SPIN, MPI to Partner on Certificate Program at University of Minnesota

EAGAN, Minn. - Sept. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- SPIN, the Senior Planners Industry Network, has partnered with the Minnesota chapter of Meeting Professionals International to deliver a Certificate Course in Sustainable Business Practices this fall.  The 20-hour program has been approved for 20 Clock Hours from the Convention Industry Council.

The course follows a hybrid learning model, with eight hours of classroom instruction hosted at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism & Mass Communication, and 12 hours of self-directed learning with an on-line component.  Participants will convene October 10 at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism (venue sponsor) for four hours, and reconvene November 6 for the final classroom session.  During the weeks in between, participants will be challenged with various scenarios and exercises that they will complete on their own schedule.

The course was created by LearningWorx©, a Canadian company founded by  veteran college professor, Dean Boukydis, and his colleague, Dennis Stevenson, a college curriculum designer.

Don't be fooled by the word 'sustainable.'  "This course is not about hugging trees or kissing dolphins," said Boukydis.  "It’s about learning what’s important to the majority of today’s businesses, and delivering solutions in a way that increases your professional value with new and existing clients. The topic on the minds of most leaders today is sustainable business practices, so align your expertise with what they need most going forward.”

"This is part of my dream to bring graduate-level education to the meetings industry, to fill the void for senior-level planners," said SPIN president Shawna Suckow, CMP. "We'll also offer a modified course for planners with less than 10 years of experience, because this topic is so important to our industry and all businesses who still want to be around in 20 years."

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate in Sustainable Business Practices.  'We need to start equipping planners with skill sets that resonate in the C-Suite and the HR office," said Suckow. "Inside our industry, we all value the CMP and the CMM, but those aren't always recognized by industry outsiders. This certificate will carry weight on a resume."

Continuing education is critical to both entrepreneurs and employees in today's climate.  "Everybody thinks they can just hang a shingle and call themselves planners!" said Suckow.  "How do you stand out as somebody that truly has the right skill set to move your client or employer forward - not just order bagels and buses?  I believe this course is a great way to differentiate yourself and show that you can walk the walk."

Early bird registration is $545 for all MPI and SPIN Elite Members, and $595 for all others.  After Septeber 30, add $100.

For more information, visit www.spinplanners.com/certificate-programs.html