Dubai - MENA Herald: The Arabian Academy of Wedding and Event Planning has launched a global certification programme for Certified Wedding Professionals, as part of their commitment to streamlining and supporting this ever growing industry.
Kylie Carlson, CEO of the Arabian Academy of Wedding and Event Planning and founder of the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, stated: “In a largely unregulated industry it’s easy to set up a wedding and event planning business. The Certified Wedding Professionals certification will allow planners, stylists and designers to collaborate, share knowledge, and more importantly network with fellow professionals, while adhering to guidelines and standards . We’ve established a certification board, from some of the leading lights in this global industry, including Dubai’s Zainab Alsalih, Managing Director of Carousel Events.”
The Arabian Academy of Wedding and Event Planning provides courses for those looking to bolster their existing career as a planner, or those looking to change careers; while also providing established professionals with an opportunity to gain a certification, which highlights their professionalism, experience and commitment to continued development.
“Becoming a certified wedding professional, provides applicants with a stronger competitive advantage, while building on existing networks and relationships to share best practices. The overall aim is to ensure that planners and designers provide the bridal party with the best possible counsel and service, as well as the latest information and trends available. We’ve noticed that a number of people are looking to enhance their event planning careers, with a specialisation in wedding planning, and we’ve grown our student intake significantly in the last 12 months; there is a definite demand for certification within the industry, as well as governance,” confirmed Carlson.
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries represent more than $2 billion to the global wedding industry, with the UAE witnessing more than 15,000 weddings in 2016 alone, while the region represents some of the highest average spends on weddings at US80,000.