AEV academic associate member sponsorship proving a great success

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has revealed its new academic associate member sponsorship programme is thriving.

In place since November 2022, aligning with the association’s strategy for supporting talent, skills and inclusion, the AEV academic associate membership was created as a new associate status for Higher Education (HE) institutions. Initially partnering with the University of Greenwich following their strong track record of collaboration with AEV member venues, it aims to help shape the future workforce for venues by supporting development and career pathways.

Event management students have since then benefitted from real-world experience of the AEV, attending and assisting at the AEV conferences for the past four years, participating in event management working groups and liaising with AEV members through the university’s own events. What’s more, as academic associate members, universities gain access to the Academic working group and a degree endorsement programme, created to enhance the relationship between education and the industry.

To date the association has nine academic associate members including University of Greenwich, Coventry University, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of East London, Leeds Beckett University, University of West London, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham and University of Surrey.

Recognising the budget constraints facing many higher education institutions, AEV introduced the sponsorship program earlier this year inviting member venues to offer their support.

Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) chose to sponsor Leeds Beckett University and has been building their relationship enthusiastically. Most recently the team at HCC invited event management students to attend various events providing them with the opportunity to carry out delegate research. The students have created questionnaires and conducted surveys, testing multiple methodologies and interviewing delegates on site as part of their coursework, which in turn provides the venue with valuable insight on delegate experience.

The approach provides event management students with access to a wealth of support, knowledge and experience, in addition to real-world experience of the industry through AEV member venues and beyond.

Paula Lorimer, director, HCC, said “It is vital that we invest in the future talent for the events industry. AEV provided us with this excellent opportunity to sponsor Leeds Beckett university’s academic associate membership and we are working to get the most out of the relationship – for all parties.”

Current additional university sponsorship pairings include The O2 with University of Greenwich, Coventry Building Society Arena with Coventry University, and Farnborough International with Surrey University.

Rachel Parker, AEV director, commented “Through academic associate membership, universities have clearer access to professionals within our industry, and students have the opportunity to build relationships with the event venue industry – particularly highlighted by HCC’s relationship. The sponsorship expands access to all HE institutions allowing the programme to continue giving members the opportunity to work with the universities and in turn assist in careers.”

Lorimer added “The program provides students with the chance to build a greater understanding of the events industry as they study, preparing them for the career they may pursue beyond their degree and we are delighted to be able to give them access to our venue and events.”

The partnership and associate offering benefits AEV members, academic faculty, the wider industry, and the next generation of event professionals.

Find out more: https://www.aev.org.uk/about-us/academic-associate-members