Events experts at Leeds Beckett create new events education manifesto at Confex

The Big Conversation marked 20 years of events management education in the UK at UKCEM and brought students, recent graduates, academics and leading industry representatives from across the UK to shape a manifesto to develop talent and knowledge for a stronger events industry.  Hosting the event for UKCEM George P Johnson were delighted to partner with the initiative.

Jackie Mulligan, Principal Lecturer and Director of Enterprise, UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett, who initiated and co-facilitated The Big Conversation, explained: “This was a timely conversation and highlighted some of the pressing needs we have and the ways we can enhance what we do as educators and practitioners. There were good intentions in the room to start to make the difference by seizing opportunities for internships, industry and academia exchanges and combining our research and knowledge assets.”

Illustrated by a graphic facilitator from Scriberia, the discussion led to the beginning of a manifesto and identified the urgent need for academia and industry to work more closely together to develop structured programmes for ongoing learning post-degree. Event industry leads, students, graduates and academic leaders urged the students to take personal responsibility for their studies and be proactive in gaining practical on-site work experience through existing initiatives and internships throughout their studies to improve their skill sets.

Emma Rickwood, a student at Winchester University, described the event as: “an amazing opportunity to speak to industry leaders and get an insight into the industry after university.”

Richard Parker, Director of Healthcare for AMEX Meetings and Events, who joined the industry panel, added: “The event had the right level of impetus, energy, focus and commitment – it feels like The Big Conversation could well have successfully ignited an industry-changing and industry-developing initiative.”

The event, which was supported by International Confex organisers, took place in the impressive setting of the Apex Room at Olympia where agency GPJ supported the graduate-led UKCEM Event support services to produce a unique setting complete with LED idea trees, coffee pods and graphic visualisation on the day.

Paul Cook, founder of Planet Planit and facilitator of the event, commented: “The Big Conversation, started at International Confex in 2016, has begun a change process that sees universities and industry professionals working closer together for the benefit of the entire events industry. We hope that there will no longer be debates about 'qualification vs experience' as both have their place, and the aims agreed during the event emphasised an end to divisive approaches once and for all.”

Jackie Mulligan added: "To see so many industry stakeholders, in particular graduates, at this event highlights that we do recognise the importance of this issue and the urgency there is to work to improve collaboration across the board so that academic institutions can further strengthen the competitiveness of events businesses. The next step will be taking forward some of the actions, in particular to Business Visits and Events Partnerships, and the Events Industry Board. However, at an individual and company level, as well as within universities, it is clear that opportunities are being missed and we need to work on how to address this."

Outcomes from the manifesto will be shared online and with leading associations and boards so that there can be a concerted effort to build on the manifesto.

In January the UKCEM was announced as the official University Educational Partner for International Confex. International Confex took place 2-3 March 2016 at Olympia London.

George P. Johnson is the leading experience marketing agency creating live and online experiences globally that motivate audiences and activate brands. GPJ is part of Project: WorldWide, an independent agency network inspired by a heritage in engagement marketing. Project: WorldWide agencies include JUXT Interactive, Affinitive, Partners + Napier, Spinifex, G7 Entertainment Marketing, and Raumtechnik.