The British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) will be launching its Student Membership Programme at International Confex 2007 on Tuesday 20 February at Earls Court, London.

With the launch of the programme, the BACD aims to continue to support and contribute to the work being done by colleges and universities and play a leading role in the future development of the conference and business tourism industry. The programme offers students an inside view into the dynamic world of conferences, events, exhibitions and business tourism and aims to support and assist the next generation of the industry’s employees.

Membership will be open to anyone who is in full or part-time education and studying for a qualification in the tourism and events industries. It will also be extended to those that have recently started employment within the sector who desire to further their knowledge.

Annual membership will cost £35, inclusive of VAT, and members will receive benefits such as: access to industry information and research, employment and placement/internship opportunities, personal development and professional networking, education and training, a dedicated student area of the BACD website and a membership certificate.

“Support, assistance and education of the next generation of employees is vital if the UK is to continue to be regarded as a market leader in business tourism,” said BACD chair Sue Stuart. “The BACD has taken a pro-active approach to ensuring that this is the case by introducing its student membership package, which will assist and support individuals in the formative years of their careers in such a dynamic industry.”

The BACD already has close and valued links with the academic sector, pointed out the organisation’s chief executive Tony Rogers. “The BACD advises on new programme development, provides speakers to universities and colleges, and regularly communicates with lecturers,” he said. “The launch of the BACD student membership is the logical next step in building our bridges with academia.”