Business Conference Services

Conference Services Coordinator needs some input for the department?

I just received a new job as a Conference Services Coordinator at a university in the Chicago area. The position is fairly new at the school. I am trying to research organizations or events I could attend to become more knowledge in the position. I have many years in conference services, but we are really trying to put a professional stamp in the department. Does anyone know of good organizations, committees, or conferences I could attend or be apart of? My boss wants me to get a certificate to be an official meeting planner (that may take some time). We did belong to the IACCED, but I was wondering if there are any other ones out there that I could attend. I would really like to go to specific conferences focused in a college or university setting. Any suggestions???

Public Comments

1. I worked as an Event Planner and it's a great area to work in. I would suggest looking at www.mpiweb.org, they list colleges where you can go to get certification. George Washington University offers online training courses that will help you towards getting the CMP certification. I took their courses and they are great. There is an online option as well as in class study. MPI is also one of the best organizations to network through and they have a magazine with great information included as part of their annual membership. Good luck and congratulations on the job!