Since MEA has become an RTO, these are the frequently asked questions with answers.
Q. Have I enrolled in a nationally recognised qualification?
No you have not enrolled in a nationally recognised qualification, you have enrolled in selected units of competence towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Q. Who delivers the training?
MEA tries to use only industry practitioners to deliver the training, as we believe that these people have the industry credibility, their expertise is coupled with the training resources written in line with government regulations.
Q. Does the trainer need to have trainer qualifications?
MEA trainers do not need to have trainer qualifications, as it would not be possible to use industry expertise if this was the case. MEA trainers are however supervised by those with the qualifications and participant assessments are marked only by those with the relevant qualification – The Certificate IV in workplace training and assessment is the qualification required to assess.
Q. What is the name of the Unit of Competence?
Example: You have enrolled in the Unit of Competence: THHGLE12B: Develop and Manage Marketing Strategies.
Q. What qualification does the Unit of Competence lead to?
The Unit of Competence that you have chosen to undertake leads to the Diploma in Event Management.
Q. How do I earn the Unit of Competence?
You can earn the Unit of Competence by being declared “competent” by MEA after undertaking the training and assessment offered by MEA.
Q. What does the training for the Unit of Competence involve?
The training for the Unit of Competence involves attending training delivered by MEA (the length of time varies for each different Unit of Competence) and then successfully undertaking the assessment in your own time.
Q. What does the assessment involve?
The assessment involves a work based project and questions & answers.
Q. Is there an additional cost for assessment?
There is an additional cost of $150 to undertake the assessment.
Q. Can I just do the training and not the assessment?
Yes you can attend the training as a way of enhancing your skills and education without undertaking the assessment. However, if you do not undertake the assessment and be declared competent by MEA you cannot gain a Unit of Competence.
Q. How long do I have to complete the assessment?
Each participant will be provided with the assessment when they attend training, although they must register with MEA before completing. MEA recommends that participants take no longer than three months to complete the assessment, however participants can take up to one year.
Q. Can I fail the assessment?
There is no such thing as pass or fail in regard to the assessment. Participants are either “competent” or “not yet competent”. Not yet competent participants are provided with feedback and an opportunity to resubmit. This can occur once within incurring an additional charge.
Q. Can I do the training and decide to undertake the assessment later?
Yes, provided you make contact with MEA and let them know it is your intention within six months of the training being delivered.
Q. Do I get a certificate if I attend the training only?
After attending the training you will receive a “MEA Certificate of Attendance”. This is a certificate testifying your attendance only.
Q. Do I get a certificate if I attend the training and undertake the assessment?
After attending the training you will receive a “MEA Certificate of Attendance”. This is a certificate testifying your attendance only. If you successfully undertake the assessment you will receive a “Statement of Attainment”.
Q. What is a Statement of Attainment?
A Statement of Attainment is your official documen-tation that you have successfully undertaken the Unit of Competence. This Statement of Attainment has a registration number and is individually numbered and it is MEA’s obligation to register this on the government database. It is illegal for any Registered Training Organisation to supply a Statement of Attainment to anyone who has not successfully completed the Assessment toward a Unit of Competence or successfully undertaken RPL.
Q. What is RPL?
RPL is recognition of prior learning. Recognition of prior learning can be undertaken at MEA at a cost to the participant. To receive recognition of prior learning participants need to prove that they have the workplace skills and knowledge as well as evidence to suggest they should receive credit and not have to undertake a particular unit of competence.
Q. Will MEA recognise training I have undertaken with other registered training organisations?
Yes, under government regulation if the training was undertaken at a registered training organisation scoped to deliver the same qualification and the participant has sufficient proof of this MEA must recognise, meaning the participant will not need to undertake this Unit of Competence again.
Q. Can I undertake some courses at MEA and some at another registered training organisation such as TAFE?
Yes, provided that you have proof of what you have completed at MEA your statements of attainment will be recognised.
Q. How do I find out more information?
If you would like more information, please contact the MEA national office on 02 9929 5400.
Y MEA is an exciting initiative for young industry professionals (27 years of age or under - the Y Generation) to meet industry colleagues and start the next networking generation!
Y MEA offers the opportunity to exchange ideas through passionate, relevant and entertaining guest speakers. So far we have had some exciting Y MEA events around the country and there are more on the way!
