The Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM) has long been recognised as the educational hub leading the way for industry research and professional development and is again teaming up with Spice to reward a young achiever with a free course to kickstart their career!

As graduates of the ACEM Executive Certificate in Event Management reach the 5000 mark, it appears this internationally renowned centre is also producing some of the brightest young minds in the industry.

Robert Harris, founding director of ACEM, said Australia’s event industry is growing at a rapid pace and with it comes a fresh bunch of inspiring young event professionals leading the way.

ACEM’s founding director Robert Harris.

“In 2011 tertiary education in event management is truly at its best, following an increase in spending on events each year and improved state government support for the industry through organisations like Events NSW and Events Queensland,” said Harris.

“We have found the Australian events industry is experiencing an increasing demand for professional staff with recognised skills and qualifications, but who also have a flair for creativity, enthusiasm and an understanding of core components including project management, event marketing and legal or safety issues.”

“ACEM has a firm commitment to encouraging our students to become the best and brightest minds in the event industry, with a rigorous understanding of practical and legal issues, as well as a creative interest in the latest event trends and innovations.”

One of these bright minds is 2010 graduate, Adam Shumack, who took the Executive Certificate in Event Management in search of fresh ideas and connections for future projects, ahead of starting up his own company Horizon Events.

“The Executive Certificate is designed and taught by the most experienced professionals in the events industry. It is the best course that I have taken to date in terms of content, professionalism, and most notably, the high caliber of teachers,” said Shumack.

“I walked away with fresh ideas and a new approach to my work, whilst also developing contacts who have become future clients and colleagues.”

Tony Henderson, Volunteer and Membership Manager for Bicycle NSW and another recent ACEM graduate, said that four days of study with the Executive Certificate can change your career and give you the best possible head-start.

“The knowledge and contacts I gained from the course directly contributed to my success in landing the role as Operations Coordinator for Bicycle NSW. My career has benefited a great deal from these four days of study.”

The Executive Certificate is also considered the most prestigious short course among prospective event employers, according to Craig Gilliver, Public Events Manager, Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

“The ACEM team is fulfilling the gap in the industry wonderfully by presenting a course that has a firm basis in theory, matched with practical insights from successful industry professionals.”

In the 12 years that ACEM has been offering events management courses, the centre has clearly become a world leader in the field of event management education. Over five thousand people have attended the short course programs alone, which are held annually throughout Australia and internationally, with regular courses in London, Singapore, Edinburgh, Kuala Lumpur, Macau and more.

So how do they do it?

“An active industry advisory board and regular consultations with global event leaders means our team are always in touch with the latest developments at the international level, and our dedicated lecturers and mentors ensures that all course material incorporates this,” said Harris.

“All of ACEM’s profits go towards enhancing professionalism within the Australian event industry. Recently we have been able to give back to event managers with the creation of a free carbon calculator for events, as well as providing the largest free online database of event reports and manuals in Australia,” said Rob Harris.

The Executive Certificate of Event Management is held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and delivered through a mix of lectures, class exercises and case studies from some of Australia’s most experienced event industry experts.

For more information on ACEM, click here.

WIN: Your chance to be named the SPICE Magazine’s ACEM Young Event Manager of the Year!

Australia’s most prestigious Event Management course and Spice Magazine are teaming up to offer one young aspiring event organiser a fabulous prize – a free course at ACEM to kick start your career!

Courses are held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth between 11 July and the 17 November 2011. To win a spot in the capital city closest to you, simply email Spice@intermedia.com.au and tell us in 100 words or less what is your greatest achievement in event management to date.

Competition closes on Friday 10 June. Winners will be notified immediately following th ecompetition. Only the winner will be notified.

Diary Dates: ACEM Executive Certificate in Event Management
• Melbourne: 11 – 14 July and 14 – 17 November
• Sydney: 20 – 22 July and 26 – 28 September
• Brisbane: 25 – 28 July
• Perth: 20 – 23 September