Advisory Council
The ISET Advisory Council brings together industry leaders, academic experts, and policy makers to guide the institution’s strategic direction and ensure programmes remain relevant to a rapidly evolving industry.
What the Advisory Council Does
The Advisory Council is a strategic body. It advises; it does not govern. Academic governance remains with the Academic Board. The Council’s value lies in external perspective, industry connection, and reputational credibility.
Strategic Direction
Advise executive leadership on market positioning, partnership priorities, geographic expansion, and long-term institutional strategy.
Industry Relevance
Ensure programme content remains current with industry practice. Identify emerging trends, skill gaps, and market shifts that curriculum must address.
Quality Benchmarking
Provide external perspective on whether ISET programmes compare favourably with the best professional education globally, across adjacent sectors.
Network & Opportunity
Connect ISET with potential partner universities, industry placement hosts, research collaborators, and policy-making bodies.
Reputation & Credibility
Lend institutional credibility through association. A strong Advisory Council signals to partners and students that ISET is serious and well-governed.
Membership Criteria
The Council is designed to be diverse across geography, sector, and expertise. Members serve two-year terms (renewable once) and commit to two formal meetings per year plus ad-hoc consultation.
| Category | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Leaders | Professors and deans from relevant disciplines (event management, tourism, hospitality, business) at internationally recognised universities. | 3-4 members |
| Industry Practitioners | Senior professionals from major event organisations, destination marketing bodies, convention bureaux, and hospitality groups with strategic oversight responsibilities. | 3-4 members |
| Policy & Government | Representatives from national tourism boards, trade bodies, or government departments with responsibility for event tourism strategy. | 2-3 members |
| Technology & Innovation | Leaders in event technology, AI in education, or digital transformation in the experience economy. | 1-2 members |
| Student/Alumni Voice | A recent graduate or current student from a partner university programme, ensuring the learner perspective is represented. | 1 member |
How Council Members Contribute
Formal Meetings
Two scheduled meetings per year (one in-person, one virtual) to review institutional strategy, receive progress reports, and provide formal recommendations.
Ad-Hoc Consultation
Available for consultation on specific questions within their expertise. Typically 2-3 requests per year, each requiring modest time commitment.
Curriculum Review
Invited to participate in annual curriculum reviews within their area of expertise. Provides external validation that content meets industry standards.
Network Introductions
Facilitate introductions to potential partner universities, industry placement providers, and research collaborators where natural connections exist.
Advisory Council vs Academic Board
| Dimension | Advisory Council | Academic Board |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Advisory (recommends) | Sovereign (decides) |
| Focus | Strategy, industry, reputation | Standards, curriculum, assessment |
| Composition | External experts, diverse sectors | Academics, QA specialists |
| Frequency | Twice yearly + ad hoc | Quarterly (minimum) |
| Reports To | Executive leadership | Independently constituted |
Interested in contributing to ISET’s strategic direction? We welcome expressions of interest from experienced professionals across event tourism, higher education, and public policy.