Investing in people

By the end of the last month's meetings industry bonanza, which saw three significant events take place in the UAE, meetings professionals in Middle East were relieved to find some time to ponder over some of the key issues to have arisen during the course of the month.

Without a doubt, the most significant of the issues to have been brought to the table was the staff crisis the region will face unless the industry gets together to devise a solution to the problem.

Several speakers referred to the "war for talent" that would ensue as more venues come on line and organisations battle to attract and maintain professional staff.

It will be a boon time for young meeting professionals looking to advance their careers and the region is likely to see a youthful industry of meeting professionals who have risen through the ranks quicker than they would in more established markets.

Experts identified the need to bring in experienced talent from other regions, but it was also suggested that the first generation of home-grown meeting professionals could be around the corner if institutions such as the Emirates Academy expanded their curriculai to include courses for beginner level meeting industry professionals.

It all comes down to investing in people, from top executives to grassroots level front-liners.

The Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) and Meetings Professionals International (MPI) have both made a committment to the region and have promised regular training and educational events in coming years as their presence in the region increases.

My advice: make the most of it, by investing a little time and money in professional development, the war for talent will not pass you by.

Joe Mortimer is the editor of Meetings Industry Middle East.

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