TAFE NSW graduate Emily Leung has landed her dream job as an Events Operations and Marketing Executive at The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA), where she is working to highlight the power of exhibitions and business events to restart the economy post COVID-19.   

Emily is playing a lead role in organising a worldwide webinar to celebrate Global Exhibitions Day on Wednesday, 3 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. 

With 96% of events scheduled for 2020 in Australia either cancelled or postponed[2], Emily 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.   

Emily said, “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.[1] 

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.  
 
“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”, Ms Herd said.  

“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. 

To enrol or enquire about Events courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.   

Media contact: Kellie Dillon, TAFE NSW Media Officer, 0408 006 866, kellie.dillon7@tafensw.edu.au. 

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

[2] Lost Business Report: Impacts of COVID-19 on the Business Events Industry, McCrindle, April 2020.