WELCOME TO OUR CAREER SPOTLIGHT SERIES – MAY
In this interview we hear from an experienced Event Manager and Conference Team Leader, Katie Beer who has been successfully navigating a tricky market, highly impacted by Covid-19. Read on to learn about an event management career and how Katie and her team have quickly pivoted to adapt to the current climate. You will also learn more about Katie’s profession as an Event Manager and Conferences Team Leader, how she got into this field and what a typical day is like.
- Can you tell me a bit about what you do for work and what you enjoy most about your job?
I have worked in the event industry for the last 10+ years, and this year I started a new role managing a team who coordinate Conferences and Face to Face events.
I love working in the event industry because no two days are the same, and I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people and manage some inspiring events over my career.
In my new role I am really enjoying the challenge of managing and motivating a team, especially as we navigate these changing times. So far it has been really rewarding to work together and achieve some pretty big goals.
- What is a typical day like?
Right now, my day is back to back zoom meetings, and I am sure a lot of people can relate! I am a go between for the team and various stakeholders both internal and external, so there can be a lot of problem solving. It is always great when we are running an event and I can get involved and help the team and be part of the buzz of the day.
- How has your role /industry been impacted by COVID-19? And how have you adapted?
The event industry has been deeply impacted by COVID – 19 and while some companies have been able to change the way they work a lot of suppliers in the industry have had to stop work completely due to the restrictions in place.
I have been in a fortunate position where my organisation has pivoted all our events from Face to Face to Online. My team had quickly to learn how to manage a conference or workshops in these new formats, and things that traditionally may have taken 6 months to achieve have been tuned around in 6 weeks!
As a member-based organisation we have been able to reach more people in the new online format, so we are taking the opportunity to re-think what ‘normal’ will look like when things go back.
- What was your path to working in this profession?
After I completed my study I started from the ground up, working in venues as an Event Coordinator as I navigated the deadlines and client management. I then moved to inhouse and agency where I was managing a range of events from small conferences to large multi-day incentive groups. Today I am managing a team and developing a whole new skill set, but still in the industry I love.
- Do you need any qualifications to do what you do? If so, what are they?
I have a Diploma in Event Management, but now you can study Business and Event Management at University.
6. What is the best career advice someone has given you?
Always keep learning! I think this is more relevant than ever because as technology continues to change so will the way we work. With advancements in automation and artificial intelligence I think some of the jobs of tomorrow haven’t even been created yet.
- What advice would you give to someone looking to get into this profession?
A Diploma in Event Management is a great start to give you the foundations you need, and I also recommend doing a lot of work experience to get a feel for where you would like to be in the industry as there are lots of options like working in house for a company, venues, styling, AV or even weddings.
Thank you so much Katie, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. We have loved learning more about your career.
If you are looking to navigate a career change or pivot, due to COVID-19 – book in a free Discovery Call with Career Coach, Sally Watson here.
You can learn more about our career coaching programs here.
To learn about other professionals we have featured in our monthly Career Spotlight series – your will find them at our blog.
