a ‘fly-by-night’ scheme with short-term objectives in mind. It is about positioning the business events industry in its rightful place, considering the vast amount of expertise that exists and the significant role it plays in the economy – locally, provincially and nationally.
And for SAACI it is also about implementing the objectives of one of our strategic pillars. Not only has training and education been identified as an alternative revenue stream for SAACI, but we have set very clear goals. The aim is for 40 percent of SAACI members to be involved in a training programme and 50 percent of SAACI Professional Conference Organisers to be certified by 2016.
We know it can be done, one of the reasons why SAACI is a keen co-founder of CEP Africa.
Watch this space as CEP Africa unfolds and you receive your accreditation options.
Use it to be bold about the industry, about your business and about yourself as a business events industry professional.
