KEY POINTS:
Name: Shelley Lunny
Age: 35
Role: Events project manager at Enterprising Manukau
Working hours: 8.30am - 5pm. Up to 60 hours a week leading into an event.
Average pay: $50,0000 - $70,000
Describe what you do.
I am events manager for the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards. It is a year-long project, around which I also manage two other events. I've been doing this for five years.
Managing the awards involves everything from organising and promoting the awards to business people, through to setting up and running the final event.
I also oversee all promotional material.
There are three separate functions involved. We have the official launch at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, a finalist function held at Villa Maria, and then the black-tie gala event for 900 people.
We announce the winners at this event, with guest lists including the Prime Minister, other politicians, Sir Barry Curtis, business leaders and, of course, the business finalists.
What is Enterprising Manukau?
It is an economic development agency that works with business in the region to facilitate growth. The awards are delivered by Enterprising Manukau on behalf of the city council.
Does events management live up to its glamorous image?
No, it is not a glamorous job. I may be present at the event in glamorous gear but I am not there to party. I'm there to ensure it runs smoothly.
For example, if a speaker goes over time, what do we do about the 900 meals ready and waiting?
What skills or qualities do you need?
You've got to be passionate about the events you're managing. You need a certain type of personality - assertive, some might say bossy.
You need to be logical, open minded and capable of thinking outside the square. You need to be highly organised with good time management. I sleep with a pad next to the bed so when I wake up at 3am remembering something, I can write it down.
You can't afford to get people off side so you have to be able to deal with a range of people, from politicians to cleaners.
You have to be able to cope with pressure because when things go wrong, you're the person people immediately look for.
Your history?
I have no formal qualification in events management. I did secretarial work after leaving school.
I moved into sales before leaving work to have children. I developed accounts and administration skills through helping my previous husband who was self-employed.
I fell into events management really. When my three children were little, I started doing administration part-time for Targa New Zealand who run a week-long motor sport event.
I started doing some PR and media work and ended up helping manage the actual event. Then I got this job at Enterprising Manukau.
What sort of training or experience do you need?
Because I have no formal tertiary qualification, I don't know anything about events management courses.
What I know is you definitely need experience in dealing with people and good life skills.
Experience in business, hospitality, sales, marketing, journalism and budgeting will all be useful because you do all of that.
Best part of the job?
Seeing it all come together. Seeing everything in place and knowing all your work has come to fruition. It is an awesome feeling when you watch it unfold in front of you.
Getting positive feedback afterwards is also a real buzz.
Challenges?
I'm always looking for a point of difference year to year that is within reason and to budget.
The hours and stress are challenging. I deal with the stress by keeping fit and playing sport, particularly netball. I notice, after a major event, I can feel down for a couple of days. It is like when you come back from holiday and feel deflated after being on a high.
Advice to someone interested in events management?
Ask yourself if you have the right personality. You must be outgoing. If you're just after glamour, forget it.
Get involved in small events in your work or your community.
When you go to events, observe all aspects; seating, table cloths, programme design, lighting, MC patter, audio visuals.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Maybe in a role looking at the bigger picture and having an events manager working for me.
