The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has launched the second phase of its campaign, ‘A career for life’.
EEAA Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio explained that the campaign was targeted at teachers, career advisors, parents and students and aimed 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.” 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
DiMascio said the campaign was important because business and consumer events are crucial drivers in Australia’s economy. EY, she noted, had estimated the industry contributed just over AUD$30bn (US$20.6bn) in direct expenditure, AUD$13bn 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 260m visitors to its 31,000 trade and consumer shows.” DiMascio added.
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.
Photo by Homepix Photography: L-R: Georgie Chapman-Burgess, Operations Manager, Exhibition and Trade Fairs; Nathan Murray, Operations Manager, AV1; Nikki Witman, Operations Manager, Talk2 Media and Events; Stephanie Hopton, Senior Manager – Sales, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre attend the EEAA 2019 Leaders Forum and Conference
