The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has created a benchmarking system to drive up standards amongst professional conference organisers (PCOs) in the country.

The bureau’s Professional Conference Organiser Partner Programme, or PPP, aims to create a more competitive environment in the business tourism industry.

PCOs must meet various criteria to qualify as a PPP member, in return for various benefits.

To become a Tier 1 member they must have five years’ experience of organising international events for at least 1,000 people. To become a Tier 2 member, partners need to have at least three years’ experience in managing events for 500 delegates or more.

Ho Yoke Ping, general manager, sales and marketing of MyCEB said: “The benefits vary between our Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners. Tier 1 partners receive higher value in education certification support as well as opportunity to be included in bid committees.”

So far three companies have Tier 1 membership: Console Communications, Crystal Edge and AOS Conventions & Events. 

AOS Conventions & Events group managing director Anthony Wong said: “Through PPP, we hope to gain knowledge and create proactive collaboration with other industry players to ensure overall progress of the industry”.