Business events knowledge

This chapter begins by noting the paradigm shift as business events employment has moved from the logistical to the strategic level as the industry has undergone a process of professionalisation. Links are made between this process and the expansion of business events-related programmes in higher education. The contribution of universities to the development of a body of knowledge for business events and of a set of general competency standards is examined. The theme of continuing education for the business events workforce is developed, noting the contributions of the professional associations in terms of direct provision of educational opportunities as well as the provision of support by the associations' educational foundations. The contribution of other sources (exhibitions, the trade press, consultants, and training companies) is also described. The expansion of occupational certification for business events professionals is analysed, noting the advantages of such systems for employers and employees. The chapters ends with a review of the various sources of research into business events, encompassing the valuable contribution of academics in this domain.