Leeds Beckett - ABPCO centre of excellence

20 January 2016

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has recognised Leeds Beckett University as a Centre of Excellence.

Leeds Beckett University’s UK centre for Events Management becomes the inaugural Centre of Excellence. To achieve this it had to adhere to strict criteria as well as produce an evidence pack showcasing achievements and expertise. The process also required a commitment to the promotion of careers and research in association events of the future.

The recognition comes ahead of a year in which Leeds Beckett’s UK Centre of Events Management will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“It is an honour for the University to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence by ABPCO,” comments Rhodri Thomas, Professor of Tourism & Events Policy at Leeds Beckett University. “It is especially welcome with the celebrations for our 20th anniversary about to get underway. This is a key milestone, not only for the University but for the meetings and event professionals of the future.”

Leeds Beckett University was the first university centre in the UK, and among the first in the world, to deliver undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in event management. It remains the largest dedicated centre of its kind in the UK.

“We were delighted to recognise Leeds Beckett University as a Centre of Excellence,” said Nicole Leida, joint-chair of ABPCO. “The University is well known for its graduated students winning awards regularly and enjoying rewarding careers in the industry so it’s clearly a fantastic learning environment for young professionals. The relationship with ABPCO continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to stepping up that partnership over the course of the next year.”

Professor Rhodri Thomas of Leeds Beckett University will receive a certificate and plaque in honour of the Centre of Excellence status at the upcoming ABPCO AGM to be held at the ICC Birmingham on Friday 5 February.

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry. For more information about ABPCO visit www.abpco.org.

View other News