One of the hot issues to be tackled at this year's EIBTM - is the growing importance within the industry of Generation Y.
The three-day event in Barcelona, 1-3 December 2009, is dedicating sessions within its Professional Education to look at the needs of this dynamic generation and is also working with ICCA to continue the search for the future of the industry through its Forum For Young Professionals.
Generation Y - those born between 1977 and 1995 - are already seeing organisers look at meetings and events in different ways particularly with regard to technology; making organisers think seriously about what technologies can be used to entice them to attend and engage with their conferences, meetings, incentives and events.
With a commitment to providing best professional education, Rob Davidson, expert on the subject, Senior Lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism, University of Westminster, will be facilitating a seminar entitled "Motivating Generation Y - how you can design meetings and use technology to involve them?" This forms part of EIBTM's Technology Hour, taking place daily.
A further Technology Hour session, led by Corbin Ball, CMP, Corbin Ball Associates will tackle the subject of 'Social media for meetings: What are the best choices? Web 2.0, Twitter and social media are key words and products that Generation Y understand and acknowledge as useful marketing tools.
This workshop reviews current social trends and helps work through the technology maze.
Additionally, EIBTM in conjunction with ICCA, is searching for the 'future' of the meetings industry through the annual Forum for Young Professionals.
The two organisations are on the look out for 20 industry professionals, 30 years of age and under, to join them from Saturday 28 to Tuesday 1 December.
Key benefits for those chosen to join the Forum for Young Professionals include:
- A fresh perspective on meetings management and the industry
- Familiarisation with the global meetings industry and its potential young professionals
- Enhanced professional skills
- Connections and networks with peers from around the world
- Better appreciation of different viewpoints, approaches and cultures
- The experience of working in multi-cultural and buyer-supplier teams
- The ability to plan a career in the industry
- Knowledge of ICCA, its organisation and membership benefits
- Continued motivation and enthusiasm for the industry
The four-day event is to be facilitated by one of the industry's well-known figures, Elizabeth Rich, Chief Executive of the Business Events Council of Australia. She will be joined by Rob Davidson from the University of Westminster.
Corbin Ball will return to present his popular 'Trends in IT' session, whilst the programme will also include a conference project, topical debates, educational sessions, networking events and a preview of EIBTM.
Mandy Torrens, EIBTM Exhibition Director adds: "This initiative, together with our other seminars dedicated to Generation Y, is all about the future of the industry which relies on young professionals to make their mark. With ICCA we are committed long term to help educate and develop the obvious talent that exists around the world."
Selection to the Forum is based on country of origin, current employment and a short industry essay. Applicants must be reasonably fluent in English and either work for an ICCA member or someone within their organisation must be registered to attend EIBTM as a Hosted Buyer.
For further information on EIBTM's professional education programme, Forum for Young Professionals, Technology Hour or for details of how to pre register for the event log onto www.eibtm.com
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