Monday, 24 August 2009 00:00
Event Managers create the platform on which artists perform - literally and figuratively. What does it take to become an event manager? What skills and experience do you need? I asked my friend, Julie West, Dean of College of the Arts, to share a little of her perspective.
How long have you been an event manager and what lead you into this ministry?
I started doing small events at school for my children, in church and through running the family business, where we had to organize a wide variety of events from competitions, youth events, social outings, fundraisers, interclub events, worship celebrations, outreaches, training opportunities and promotion with local media. In the late 80’s I felt called by the Lord to co found and manage Perth Christian Choir and Orchestra and told the Lord I was the wrong person as I didn’t even know the instruments. He told me that is why He has chosen me because I didn’t know what I was doing and all the glory would go to Him. That has been foundational in all I do. Listening to Him and trusting Him to show me the way so He is glorified.
What do you feel are the most important qualities and skills an Event Manager must possess?
Calling from the Lord; flexibility and tenacity to keep changing until you get the event done; passion for what you are doing; not being afraid of long, hard hours of work knowing that the end result will be the best you can do for the Lord. You need to have a long term vision where you can see the big picture, as well as an eye for details, so things don’t fall through the cracks. It helps to love working with people and having enthusiasm for organizing events. It is important to enjoy administrative tasks because you can see their value. I get a thrill at seeing a finished product, done to the best of my ability. Forgive yourself and others when expectations are fully met.
What type of experience and qualifications did you have to become an Event Manager?
I had no event management qualifications but I did have a wide variety of experience in running my own business. Raising 3 sons at the same time as running a business and then managing a choir and orchestra on the side, taught me how to multi task. I was always encouraged by my parents to have a go at anything and don’t be afraid of trying something different. The worst that can happen is that something doesn’t work out the way you think and you had a great learning experience along the way. You build on one experience after another and do the best you can while listening to the Lord’s direction. Don’t worry about failing but enjoy being part of the team working towards a good cause.
What are some of the pros and cons of this kind of ministry?
Pros – experience a variety of events in many nations; life is never boring; the people you get to work with; the networks of friends you develop in many areas of society; the skills you develop; your level of faith grows as you see God show up and do the impossible; you get to leave a legacy for others to build on when you move on; you get to know, love and understand people in many nations where you live and serve; it’s wonderful to see families celebrate at events that are run with Godly values;
Cons – you miss having holidays like Christmas, Easter and New Year with family because you are serving the community; stress within the team if you aren’t all committed in faith to the goal; challenge of the unknown and how things will come together; frustration when things just don’t seem to come together no matter how hard you work; this isn’t a job but a life call where you have to put in the time needed, whenever that is because the buck stops with you.
What are some insider tips for planning a successful event?
Know that the Lord is calling you and have a strong word to hold on to for when the going gets tough; prepare early rather than leave things to the last minute; know that you are taking back ground from the enemy so there will always be attacks to undermine what you do; come together as a team each morning to pray and seek the Lord’s direction; be faithful in the small things and He will take care of the big things; be prepared to do the long, tedious hours of work needed to do events and not seek reward or acknowledgment. Know why you are doing events and enjoy what He is going to do through you. Always plan to start 5 minutes early because things go wrong at the last minute. You get more from encouraging people than from criticizing them. Keep your eyes on the Lord and not on yourself.
What has been the most rewarding lesson you have learned from God as an Event Manager?
That He can use me even when I seem to fail in the world’s eyes. The funding didn’t come in for one event that had started production so we had to cancel a cast of nearly 300 and I felt totally humiliated and never wanted to do events ever again. He chose me with my failures to continue to serve Him in this area. It is usually the hardest lessons that are the most valuable, so don’t look for the easy way out. Go where He calls you and trust Him in every aspect of the event.
What encouragement could you give to a student considering Event Management?
Attend a School of Event Management SEM where you can learn from other people’s mistakes and experience to move ahead so much faster to impact communities and nations. If you want to make an impact through the arts, building a platform is the best way to have a broad influence with Godly values. You need to get experience and doing SEM will give you lots of opportunities to learn how to multi task in a wide variety of situations and nations. You don’t have to be an expert but rather be a person that is prepared to have a go and will do their best and not be discouraged by lack of knowledge but encouraged by putting your faith in Jesus.
Interview by: Kathy Bankert
