Creating – Engaging – Informing – Learning – Promoting – Transforming
This paper is the first in a series being prepared by Susan Spibey, IEM Executive Board Chair, on Repurposing the Business of Events to support the Events Sector worldwide. It formed her presentation on 28 January 2021 at the Virtual #BuildBackBetter Round Table organised by Positive Impact towards UNFCCC COP-26 Climate Change Conference Glasgow November 2021.
The world has changed, every human on the planet has been impacted by the Covid-19 virus and there is no going back.
BUT we as Event Professionals now have a great opportunity in 2021 to take the lead to help in the process of ‘#buildingbackbetter’ through repurposing the business of events.
This year the UK hosts the UN Conference on Climate Change COP-26. Yes it is an ‘event’ and the whole country has the opportunity to make its mark on this timely and momentous occasion in the race to Zero Carbon. A paradigm shift is required for the UK Events Sector to position itself as the world leader in responding to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Institute of Event Management is now in the process of redeveloping its national occupational standards into a suite of professional standards which will include the common thread of sustainability at all levels of event management from creation through to delivery, evaluation and legacy. We now have the opportunity to further embed innovation into our everyday actions of organising events sustainably.
IEM ACTION
The way forward is redevelopment of the professional standards for event management ensuring sustainability is embedded as a common thread throughout. The Institute of Event Management (IEM) is a professional body based on the standard UK model which will aspire to become chartered once it fulfils the necessary criteria. It will provide professional recognition to individuals and support employers in the development of skills and training towards opportunities for lifelong learning. As a professional body it will work with a Panel of Stakeholders (Employers, Trade Associations, Individual Practitioners and Specialists) on building ‘Skills for Events’ to:
• establish Skills for Events Panel, representative of the whole of the sector (see Event Sector Matrix)
• define the professional standards required for event management at every level of the sector (see Event Sector Matrix)
• review current best practice and existing standards to determine whether they remain fit for purpose
• revise existing standards or create new ones as necessary
• ensure sustainability, inclusion and diversity are embedded into the standards
• agree levels of professional recognition for individuals through three routes – accreditation, experience or ‘on the job’ learning eg the
apprenticeship model
• submit standards for approval and implementation
• agree model for accreditation
IEM INVITATION
The way forward is to become an IEM stakeholder to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline; support the review of standards; creation of new standards; and a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Sustainable Event Management, positioning the UK as world leader. The IEM opened to members in October 2020. Our Founding Partners and Fellows include the Association of Event Management Educators, individual
Institutions, organisations, Professional Event Organisers, and individual practitioners from a range of organisations. The first task is to transform the current framework of occupational standards into a suite of professional standards setting out core knowledge and behaviours as well as identifying key competencies and specialist knowledge requirements. The key purpose being to set the international benchmark for
the events profession, using the standards to make better decisions, act with confidence, drive change and enable career progression.
In developing the standards and pathways to professional recognition the IEM will engage with all those who recognise the importance of the role of a professional skills body for the events sector and in the benefits of professional recognition and lifelong learning opportunities.
As the accrediting body, the IEM will offer professional recognition to individuals, raise the profile of the sector worldwide, provide a body of
knowledge, and the opportunity for upskilling and lifelong learning. Its continuous professional development opportunities will mostly be offered through third party accredited suppliers and institutions. In developing its services, the IEM will provide opportunities for global
connections, lifelong learning, peer engagement, together with a body of knowledge.
IEM INVITATION
The way forward is to join the IEM Skills for Events Panel to ensure the professional standards remain fit for purpose, promote sustainable best practice, innovation, opportunities for upskilling and professional recognition. In its response to planning for the UN Conference on Climate Change COP-26, the IEM is planning to:
(a) Produce the new Professional Map for Sustainable Event Management Standards in collaboration with the UK and wider events sector, including all who have to organise events for many different reasons.
(b) Produce the accreditation framework and process for courses delivered by Institutions and Organisations.
(c) Create the IEM Qualification Framework to define membership levels of: Associate [AIEM], Member [MIEM] and Fellow [FIEM]
(d) Campaign for a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Sustainable Event Management with specialist modules for exhibitions, meetings, outdoor events and festivals.
(e) Campaign to move the ONS Standard Occupational Codes [SOC] to the Professional level and include events in the Standard Industrial Code (SIC).
(f) Promote the Profession’s sustainability goals worldwide and encourage supply chain businesses and partners to join the campaign.
(g) Ensure the development of ISO20121 Sustainable Event Management planned for 2022 and being led by the UK British Standards Institution [BSI] meets the needs of IEM’s Sustainable Event Management Standards and the Profession globally.
(h) Enable UK Event Professionals to connect with the Global Community of Event Professionals to work collaboratively and sustainably in sharing business opportunities as well as building knowledge and skills.
(i) Establish a strong pipeline to maintain creative, innovative and sustainable solutions in event management to ensure continuity and
long-term sustainable development of the profession.
The way forward is to recognise the value which a professional body for the events sector can bring to UK Event Professionals and Event Professionals worldwide post-pandemic and post-Brexit. The IEM is working with the Office for National Statistics and BVEP Vice Chair
to further develop the SIC and SOC Codes to ensure they are fully understood by employers and all event professionals.
The IEM has already engaged with Government Departments BEIS, Cabinet Office, DCMS and DIT together with Nations and Regions, the APPG for Events and leading public, professional and trade bodies to promote the benefits of a professional body for the Events Sector for mutual benefit.
The IEM is also further developing engagement opportunities with international stakeholders in the events sector for mutual benefit.
