The future is coming. To make sure the next generation of meeting planners is ready for it when it arrives, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has partnered with Lithium Logistics Group to establish a program dedicated to the ongoing professional development of up-and-coming MICE professionals, it announced last week at the America's Meetings & Events Exhibition (AIBTM).
Known at the Global Emerging Leaders Community, the program will match meeting professionals with seven or fewer years of experience with industry veterans through events, webinars and other networking opportunities. As the community's chief sponsor, RTE will host education sessions exclusively for young professionals at each of its IBTM events, including AIBTM in the United States, EIBTM in Europe, GIBTM in the Middle East, CIBTM in China and AIME in Australia.
"The Global Emerging Leaders Community will be a center of excellence, information and recommendations for new professionals entering the industry," said AIBTM Event Director Graeme Barnett. "We believe that mentoring the future generation of meetings professionals will serve to strengthen and grow business opportunities in our industry."
Added Julie Ann Schmidt, managing partner of Lithium Logistics Group, a Minneapolis-based firm specializing in event logistics and leadership development, "We have the ideal key partner to drive the success of this program. Working with the IBTM Event Portfolio at Reed Travel Exhibitions, and specifically with AIBTM in the U.S., gives the Emerging Leaders program a solid foundation and launch pad from which to flourish. There is no limit on the possibilities this alliance holds for the MICE industry."