When times get tough, it’s time for training. There is no better time than now to opt for more training. In fact, the current economic slowdown has seen more and more companies sending their staff as well as individuals signing up for courses to upgrade themselves or to learn new skills with the objective of increasing productivity or improving their employability.

In line with the “Feast on Asia!” theme for this year’s IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) & CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, feeding the minds of delegates is the ultimate goal of the region’s combined premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and business travel event. Asia’s Doublebill (two shows in one location) is all set to offer an extensive menu of pre-conference workshops and seminars for the MICE and business travel workforce from 5 to 8 October 2009 in Bangkok.

Kicking off IT&CMA and CTW 2009 will be an interesting and thought-provoking keynote on 6 October, entitled “Recipe for success: Is it all in your genes?” by eminent Professor Richard Arvey. Professor Arvey will address more than 2,000 delegates and impart his knowledge and insight on the personal qualities needed for moving into leadership roles, using research findings on the role of genetic factors in influencing leaders and illustrations of well-known leaders in contemporary organisations. He will also share his opinions and ideas on dealing and coping with change in the turbulent business world and global environment.

Hailing from the USA, Professor Arvey is currently the Head of the Department of Management and Organisation, National University of Singapore. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and had taught at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Houston. In 1998, he was awarded the Human Resource and Industrial Relations Land Grant Chair. Over the years, Professor Arvey has served as the academic advisor to over 50 graduate students and published more than 100 articles, chapters and technical reports, including his book – “Fairness in Selecting Employees”. He is recognised as one of the “top ten most published authors” in the Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology for two decades.

IT&CMA MICE seminars and CTW conference sessions on business travel management featuring a line-up of highly accomplished speakers from the USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific will spice up the Doublebill education programme for delegates over two and half days (6-8 October). On top of this, delegates can choose between two qualifying courses on 5 October to acquire the training and skills to tackle challenges and stay competent in their respective fields.

In its second year, CTW delegates can register for the “Fundamentals of Business Travel” starter course which leads to the CTE® (Corporate Travel Expert) designation. Facilitated by NBTA (National Business Travel Association), this course attracted 33 participants last year.

For the first time ever, IT&CMA delegates can register for a new certification course specially tailored for personnel working for associations and societies. TTG Asia Media (TTG) has entered into a ground-breaking agreement with AuSAE (Australian Society of Association Executives) and CSAE (Canadian Society of Association Executives to deliver a high-level education programme for association staff and leaders - the “Association Professional Competencies” course leading to the Professional Association Executive (PAE 101 – Part 1) certificate. 

Course leaders, Anderson and Pryor, say, “We are pleased to associate with TTG for this first-ever initiative to bring the best education to association staff. Associations must now react quicker to issues and provide their members with greater value and benefits.  Whether you are new to the association sector or a veteran, the programme will provide you with skills and tools you need to excel in your job.”

The content of the course is based on the internationally acclaimed Certified Association Executive (CAE®) offered by CSAE in conjunction with AuSAE, and will be led by Michael Anderson, CAE, President & CEO of CSAE and Simon Pryor, FSAE, President of AuSAE. Both are experienced association professionals and the programme will be delivered in an interactive format with participants learning from one another. This one-day workshop will cover three domains and 22 competencies and conclude with an assessment the following day.