Developed by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and designed by industry experts, ICCASkills delivers the only globally recognised certification for suppliers in every sector of the meetings industry. From juniors (CICS) to executives (CICE), ICCASkills benefits meetings services professionals at any stage of their career. The two different certification tracks offer tailored learning paths and advanced course content.  

All instructors are industry experts with proven teaching abilities and international business events experience. ICCASkills is engaging and interactive with real-world perspective which bridges theory and practice with hands-on professional development. 

An in-person ICCASkills CICE training event will be held in New Zealand for the first time in September 2024. Attendance in-person is highly recommended. 

Scholarships are available for New Zealand-based professionals working in the business events industry. Places are limited so please apply early to take advantage of this valuable professional development opportunity. 

Details:  

CICE (Certified International Convention Executive) Course  

3 days in-person training in Christchurch, New Zealand from 10-12 September 2024. 

Optional: Exam prep session and CICE exam on 13 September. 

Enhance your skills and accelerate your growth with this intensive course.  

Take a strategic leap into advanced event management techniques, learn new strategies and business models and learn about legacy impacts with this 3-day fast-track course of interpersonal classes, tailored to regional needs.  

Learn from ICCA’s expert instructors:  

Deanna Varga (BA Tourism, MBA, MAICD, CICE). Deanna is a business events and tourism professional with 25 years’ experience working within the MICE sector. 

Juan José García (MBA, CICE, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer BCO Congresos). Juan José is a senior consultant in business development, business strategies, planning and management of bids, destination marketing as well as association management. 

TNZ and ICCA anticipate there will be international professionals attending this 3-day course, which will offer attendees valuable networking opportunities with fellow international events professionals.  

Host Venue: Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre – “the city's gathering place”. 

Host Destination: Otautahi Christchurch – Christchurch NZ will host a welcome reception for ICCASkills attendees and instructors and the chance to enjoy some central city experiences, providing additional opportunities for networking.  

Partner Hotels: Preferential rates are available for ICCASkills CICE Course attendees at a range of accommodation options located in Christchurch city centre – Distinction Christchurch Hotel, Fable Christchurch, Sudima Christchurch City, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square and Ibis Christchurch. These are all within walking distance of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. (Booking information and links will be shared with successful applicants).  

Learners will also have the opportunity to participate in a post-training activity programme focusing on New Zealand Culture (at their own cost), details to be confirmed.      

Please note:

1. TNZ Scholarship covers 50% of the total cost of the 3 days in-person training. The total cost of the CICE Course will be €3,400. TNZ will cover €1,700 and the applicant's employer will be expected to pay the remaining €1,700. (Exchange rates to $NZ to be confirmed).
2. Lunch will be provided during the course. However, the scholarship does not include New Zealand domestic travel, accommodation and additional food and beverage costs.
3. To be eligible for the CICE level course, applicants must have had a minimum of 3 years management experience or have successfully completed the CICS level course.   

For more information on the programmes please refer to: https://www.iccaskills.org  

Application Content  

Applicants are required to provide the following information in the application form:    

• Business Events industry employment history: Employer, Dates, Key Achievements.  
• Overview of recent Business Events experience and areas of interest.  
• A personal statement on what you hope to gain from completing the ICCASkills programme.  
• A testimonial from your employer/manager (200 words max). Please supply as an attachment, either email or letter.  

How to apply:   

Please fill in the application form provided in the file link.  

Email your applications to iccaskillsnzhub@tnz.govt.nz  

Confirmation of your acceptance will be advised in writing.   

Any questions at all, please email iccaskillsnzhub@tnz.govt.nz 

Terms & Conditions for your Application:  

• All applicants must be New Zealand citizens or eligible to work in New Zealand and currently employed by an organisation that provides services in the New Zealand Business Events industry.  
• To be eligible for the CICE-level course, applicants must have had a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in a management role or have successfully completed the CICS-level course.  
• Tourism New Zealand will support 50% funding of the programme cost only for each successful applicant. Lunch will be provided during the in-person course. The scholarship does not include New Zealand domestic travel, accommodation and additional food and beverage costs.  
• Each applicant must have a commitment from their employer to support their participation through a 50% funding of the programme.  
• All ICCA terms and conditions are applicable, please read carefully https://iccaskills.org/iccaskills/terms-and-conditions with specific attention to these items:    

Your property:   

The teaching material received by mail remains the property of ICCA after completion of the course/training. The copyrights remain with ICCA. Use of the teaching material, other than for the study of the learner, as well as transfer to third parties, is not permitted. Nothing may be reproduced and/or made public from the teaching material, in any form or in any way, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording or any other way, without the prior written permission of ICCA.                                                                                              

Graduation Policy:  

CICE-level - 3 days in-person course 

1. A pass rate of 60% for the overall final grade must be observed to pass the CICE-level course. 
2. The learner must attend 100% of the in-person sessions to pass the course. 
3. The learner will have up to six attempts to successfully pass the final CICE-level exam within a year, starting from the end date of the course, with one attempt free of charge. Should retakes be required, exam retake fee applies.  

Cancellation policy for the in-person course:  

If the learner cannot attend, or no longer requires a course, please provide notice of cancellation of the booking. The following charges will apply: 

• 12 weeks or more prior to the course date – 35% of charges apply 
• Within 8 weeks prior to the course date – 50 % of charges apply 
• Within 20 days prior to the course date – 100% of charges apply 

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