The ECM Mentor Programme has been created, together with industry partners, to generate exchange and knowledge between new and advanced professionals in the Meetings Industry.
It is time for the established members of ECM and industry professionals to give back, to inspire, to share, and thus to make sure that the new professionals, despite the turbulent times, get the best start in what we hope will be a long and successful Meetings Industry career.
CVBs, hotels, venues all over Europe
Mentor and Mentee Toolbox for inspiration
Voluntary 12-month programme
Alumni Network
Mentor and Mentee Networks
The current raging of the COVID-19 virus across the globe has already had enormous consequences for the Meetings Industry. It has resulted not only in the cancellation and postponement of congresses and conventions but also the majority of industry events that we normally would attend throughout a year.
It poses however, a whole different challenge for newly-appointed professionals in our industry whether working in CVBs, hotels, venues, PCOs all over Europe. Indeed, they are currently missing out on being at these central platforms, which are essential for them in terms of being introduced to the industry and give them critical opportunities to build up a network. As we know, these key industry events also support them in receiving guidance, insights and knowledge to grow both professionally and personally.
Establishing an ECM Mentor Programme in close collaboration with industry partners aims to be an answer to solving this challenge. It is a way in which the mentees can develop their own professional network, strengthen their industry knowledge and be inspired by other destination business models.
#MeetShareGrow
MENTORS
 | You are an established professional with more than 5 years expertise in the Meetings Industry? Give back and make a difference – both for the mentee and the industry at large. | ||
| Be a change maker; be the change you want to see in the world through your efforts of instilling seeds of growth in the new generation |  | ||
| Be part of a community of ECM Mentors and leading industry partners, with whom you can network, share knowledge and gain insights | ||
| Get the opportunity to work with, teach, learn and get fresh perspectives from a group of mentees from diverse backgrounds and with a broad range of talents and skill sets | | ||
| Develop your own teaching – and communication skills | ||
| Receive an invitation to attend hosted ECM-hosted Mentor Programme events at IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM World | |
MENTEES
 | Professionals with less than 18 month experience in the Meetings Industry | ||
| Design the course of the programme with your mentor in line with your goals |  | ||
| Take the initiative for the meetings with your mentor and set the agenda for what you will discuss at the meeting in line with the plan you have set out together. Your mentor is available for an average of approximately 90 minutes per month for the duration of the programme (1 year) | ||
| Record your development to achieve set goals as well as observations, thoughts and ideas | | ||
| Virtually attend the ECM Meetings Industry Knowledge Group meetings and be part of an ECM Mentee Network | ||
| Familiarize yourself with ECM as an organisation and with the ECM Mentee Programme Toolbox for insights and inspiration | | ||
| Participate in the ECM Mentee Network where you can exchange knowledge, discoveries, insights and best practices | ||
| If possible, meet up with your mentor at IBTM World 2020 and/or IMEX Frankfurt 2021 and be introduced to other industry professionals | | ||
| You are encouraged to participate in the ECM Summer School following the one-year programme. This is by no means mandatory but a platform that complements the Mentor Programme |
"IAPCO’ mission to raise the standards of service amongst our Members and others in the meetings industry is fundamental to everything we do. Mentoring a relative newcomer provides a great opportunity for experienced meeting professionals to help raise standards by guiding those that are on their way to leading our industry in the not too distant future. IAPCO is pleased to endorse the ECM Mentorship Programme and I encourage everyone to consider how you can contribute. Together, we can achieve great things."
“ Professionals who are new to our pandemic ravaged industry face many challenges. Particularly, the inability to engage with the global network that so many of us have been privileged to be a part of. The ECM Mentor Programme offers an ideal opportunity for new professionals to grow their network, learn more about the beyond bed nights value of the industry and to receive guidance from a mentor carefully matched to their needs.”
“I attended the ECM Summer School in 2018 while I was at the start of my career in the industry. Over the course of several days I had the privilege to gain hand on & practical knowledge about the Meetings Industry. I also have the pleasure to connect with counterparts from around the world and make new industry friends. It was a wonderful opportunity and I am grateful to have taken part in such a wonderful program, I am a proud alumni!”
"The ECM Mentor Programme is a great opportunity for Mentor and Mentees to develop their own professional network, build up their industry knowledge and be inspired by other destination business models and insights."
“Throughout the Programme, the mentee will get the opportunity to get different outlooks on the industry, receive professional guidance, develop their network and relations and be inspired by other destination business models and insights. Be part of the ECM Mentees Network means knowledge exchange, discoveries, insights and best practices”
“Mentors will have the chance to be the change they want to see in the world through their efforts of instilling seeds of growth in the new generation. They will have the opportunity to work with, teach, learn and get fresh perspectives from a group of mentees from diverse backgrounds and with a broad range of talents and skill sets.”
ENDORSED BY
The ECM Mentor Programme Communication Kit
