The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) have signed a groundbreaking collaborative agreement to integrate the internationally recognized Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) certification into the SUSS Bachelor of Science in Events Management program. The agreement was formalized during the 2025 Singapore MICE Forum, marking a significant milestone in global exhibitions and events education.
Under this innovative partnership, SUSS graduates will have the opportunity to embed nine modules from the CEM program within their degree program. Students who successfully pass the exams for all nine modules will earn the prestigious CEM designation alongside their bachelor’s degree, providing them with a competitive advantage when entering the MICE and events industry workforce.
“This partnership represents a transformative step forward in enhancing global exhibitions and events education,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “By integrating our internationally recognized CEM certification directly into SUSS’s degree program, we are creating a new standard for academic excellence that will better prepare the next generation of industry professionals by ensuring graduates enter the workforce with both theoretical knowledge and industry-validated expertise.”
The signing ceremony was conducted by CEM Commission Chairperson Kyle F. Jordan, Ed.M., MS, CAE, CEM-AP, CMP Fellow, DES, CMM and Associate Professor Tan Teng Hooi, Dean of the School of Science and Technology at SUSS. The ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Edward Koh, Chairman of the Programme Advisory Committee at SUSS and Executive Director of Conventions, Meetings and Incentive Travel at Singapore Tourism Board, along with Richard Ireland, President of SACEOS (Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers).
The program will take effect with the commencement of the January 2026 semester at SUSS. This initiative was spearheaded by SACEOS Head of Talent and Capability Development Lloyd Tan, CEM, who has been recognized as a champion for IAEE and the CEM program. The announcement has generated considerable excitement within Singapore’s events community, reflecting the region’s enthusiasm for enhanced educational standards and professional development opportunities.
IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation is a globally recognized designation that demonstrates the highest professional standard throughout the exhibitions and events management arena. It was created in 1975 to raise professional standards in the events industry and continues to be the premier mark of professional achievement. Click here to learn more about the IAEE Certification Journey.
About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
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+1 (972) 687-9226
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