Development of a globally-recognised professional standard among European PCOs took a major step forward at an international conference in the historic and charismatic Polish city of Krakow.
Keynote speaker Susan Spibey from the UK was joined by presenters from France, Greece and key players from Poland, in calling for the development of a European Standard system covering the role of PCOs and associated events planners.
As the Professional Development board member with the European Federation of the Associations of PCOs (EFAPCO), Susan Spibey delivered a powerfully aspirational message about the future development of the profile of the PCO.
“There are a number of “new” industry sectors emerging, and the liberalisation of trade across Europe now requires the creation of mechanisms to measure service standards,” she said.
“European Standards already exist for many business sectors, and some have been developed further to international standards – such as ISO 9001 on quality. It is important to define the specialist service that PCOs deliver and to create a standard primarily to provide Clients with a universally understood measurement tool.”
Susan described the UK approach to developing skilled individuals in the events sector. People 1st is the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Leisure Travel and Tourism. Sector Skills Councils are Government-recognised, industry-focused bodies established to support the development of skills and training within that industry. Their vision is to deliver world-class customer experience and productivity by developing the most appropriate skills and qualifications.
People 1st has worked with a cross-section of trade associations and organisations in the events sector to rewrite the National Occupational Standards for Events Management using a range of criteria drawn from both management and marketing disciplines. The aim is to raise the profile of PCOs as Project Managers with specialist knowledge and skills. Proposed standards should be rolled out in early 2009 and be followed by other initiatives.
“EFAPCO now has ten national associations in membership, between them representing over 1,000 companies active in the meetings industry,” Susan added. “It is the most appropriate body to lead the development of the professional profile of PCOs across Europe and we hope that other organisations will support the initiative.
“Along with AFNOR, the French Standards Institute, EFAPCO has already begun preliminary discussions with the European Commission to agree the most appropriate route to developing a European Standard.
EFAPCO President, Nicolas Le Brun added: “France is the latest country to come into membership. Almost every Board member is in pro-active contact with leading PCOs in non-member countries who are keen to establish their own national associations with a view to further strengthening the Federation’s voice in the European corridors of power.”
For more information, visit EFAPCO
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