Ambitious young professionals and newcomers to the global meetings industry are being offered valuable career development at the annual International Congress and Conventions Association’s (ICCA) Forum for Young Professionals, which takes place over two days prior to the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.

The Forum, which will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 19 and 20 February 2012, is open to ICCA members who are under 30 and new to the industry. A range of senior industry members are also invited to speak about their experiences, the meetings industry today and to provide some sound advice.

The 2012 program, Growth Through Innovation, includes interviews, case studies, exercises and personal accounts, as well as casual networking opportunities.

Along with the valuable education and networking, attendees to the Forum will also receive complimentary entry to AIME, an invitation to the AIME Welcome Reception and access to the AIME Business Events Forum on Tuesday morning, allowing them to make the most of their time in Melbourne.

The Forum, which has been held in association with AIME every year since 2000, reflects and responds to the challenges seen within today’s meetings industry – encouraging attendees to keep on the ball and think creatively.

Joining the first class faculty of senior industry speakers in 2012 will be special guest Arnaldo Nardone, President of ICCA.

Forum Manager, Elizabeth Rich, said the event, which is in its 12th year, is a rare opportunity for industry newcomers to learn from more experienced professionals in the lead up to the biggest event on the industry calendar – AIME.

“This unique ICCA Forum is aimed at young professionals or newcomers who are keen to develop their own careers in the meetings industry,” said Ms Rich.

“Limited to around 30 participants, the intensive two-day program allows newcomers to hear from some of the best practitioners in the business on the latest global trends, work with each other to solve specific challenges and develop a valuable new network of contacts around Australia and Asia.”