Issue 59

EVENTS
GETTY IMAGES
Matt Kirby on the importance of continuing professional development in the events sector
IN THE dynamic and ever-evolving field of
event management, continuing professional
development (CPD) is crucial for event
organisers to stay competitive and succeed in
their roles. CPD refers to the ongoing process
of acquiring and honing the knowledge,
skills and abilities necessary to excel in a
profession. In this article, we will explore the
importance of CPD for event organisers and
discuss various strategies to facilitate growth
and advancement in the industry.
Events management is a professional and
academic discipline that has really emerged
over the last 45 years from related fields
such as tourism, hospitality, marketing and
leisure. This rise and development has been
largely positive for academia and industry
alike, but the pace of the events sector’s
evolution is constantly causing gaps in the
knowledge and comprehension of how
events have and continue to evolve. Think
about how digital technology has taken a
leap forward and is reshaping the events
industry during and since the pandemic.
The current event ‘literature’ is principally
focused on the strategic development,
management, operational delivery of events
and ‘consumer experience’, with much less
consideration how knowledge, ideas and
practices are shared and developed – this is
“NETWORKING FACILITATES
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE,
COLLABORATION AND
POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS,
WHICH CAN LEAD TO NEW
OPPORTUNITIES AND
CAREER GROWTH”
where CPD can help the event professional.
KEEPING UP WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS
The event industry is known for its rapid
changes and evolving trends. Engaging
in CPD activities allows event organisers
to stay updated with the latest industry
developments, emerging technologies
and changing client expectations. This
knowledge ensures that event organisers can
deliver innovative and relevant experiences
to their clients.
ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
CPD helps event organisers enhance their
professional competence by acquiring new
skills and knowledge. It enables them to
understand best practices, adopt industry
standards and implement effective strategies
in event planning, project management,
budgeting, risk assessment, marketing and
communication. Improved competence leads
to increased confidence, efficiency and the
ability to deliver successful events.
BUILDING A NETWORK
CPD provides valuable networking
opportunities for event organisers.
Participating in industry conferences,
workshops and seminars allows them to
connect with fellow professionals, share
experiences and build relationships.
Networking facilitates knowledge exchange,
collaboration and potential partnerships,
which can lead to new opportunities and
career growth.
DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT TO
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Engaging in CPD showcases a commitment
to continuous learning and professional
growth. It demonstrates to clients, employers
and peers that event organisers are
dedicated to providing high-quality services
and staying ahead of industry developments.
This commitment enhances credibility and
opens doors to new opportunities and career
advancement.
54 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM