SLAPCEO takes MICE industry to greater heights through global certification
Thursday, 13 March 2014 00:00
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The Sri Lanka Association of Prof-essional Conference, Exhibitions & Events Organisers (SLAPCEO) held its second AGM on 26 February, hosted by Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel.
As the only industry body representing the meetings and exhibitions business in Sri Lanka, it is directly supported and assisted by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Economic development to promote Sri Lanka as a venue for Meetings, Conferences and Exhibitions.
While the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau represents Government interest in the meetings industry, SLAPCEO is the voice from the industry in the formulation of policies and development of strategies.
Recognised as a key segment in tourism which brings in premium revenue to the country, SLAPCEO is focused on bringing a professional dimension to this industry by offering specialised training and internationally recognised certification to its membership.
In 2012 SLAPCEO was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, although in existence as an unincorporated association since 2002.
The association is formed of four sub categories of Full members – Professional Conference Organisers (PCO), Professional Exhibition Organisers (PEO), Destination Management Company (DMC), Event Management Company (EMC), with minimum standards specified in order to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the industry.
As the association is currently engaged in a membership drive, it welcomes all those interested to write to [email protected] or visit their website www.slapceo.lk for more information. Suppliers to the industry such as hotels, equipment suppliers, venue providers, airlines, advertising and marketing agencies can also join SLAPCEO as ASSOCIATE members.
SLAPCEO also proudly announces IAPCO in Sri Lanka.
This is an internationally recognised certification to be offered for the first time in Sri Lanka.
The advantage is that the cost would be 90% reduced as opposed to attending this training overseas.
SLAPCEO believes it would enable revival of the MICE industry with more qualified individuals being introduced into the system. The event will be held in July this year. Further details available at www.slapceo.lk.
The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking address by leading business personality, Rohantha Athukorala.
His encouraging words created much enthusiasm amongst the audience to think out of the box in developing the MICE industry and tourism as a whole.
