While international travel and events are enjoying a resurgence across the world, FCM Meetings and Events is on the front foot to meet the needs of an ever-changing environment. Group Travel Manager, Sarsha, and Project Coordinator, Shannon, take us behind the scenes on what skills they have had to lean on most in the past couple of years, and what they are most excited about now that the industry is back and booming.
What does the events industry look like in a post-pandemic world?
Shannon: I think in a post-pandemic world, fear is more front of mind than ever before. Customers are looking to us to navigate this unique and new environment so it's imperative to utilise your skills in sales and marketing.
As an event manager, you’re constantly reevaluating risk and developing measures to mitigate concerns. Of course, this has always been the case, but we’re all navigating unfamiliar territory with COVID-19 and keeping up with the ever-changing rules and regulations. Flexibility above all else is key.
Sarsha: The event industry is coming back at an insane pace. After years of companies needing to cancel and postpone events, everyone now seems very eager to get back to face-to-face events. Going from zero to a hundred has been quite challenging but also really exciting. One noticeable difference is that lead time has become dramatically shorter. This means rather than looking at planning an event for 6 months' time, we see a lot of events coming to fruition within 1-3 months. Due to this, time management and multi-tasking have never been more important in my role.
What are you most excited about that’s happening now?
Shannon: International travel is slowly but surely coming back, and brands are keen to explore their options within this space. It is exciting to see how much this has increased business and instilled confidence across the industry.
What is your favourite thing about your role?
Shannon: It’s exciting, fast-paced and full of opportunity! No two days are the same and I get to work alongside some of the greatest minds in the industry. It’s amazing!
Sarsha: I really enjoy the variety in every day. I have recently been working on a project bringing back international students into the country. This was a big project and required the collaboration of not only Group Managers but others within the FCM M&E group. This was a nice change-up from my other projects where I work solo directly with the client and was an awesome opportunity to work closely with people from other departments and learn different parts of the business.
What are your predictions for the future?
Shannon: I don’t think the appetite for in-person connection and experience will ever entirely fade, however, I do think that virtual and hybrid events are the way of the future and will feature regardless of the pandemic.
Customers now know the process of hosting virtual events and are more willing to utilise the benefits of these alternative methods for example to either connect internationally on a smaller budget or offer those who cannot attend in person a similar opportunity to shared education or networking events.
I am most excited about the boom we are about to see now that the world is opening up again. There is a renewed sense of excitement for international travel and events because it has been out of reach for so long.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining or returning to the industry?
Shannon: Do it! The demand is high and there is a renewed sense of energy in the industry now that we can hold events again. If you love challenging work, where no two days are the same, then this industry is for you.
Sarsha: If you have been tossing and turning about coming back into the industry, bite the bullet and do it! With our open roles across various departments, it is an amazing opportunity to try something you may have never thought about. With new opportunities across the business, it is a great time to get on the front foot now and build up your portfolio!
With a new hybrid model across Groups Travel and Events, the opportunities for growth and development at FCM Meetings and Events are abundant. Work with some of the best in the industry and start your action-packed and exciting career today. View current opportunities here.