Report: AEV Event Managers Working Group 13.03.19
Not even Storm Gareth could keep us away.
Event Managers from 13 member venues congregated at Manchester Metropolitan University on 13th March. Welcomed with an array of tasty refreshment the group shared their travel adventures and took the opportunity to catch up. They then welcomed the students and settled in for a combined workshop/think tank session led by Lucy Pittaway, Senior Lecturer in Events Management & Level 6 Year Manager.
The session follows the successful MMU Connect Conference on October 26, 2018, which was supported by AEV and it was attended by several of our members where events management students and event professionals met. It was an opportunity for students to quiz event professionals and find out how best to get their careers off the ground after graduation, and get answers to industry-related questions from the source. This collaboration led to our meeting on Wednesday. It seemed a logical approach to bring the event managers who work for the venues of today together with those of the future.
After a short introduction from Lucy and venue representatives, Alden Arnold, AEV Project Manager presented the ethos behind the AEV, its purpose and current state of play and direction the collective are heading. Closing with a look at venue legacy and the investment in the industry's future (i.e. TECA, ICC Wales, Olympia investments, proposed openings of Magazine London and the “Sphere”) the students gained a solid understanding of the venue world and the benefits membership to such an Association can bring.
Michelle Baldwin (NEC), Tom Edwards (ExCeL London), Dean Meehan (Manchester Central) and Lynne Guthrie (SEC) took to the floor, in turn presenting their respective venues to the group.
Lucy then fielded relevant questions and the students noted down panel responses, which in turn will help with their end of year projects/dissertations. The remaining venues who were sat at each table also gave response, giving a broader opinion/experience for the students to absorb.
After a short break a round table think tank session commenced. Students moved from table to table, each table being led by the venue representatives which gave the students the ability to explore subjects pertinent to their course (e.g sustainability, technology).
Insights shared and learning through real life experiences. Collaboration. A successful day all round.
Thank you to our members who attended, the panel, Lucy, MMU and their students and Storm Gareth.
A repeat of this type of event will happen again so watch this space!
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“It is always invaluable to take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about the industry I am progressing in!” MMU Event Management Student
“Another amazing experience yesterday gaining insight from industry professionals! It was great to hear their opinions on current issues within venues and how expectations of clients and delegates has changed over the past 10 years.” MMU Event Management Student
“Brilliant -what an opportunity for our students” – Senior Lecturer MMU
“It was a great success and amazing that so many of the EM working group could attend . We wanted to say thank you as we also got an incredible amount from the experience.” – AEV member
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