A selection of general topics for those working in the business events industry in Australia and abroad
4/23/2010 7:12:07 PM
TeeKay
Posts: 3
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I'm not sure. One of the bigger issues that I have is that my resume doesn't have enough on it, which *I think* is the problem I am having with applying for a job. I have to wonder if it would be any different on a forum like that. Especially if potential "clients" were to look on there and compare resumes as there are the resumes of other people who have far more experience.
For those people who have a lot of experience, I think it could work if they are looking to pick up extra gigs.
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4/21/2010 1:29:59 PM
Rachael
Posts: 2
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It's totally the old chiche 'it's not what you know it's who you know'.
I studied, volunteered, and volunteered some more... and like you found it difficult to get my first real break with ongoing work. In the end, i actually took a side step and worked in leisure tourism for a few years and made great contacts and established relationships with people i knew could help me with where i wanted my career to go, then when an entry level job became available - guess who they headhunted?
I'm not saying a sidestep is what will work for you, but keep up the networking and you never know who you will meet or be introduced too.
Also not sure of your age, but MEA are implenting a mentoring program in QLD (currently only in VIC and NSW) that might be worth further investigation - i don't know much about it but it was mentioned at the MEA conference yesterday.
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4/21/2010 12:41:38 PM
TeeKay
Posts: 3
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Thank you Darth Venue, but I actually live in Brisbane.
I know it's not all lights camera action, that's just the awesome (assuming nothing goes wrong) product of planning and organising. I love the planning part, I'm a bit pedantic, so I actually enjoy organising, problem solving and smoothing out the kinks.
Bernie, I know how you feel about people saying "keep on trying, you'll get there", I have been getting that too. Feels like you're in a glass box sometimes and you can see all these opportunities going back but you can't grasp them.
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4/21/2010 11:28:42 AM
bernie.s
Posts: 2
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I don't think this topic will ever get old, breaking into this industry is one tough thing to do, the education helps, but the practical experience is so vital. I'm still in touch with a number of the students I studied with as well as the next batch of students who are about to finish the same course I completed 12 months ago. Only 1 or 2 I studied with are employed in the industry, and with newest lot most going on to do the degree, because they know there's not much out there, and feel the degree might be more helpful. In recent months I've done more volunteer work, which has got me noticed, but there are no available jobs. Have managed to speak and network with a few more in the industry who are all very supportive, I keep being told to keep on trying, something will eventually turn up that's right. I'm now heading down the track of putting myself out there as an event planner, and putting together some events in order to get noticed and prove to the industry that I can do this. I know what's involved, I know its not all lights camera action, that's a very small part of it, I just want to be run successful events. Good luck to others who are in the same vote, if you're determined enough to succeed you'll reach your goals, even though it may take a little time to get there.
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4/17/2010 1:38:23 PM
TeeKay
Posts: 3
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Sorry for reviving an old topic, but this one really struck out at me as I'm in the position of trying to break into the Events industry in some form. I've done a Bachelor of Arts (one of my majors being communication and cultural studies), which I thouroughly enjoyed. I learnt alot, especially about writing and communication. I tried a couple of events subjects at uni and found them to be horribly boring and very much theory based - which to me doesn't make sense as I see the events industry as practical. Because of this, I thought it was better to gain practical experience in the industry as opposed to sitting in a classroom being bored out of my mind.
While doing the degree full time, I worked full time in a function venue and slowly made my way up to supervisor. In my mind, I saw my practical experience in a venue as a definate plus. However, once I'd finished my degree, I found that getting any kind of job in the industry was practically impossible (still is). I've volunteered and numerous events and festivals - to try and do the networking thing, but as a "lowly volunteer", I found it hard to meet the people actually organising the event, they didn't really seem interested in giving me the time of day. I picked up (in a very unexpected way) a volunteer role at a Festival coordinating performers and thought that would make my resume look pretty good - I'm still doing the coordinator role because it's fun and I see it as a way to meet people in the industry.
Still not being able to find anyone to give a hard worker and fast learner a chance, I started doing a Diploma of Event Management at TAFE via Recognition of Prior Learning - if only, to bulk up my resume.
As the saying goes "it's all in who you know". I am currently concentrating on networking and volunteering. I'm finding people who work in the industry that I can learn from and I'm trying to volunteer more - aiming for roles with a little bit of responsibility.
One person I spoke to asked me straight up if I'd studied Event Management in any form, when I said no, she almost gave a sigh of relief and said - I'm glad, I don't believe you need to study event management to be in the industry, as so much of it is practical. She then went on to say that my experience in a venue is a great advantage. She said that she didn't study it and she has been working in the event industry for years. Made me feel really good to know that she thought I was on the right track, but I still don't seem to be getting anywhere.
