Industry Talks: 6 Industry Pros Share their ‘Starting Out’ Stories
We have a whole bunch of guest lecturers from industry imparting the knowledge and experience directly to our students. They come from different backgrounds, different event management companies in different sectors. But they all have one thing in common… they love working in events! And no question time is complete without at least one student asking, ‘So, how did you get to where you are now?’ Inevitably they all have all had varied and interesting event career trajectories. We thought it might be fun to share a few here…
Belinda Collins
Director and Event Producer, The Social Crew
I grew up in the country and after completing my VCE, Business College and a Travel Degree, I worked as a Senior Legal Assistant for about 5-6 years in Commercial Litigation. After a brief switch to Financial Planning, I realised that the academic stuff was great for saving money, but I missed the creative angles I enjoyed at school.
When I was about 25, I had a career change and started working in events part time. I was thirsty for travel so packed my CV and hit the road. The really huge projects kicked off when I arrived in London and for the next 7 years, I expanded my portfolio across Europe, America, Canada and South Africa.
Jon Corbishley
Director, The Safety Officer
Travelling through Europe with a popular boy band in the 80’s dealing with the safety and security of thousands of screaming girls was a very steep learning curve
By pure chance I was offered an opportunity to join a tour with one day’s notice due to someone not turning up. Travelling through Europe with a popular boy band in the 80’s dealing with the safety and security of thousands of screaming girls was a very steep learning curve. I learnt an awful lot in a very short time. I’ve since done stadium shows, festivals theatres, sports and in fact any event where crowds gather.
When I started my own consultancy I was privileged to be appointed to plan and manage the crowd safety for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in London. This event was attended by over 1.6 million people. I’ve worked at most of the major venues and with some of the worlds biggest artists. I can honestly say that I love every minute of it. It’s the best job in the world.
Laura Salvatore
Event Services, Melbourne
After completing my Diploma of Event Management, I bounced around in a freelance capacity for a few years. Having made strong connections I relied heavily on my network. I then moved from producing not-for-profit conferences, to delivering festival activations, and managing 800 volunteers for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies. Then there was more time in the experiential world before landing a full time job at Imagination Melbourne in 2014. I then started teaching and I’m absolutely loving sharing my knowledge and experience with such super keen students!
Julie van der Weegan
Director of Sales, Urban Purveyor Group
I’ve spent my entire career in the hospitality industry in one capacity or another. I’ve held senior roles across Australasia and Europe. For the past 10 years I’ve concentrated my speciality in event venue and catering sales and marketing. Prior to joining Urban Purveyor Group in 2013, I built substantial credentials under Doltone House Group where I spent nearly six years managing and growing the sales and events teams, reporting directly to the CEO and board.
At Urban Purveyor Group I’ve contributed to driving the rapid growth of the business as part of the companies Senior Leadership Team, including leading an events, catering and group reservation division that is on track to double in size in the next 24 months. This is in line with the group’s vision to be the largest casual dining and entertainment group in Australia.
Mandi Ford
Director, Essential Solutions
Moving to Sydney on the week that it was announced that we had won the bid for the Olympic games was an amazing time. I was working in marketing at the time and was offered a role at a brand new event company that was setting up in Sydney. I thought, ‘why not try this for a short period’. That was was 23 years ago and I am still working in this incredibly creative and dynamic world of events.
Kelly Abeleven
Building Biologist, Building Biology NSW
It’s been a wonderful journey which has included many great opportunities, experiences, hard work, luck, diversity and challenge. Starting in the private industry then spending many years working for the NSW Government and now running my own business, I am filled with gratitude as to the journey this industry has taken me on.
At College of Event Management we offer a range of specialised online event courses. Contact us for more information about the right course to equip you with the knowledge and practical experience to work as an event professional.
