Print version Recommend this page Press release
05/ 2008
Bonn, 30.01.2008
New advanced vocational training programme for event professionals
Events of all kinds are 'in' - and the event industry is booming. However, the growing range and number of offerings goes hand-in-hand with ever-higher standards. Planning, organizing and holding a wide array of events increasingly poses a professional challenge for an industry whose spectrum ranges from small music promoters to large convention, conference and trade fair organizations. And current numbers confirm this trend: According to a FORSA survey, 92% of the surveyed firms said that they organize events, conferences, and activities at trade fairs on a regular basis. Compared to earlier surveys, this represents an increase of some 12 percentage points.
In response to the growing importance of this sector and in order to meet the current needs of actual company practice, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has now developed in cooperation with representatives of labour and management a new advanced vocational training profile for the event industry. Starting 1 February 2008, individuals will be able to undergo officially recognized advanced vocational training that leads to qualification as a certified event manager. In addition, the instruction content has been designed to ensure that the individuals completing this training will be prepared for the challenges arising from the opening and globalization of the world's markets.
In future, certified event managers will be qualified for self-employment or for middle management positions in firms in the event industry. They will be able to put their skills to use in the following areas:
- trade fairs and exhibitions,
- conventions and conferences,
- art, cultural and sport events and
- marketing events.
Certified event managers will undergo training in numerous relevant fields including law, taxes, business management and accounting. In addition, they will be able to
- analyse markets and define market prospects,
- design event projects of all types, taking an goal-oriented and team-oriented approach (preparation, implementation and follow-up),
- canvass for customers and conduct customer-oriented event marketing, and
- carry out initial and continuing in-company vocational training tasks.
The new advanced vocational training regulations supersede the previously operative Chambers of Industry and Commerce regulations for the occupation Fachwirt/ Fachwirtin für Messe-, Tagungs- und Kongresswirtschaft (specialist for trade fair, conference and convention management). During the transition period which lasts until 31 December 2011, individuals who have already started an advanced vocational training programme for this latter occupation may finish it under the old regulations.
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training develops advanced training regulations upon instruction from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and in collaboration with experts from day-to-day practice in actual enterprises. The refining and progressive development of the advanced training regulations is one of the main tasks of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training - alongside the revision and updating of the some 350 occupations that require completion of formal vocational training in Germany's 'dual' vocational training system which combines part-time vocational schooling with practical work experience. For example, BIBB has developed or updated more than 50 advanced training regulations in recent years.
Further information is available in German on the BIBB homepage at www.bibb.de/de/wlk30260.htm
and from
- Martin Elsner, Tel.: +49 (0) 228 / 107-2430; E-mail: elsner@bibb.de
