Conference & Meetings World Issue 101 — July / August | Page 23

We have knowledgeable and experienced minds in the IACC community,
and it is crucial to tap into that for incoming generations’
Training
Learn something
new every day
MARK COOPER, CEO OF IACC, PUTS SKILLS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
n an industry where we
regularly see the
introduction of new
technologies and trends, it
is vital that we take the time to focus on
developing our skills and knowledge,
whether we are newcomers or industry
veterans.
Businesses and associations must also
do their bit by continuing to drive
education and focus on employee
development, whether that’s by
encouraging their employees to attend
more events, webinars, training days or
workshops.
I’m a firm believer that we can learn
something new every day, whether
that’s a smarter and more efficient way
to work, a nugget of general knowledge
or a new skill. At IACC we strive to
provide first-class education sessions for
members and non-members alike.
In 2012 the association set up its
IACC Institute, which provides a wide
range of training courses, webinars and
online courses on a number of topics,
from venue sales and marketing to
customer service skills and how to work
with agencies.
Sharing knowledge with our peers
can lead to exciting new ideas, influence
a change to our daily work routines and
even help us to enhance our own skills.
We have some very knowledgeable and
experienced minds in this industry, in
the IACC community, and it is crucial
to tap into that wisdom, especially for
incoming generations.
This is why IACC set up its global
mentoring programme, which gives
mentees a chance to develop leadership
IACC is dedicated
to representing the
best meeting venues
globally and
members must meet
a set of stringent
Quality Standards
and agree to a Code
of Ethics. IACC
now includes over
400 member
venues. More
information: www.
iacconline.org
skills, further their understanding of
the global industry and grow their
network of contacts. Working on a
one-to-one basis with an industry
expert can be incredibly beneficial for
personal development. Mentoring gives
a solid platform to build out a
development plan and actions to help
achieve personal goals with the
guidance of an industry veteran.
It is also good to celebrate and
nurture talent. With food and beverage
becoming an ever more integral part of
meetings and events and a significant
ISSUE 101
rise in the variety of dietary
requirements to be catered for, it is
important to recognise the talent and
skills of chefs.
In 2004, the annual IACC Copper
Skillet competition was created, to
encourage and showcase the artistry
and skills of chefs. Fifteen years later
the awards are still a staple in the IACC
calendar, with chefs from IACC member
venues across the globe competing to be
named IACC Global Chefs of the Year.
It really is never too late to learn
something new.
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