Progressing in Professional Development

I just submitted my recertification and saved that $50 I told you about last month. Now it is time to start planning professional development and continuing education for the next recertification in five years!

 

I know this might sound crazy, but what can I say, I am a planner!I try to ensure continuous professional development in order to keep up with industry trends and make myself more informed.Early in my career, the primary resources that I turned to for keeping up-to-date included industry publications and monthly local industry association chapter events.But I am happy to say that as my career has progressed (and my budget has increased), those resources have expanded. I started attending international industry conferences, where I would get more CEs[KK1]packed into a shorter time period while broadening my network.

 

I am constantly looking for new and different types of professional development resources—content that helps me become not only a better meeting professional, but also a better business person.There are a ton of educational and professional development opportunities available from the Events Industry Council’s 32 member organizations.Check out the information on these organizations[OA2] on the EIC website. These organizations have local, regional, national and international events where you can earn CEUs.Many have online education that you can complete any time of day or night from a computer anywhere in the world.

 

The opportunities that exist are seemingly endless. In 2015, the Events Industry Council launched the Preferred Provider Program. Organizations that join the Preferred Provider Program have their session offerings pre-accepted by the Events Industry Council. Activities listed in this directory have been reviewed and accepted for CE credit. In addition, Preferred Providers will electronically report your attendance at these activities directly into your online account within two weeks of the event.

 

So what will I do with that $50 I saved? I think I will take it and sign up for an educational opportunity. Paying it forward for my professional development!