I'd really love a mentor, who wouldn't mind me following them around when they work on events - I get the feeling that by showing one person in the industry how hard I'm willing to work, they might give me the experience I need.
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12/17/2009 8:39:36 AM
JasonA
Posts: 1
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TAFE!
Having recently completed the requirements for an Adv. Diploma of Event Management at TAFE, I agree with melanietk's comments: enrolment fees are substantially less than those for privately offered courses. For the tuition and the time, TAFE fees are remarkably low.
Like bernie.s, I entered the cousre at a mature age (35) and I became a stay-at-home Dad at the same time. I was fortunate to study at the Hills College (Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill - Western Sydney Institute) and was able to get hands-on with events at the college and with outside companies as a volunteer. The best way to get the most out of any study is to get involved and the college provided this opportunity. I volunteered to assist with the NSW Tourism Awards and was lucky enough to be present at the awards ceremony when the Hills College won silver in the education and training category.
In addition to being able to get real experience through getting involved, ALL teachers that delivered the course were experienced in various aspects of the industry and are active, with current industry contacts (including the accounting and legal subjects). Teachers included a PCO, venue manager/former president of an industry association, a meetings and function manager and a trainer for a major airline. All of this experience enriches the theory and makes it relevant and practical.
As a result of the teacher's industry contacts, I am due to commence work in the industry in January - shiny new qualifications and shiny new job! I did not get the first position I heard of, but I only went for three interviews and only one of the positions was publicly advertised. During this process, I made industry contacts of my own.
Maybe I was lucky that my local college is involved in the industry and wins awards. Maybe I was more committted as a mature age student than I was with previous courses. Either way, instruction by industry professionals with current contacts in a hands-on environment gives a good grounding for future employment and enables the student to get the maximum out of the course. I would definitely recommend TAFE, particularly my college: the Hills College. [Good luck with the job hunt bernie.s]
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12/16/2009 9:54:33 AM
bernie.s
Posts: 2
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I decided at the age of 42, after 20+ years doing admin and bookkeeping, that I wanted a change of career, and having organised many functions and the like in my previous work, decided I wanted to head down the path of event management. So as I send my child off to start school in 2008, I enrolled in an Event Management Diploma through Vic Uni. The next 18 months were an eye opener, the event industry was much bigger than I had expected, but I definitely knew I had chosen the right career path. Over that 18 months, I was actively involved in organising and running actual events through the course, as well as undertaking some volunteer work, where I could fit it in. I found the course extremely hands on, and would recommend it to anyone interested in entering the field. But despite undertaking the course and having been involved in actual events, I have yet to find employment. Since I completed the course in June this year and despite applying for many jobs, I am yet to even get my foot in the door for an interview. One of my lecturers, an event director herself, has been extremely supportive and helpful, and I do work for her on an ad hoc basis, when available. But this is obviously not enough to get my "big break" into the industry proper. For a mature age person entering the industry, it is proving extremely difficult.
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12/16/2009 9:20:31 AM
AMG
Posts: 1
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I am also an event educator, and endorse qualifications wholeheartedly. I did a Hospitality degree upon leaving high school and found it invaluable, but I also worked in the industry part-time while studying. A lot of today's students want it all (management, major events, and glory) NOW, and can't understand why they need to gain experience as well as their piece of paper. Gen Y really need to rein themselves in and see the bigger picture, and I think that many of the courses available help them to do that. I have completed 2 TAFE qualifications, as well as teaching them, but I also believe that, for some people, university or higher education is beneficial, as long as it is mixed with work experience or volunteering. It is also about getting yourself out there, attending networking events and making a name for yourself. This is where job opportunities come up, and if you can back this up with solid qualifications and some experience, I think you are miles ahead of the crowd. YMEA is great for this, especially for those a bit shy about meeting new people.
edited by AMG on 16/12/2009
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12/11/2009 8:28:33 PM
melanietk
Posts: 54
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I had the privilege of studying one of the very early versions of Dip Evt Mgt under Nola Miles Clarke, and while in the beginning the course was structured specifically for the conference market it was a real eye opener for understanding what the role of an Event Manager/PCO entails.
I absolutely believe that experience and hard work are everything at the end of the day, but 'you don't know what you don't know' - the course trained you to look at the big picture as much as the details, and while you may never have anything to do with a particular field of the event management process again, you were taught that it existed, and how it relates to the success - or failure - of an event or business. Training in one type of event production and coordination almost always transfers in some ways to every other.
I am thrilled that formal training and education in Event Management is being taken seriously (it certainly had a fair amount of resistance and derision when it first became common), and now has the support of professional and respected businesses, individuals & publications.
Without the support, mentoring and continued training by industry leaders I think the future of events - in all forms - would greatly suffer. As I advance I will forever encourage those that take the initiative to educate and train themselves (in multiple skills, as Jan suggests), as much as I honour and thank those that pioneered the industry, and give us something to aim for.
