EMATT launches its new website
Members and the public can now find training, events, resources and membership information in one place.
Event Management Association of Trinidad & Tobago
Behind every great T&T moment is a professional who made it happen.
From Carnival fetes and Tobago weddings to national conferences and sporting events, EMATT brings the twin island's event professionals together to train, connect and raise the standard of the industry.
Interactive · Plan by occasion
What are you planning?
A welcome from the President
Welcome to EMATT
Trinidad and Tobago knows how to gather. Our Carnival is admired around the world, our festivals carry the stories of many peoples, and our families can turn a backyard into a celebration overnight. Behind each of those moments are planners, promoters, caterers, decorators, technicians, security teams and volunteers who rarely see the spotlight.
I founded the Event Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago so that these professionals have a home. EMATT exists to set standards, share knowledge and open doors: training that leads to recognised credentials, a network that helps members find partners and work, and a single voice when our industry speaks to government, sponsors and the public.
Whether you are planning your first community fundraiser or your hundredth national event, there is a place for you here. Join a training programme, come out to one of our mixers, or simply reach out and tell us what you need. Together we can make every event in Trinidad and Tobago safer, better run and more memorable.
Welcome to the family.
Ms. Sandra BasheerFounder & President, EMATT
What we do
Built for the people who build events
Interactive · Self-check
How event-ready are you?
Tick what is already in place for your next event. The meter shows how close you are to a safe, well-run day.
0%Event ready
Partners & sponsors
Founding partner places are open
Organisations that believe in a professional events industry can support EMATT's training, awards and community programmes.
Your logo here
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Home / About / The Association
About EMATT
The professional body for event managers, planners and suppliers across Trinidad and Tobago.
Who we are
One industry, two islands
The Event Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (EMATT) brings together the people who plan, produce and supply events across the country: independent planners, production houses, caterers, décor and rental companies, audio-visual technicians, venue managers, security providers, promoters and students entering the field.
Events are a serious part of our economy and culture. Carnival, festivals, conferences, weddings, sport and community celebrations all depend on skilled people working safely and to a clear standard. EMATT was founded to support those people, to promote best practice, and to represent the industry to government, sponsors and the public.
The Association is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and run from the Office of the President in Barataria, Trinidad.
Our mission
Raise the standard
To develop, connect and represent event professionals in Trinidad and Tobago through training, certification, networking and advocacy, so that every event is safe, well managed and memorable.
Our vision
A respected industry
A Trinidad and Tobago events industry recognised across the Caribbean and beyond for professionalism, creativity and care for guests and communities.
What guides us
Our values
Standards
We promote safe, ethical and well-documented practice at every scale.
Community
We share knowledge freely and look out for one another across both islands.
Culture
We honour the traditions that make T&T events unlike anywhere else.
Why the scarlet ibis
Our emblem
The scarlet ibis is one of Trinidad and Tobago's national birds, and every evening flocks return to roost in the Caroni Swamp in a display that visitors travel the world to see. That nightly return is a reminder of what a well-run event feels like: many individuals moving together, in time, toward one shared moment.
The red, white and black of our logo come from our national colours and from the ibis itself, whose scarlet wings are tipped with black.
Meet the people leading EMATT
Founder & President
Ms. Sandra Basheer
Sandra Basheer founded EMATT to give Trinidad and Tobago's event professionals a shared home, common standards and a stronger voice. She brings years of hands-on experience in events and community development, and has trained cultural and community organisations in how to plan events and secure sponsorship.
Read more
As President, Sandra leads the Board, represents the Association to government and industry partners, and champions EMATT's training and certification programmes. Her focus is on practical skills that help local organisers run safer, better-funded and more sustainable events.
Vice President
Dr. Eleazar Anthony Noel
Dr. Eleazar Anthony Noel is a professor, entrepreneur and motivational speaker whose work spans marketing, entrepreneurship and education. He is the founder of iBusol Consultancy and has built ventures in several countries.
Read more
As Vice President, Dr. Noel supports the President in leading the Association, with a particular focus on education, professional development and the marketing of EMATT's programmes. He is also a published author and storyteller.
Interested in serving on the Board?
Nominations for open director positions are welcome from financial members.
