Once certified, individuals will receive a kit that includes everything they need to start their own practice, including business cards and customisable presentation templates. They will also be given a link on the ACTE website where they can showcase their credentials and ACTE certification.
“There are a lot of people in varying stages of their careers who aspire to going out on their own but don’t know where to start,” says ACTE executive director Ron DiLeo. “Conversely, we get calls regularly from travel managers and buyers looking for consultants with specific technical skills.”
The association believes that the Consultants’ Corner will also attract new talent to the travel industry. “While larger firms don’t typically get involved directly in travel management projects, it’s not uncommon for their work to affect their clients’ travel programmes,” says DiLeo. “With the Consultants’ Corner, these firms now have a place to shop for sub-contractors.”
The Consultants’ Corner programme is set to launch in the first quarter of 2011.
