Last year, in a Q&A about event management here on the career forums, industry expert Marie-Clare Swallow said if there is one thing you need to survive in the industry, it is a comfy pair of shoes.
Not the standard careers advice fare, granted, but it perfectly illustrates just how hard you have to work in this industry...
Duncan Reid from events industry portfolio Confex Group told EducationGuardian that although the social side of the job can be quite fun it's hard work, with a lot of running around in the weeks leading up to the event.
Also quoted in the article was Rob Davidson, who teaches an MA in conference and events management — he said a lot of stamina in needed in this business and you need to keep a smile on your face no matter what is going on behind the scenes.
So, if you'd like to be organising events rather than attending them, and you'd like to know more about starting a career in this field, we've assembled a panel of experts to tell you what it is like working in event management.
Join them on 18 August at 1pm — the discussion is now open for advance questions.
Rob Davidson is a senior lecturer at the University of Westminster, where he runs a master's course in Conference and Events Management. He is the author of a number of books on the events industry. Every year since 2006, he has featured in Conference & Incentive Travel magazine's list of the 50 most influential people in the UK conference and events industry.
Martin Jack is managing director of event management company Think Different Events. Martin has seventeen years experience in managing, developing and directing a range of conferences, events and training programmes. He is an executive committee member for the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers.
Justine Kane is an event management professional with more than 12 years experience and is joining us on behalf of Event Management Training. Justine works in both the profit and non-profit sectors on a consultancy basis.
Don Turner is managing director of creative agency Spinning Clock, which specialises in events, video and digital media. Don started his business eight years ago along with business partner David Lister.
Sarah Gordon is event manager for Thames Valley University. Sarah has more than 11 years experience in event management. She has an HND in Hospitality Management and experience in organising a range of events including weddings, conferences and breakfast meetings.
We have several members of Eventia, a trade body for events and live marketing industry, joining us:
Karen Rice, operations director at event management company Banks Sadler. (1pm—2pm)
Alan Newton, group supplier relations manager at meetings, events and communications company Grass Roots. (2pm—3pm)
Ben Taylor, account manager at marketing and events agency TRO Group. (3pm—4pm)
