Exhibition News Supplements EN 30 Under Thirty 2018 | Page 5

PARTNER’S COMMENT It’s about the journey not the destination! I love the events industry and I want others to feel the same. As a founding partner of the EN 30 Under Thirty, it’s always fantastic for AEO to be involved in the judging process. Not, I hasten to add, that I see myself as the Simon Cowell of the events industry, but it’s heartening to read through the entries and see what the rising stars of the industry are already achieving and what their future aspirations are. The best thing for me is that, each year, there are individuals who use their winning status to really make a difference in the industry. Rather than viewing the 30 Under Thirty accolade as the destination, they recognise that it is part of their journey and that, beyond the day job, there are many areas of the industry they can get involved in to further their career. These include networking opportunities, such as the EN Race Day and the Exhibition Network social evenings which take place throughout the year, but also learning and development opportunities. AEO has a number of Working Groups that some AEO members from last year’s EN 30 Under Thirty have got involved in. The Working Groups are where solutions are sought for different challenges or issues impacting organiser businesses or their customers. If your specialism is Ops, for example, you might want to join the Ops Working Group or, if you’re involved in finding tech solutions for the industry, the Business Technology & Innovation Group might be for you, or the Live Events Promotion Group if Chris Skeith, CEO, AEO 5 you work in marketing and sales. It’s a great way to increase your profile and effect change, in fact, a couple of winners of EN 30 Under Thirty 2018 are already making a difference in this way. Talking to some of this year’s winners during the presentation evening, it was clear that there’s definitely an appetite for having a say in shaping the future of the industry. Some are keen to get involved in speaking opportunities, blogs and comment pieces whilst others are hoping to be able to inspire the next generation. Both AEO and EN can support these aspirations with the many initiatives that are available to the industry. In addition, AEO’s Talent Management programme is specifically focussing on developing, nurturing and retaining the amazing pool of talent that we have in the industry. If you think you, or a member of your team, could benefit from specialist event industry training in marketing, sales or ops, AEO members can sign up for free. The full programme is due to be announced later this month so check out www.aeo.org.uk or email [email protected]. uk if you want to find out more. There is so much opportunity in this industry for career progression - opportunity to take on lots of responsibility at an e arly stage in your career, be part of a fantastic team, work on amazing events and enjoy the lifestyle the industry offers. By being one of the chosen 30, you’ve proved you’ve got what it takes to be an industry leader of the future, that’s exciting! exhibitionnews.co.uk | 2018