The Conference for Conference Organisers Mark II

Emma & I have just returned from Canberra where we went to the PCO Association 2nd Annual Conference held at the National Convention Centre - and again, we had a great time.

The PCO Association (PCO stands for "Professional Conference Organiser", for those outside the industry), has been working very hard in a number of areas, and I'm really pleased that they are.  It needed to happen, but trying to organise a bunch of organisers would be a daunting task for anyone - so hats off to my competitors who are behind it.  I'm really pleased that they've put themselves out there.

One of the best things to come out of this conference is the launch of a specific venue contract for PCOs (which can be downloaded from the PCO Association website).  This is important because PCOs can get themselves in all kinds of strife, signing contracts on behalf of clients when acting as agent - this is something that has concerned me for some time.  I very much hope that all of the venues adopt this contract - so far IHG has done so, and hopefully the other big chains won't be far behind.

Another great thing is the Accreditation process that the PCO Association is putting in place.  It's very simple for someone to set themselves up and call themselves a conference organiser - all you need is a computer and a phone line - there is no barrier to entry.  And while I don't begrudge someone doing that (I did it myself, 14 years ago), I've had clients who have been burned by people who didn't really know what they were doing (though by the same token, I've had clients burned by people who should have known what they were doing, too!).  I think it's a great thing, and I've made the effort to get myself and the company accredited.

Next year is in Hobart - I'll definately be there.  Those Tassies know how to put on a good show.

J  ;-)

Posted by Jodie Parker, December 22, 2009 in AROUND THE TRAPS