Experts offer reassurance to job-seekers at Event Careers Live
Exploring the multitude of career opportunities was one of the major talking points at Event Careers Live, which took place at Banking Hall, London, 24 January.
In a session chaired by Conference News editor Martin Fullard, James Rees, the president of ICCA and executive director of ExCeL, Sarah Wright, director, Wright, Alison Willis, divisional director, Easyfairs, and Chris Skeith, CEO, Association of Event Organisers, each shared experiences and journeys into the events industry. The panel entered via different routes, with neither Rees or Skeith having degrees. Willis, who is trained in drama and English, found herself in the job by chance.
The message was clear: regardless of whether or not an individual has a degree, vocational training or is simply looking to change careers, there is a role for everyone in the events industry, and career progression opportunities are aplenty. With transferable skills across the industry’s sub-sectors, such as between venues, organisers, agencies, and technology, and then the required layers between them, such as operations, catering, marketing and sales, the panel offered reassurance that there is no set way in.
Supporting the content sessions were a raft of events organisations looking for new candidates, including TTA, Clarion Events, Easyfairs, Hyve, DRPG, CWT Meetings & Events, Ashfield Meetings and Events, Smarter Shows, WRG Live, Event Academy, Searcys, GES, and Cvent Europe.
Simon Farnfield, Mash Media’s portfolio director for Event Careers Live, said he was thrilled with the event’s inaugural run. He said: “Event Careers Live has been a success, a very busy day for all our recruiters and content sessions, a really exciting buzz around the show today. It was a good eclectic mix of job seekers here today from students to people with more experience, who came prepared with questions for our recruiters and speakers, with lots of CVs exchanged.”
Rachael Kenny, events lead at Investors in People and a mentee on FastForward15, who spoke alongside BCD Meeting & Events’ Fay Sharpe, said: “I wish this event was around when I was a graduate,” while Sarah Hutchings, recruitment manager at high-end caterer Searcys added: “The event was really good for the first one.”
Social media highlights
We’re here with with Martin Fullard, James Rees, Sarah Wright, Alison Willis and Chris Skeith. Learning about the career opportunities in the events industry. #eventcareerslive pic.twitter.com/tn0F9uSPir
— Event Careers Live (@EventCareerLive) January 24, 2020
We’re here with Martin Fullard, Emily Chalis, David Preston, Cheryl Busby, Garcia Newell and Amanda Hall. Learn ways to start your career in the events industry.
— Event Careers Live (@EventCareerLive) January 24, 2020
“By being here today you’re on the right track to starting your career.”@MartyFullardUAE #eventcareerslive pic.twitter.com/MCEEeE0IKY
I'm here at the Fast Forward 15 talk in the Event Theatre with Fay Sharpe.
— Event Careers Live (@EventCareerLive) January 24, 2020
With the “aim to help the woman in our industry be the best they can be”. @sharpeFay#fastforward15 #eventcareerslive pic.twitter.com/HHWD7dizq8
Congratulations to these lucky students who've won a £10 voucher for food and drinks.
— Event Careers Live (@EventCareerLive) January 24, 2020
Don't worry, there is still time to get your hands on one. But hurry they're running out fast! pic.twitter.com/YbR8da8xI8
Go check out Live Recruitment’s booth today at Event Careers Live. @LiveRecruitment #eventcareerslive pic.twitter.com/UHrpIemnK2
— Event Careers Live (@EventCareerLive) January 24, 2020