The Role of Industry Associations, Professional Development, and Certification Opportunities

Question

Description

Introduction

This assignment will provide you with the opportunity to explore a variety of professional associations that represent various facets of the special events industry. By analyzing and comparing the services, membership criteria, professional certifications, and issues of importance to these associations, it is anticipated that you will substantially increase your awareness of the scope of the special events industry.

Instructions

For this assignment, complete the following:

Go to the Events Industry Council’s “Events Industry Council Members” webpage.

Choose either Option A or Option B.

Option A

Review the web pages of those associations that constitute the Events Industry Council. Then, choose one industry association that you feel will be beneficial to you in your career, and prepare a report that includes the following:

Identification of the association that you chose

Description of the services that they offer to members

Outline of the issues that they are focused on

Explanation of their membership eligibility

Discussion of the reasons why you think this association would be of particular value to you

Option B

With the assistance and approval of your Open Learning Faculty Member, choose an association that may not be a member of the Events Industry Council but is more directly related to your own special events interests, such as wedding planning or a sports tourism association. Use the same criteria as outlined in the first option to prepare your report. Conclude with a discussion as to why you think that membership in this particular association would be of value to your career development.

Compare and contrast the educational opportunities, professional development opportunities, certifications, and resources available from two or three other associations identified in the Events Industry Council list. Summarize the information you find by concluding with a recommendation as to which association offers the most applicable professional development opportunities for your needs. Be sure to explain why you believe this.

When you are exploring their websites, consider the following:

Do they have student memberships?

Can anyone join or is there a membership criterion?

Given your geographic location would membership be a good return on the investment?

What does the quality of their annual convention look like? Who else is attending, sponsoring, exhibiting, speaking?