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Field Trips

MEA VIC Career Insights MCEC Tuesday 21 August 2018

Diploma of Event Management students enjoyed networking with industry, and hearing the latest from industry experts including:

Emma Hedin, Event Producer at Peter Jones Special Events (WAI graduate)

Jason Potter, Event Manager at Event Travel Management

Bennett Merriman, Managing Director at Event Workforce

Amanda Wilson, Business Partner, People &

Culture at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Ritchie Plunkett, Venues Technical Coordinator at State Library Victoria

Mark Day, Convention Bureau Manager at Destination Events Geelong

 

Regional Road Trip – Yarra Valley 2017

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On Tuesday 31st October the stage one the Events Management Diploma stage 1 students set out to explore the beautiful sites and activities of the Yarra Valley. The fieldtrip was organised by Evolution Events, stage 2 Events Management students as part of our Project Management subject.  As a group we had to meet with our client and plan the day, source suppliers and activities that fell within our allocated budget.  It was a great learning experience for us and the day turned out to be a great success!

The day began with a visit to the Alowyn Gardens. Here we met Prue who was the owner of the gardens and who had brought them to life. She spoke to us about what sort of events they hold there, the spaces they had available and what it is like to be involved in the Events industry. The students were filled with knowledge and passion. Walking through the gardens we set them a challenge of taking the ‘best photo of the day’ Nicole took this out with a magnificent photo of the fountain displayed in the centre of the gardens.

After the gardens we headed just around the corner were we had a nutty time indulging in Yarra Valleys finest chocolate. The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is one of the tourist hotspots in the Yarra Valley region and the students definitely got to see why. 

After consuming loads of chocolate, we visited the local RSL in Healesville for lunch where we had a two-course meal. This room was one of two functions rooms used for smaller conferences and meetings. It gave the students an idea of how you could utilise different spaces for different events so easily.

What is the most important thing to do in the Yarra Valley? Of course, it’s to drink wine! And that’s just what we did, we set off for our last destination of the road trip to Rochford Winery where not only is the wine incredible, but the events there are just as popular.  At Rochford we were given a good insight into the wine industry, how they were made and we were all shown, how to properly taste wine by a wine enthusiast.

Another intriguing talk which showed the students events is not only planning the day itself, but that you could concentrate on different aspects and specialise in what you are really interested in, and that the events industry is full of opportunities there for the taking. The students got to view the stage set up for this years Day on the Green event.  

It was a great experience for the students and Evolution team and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Industry Guest Speaker

Louisa Line from the Little Big Company and Nicci Webster from Frosted by Nicci  came on campus to talk to the Advanced Diploma of Events students about their experience in the Events Industry.

Louisa, who has over 18 years experience in the events industry spoke to the students about her event styling business The Little Big Company. She addressed topics such as how to create an event pitch, social media marketing, networking, current trends within the industry and what key skills and attributes the industry requires. Louisa was very inspirational and really motivated the students. She also gave the students a mock brief and asked them all to create a pitch that she would evaluate and provide feedback on.

Her brief outlined the following:
– Cocktail party for 200 people
– ‘White cloud balloon’ themed event
– Source venue
– Touches of gold
– Candy cart
– Lots of florals

Students have to create a visual pitch as well as outline an overall budget including vendors/suppliers and total man hours.

Nicci Webster talked to the students about her experience working in the event industry as well as the challenges of starting your own business. Nicci also touched on topics such as customer service, determining your dollar worth and learning how to say no to events that don’t fit with your company brand. Nicci also brought in some amazing treats that she made for the students to enjoy! A gorgeous salted caramel cake and beautiful HOORAY cookies.

An amazing morning was had by all. Thank you to both Louisa and Nicci for taking the time to share their experiences with the students.

Salted caramel naked cake
Salted caramel cake

 

 

Hooray cookie
Hooray cookie