In October 2016 I had the great honour of presenting a lecture to students from the Temasek Tourism Academy, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. The students were on a study trip to London, and I was invited to share my experiences about how I started in the events industry, and about how I established my MICE blog in 2011 while studying the BA in International Management course at Regent’s University. As a former student, I recognise the value of formal education in this sector, and I am always willing to share my experience with aspiring fellow students—the future generation of industry professionals. 

As a result of this speaking engagement I met John Low, a senior lecturer at Tamasek Tourism Academy. We still keep in touch, exchanging knowledge and experiences. I admire his passion and initiative, offering his students the opportunity to learn about the global MICE industry beyond Singapore. International experience is so highly valued by future employers. 

The industry continues to hotly debate whether a formal events education is needed, or does industry experience alone, with a “can-do” attitude, provide all we need? There is one aspect missing in this debate—there is more to it than getting a degree and simply setting off to work. Instead, it should be considered a life-long learning opportunity, utilising appropriate tools and resources for both personal and career development, maintaining currency in the competitive business environment. But how can this be achieved?