The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) has concluded a licensing agreement with the US-based International Association of Exhibition Management (IAEM) to offer the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program courses to exhibition professionals.

This is part of SACEOS’ objective to upgrade the professionalism of Singapore’s exhibition industry. The association is also opening the programme to non-Singapore based people in the trade as it has CEM marketing rights in the majority of countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The first intake for the CEM programme is timed to coincide with the International Exhibition, Convention & Meeting Industry Expo (IECM) 2004 at Singapore which takes place from 22-24 September at Singapore Expo.

The course includes mandatory modules on attendance promotion, event operations and selling exhibit space and elective subjects on basic conference and meeting management and crisis management.

Participants do not need to be members of IAEM to enrol for the programme, or be working towards certification. They can select one or more modules based on their needs or interest. However, to earn CEM certification, they must successfully complete seven mandatory and two elective modules, pass the appropriate examinations within three years following the first examination pass; and have three years of proven full-time working experience in exhibition management. Re-certification is required every two years after receiving the initial certification.

The fee is S$350 per module for participants who are from SACEOS member-companies that are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and supported by the Skills Development Fund. Non-SACEOS members and foreign participants will have to pay S$380 per module.

Mr Sim Kian Kiat, Chairman of SACEOS’ Training Committee, said: “For the first time in Singapore, participants will be able to receive cutting-edge practical knowledge designed for exhibition industry professionals to succeed without the need to travel to the United States. In the dynamic industry of exhibition management, continuing education and certification provides the hallmark of recognition.”

The SACEOS Secretariat reported that as at 8 September, there were 62 participants confirmed for the various modules, which will be led by experienced practitioners in their respective fields. Whilst most of the interest has come from the exhibition industry in Singapore, there will also be five persons from Exhibition Rai from Bangkok attending the course.

Since this is the first run, and to enable as many people in the exhibition industry as possible to benefit, SACEOS will accept registrations “up to the very last minute, including on-site registration at IECM2004”, said Ms Sandra Cheong, Secretariat Manager.

She added: “SACEOS has always made available our exhibition and conference management courses beyond national borders. For overseas participants who attend our training programmes, generally we offer them a choice of three hotels and assist them in booking accommodation if required.”

CEM programme details can be found at the SACEOS website, www.saceos.org.sg or IECM2004 @ Singapore webpage, http://www.iecm2004.com/Gen_SpecialEvts.htm#cem