This document introduces new International Competency Standards for Meeting and Business Event Management developed by MPI and the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council. The standards provide a framework of skills and knowledge needed for event professionals. They were created by an international task force and are intended to increase credibility, define career paths, and enable hiring of competent staff globally. The standards do not replace existing certifications like the CMP but complement them. MPI will use the standards to develop training programs, certifications, and educational resources to support career success. Feedback is requested on the draft standards by January 31.

1. JANUARY 2010International Competency Standards for Meeting and Business Event ManagementPresented by:Amanda Cecil, PhD, CMP, Chair, MPI’s Body of Knowledge Task ForceDidier Scaillet, MPI’s Chief Development OfficerPhilip Mondor, Senior VP, CTHRCVicki Hawarden, MPI’s VP of Knowledge

2. What’s this all about?It is one thing to call ourselves professionals and another thing altogether to be respected as professionals by organizations and employers outside the meetings industry. A recognized body of knowledge, or competency standards, will provide the increased credibility we have been seeking for decades. For those of us in academia, an accepted body of knowledge is an exciting opportunity to develop and deliver more practical and relevant education. Now we have something concrete, standardized and globally recognized with which to develop curriculum that may be harmonized across institutions in the future. This is a quantum leap for our profession and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this exciting collaboration. Quote from Carol Krugman, MEd, CMP, CMMMetropolitan State College of DenverDepartment of Hospitality, Tourism & Event ManagementMember, MPI Body of Knowledge Task Force

3. 3Why the need for competency standards?Industry Landscape is Rapidly Changing…As part of the evolution of our profession, it’s time for globally accepted standards and practices such as those for more mature industriesGreater scrutiny of industryIncreased focus on ROIThe value of meetings questionedEconomic uncertaintiesConsolidation pressuresTherefore…Workforce needs difference skills

4. Focus changing from hospitality affiliation to business and communication tool

5. Urgency to prove effectiveness and value of meetings

6. Need defined standards and training methodsCompetencyStandards

7. The ApproachMPI assembled a Task Force representative of expert practitioners and academics.The Task Force partnered with the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council, a federal agency with significant experience in developing standards for industry segments.The Task Force based its work on the International Event Management Standard (IEMS), developed by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and completed in June 2009. The Task Force modified IEMS for the meeting and business event industry with a focus on:relevance: tasks were importantcontext: tasks, examples, terms and concepts were meaningful currency: standards reflected current and emergent practicecompleteness: standards were comprehensive and covered the scope of the profession

8. Task Force ParticipantsMANAGEMENT LIAISONVicki Hawarden, CMPMANAGEMENT PARTICIPANTSDidier ScailletJoyce Dogniez, CMMDr. Graydon DawsonBrooke DillierCTHRC PARTNERSPhilip MondorVal NicholsBrent Moore, CMP, CMMEva SchausbergerAmanda Cecil, PhD, CMP│ChairTerri Breining, CMP, CMMBetsy Bondurant, CMP, CMMMary Davar, MBA, CMP, CMMBarbara Cummins, CMP, CMMMichael Goldsmith, CMPEli Gorin, CMPTyra Hilliard, Phd, JD, CMPTeresa John, MBACarol Krugman, MEd, CMP, CMMJessica SchanbaumJanet Sperstad, CMPPeta Helen Thomas, CMP, MBACara Tracy, CMP, CMMAlexandra WagnerChrissy Ward, CAE

9. Who is CTHRC?The CTHRC is a Canadian skills sector council whose goal is to improve on the quality of the Canadian labour force, and to assist businesses to be more flexible in meeting changing competitive demands. CTHRC is funded by the federal department of labour: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). The Council works on behalf of the tourism sector to support a globally (including meetings and events) competitive workforce. www.cthrc.caMPI partnered with CTHRC to create standards for meetings and business events. Working together, CTHRC advanced its cause of creating standards for its workforce, and MPI achieved the creation of competency framework that is the first to be recognized by a government agency. Together, each partner met its goals more effectively.