As for other education options.. I was eyeing off MEA's 4 day course starting in February 2010 as a mean to 'update' my skills (particularity in the field of Risk Mgt and WH&S - the ever changing parts of our industry!) but sadly their fees are equivalent to my course fees for 18months of TAFE and thus as an individual, well beyond my budget. Private institutes and educational seminars are great, but costly, unless they're sponsored or paid for by your parent company. Seems self education is the way to go.. Thankfully there are some great Australian publications out there that can help fill the blanks.
edited by melanietk on 11/12/2009
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12/11/2009 4:35:28 PM
JShaw
Posts: 3
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I would advocate both formal training (either TAFE or other degree course) combined with industry experience - either in a paid or voluntary capacity. As a lecturer of mine always said "be one upon whom nothing is lost" (actually a quote from Henry James) - meaning you should soak up as much knowledge as possible and never miss an opportunity to learn something new. In addition though, I would strongly advise anyone wanting to enter the events management/conference management/sales areas of this industry to do a formal writing course. One of the most important qualities we look for in a prospective employee is someone who can write well - in fact if you think about it very few career jobs in this world do not require some degree of writing skill. Finally, try to find a mentor who can be your "go to" person for any questions you might have about the industry you want to enter - they will hopefully be not only a fount of wisdom, but also someone who can introduce you to the people you need to know.
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12/11/2009 3:52:41 PM
tammyp
Posts: 1
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I think that TAFE offers a great opportunity to get a more hands on approach from an educational perspective. Of course part-time work (becoming less common in events) and volunteering is also excellent. Sometimes the time commitment makes it hard to combine education and work. I've completed a degree in sport management and am presently an event management teacher at TAFE and was initially pleasantly surprised at the practical approach at TAFE compared to University.
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12/11/2009 3:25:45 PM
JonathanR
Posts: 1
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I agree with Ian. Part time work to show employers you are interested. There is a wealth of info on the web such as conference budgets, manuals with advice, registration pages, conference web sites. All have advice.
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12/11/2009 1:55:26 PM
ianhoskins
Posts: 5
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Even though I am an Educator, I have to be honest and say that nothing beats experience.
I think this is particularly true of the Events Industry! Obviously we can teach the theory but it isn't until you are actually planning or executing an Event that you really learn how to balance creativity with practical, realistic ideas. I agree with other Posts that it was the best thing we ever did when we introduced Work Experience/Internships to all Courses.However when I first entered the Hospitality it was at a Technical College studying a Diploma and though we had a Training Restaurant and many very up-to-date training kitchens, we had no internships. That didn't stop me though - I worked weekends and holidays throughout my course, in a variety of establishments but it was the events industry from which I learned most and consequently where I spent my happiest moments as I worked my way up the ladder. I have continued keeping myself up-to-date whilst teaching by again working weekends and holidays within the Events industry - which offers lots of opportunities for casual work.
Now I teach mainly Degree level students I find it increasingly difficult to persuade them to work in the Industry part-time while they study and frustrating that they are all interested in Sales and Marketing as opposed to F&B Management.
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12/11/2009 1:45:39 PM
Rachael
Posts: 2
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I completed an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management and Event Management, and strongly believe this combined with great networks in industry has lead me to where i am today. I strongly tossed up whether to complete a degree at the time, but opted for TAFE for the hands on approach. Whilst studying at TAFE i also held many volunteer positions. Although i do not have the years of experience many in this industry do (only 5 years so far) I am a big supporter of networking, and strongly believe at the end of the day it definately comes to who you know, as there is no way i would have the job i do now without great networks.
Passion and drive will also get you a very long way for those starting out.
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12/11/2009 1:35:19 PM
lp
Posts: 3
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Good topic!
I did a degree and it certainly taught me a lot of important things: time management, presentation skills, what's expected of you in the workforce etc. However, we don't really work in a theory based industry and my course had very little practical content. While i'm glad i have my degree, career-wise i can't help but feel i may have been better off working in the industry for those 3 years and learning from my industry colleagues- nothing like experience!
It could be a bit of a catch 22 though- i'd be interested to hear from employers on how highly they value a degree/ dimploma/ certificate when looking at potential employees.
Also, most of the courses now have internship/ industry placements included which is good- a great way for students to see what it's actually like!
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12/11/2009 12:41:09 PM
bfoster
Administrator
Posts: 62
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With a new year fast-approaching we thought we'd ask what advice you may have to those keen on entering the events market in terms of education? Is a TAFE course the way to go? A privately-run event management degree or similar? Does education on this level help or does it all come down to who you know and on-the-job training. And what about if you already have plenty of experience but need growth and development in a specific area? Where to then? Are there courses out there that can help?
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