Marriott teams up with PCMA to provide digital events training

Marriott International has teamed up with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) to provide special digital event strategy training.

PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) course is a self-paced, 6-course module supported by APAC regional experts that provide local expertise and hybrid event insights.

The course will give event and meeting professionals the opportunity to be certified upon booking at participating Marriott Bonvoy Events across APAC.

Earning the DES certification provides industry professionals with the tools to plan, produce and measure digital and hybrid events from beginning to end; monetise digital events through fresh pricing and sponsorship strategies, and evaluate and choose the most sophisticated tech solutions.

The collaboration will allow eligible customers to select the PCMA (DES) certification as an additional benefit when booking an event or meeting with Marriott.

“Today, relationships and business models are ever-changing,” said PCMA’s managing director for APAC, Karen Bolinger.

“Working with Marriott is a testament to PCMA’s commitment to its partners and industry as we continue to develop and deliver the necessary support and education both our members and clients need and want.

“In fact, PCMA’s most recent APAC survey indicated that over 70 per cent of meeting planners are looking for venues with broadcast facilities and in-house expertise, and 80 per cent of respondents said they will give their in-person and virtual event attendees an opportunity to interact.

“This means new skills are required to deliver on these business objectives.”

Marriott’s regional VP of global sales, Ramesh Daryanani, said: “As we march towards full recovery for our industry, it is crucial that event professionals continue to adapt and equip themselves with the relevant skills and knowledge for success.

“Partnerships with industry associations like PCMA allows us to leverage the industry’s best and innovative practices, and offer event professionals the solutions and insights required to navigate the current landscape to create engaging experiences and successfully host meetings and events.”