Safety first
Put the safety of guests, staff, performers and neighbours ahead of cost or convenience, and plan for emergencies before the doors open.
Honesty with clients
Quote clearly, disclose commissions and conflicts of interest, and never promise what cannot be delivered.
Respect the law
Obtain the permits, licences and approvals an event requires, including music licensing, police notification and venue compliance.
Pay fairly and on time
Honour agreements with suppliers, crew and performers, and treat every worker with dignity.
Care for communities
Manage noise, traffic, waste and the environment so that events leave neighbourhoods better, not worse.
Protect information
Keep client, guest and sponsor information confidential and use it only for the purpose it was given.
Keep learning
Maintain and update professional skills, and share knowledge generously with colleagues and newcomers.
For event owners
Find a qualified professional
Planning a conference, festival, wedding or launch? Tell us what you need and EMATT will connect you with members who have the right experience. Members agree to our Code of Ethics, so you know who you are working with.
Home / Academy
EMATT Professional Certification Academy · EPCA
The Certification Academy
Structured training and independently assessed credentials for event professionals in Trinidad and Tobago. Twenty programmes across five disciplines, from your first certificate to expert certification.
Credential pathway
Four levels, one standard
Start where your experience is. Introductory programmes award a certificate of completion; certifications are earned by demonstrating competence through assessment.
Level 1Foundation certificate
For students and people entering the industry.
20–30 hours
Level 2Professional certification
For working event coordinators and managers.
50–70 hours
Level 3Specialist certification
For practitioners building expertise in one discipline.
30–60 hours
Level 4Expert certification
For senior leaders and consultants.
60–90 hours + advanced assessment
Programme catalogue
20 programmes
Programmes marked First intake 2027 open with the Academy's first cohorts. Select any programme for full details.
Fees in TT$ at the full published price. Member discounts apply; see the fee calculator below. Fees and schedules are confirmed when enrolment opens.
Interactive · Fee calculator
What will you pay?
Members save on every certification programme. Pick a programme and your membership.
How you are assessed
Competence, not just attendance
Every certification is assessed against the same four elements. The overall pass standard is 70%, and safety-critical tasks must be passed on their own.
Clear grading criteriaYou receive the marking criteria before you are assessed.
Re-assessment and appealsCandidates who fall short can be re-assessed, and every decision can be appealed.
Unique certificate IDEach credential carries an ID that employers and clients can check online.
Valid for three yearsRenew by showing relevant practice, continuing education and compliance with the Code of Ethics.
Quality and independence
A credential you can trust
Certification decisions are overseen by an independent Certification and Education Board drawn from industry, academia and assessment practice. Training delivery and certification decisions are kept separate, so the people who teach you are not the people who decide whether you pass.
Courses in high-risk areas such as safety and crowd management are led by qualified practitioners. Protocol content is reviewed by qualified national protocol specialists.
EMATT certifications are professional credentials issued by the Association. They are not national qualifications framework awards and are not externally accredited. Prerequisites apply to every member and are not waived by discounts.
In development
Future subjects
Sports eventsTrade show managementEvent tourismEvent financeEvent technology & AIAccessible & inclusive event design
Register interest
Be first in line
Tell us which programme you want. We will contact you when enrolment opens, with dates, the full fee and the documents you need for any prerequisites.
What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?
A certificate of completion shows you finished an introductory programme. A certification shows you were assessed and met the standard through an exam, applied project, practical demonstration and ethics component.
Do I need to be a member?
No. Anyone who meets the prerequisites can enrol at the full published price. Members receive a discount of 15% to 25%, and student members save 30% on selected entry-level programmes.
Can my company train a team?
Yes. Small Business and Corporate members' named representatives receive their discount individually, and we can arrange group cohorts. Choose "Group or company training" in the form.
How do I keep my certification current?
Certifications are valid for three years. To renew, show relevant practice and continuing education, and remain in good standing with the Code of Ethics.
Home / Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Mixers, masterclasses, forums and our annual awards. Members receive priority registration and discounted rates.
Reserve a place
Register for an event
Choose an event and leave your details. The EMATT secretariat will confirm your place and payment details by email.
