Sabah ups PCO quality with first training programme

A three-day Professional Conference Management (PCM) programme will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, from April 26-28, 2017.

Designed to equip participants with practical applications of concepts in organising conferences, and the necessary skills to deliver professional world-class conferences, the PCM programme will cover areas ranging from conference planning and development to marketing and bidding techniques.

The programme, aimed at uplifting professionalism in the sector, is a joint effort between the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), Singapore Association of Conventions and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers, and Sabah Tourism Board. It is the first time Sabah will be holding the event.

Gracie Geikie, MACEOS' acting vice president for conventions and PCM trainer, said: “The course will equip participants with the fundamentals and skills to become a professional conference organiser (PCO). Sabah does not have any full-fledged PCOs. It is also timely as two new convention centres are being constructed in the state, and participants can benefit from the potential business that will come in once these centres are operational. It also provides an opportunity for a destination management company (DMC) to become a PCO.”

Gordon Yapp, general manager at Sabah Tourism Board, added: “We hope the private and public sectors will take full advantage of this programme to equip themselves for the next phase of tourism in Sabah.”

The PCM programme, limited to 25 participants, is recognised by the Conventions Industry Council and carries 23 CEU units for participants who wish to upgrade to become a Certified Meeting Professional, an accreditation recognised worldwide.

-TTG Asia.