University News Last updated 04 February 2015
The University is proud to have a working partnership with the NEC group that leads to exciting and exclusive opportunities for students.
Working in partnership with the NEC, Haymarket, AEO, GES and International Select Services, the University has successfully delivered a three-day course entitled 'Event Week Live', dedicated to event management and targeted specifically at students studying on the MA Events and Exhibitions Management course.
'Event Week Live', which linked practical insight to theory, opened with introductions from NEC Managing Director Kathryn James and AEO Chief Executive Chris Skeith, followed by presentations on sales, marketing and brand, security and event management, in addition to site visits to the Venue Operations Centre and Clothes Show Live, the world’s largest fashion and beauty exhibition. Students also heard from event industry experts Gavin Brown, Managing Director at Haymarket Exhibitions, and Maryam Hamizadeh, Commercial Director at Haymarket Exhibitions and Show Director for Clothes Show Live.
On the final day, students were tasked with reviewing and reporting back on the NEC customer journey including in-hall research during Clothes Show Live.
Duncan Sedgwick, Course Director - MA Event and Exhibition Management, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. This sort of experience is invaluable for students; not only do they get to see the background operation at an organisation like the NEC, but they see it working in practice. They also get access to top industry people who offer their own experience, advice and information.
You can teach students all the desk-based stuff you can, but there’s nothing like getting the real-life experience, and if you can mix the two and get the right balance, it’s invaluable. This partnership between the NEC and Birmingham City University works extremely well and has developed over the years. Let’s hope it can continue.”
MA Events and Exhibitions Management students give their opinion on involvement in the event:
“This has been a really good experience. We’ve got really involved ‘backstage’ and seen how everything is run at the NEC. We’ve also visited a live show which has been fab – it’s one of my favourite shows and it’s shown me how it’s all put together." Gurpreet Kau
“The three days have been very worthwhile. I was thinking about what a good field trip should have and I thought it should have an event company, a venue and an event – this field trip has covered each area very effectively. It’s what I wanted to learn and it’s given me practical exposure to what I’ve learned in the classroom such as planning and security checks.” Shivank Aggarwal
“I’ve enjoyed the last few days very much. I’ve learned a lot and it’s reassured me that this is what I want to do. I really want to learn more and gain even more experience in the industry now. It’s all so interesting.” Aditya Nugraha