Founding Member
We are a founding member of the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC).
The value of this national partnership was realized in 1990, when STEC initiated the development of its first National Occupational Standard for the province’s tourism sector. Standards for the profession of Event Coordinator were developed when STEC hosted a committee comprised of 12 industry professionals to discuss the knowledge, skills, and attitude required of an Event Coordinator.
The standards for Event Coordinator and dozens of other occupations received national recognition in 1996 when they became validated under the CTHRC. Eight years later, the Council launched emerit - a combination of National Occupational Standards and Professional Certification, online and paper-based training materials, business tools, and career resources designed to assist individuals achieve certification in tourism-related occupations.
emerit certification for Event Coordinator, which first started in Saskatchewan, has been integral to the development of the International Event Management Standard (IEMS).
To read about Canadian certification in the international market, click here.
Instead of 12 different standards for Event Coordinator, one national standard is recognized across Canada and around the world because of the partnership between the provinces and territories in 1990. No one province or territory could have accomplished what we achieved as a collective.
It is important to be able to organize special events, but it is even more important to understand what you are doing and how you are doing it. Becoming a certified Event Coordinator made these skills more relevant and allowed me to become a better skilled professional. 
Tracey Verishine, TCP, TCM
Interpretation & Outreach Officer, Parks Canada
emerit-Certified Event Coordinator and Event Manager
Interpretation & Outreach Officer, Parks Canada
emerit-Certified Event Coordinator and Event Manager
