TAFE NSW graduate works on global event to support the future of events industry 

Having commenced in her role as Events Operations and Marketing Executive at The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), TAFE NSW graduate Emily Leung is working to highlight the power of exhibitions and business events to restart the economy post COVID-19.  

Leung is playing a lead role in organising a worldwide webinar to celebrate Global Exhibitions Day on Wednesday, 3rd June. The virtual event will be hosted from the ICC Sydney’s world-class studio and feature international speakers, panel discussions and live Q&A.  

Global Exhibitions Day (GED) is held annually on the first Wednesday of June and is open to everyone interested in increasing the visibility of the Exhibition Industry regionally and on a global scale. In the previous editions, this initiative mobilised thousands of industry professionals all over the world: associations, exhibition organisers, venues, service providers, universities and individual professionals. To make the biggest possible impact, Global Exhibitions Day 2020 will focus on just one message: Exhibitions are key to rebuilding economies.

With 96% of events scheduled for 2020 in Australia either cancelled or postponed, Leung believes it is more important than ever to use the skills learnt while completing the Diploma of Event Management at TAFE NSW to promote the industry and re-engage with the marketplace in different ways.    

Leung advises “exhibition and business events have been particularly impacted by the effects of COVID-19, but I have been lucky enough to work in a role where I can use my skills to support the recovery goals of the industry so our members are ready to take on the new world of business events.

“Thanks to TAFE NSW I feel prepared to take on this challenge while being new to the industry. Everything I learnt in my Diploma of Event Management has been useful in my role, from gathering speakers and managing technology, I even refer to the risk assessment matrix from my course in planning the event.”   

The Business Events industry has been one of the quiet achievers of the Australian economy – growing at around 6% annually since 2014, directly generating over $35 billion in economic activity in FY19. (Refer to Ernst & Young report below)

TAFE NSW Head Teacher in Travel, Tourism and Events, Kathy Herd said TAFE NSW courses build a pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready graduates to support the growing events industry. 

Herd noted “it is fantastic to see Emily applying the practical skills and experience gained during her studies to the workplace. Her innovative approach using digital technology and problem-solving skills on this global event will benefit both her employer and the industry in this challenging environment. 

“Emily is a great example of what businesses gain when employing TAFE NSW graduates: productive employees with hands-on industry experience, skills and confidence."

Current students will continue to study the Diploma of Event Management TAFE NSW this term using web conferencing technology. This type of connected learning supports social distancing, while enabling students to progress their studies.  

TAFE NSW has adopted connected learning as a new mode of delivery because it supports social distancing during COVID-19 and allows students to be connected to their teacher. In many cases, this still supports students to demonstrate their competency in their courses.

For more information on Events courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Value of Business Events to Australia 2018/19, Ernst & Young, March 2020.

Image: TAFE NSW graduate Emily Leung