ABPCO launch new membership category for universities

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has launched a new membership category, designed to attract universities that incorporate association events into their degree programmes.

The membership category includes opportunities for universities to network with leaders in the industry, and to help enhance the research efforts of universities by potentially providing seedcorn funding, access to companies and suggestions for future research. ABPCO members will, in turn, benefit from access to appropriate university research beneficial to their ongoing career growth and knowledge development.

Leeds Beckett University (formerly Leeds Metropolitan) and Manchester Metropolitan University are the first to have their courses recognised by ABPCO.

Jennifer Jenkins, Chair of ABPCO, explained the decision to launch the new scheme: "ABPCO members have a wealth of experience and knowledge, so the opportunity to use that to benefit university students and the industry as a whole, is an exciting one. The education of the PCOs of the future is vital as is the need to share knowledge. Universities such as Leeds Beckett and Manchester Metropolitan prepare their students by arming them with the skills they need to succeed in the industry and our new university membership category will enhance that." 

Rhodri Thomas, Head of ICRETH at Leeds Beckett University and ABPCO board member, commented: "I am delighted that the UK Centre for Event Management was the first university member of ABPCO. The association is comprised of highly talented and progressive senior event managers who are willing to share their expertise and are open to suggestion.  I am delighted that Manchester Metropolitan University is also joining us and hope that other universities will also shortly become part of this valuable network."
 
Sehar Graham, Programme Leader in Events Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Our reason for wanting to join ABPCO was to introduce professional association bodies to our students so they can see the wider industry, make connections and use research opportunities.”

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