Home / Membership
Membership
Professional recognition, learning, networking, business referrals and a collective voice for the events industry. Four categories, equal voting and transparent rules for everyone.
Interactive · Find your fit
Which best describes you?
All fees in TT$. Membership runs for 12 months from approval. The joining fee is paid once, when you first join.
Compare
Benefits side by side
* Student discounts apply to selected entry-level training only. Discounts depend on event-specific terms and are not combined with other promotions.
In detail
What each category includes
For every member
Member services
National Supplier Directory
Your listing in the EMATT directory that event owners use to find planners and suppliers. Any "verified" badge follows its own published checks.
Networking & referrals
Quarterly industry networking and business referral sessions.
Certification Academy
A full training calendar and member discounts through the EMATT Professional Certification Academy.
Policy representation
A voice on industry standards, permits, safety, tourism and procurement.
Industry Excellence Awards
The annual Industry Excellence Awards and Gala, celebrating the best of the industry.
Student & professional development
Mentoring, competitions, campus chapters and career guidance for the next generation.
How to join
Membership application
- ApplyComplete the form with your category and details.
- Send your documentsStudents: proof of enrolment. Businesses: business registration. Practitioners: evidence of professional activity where relevant.
- ApprovalYour application is reviewed and you agree to the EMATT Code of Ethics.
- Pay and welcomePay your dues and joining fee. You receive your membership ID, certificate and directory listing.
Who can be a Student member?
Students enrolled at a recognised school, college, technical or vocational institution or university with an interest in events, tourism, hospitality, marketing, design or entertainment. Applicants under 18 need the consent of a parent or guardian.
What happens when I graduate?
If you join as an Individual Professional within 12 months of graduating, your first year costs TT$150 and the joining fee is waived.
Can my business pay in instalments?
Yes. Businesses can pay in approved instalments. The full annual dues remain payable.
What if I renew late?
We send renewal reminders before your membership ends, and there is a 30-day grace period after it does.
Does a Corporate membership carry more votes?
No. Every Individual, Small Business and Corporate member has one vote at general meetings, subject to the constitution. Students are represented through the Student Council in an advisory role.
How many people does a business membership cover?
Small Business covers up to three named representatives. Corporate covers up to eight.
Home / Resources & Tools
Resources & Tools
Free calculators built for T&T events, plus a curated list of free tools event managers can start using today.
Interactive tools
Plan it here
Estimated total (TT$)
0
Rules of thumb used by caterers. Always confirm final quantities with your caterer and bar supplier.
Milestones are scaled to your event size. Items already past are struck through.
Free resources
The free toolkit
Each of these offers a free plan or is free to use. Links open the provider's site.
Home / Shop
EMATT Shop
Branded gear for event days, plus templates and guides. Members save 15% on every order.
Photo albums
Gallery
Albums fill up as our events take place. Members can submit photos to the secretariat.
Newsroom
Latest news
Introducing the EMATT Professional Certification Academy
Twenty programmes across five disciplines, with the first intakes planned for 2027. Register your interest on the Academy page.
Four membership categories announced
Student, Individual Professional, Small Business and Corporate membership, from TT$100 a year.
Call for Board nominations
Five director positions are open. Financial members may nominate themselves or a colleague.
For journalists
Press kit
Logo & brand
EMATT red, white and black. Use the full logo on light backgrounds and the reversed logo on black. Do not stretch, recolour or separate the ibis from the wordmark.
Red #D71920Black #141111White #FFFFFF
Media enquiries: info@tteventassociation.com · 868 675 5687
Home / Contact Us
Contact Us
Office of the President, Event Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
Phone868 675 5687
Emailinfo@tteventassociation.com
Office40 6th Ave, Barataria, Trinidad
Webwww.tteventassociation.com
Open the office location in Google Maps ↗
Frequently asked
Does EMATT plan events for the public?
EMATT is an association, not an agency. We refer event owners to qualified members through our referral service.
How do I get a music licence for my event?
Public performance of music is licensed through the Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT). See the Resources page for the link.
Can students join?
Yes. Student membership is available to anyone enrolled in a recognised programme.
How can my company sponsor EMATT?
Send us a note using the form and choose “Partnership or sponsorship”. We will share our partner prospectus.