Hear is what some Y MEA guests have to say about the initiative:
“Upon arriving at the Y MEA Bowl’s night at the Port Melbourne Bowling Club we entered into a fantastic event where we could network in a fun environment with groups of different individuals our own age who had the same professional interests as us.”
- Leah Marshall, Sarah Campbell, Suong Ly Kanaun, Bianca Hoban from Epicure Catering @ MCG
“What a great night! Y MEA events and the way they bring together so many passionate, energised young members in a room never ceases to excite me. Fantastic company, conversation, nibbles and speaker…I keenly awaiting the next Y MEA event!”
- Grace Harris, event coordinator, Great Southern E-vents
“My passion is the Northern Territory in meetings and events. I now have had
the opportunity to be the NT champion for Y MEA and look forward to providing further opportunities for young MEA
professionals to take that next step in educating and developing their skills in this wonderful industry here in the Northern Territory.”
- Sarah Tucker, business manager, Darwin Reef ‘n’ Wrecks and Darwin Fishing Office
The Queensland Branch of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) staged a successful inaugural Golf Challenge at Sanctuary Cove in mid-March. More than 80 golfers participated in the 18-hole Ambrose event which was held on The Palms course at Sanctuary Cove.
The Golf Challenge was generously sponsored by Conrad Jupiters, Execugifts, Exhibition Hire, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, QX Australia Pty Ltd, Staging Connections, Staging Rentals & Construction Services, The WRX Experience, and Warner Village Theme Parks, all who themed various holes throughout the course.
The Golf Challenge took place on the same day as the annual MEA Qld Awards & Gala Dinner. The award ceremony was held prior to the dinner and MEA Qld was delighted to welcome both MEA CEO Linda Gaunt and Chairman Rhona Walker to officiate. Award winners were Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Marketing, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre and Off-Site Connections Event Management.
The Golf Challenge event is expected to become an annual “must do” on the MEA Qld social calendar.
Guest were invited to dress to impress with “ A Touch of Red” for the South Australian Gala Awards dinner held at the Hyatt Regency Adelaide on March 28.
Guests were transported to the mysteries of the Orient with the hotel ballroom and each table lit by beautiful red Chinese lanterns.
Amid great excitement winners were announced and their achievements recognised and celebrated throughout the night.
Staging Connections is ‘in the know’ when it comes to event trends. Providing event services across the corporate, government PCO and association sectors and producing more than 50,000 events a year ensures that the Company’s skilled teams are across all of the latest trends in event marketing.
Director of Marketing, Karen Bolinger says that while marketing budgets are staying the same, overall expenditure on event marketing is on the up, with marketers seeing the intrinsic value of live events.
“Marketers are always looking for innovative ways to reach new customers and events and experiential marketing allows this to happen and provide measurable business outcomes.
“There is more widespread recognition that events allow interaction and engagement and provide an immediate impact and therefore, they are a more targeted and efficient way of communicating with customers and employees.”
Karen is quick to point out that regardless of scale and size, well designed and delivered events should have the same lasting impact – a strong association with a company and its brand.
“We are seeing more and more that companies are using events such as awards nights in the context of a broader communication program to recognise and reward their staff. Producing a well designed event and creatively delivering clear and consistent messages and corporate branding within a cohesively branded environment is a very powerful tool for companies,” she said.
Use of technology is also a growing trend with companies wanting to impress their audience with the use of the latest technology to create spectacular events. Technology advances now allow for simpler and cheaper integration of event technologies which enable a more immersive environment.
“You can’t beat the visual impact created by a combination of the latest digital technology, great vision and a very large projection screen to deliver a big impact to an audience. Most people have the latest digital entertainment systems at home so you need to find new ways to innovate – as well as the use of latest technology we are achieving these impacts in terms of how we put a whole show together. Styling and theming really transforms a room and very simple elements such as automatic lights and unique table centre pieces can really just add that element of surprise and excitement to an event. Great entertainment can really motivate an audience to have fun. Ultimately it’s knowing how to put these elements together that makes or breaks an event.
“Clients want a point of difference that delivers an outcome which inspires and changes behaviour, as well as leaving a positive impression. By holding an event that is truly unique this can be achieved,” Karen says.
MEA will again be exhibiting at RSVP Sydney so make a note of the dates: July 2-3, 2008 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, and come and visit the MEA booth.
RSVP Sydney is so much more than just a two-day show; it’s an event organisers’ paradise filled with great ideas, live entertainment, fabulous food, and amazing venues. With more than 275 exhibitors, you can find everything you need to organise any event in just two days.
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