ICCA Youth Forum at AIME 09

The ICCA Youth Forum will be hosted at AIME 09, AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, in Melbourne, Australia next February.

It will be the tenth staging of the popular Forum that brings together young industry professionals from the Asia Pacific region to learn more about the global business events industry.

“We are delighted that the ICCA Youth Forum will again be taking place at AIME complementing the established tradition and support given by EIBTM.”

“ICCA is one of the most prominent meetings organisations in the world and the Forum is important to the development of young industry members,” said Elizabeth Sarian, Acting Event Director.

Forum Manager, Elizabeth Rich, urged those interested to apply, adding, “This is a fast-track learning opportunity where you can hear from senior international practitioners in a small group environment.”

“The ICCA Youth Forum is renowned for injecting passion for a career in the industry and for providing participants with an ideal opportunity to network with their peers and establish valuable industry contacts.”

The Forum program which includes two days of presentations and discussions is held on Sunday 15 February and Monday 16 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Participants also attend the AIME Welcome Reception on Monday evening and the AIME 09 exhibition on 17 and 18 February.

The Forum is open to people under the age of 30 years currently working in the business events industry and is free of charge to employees of ICCA members, with non-ICCA members pay a nominal registration fee of AU$220.

Ms Rich said that ICCA Youth Forum would be opened by ICCA President, Leigh Harry, chief executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), who will give an address on the Outlook for 2009. Ms Rich also acknowledged the support given by MCEC in providing the venue for the Forum for many years.

“What better time to hear about the global outlook for the industry from one of our most respected industry leaders,” said Ms Rich. “Other sessions will focus on technology, research, case studies and career paths in the industry.”

Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, event partner of AIME, said Melbourne was proud to host the ICCA Youth Forum.

“The ICCA Youth Forum is an excellent opportunity for our young leaders to network with others, learn from more experienced industry colleagues, and to attend AIME, one of the most important events in the Asia Pacific region.”

The full program for the ICCA Youth Forum will be available on the AIME website soon. 

Enquiries and registration can be made by emailing Elizabeth Rich: elizabethrich@a1.com.au. 

AIME 2009 will be held on 17 & 18 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia.

For further information visit the AIME website: www.aime.com.au

A Report by The Mole