Yangon, 30 August 2014, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry recently travelled to the bustling city of Yangon, Myanmar to deliver event management training to the country’s Chamber of Commerce, UMFCCI. A total of 13 employees of The Republic of the Union of Myanmar Fe deration of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI) and its various associations attended the training.

Angela Wall, Events Manager with Sheffield Chamber for nearly 10 years, discussed all elements of organising an event, from the importance of setting aims and objectives through to selecting a venue, financing the event and marketing. One important aspect was how to commercialise events programmes whilst always ensuring that the needs of the members are met.

Angela shared her experience of managing a varied events calendar, from small networking events through to an annual Business Awards that regularly attracts over 800 guests and the Global Manufacturing Festival, which in 2014 attracted approximately 2000 delegates.

Delegates on the training course participated in group activities, working together to suggest the benefits to a membership organisation hosting events – as well as the challenges. Two half day sessions were very well received, with 80% of attendees rated the satisfaction of the training as ‘high’ or ‘very high’.

Pyae Phyo Aung, Staff Officer from the UMFCCI, Trade Fairs and Trade Promotions Department, feedback that Angela was “very patient and excellent at sharing knowledge”. Su Tayar Lin, Project Manager, SMART Myanmar commented, “the marketing section of the training programme was particularly helpful”.

Angela also spent time working on a one-to-one basis with members of the team, focusing on particular events, such as a "Meet the Buyer" and suggesting ways of running the event to not only ensure a good take-up from overseas customers and local factories but also that it was financially viable.

"September 2014, issued by Angela Wall, Events Manager, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry"