My first event as an apprentice at b-ceed
An account of Lara’s experience.
As an Event Management apprentice, you have many responsible tasks to take on. One of them is not only planning events, but also being there on site during their delivery and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You experience the whole journey, from the first proposal right through to event day. The nerves before your first event are immense. You’re there in person and, of course, you have a responsibility to shoulder.
‘Lights, Camera, Action’ team event
That morning at the office, we packed the last few props for our ‘Lights, Camera, Action
’ team event and loaded them into the car. Then a colleague and I set off together for my first event during my Event Management apprenticeship. When we arrived at the client’s premises, our contact welcomed us. We had a quick round of introductions, as we only knew each other from phone calls and emails. There were lots of props for the video shoot, which we first arranged decoratively around the room. The first guests arrived shortly afterwards and curiously inspected the various accessories. Colourful hats, glasses and wigs, and much more. Once all 20 participants had arrived, I briefed them on the event. I also handed out the tablet computers to the individual groups. And the participants were soon bubbling over with ideas. The team’s film shoot got under way. Throughout the event, I was on hand to answer any questions. At my first event, I also had to offer ideas for the film shoot and help people through creative blocks. The follow-up review was an important part of the event. A short feedback session after the event was also part of my role. How had the participants found the video shoot? After our client’s extremely positive feedback, it was time to pack all the props away again. As I also had to learn about project management, it was then up to me to say goodbye to the client in person. And so the first successful event day of my exciting time as an Event Management apprentice came to an end.
You grow with your responsibilities
After my first few smaller events, I soon moved on to larger events. More tasks and more responsibility. At my next ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ team event as an apprentice, there were already 150 participants. A large evening gala followed the team event. As well as the usual briefing and running of the video shoot, I now also had to liaise with the catering and venue partners on site and discuss the rest of the event arrangements. The stage set for the awards ceremony that followed had to be built, the red carpet rolled out and the winner’s trophies put in place. We also decorated the tables to suit the Hollywood night. Once everything is set up, you can look proudly at the scene before you and marvel at all you can already achieve as an apprentice. After my colleagues and I had changed into our evening wear, we were ready for the big awards ceremony. The curtain was drawn back and we went straight onto the stage via the red carpet. The winners of the best films were decided using an applause-o-meter and presented with trophies. A complete success and a wonderful evening, with a great atmosphere for the client, the event organisers and me as an Event Management apprentice.
My experience
Although I was pretty nervous before my first event, I was also really looking forward to the day. I had already learnt so much about working as an Event Management apprentice in the office, and I was keen to put what I had learnt into practice on site at last. I really enjoyed interacting with the client at the event, and I was amazed by the ideas the participants came up with. Such a creative event, full of fun and action. These days, I manage events entirely on my own, and during the last Christmas season I also ran a mobile Christmas market
for one of our major clients. I always look forward to managing events on site.
by Lara Burg. Outings & News