10. What are the new Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards? Integrated outline of knowledge and skills required to be considered competent at managing a variety of meetings and business events at an expert levelBenchmarked and informed by IEMS, CMP and APEXContains skills and knowledge that describe a competent meeting professionalBroad and inclusive to apply to a wide range of industry career paths and experience levels

11. Do These Standards Replace the CMP?No, absolutely not. The Certified Meeting Professional designation is a certification based on knowledge of selected components of the meeting planning processThese standards include the knowledge areas required to obtain the CMP and do not conflict with, but complement, the CMP requirementsThe International Competency Standards for Meeting and Business Event Management can be used as a basis for future certifications

12. And now here is an outline of the new competency standardsINTERNATIONAL COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR MEETING AND BUSINESS EVENT MANAGEMENTOUTLINESTRATEGIC PLANNINGPROJECT MANAGEMENTRISK MANAGEMENTFINANCIAL MANAGEMENTADMINISTRATIONHUMAN RESOURCESABCDEFManage strategic plan for meeting or eventDevelop sustainability plan for meeting or eventMeasure value of meetings14Plan meeting or event projectManage meeting or event projectManage risk management planManage risksDevelop financial resourcesManage budgetManage cash handlingPerform administrative tasks6811Manage human resources planAcquire staff and volunteersTrain staff and volunteersManage workforce relations125791321014153COMMUNICATIONSTAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENTEVENT DESIGNSITE MANAGEMENTMARKETINGPROFESSIONALISMLGHJKI28Select siteDesign siteManage siteManage site infrastructureManage on-site communicationsManage marketing planManage marketing materialsManage meeting or event merchandisePromote eventConduct public relations activitiesManage sales activities231716Design programEngage performers and entertainersCoordinate food and beverage servicesDesign environmentManage technical productionDevelop plan for attendee/participant managementManage stakeholder relationships34Exhibit professional behaviourConduct business communications352418292519263027312032213322

13. What will these standards accomplish for our profession?11Portable, globally recognized, standardized skills and knowledgeAbility to hire employees who meet recognized standardsProvide a better understanding of the new business realities for our industryTransition the profession to a business results focus

14. Why should you care as an individual? Competency standards will:Create clear career paths and optionsHelp you gain employment and advancement through proof of competency with certificates and certifications based on global standardsHelp you build and grow your business through your ability to hire competent, knowledgeable employeesCreate more job opportunities on a global basis with portable, proven skills

15. How will MPI use these standards to enable your success?They will serve as the foundation of MPI’s global training programThey will be introduced in 15 leading universities and institutes around the world. Partnerships to date include:Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityQatar MICE Development InstituteRyerson UniversitySan Diego State UniversitySKEMA Business School

16. MPI Global TrainingThe standards will be used to create allcertificates and certifications for MPI.Executive Leadership ProgramCertification in Meetings Management (CMM)Global Certificate in Meetings and Business Events IV Introduction Basics Intermediate Advanced Strategic Executive Global Certificate in Meetings and Business Events IIICMP Exam Preparation & Study Materials Global Certificate in Meetings and Business Events II Global Certificate in Meetings and Business Events ISkills Assessment Introduction to the Meeting & Event Industry

17. How will MPI use these standards to enable your success?Additionally, the standards will drive the development of: MPI education products and services

18. Research

19. Textbooks

20. One+ magazine content

21. Visual representation of career paths

22. An updated framework for the skills assessment toolNext StepsCommunity input through January 31, 2010Task Force reviews all the comments in February 2010Final standards will be released at MeetDifferent 2010Endorsement from other organizations and governmental agencies will be soughtStandards will be updated regularly to remain current and credibleRemember, the deadline to provide commentary is January 31!

23. MPI is seeking your feedback on the International Competency Standards for Meeting and Business Event Management!Comments accepted through January 31 To Comment:Review each standard and determine: Is it complete?Is it accurate?If you have recommendations, record reference number and:Click here to view the standards and provide comments by January 31: www.mpiweb.org/standardsDescribe what should changeProvide brief explanation on why the change is neededPartial review or general commentary also welcome Specific knowledge and abilities associated with the task / skillTask / skillReference numberQuestions? Email Vicki Hawarden, MPI’s VP of Knowledgevhawarden@mpiweb.org