In a bid to elevate careers in the event industry, promote excellence and professionalism, the Council of Event Professionals Africa (CEPA) has been created.

The brain child of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Africa, and the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa, CEPA aims to fulfil the need to create recognised standards of competency and experience within the industry.

Magnetic Storm CEO, Glenn van Eck has been appointed as the Chairman of CEPA and says: "There is a wealth of experience in the event industry, but a skills gap will soon exist. Young professionals are entering the industry with predominantly academic and theoretical knowledge, and the elders of the industry with decades of experience will soon be stepping out and retiring. Our aim is to give young professionals a solid career path and to upgrade industry certifications." In addition to plugging the potential skills gap, CEPA aims to fulfil the need to create recognised standards of competency and experience within the industry. According to van Eck, the events industry needs to introduce a standard for certification and competency.

"In an industry that includes many inexperienced suppliers it is vital that we give customers a frame of reference that they can use to qualify potential suppliers of event services." "Clients need the peace of mind that they're partnering with  an individual or business that is credible and can deliver a high quality service and operates professionally. Our CEPA certified practitioners will operate within our code of conduct, and always act with the clients' best interest at heart."

To find out more about CEPA and its offering, visit www.cepa.co.za.