EEAA LAUNCHES PHASE TWO OF ‘A CAREER FOR LIFE’ CAMPAIGN

By Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia , 17 June, 2019

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has launched the second phase of its campaign, A Career for Life, inviting young people to consider a career in the Business Events industry.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio said the campaign is targeted at teachers, career advisors, parents and students and aims to inspire more young people to consider a career for life in the industry.

“It takes all types of people, with all kinds of skills to create an event. There are a range of roles from front-of-house to behind the scenes. Each requires different skills. Each requires passion and commitment. You could have A Career for Life if you choose to work in our industry.” Ms DiMascio said.

The campaign includes a video and booklet showcasing the diverse stories of 10 successful professionals and their unique pathways into the industry. Their stories shine a light on the creativity, opportunity and satisfaction that the industry presents, illustrating a diverse range of roles from digital engineer and motion graphic designer through to financial director and event operations.

The 10 careers and individuals profiled in this campaign are:

  • Digital Engineer – Supriya Shakya, Head of Digital, Reed Exhibitions Australia
  • Motion Graphic Designer – Kien Tan, General Manager, The Monkey’s Cobbler
  • Financial Director – Erica Blythe, Director of Finance and Administration, ICC Sydney
  • Head of New Business – Laura Huddle, Head of New Business, Asia-Pacific, Eventbrite
  • Event Operations – Georgie Chapman-Burgess, Operations Manager, Exhibition and Trade Fairs
  • Event Operations – Jamal Gittens, Operations Manager, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Marketing Communications -Jessica McLean, Senior Account Manager, Zadro Agency
  • Event Management – Luke Edginton, Exhibition Services Manager, Adelaide Convention Centre
  • General Management – Lara Burnes, General Manager, Premier Events and Experiences, Melbourne and Olympic Parks
  • Event Operations and Sponsorship – Jenna Cali, Operations Manager, Exhibitions and Sponsorship, Informa Australia

Ms DiMascio said the campaign is important because business and consumer events are crucial drivers in Australia’s economy. EY estimated the industry contributed just over $30b in direct expenditure, $13b in direct value-add and nearly 200,000 jobs to the Australian economy.

“Business and consumer events play a pivotal role in driving Australia’s economy. Globally, the exhibition sector has created over 680,000 jobs and attracts over 260 million visitors to its 31,000 trade and consumer shows.” Ms DiMascio said.

The campaign was launched on Global Exhibitions Day to an audience of senior industry and government representatives at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and was a highlight of the EEAA 2019 Leaders Forum and Conference.

The EEAA invited Australia’s leading educators and career advisors to the annual EEAA 2019 Leaders Forum and Conference to discuss the skills base and training requirements for the business events sector into the future.

Led by Joyce DiMascio, Chief Executive from the EEAA, the panel included Jenny Lambert, Director Employment, Education and Training, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Jane Trewin Executive Director of Educational Delivery, Boxhill Institute Group; Melinda Brown, General Manager from Skills IQ and Shaun Mitchell, Events & Customer Services Director, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Source: EEAA