In this interview Michelle Glasson from GEMS Event Management Australia answers our questions on what it means to be a Certified Event Company (CEC) with the PCO Association.
With more than 40 years of combined Conference and Event Management experience, GEMS Event Management Australia is a full service professional event team, that is committed to providing our clients with a high quality, profitable and stress-free experience.
GEMS has been combining the right mix of creativity and event management for the past 26 years. Our clients range from professional associations, to government agencies and corporate entities. We have extensive experience in supporting the education, engineering and environmental sectors, but also have experience in the areas of manufacturing, tribunals, academia and healthcare.
Australian owned and operated, GEMS Event Management Australia works across Australia and Internationally. GEMS Head Office is based in Five Dock, Sydney and we have a second regional office based in Tweed Heads, NSW.
We offer a broad spectrum of event management services, from intimate seminars to large scale conferences. Each client chooses the level of professional support they require.
Q: How many years have you been trading as an Event Management Company?
A: 26 years, since 1991
Q: What does being a Certified Event Company (CEC) mean to your business?
A: It gives our clients and potential clients the assurance that GEMS Event Management Australia not only meets but exceeds best practice standards that are expected within the Australian business events landscape.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced when applying for your CEC?
A: Very few. We were comfortable with the application process and were able to meet the necessary requirements.
Q: Name your three main reasons why an Event Company should be accredited
1) Recognition within the Industry as a leading Professional Conference Organiser
2) Assurance for clients and potential clients that their business is a capable, qualified and leading event management service provider
3) This accreditation can be seen by potential employees, who would be looking to work within an organisation that is nationally recognised and meets best practice standards.
Accreditation provides both clients and industry with an assurance that the event management business they are or could be dealing with is committed to the highest quality event management business practices, consistency and reliability in the delivery of services, professional standards and dedication to continuous improvement.
The PCO Association CEC Program is independently audited.
For a company to be awarded CEC accreditation it must have a minimum of one Certified Event Manager (CEM) employed in the business and additionally satisfy criteria that is audited by an independent certified practicing (CPA) accountant.
Accreditation is valid for a period of three years, after which time the business needs to apply again to maintain their accreditation
For more information on the PCO Association CEC Program click here