Features
Event Week Live UK Inspires Next Generation Of Live Talent
The NEC Birmingham is continuing its vital work in recruiting this industry’s future professionals – work that’s never been more important than post-COVID.
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Dubbed Event Week Live, March 6-11, the program saw 28 event undergraduate management students from Birmingham City University, and Coventry University visit the NEC Campus for a week of talks, advice and guidance from a variety of industry leaders.
“This included visiting back of house to see the different and varied roles available within the events industry, as well as a trip to NEC sister venues, Resorts World Arena and Vox Conference Venue,” according to a press release from the NEC Birmingham.
Event Week Live was launched by Michelle Baldwin in 2011 to realize her passion for developing young talent and showcasing the variety of roles within live events. “Many of the students who have taken part over the years have since become fully-fledged live events professionals, working across the industry, with ten individuals currently in roles across the NEC Group,” according to the release.
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Baldwin, who’s head of events for the NEC, said, “With each year that we run Event Week Live, the more we have been able to enhance and adapt the content further. Designed to give an immersive week-long look into our industry, our aim is to inspire the next generation of talent. Our vision for the program is to make the Midlands the region of excellence for live events talent. It doesn’t just end after the week’s work experience – following the week, we then gift selected Elite students with a 12-month Group mentorship to help guide them in their career pathways.”
Dr. Libby Carter, the course leader of Birmingham City University BA in “Event, Venue and Experience Management,” said, “Event Week Live is such an important initiative to give students real insight into the industry. The week allowed them to gain vital knowledge, build their skills and share their passion with those that live and breathe events on a daily basis. The Elite program is an invaluable opportunity for our students and something they are extremely proud and excited to be a part of.”
Dr. Benoit Senaux, curriculum lead for Events and Experience Management at Coventry University, added, “Event Week Live is a fantastic program allowing students to gain an immersive experience of the live event industry. The associated 12-month mentoring scheme is an amazing opportunity for talented students to get exceptional guidance in developing their professional career.
“The NEC Group should be praised for leading the way with such an initiative, and we are honored to collaborate with Michelle and her team in developing the event professionals of tomorrow.”