IN AUGUST, ISES heads to Sydney, Australia, for its annual Conference for Professional Development. It will be the first time in our society's 15-year history that the conference is to be held outside North America.
As a focal point for more than 35 ISES chapters worldwide and more than 3,500 international members, CPD is seen as a major event in the eyes of the special event world. Held annually, the conference provides continuing education to the special event industry and is specifically geared to improving the organizational and business skills of special event professionals.
So what can delegates expect from the 2002 conference?
Well, for a start, the location is second to none. Those attending will experience the beauty and hospitality of one of the world's most spectacular cities. Delegates will visit and dine in many renowned Sydney locations, and even have the opportunity of competing in a sailing regatta in arguably one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. They will leave with a piece of Sydney in their hearts.
EDUCATION AGENDA
From an educational point of view, the conference program covers a wide range of topics relevant to the issues affecting today's special event practitioners and brings to the podium a host of key special event speakers from around the globe. As the industry prepares for the business challenges of the 21st century, the Sydney conference will be a rallying call for all special event practitioners to contribute, challenge and commit to the professional development of the global event industry.
According to CPD 2002 chairperson Romaine Pereira, “Workshops, lectures and forums to be held during the conference will focus on such areas as global standards in the event industry, legal and ethical guidelines, event best practices, event technology in the 21st century, and incorporating and promoting global sensitivity into event design — just to name a few.”
HONORING EXCELLENCE
As the importance of global industry recognition helps improve industry standards internationally and further promotes our professionalism, the conference will also host a gala celebration of the ISES Esprit Awards for Excellence. These awards honor those individuals within the special event industry whose contribution, vision and creativity are an inspiration to any event practitioner.
To date there has been unprecedented interest regarding the conference from around the world, and registrations already far exceed expectations this far in advance. Pereira adds, “We have had inquiries and acceptance from North America, Canada, Europe, South Africa, the Asian region and, of course, Australia. There is a great deal of excitement out there.”
This year celebrates the 15th anniversary of ISES and the 10th year of ISES in Australia, so it is fitting that Sydney, home of the biggest event of all — the 2000 Olympics — is preparing for yet another major event. However, this time it is for event practitioners and, in true Aussie style, will deliver the goods with style and flair. The theme of the conference is “Shine,” and by all indications, this conference will truly shine, because that is what ISES stands for.
I believe that this conference is a must for all special event professionals. In today's competitive and dynamic environment, many professionals are looking for ways to further develop their skills, network and communicate with like-minded colleagues, and be part of the future vision of our industry. This conference will offer the perfect stage and learning tools.
MASS APPEAL
The list of who will benefit is as extensive as the event industry itself, and ISES welcomes anyone involved in events throughout the world. Here's a list of who should attend:
- special event producers, event managers, meeting planners, event designers
- owners and senior managers of special event companies
- corporate event planners, venue/operations managers
- technical directors, technical service providers (sound, light, vision and other specialists)
- caterers/foodservice suppliers
- hardware and rental suppliers (tents, linens, props, etc.)
- event public relations practitioners and marketing managers
- allied industry associates — exhibitions, festivals, incentive travel, visitors and convention bureaus
HOW TO JOIN IN
The 2002 Conference for Professional Development will be held in Sydney from August 2-5 at the Sheraton on the Park. For online registration and information, please visit the ISES Web site at www.ises.com and check the CPD 2002 section; or call ISES headquarters at 800/688-4737 (within the United States) or 312/321-6853, or the ISES Sydney Chapter at +62 2 9344 4755. See you in Sydney!
