Los Baños science community train in event management
The Science and Nature City of Los Baños, Laguna is home to many scientific and research institutions, many of whom are members of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI). Because of this, Los Baños hosts hundreds of gatherings every year where academics, researchers, and students can convene to exchange ideas and develop innovations.
UPLB alone has multiple research and academic units which all conduct academic and development-oriented events.
To elevate the quality of its events, UPLB joined fellow members of the LBSCFI in an event management training on June 23 with Cynthia Bernabe and Anton Magpantay, both experts from the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Inc. (PACEOS).
Bernabe and Magpantay are also part of the board of directors at the Philippine MICE Academy, a training institution for industry professionals and practitioners who organize meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Bernabe highlighted how events like SyenSaya can be opportunities to inspire people to take action, share knowledge, and collaborate. Events can also empower communities to build and rebuild, such as what happened to Tacloban after being hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda and to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Bernabe discussed the event management framework, its five knowledge domains, and the stages and process of event management.
Magpantay, on the other hand, discussed how events have changed amidst the pandemic and digital disruptions. He also discussed the requirements and strategies for holding virtual and hybrid events.
In his lecture, he demonstrated how digital tools can make events more inclusive and accessible. He also discussed practical means to make events more environmentally sustainable.Marita Carlos, director of the Applied Communication Division at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development under the Department of Science and Technology, said that the LBSCFI hopes to hold more workshops on event management to transform science, research, and development events in Los Baños. (Jessa Jael S. Arana)
