EIBTM 2003 offers a head-start to the industry's young professionals

As part of the EIBTM Youth Campaign, ICCA and EIBTM are offering 20 young industry executives the opportunity to gain vital industry knowledge by taking part in the 7th Forum for Young Professionals.

The Forum for Young Professionals is designed to give the 20 executives – who must be 30 or under with less than 2 years experience – an insight into the industry and its potential for them, plus a chance to network with their peers.

Successful applicants will be hosted in Geneva for four days between Saturday 17 May and Tuesday 20 May 2003. During their stay the group will take part in an educational and networking programme designed by ICCA and have the chance to visit EIBTM 2003 (20-22 May, Palexpo, Geneva) – the leading global incentive, business travel and meetings industry event.

Forum for Young Professionals is complimentary and includes three nights accommodation and a return flight to Geneva. The deadline for applications is 7 March 2003.

Debbie Jackson, Exhibition Director of EIBTM said that the Forum For Young Professionals is a key part of EIBTM’s on-going commitment to providing the industry with educational training at the event. “For the industry to continue to flourish we need to invest in the young – they will be the leaders of the future.”

“The forum shows them how rewarding the industry can be and offers them advice on how to maximise their potential within the industry. We are well aware that it is also important for established professionals within the industry to be kept up-to-speed with current industry issues. As well as a programme of seminars each day, EIBTM’s Association Programme provides a full package of education and networking for association buyers," said Ms Jackson.

Additionally, the new MPI Technology Village will provide an insight to specific technological developments.

Martin Sirk, ICCA’s CEO believes that young professionals are the future of the industry: “ICCA is delighted to be supporting the Forum for Young  Professionals, which is part-funded through our ‘Ernst Stock Fund’, to which ICCA members make voluntary contributions each year. We not only encourage our members to send new, enthusiastic staff to this course, but also feel it is of immense value to individuals working as meeting planners with international associations and corporations. The feedback we have received from previous years' participants has been absolutely excellent", added Martin Sirk.

Open to permanent employees of all ICCA member organisations, associations or corporate clients, applicants must be 30 years old or under, have a current position related to the meetings industry and have a maximum of two years experience within the industry. Past participants will not be considered.

 Applicants need to submit a 250 - 500 word paper to ICCA on one of the following:

* What subjects they would like to discuss at the forum

* What major changes are likely to take place in the meetings industry in the next five years, and

* How can the meetings industry in the developed world assist industry growth in the developing world?

For further information on the forum, please contact Mieke van Keulen at ICCA Head Office at email address mieke@icca.nl