The importance of having letters after your name will be explored at this year’s Association Programme during the Barcelona-based meetings trade show EIBTM.  

Cedric Calhoun, executive director of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, will examine the value of certification to associations, their members and industry.

He will ask why meeting planners can practice without a professional qualification and tackle issues that arise when certification programmes are created purely to make money.

Calhourn will also explore how certified professional education can help association business models evolve over time while providing more value for members.

The Association Programme will span three days and include the return of the Great Association Debate whose content will be determined by delegates.

Erica Keogan, education content manager of IBTM Event Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “Making sure that EIBTM’s Association Programme remains the leading annual event for Association Meetings Planners and Association Management Companies is vital. Each year we seek to secure the attendance of some of the most influential figures in the industry, to ensure that all of our hosted buyers leave feeling informed and inspired.”

The ‘Importance and Value of Certification to Members and Industry’ session will take place on Tuesday, November 27 at 2pm in the conference centre room 4.1. The Great Association Debate.

EIBTM takes place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, 27-29 November.

Pic: Cedric Calhourn