Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) has launched the 2020/2021 MEA Mentor Program, with Tourism Australia on board as this year’s partner.

Designed to assist MEA members along their career pathway as event professionals, the program sees mentees ‘matched’ with industry representatives to provide valuable advice and learning opportunities over six months, from October 2020 to March 2021.

MEA CEO Robyn Johnson said the program is a highly valued experience for both the mentees and mentors.

“It is an experience that certainly enhances career progression and development,” she said.

“With the challenges our industry currently faces, the value of the program and the support it will bring will be heightened as we nurture and develop our leaders of the future.”

An online platform has been introduced this year to enhance the engagement between mentees and mentors and to facilitate meetings where face-to-face isn’t possible.

Tourism Australia executive general manager events Penny Lion welcomed the partnership.

“Australia has a reputation as an exceptional business events destination, largely due to the people within our industry who go above and beyond to deliver remarkable events,” she said.

“Nurturing talent in the events sector is very important to the team at Tourism Australia. We see the MEA Mentor Program as a platform for industry to leverage, especially during challenging times like this.

“Events will be instrumental to the recovery of our economy and Australian event professionals will play a key role in helping rebuild many sectors in the months and years ahead.”

Registrations close on 16 October 2020. Register here.