The Association of Event Venues (AEV) provides Academic Associate membership, a formal platform for venues and higher education institutions to work together in nurturing emerging talent.
The events industry is built on talented, skilled, hardworking, and collaborative professionals, but is also acutely aware of the need to invest in its future workforce. Participating in events and gaining work experience while studying Event Management carries great value as shared by students Stacie Costello and Gloria Essiere – both from the University of West London – who attended the AEV annual conference on 14th November at Excel London.
Stacie said: “Supporting the AEV team at the annual conference was an inspiring experience. As part of the event team, I gained valuable insight into the logistics and operations behind a large-scale industry gathering. Working alongside professionals and delegates helped strengthen my confidence and skills, especially as I approach the final year of my Event Management degree. The exposure to panel discussions and networking opportunities was incredibly motivating and will shape my future career.”
“As a final year Event Management student, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the AEV team, supporting the conference from setup on the day right through to the very end. The experience was truly exceptional. Being involved behind the scenes gave me invaluable hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the level of planning and coordination required,” reflected Gloria.
“The event itself was thoughtfully executed, with an engaging host, Sam McNeill, and an inspiring lineup of speakers. I walked away with insights that will significantly support my journey toward becoming an event manager. I highly encourage anyone in the events industry to attend this conference. There is so much to learn, so many people to connect with, and endless inspiration to take away. Thank you to the entire team for delivering such a well organised and impactful event and for the opportunity to be part of it.”
The partnership between universities and member venues unites industry expertise, innovative thinking, and new talent, offering students valuable mentorship and opportunities to contribute to the growth of the events sector.