The Datebook Datebook Autumn 18 Calendar of Events | Page 5

Over the years we have developed some of the best talent in the industry. Word soon spread that our graduates were work ready and able to contribute to the bottom line quickly and effectively. The UK Events Industry Getting In and Getting On with Event Academy Claire Derrick, Principal of Event Academy. E vent Academy, innovative event education specialists based in London and Manchester, is fast responding to event industry’s need for new professionals to come in work-ready and hit the ground running. Founded by four directors, each offering 20+ years’ professional expertise in event management, Event Academy was launched in 2010 in response to a considerable problem in the industry: the lack of experience offered by new event professionals. By teaming up with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Event Academy provides the only CIM- accredited event management courses in the UK, developed on a foundation of hands-on best-practice in both marketing and events. Tutors and lecturers, who are all event experts across various areas, industry innovations. The CIM accreditation not only teaches students how to bring events to market, it also demonstrates to potential employers that their latest graduates understand how to convert marketing goals into event actions and outcomes. As Daisy explains, “You go into an interview and you say the share industry experience and teach best-practice through a range of vocationally-based event management qualifications. Each course involves students in working on one (or more) live projects, so students emerge from their courses not only educated about but also experienced in running live events, complete with a ready network of contacts for doing so. As an outcome, this suits both would-be event managers and those looking to hire them. As alumni Daisy McAuliff explains about her move into events with an Event Academy course, “You would never, ever get that experience, I’m guessing, from anywhere else. You’d never get the chance to make those connections with industry people, those social networks, to be able to talk about at any interview I go to.” Getting into events is also about having the right skills. Research indicates event companies require must-have skills in marketing, communications and content production from event managers they’re hiring in 2018*, as innovation in immersive events, event technology and social media marketing and promotion sweep the industry. This is where Event Academy once again steps up, regularly updating courses to reflect Postgraduate students at a venues lecture. course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing. That’s recognised by everyone in the industry, so they know you’re not just doing a quick course. You actually have a relevant qualification under your belt as well.” Claire Derrick, Principal of Event Academy, explains how this, the continued success of students on their courses, has led to their next gap-filling innovation …. the Event Talent Agency: “Over the years we have developed some of the best talent in the industry. With our postgraduate work placement programme word soon spread that our graduates were work ready and able to contribute to the bottom line quickly and effectively. We began to be approached by organisations to match graduates with job vacancies. It was just a matter of time before we decided to expand the business and create our sister company, the Event Talent Agency. A win/win for everyone in the event industry as well as a win/win for our students.” This is proving to be a successful way to ensure that new event managers, who aren’t quite ready and able to work but keen to do so, can get started. Over 88% of Event Academy students move into working in the industry, not only going places themselves but also helping to secure the growth of the events industry with new talent and new ideas. Event Academy can be reached on Tel: [phone]. E-mail: [email protected] For Event Talent Agency Tel: [phone]. E-mail: [email protected] Checking the Message Board for possible options. Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk *All statistics sourced from Eventbrite’s 2018 Pulse Report. THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 3