European Cities Marketing (ECM) launched this month its 35th edition of the ECM Summer School, which will take place online on August 24-26, 2021.
In this current context, all generations need upskilling and proper preparation for the coming to revamp of the Meetings Industry in the wave of digital/hybrid events that affect all the professionals working in convention bureaux, DMOs, hotels, PCOs, DMCs, airlines as well as corporate planners, association executives or meeting professionals.
After 33 physical editions dedicated to the newcomers in the Industry, ECM Summer School adopted last year to established professionals with strategic discussions on the resilience of our sector.
“Based on last years’ experience, and on the current context, we’ve set up a special edition tailored for all Meetings Industry professionals, no matter their level of experience, to give them the opportunity to interact with senior experts and learn from each other with relevant presentations and engaging activities. It is paramount for all the meeting professionals to create a moment where all the actors in this multifaceted and complex industry can finally discuss at a higher level what are the new formats, patterns and protocols that regulate our industry after such a period of big changes. Hosted on a digital platform, this new well-thought-out programme holds the promise of three interactive and insightful half-days to cover what makes our industry fantastic: BUSINESS, PEOPLE and PLACES. We are taking advantage of the online world to deliver more content and create a space fit to exchange and challenge ourselves with different formats and sessions, while allowing you to network with your peers, all from the comfort of your home and office.” said Pier Paolo Mariotti, ECM Summer School Course Director.
Interactive discussions will focus on the themes of people (inclusivity, diversity, wellbeing at work…), places (destination legislation, virtual & hybrid events, legacy, sustainability…) and business (bidding, business plans for virtual events, data, keeping business during a pandemic, tradeshows…).
The faculty are all members or partners of ECM and give their time on a voluntary basis – a way of giving back to the Meetings Industry: Richard Allchild, Senior Sales Manager, IMEX Group; Guy Bigwood, Managing Director, Global Destination Sustainability Movement & GuBi Consulting; Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge; Benjamin Dunster, Head of Partnerships, Reed Travel Exhibitions; Angela Graun, Senior Director, Head of Meetings & Events EMEA, Radisson Hotel Group; Olivier Henry-Biabaud, Managing Director, TCI Research; Jenny Holland, Sales Manager IBTM World & WIRED, Reed Travel Exhibitions; Barbara Jamison-Woods, Head of Business Development Europe, London & Partners; Sam Johnston, Manager, Convention Bureaux of Ireland; Catherine Kalamidas, Account Manager Congresses, Rotterdam Partners; Cain Leathem, Exercise & Nutrition Consultant, IMEX Group, GB Fitness; Sissi Lygnou, CEO Operations & Devt. PCO Services, AFEA Travel & Congress Services; Heike Mahmoud, CMP, Chief Operating Officer, CCH – Congress Center Hamburg; Pier Paolo Mariotti, CMM, CMP, Meeting Manager, EURAC Research Bolzano – Course Director; Christian Mutschlechner, Member of the Board of Directors, Congrex Switzerland & former Director, Vienna Convention Bureau; Miguel Neves, CMP, Editor-in-chief, EventMB; David Peacock, Senior Advisor Future Tourism Group, Simpleview Inc.; Riccardo Pizzuti, Sales & Marketing Manager, Roma&Lazio Convention Bureau; Olivier Ponti, Vice-President Insights, ForwardKeys; Annamaria Ruffini, President & CEO, Events In & Out; Mathias Sondermann, Senior Director Head of Events Programs & Experience, SAP; Petra Stušek, CEO, Visit Ljubljana & President, European Cities Marketing; Katarina Thorstensson, Smart Tourism & Sustainability Strategist, Göteborg & Co; Daniel Waigl, Executive Director, CIRSE; plus representatives from Best Cities, IAPCO and Wonderful Copenhagen.
“We firmly believe that ongoing education in the Meetings Industry is a success factor for future business. We aim to bring the industry professionals closer, share perspectives and strengthen networks in these challenging times when collaboration is key with the help of the most qualified and senior Meetings Industry experts. Whilst we hope to be able to meet in-person soon, it is with great pleasure that we will welcome all participants online for the ECM Summer School 2021, on August 24-26, 2021!.” concludes Petra Stušek, ECM President.
European Cities Marketing is a non-profit organisation improving the competitiveness and performance of leading cities of Europe by providing a platform for convention, leisure and city marketing professionals to exchange knowledge, best practice and widen their network to build new business. European Cities Marketing is promoting and linking the interests of members from 110+ major cities in 36 countries.
