BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

The OMEI ACADEMY's educational program is based on the premise that meeting planners have varying levels of experience and that both they and their suppliers have different areas of expertise and learning needs.

This framework outlines course levels for entry-level, junior, and senior executives.

It is worth noting that these are not hierarchical; OMEI understands that a senior professional may be interested in taking a course for novices, or vice versa.

OMEI ACADEMY COURSES

FOR ENTRY-LEVEL EXECUTIVES (less than one year as a meeting planner)

  • 1. Differences between event types: conferences, conventions, summits, and incentive events 2. Destination geography by region 3. Curiosity and common sense as tools 4. Approaching non-complex issues using intuition 5. Appropriate transportation for each type of event 6. Event support materials (work kit). 7. Operational execution (Event Planning 101). 8. Basic roles of stakeholders in the value chain: hotel, DMC, production company, etc. 9. Basic event operations. 10. Logistics coordination. 11. Basic budget control. 12. Digital tools for events. 13. Customer service and professional communication. 14. Decision-making under pressure (personal competency). 15. Business acumen. 16. Ethics. 17. Ability to read people and negotiate. (personal competency). 18. Understanding what the industry truly is, not just events. 19. Service-oriented attitude (personal competency). 20. Hunger to learn and listen. (personal competency). 21. Discipline and basic responsibility. (personal competency) 22. What the meetings industry is (conferences, conventions, expos, incentives). 23. General flow of an event (before, during, and after). 24. Basic terminology (RFP, room night, layout, catering, etc.).

FOR JUNIOR EXECUTIVES, LEVEL 1 (less than three years of experience as a meeting planner)

  • 1. A better understanding of operations, venue and hotel selection, and recommendations for cutting-edge solutions. 2. Scheduling, creating client itineraries, developing internal operational schedules, and service orders. 3. Communication with the supply chain, agile and value-added solutions. 4. Administrative oversight, design of detailed presentations, budgets, and margins. 5. Task management. 6. Proficiency with industry-related technology systems. 7. Project management applied to events. 8. Basic negotiation with suppliers. 9. Design of the event flow and attendee experience. 10. ⁠Handling unforeseen events (Risk Management and Crisis Management) 11. Ability to execute tasks without constant supervision. 12. Clear communication with clients and suppliers. 13. Flight schedule 14. Rooming list handling. 15. Step by step planning of the event. 16. Coordination with suppliers and headquarters

FOR JUNIOR EXECUTIVES, LEVEL 2 (less than 5 years of experience as a meeting planner)

  • 1. Creating a positive experience 2. Expertise in solutions 3. Timelines for all types of events 4. Empathetic conflict resolution. 5. Detailed knowledge of the value chain and its solutions; understanding which solutions to present to the client during the first two meetings; supplier management; familiarity with contract policies; and the ability to secure favorable terms for the client while guiding them toward professional best practices. 6. Knowledge and application of technological innovation and purpose-driven technology, benefiting all parties. 7. Project management (PROJECT MANAGEMENT) 8. Strategic event designAdvanced cost engineering 9. Comprehensive supplier management 10. Metrics and results (event KPIs) 11. Storytelling and branding in events 12. Real negotiation (not asking for discounts, but creating agreements). 13. Political reading of the client. 14. Ability to resolve crises without escalating everything. 15. Mastery of DMCs. 16. Venue categories 17. Experience design (attendee journey). 18. Client objectives vs. actual results. 19. Innovation in event formats.

FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES (with more than 5 years of experience as a meeting planner)

  • 1. Value-driven strategies 2. 360° view of projects 3. Results-driven ROI 4. High level of multidisciplinary oversight 5. High level of accountability within the team (leadership) 6. Business relationships with clients and partners 7. Focus on delegation and coaching across departments (leadership) 8. Building maximum trust with the team (leadership) 9. Strategy vs. Tactics Strategic focus on client management and the value chain 10. Event portfolio strategy 11. Strategic alliances and market expansion 12. Event financial models ⁠13. Trends, automation, and innovation 14. Personal brand authority and industry leadership 15. Comprehensive profitability management 16. Strategic Procurement and Contracts 17. Team Leadership18. Client Development and Retention

FOR SENIOR EXECUTIVES

  • 1. Professional consulting and advisory services with influence in the events industry 2. Leadership in professional associations 3. Public Relations 4. Event portfolio strategy ⁠5. Strategic partnerships and market expansion 6. Event financial models ⁠7. Trends, automation, and innovation 8. Personal brand authority and industry leadership 9. Team management and leadership. 10. Event sustainability and legacy. 11. Large-scale crisis management 12. Outskilling skills development