Laura Rossignoli
Events Officer looking for her next job
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarossignoli/

As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.

Laura was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium, and went to a British school in Brussels then achieved a Hons. Bachelor degree in sports studies from Wolverhampton, followed by a Masters in Business Management from Boston University.  Her passion is travelling and she loves to learn/experience different cultures as a tourist.   She also enjoys sports and is a swimmer and hockey player, always enjoying the social scene and banter.   Previous work experience ranges from cleaner to event officer and in 2010 Laura moved to Bali, Indonesia for five months to do a Marketing Internship at a Diving Company which involved writing and sending their newsletters, preparing their printed materials (leaflets, sign up forms, brochures, banners etc.) for various trade shows that the company attended throughout Asia, promoting the various diving experiences and maintaining/redeveloping the website.  Upon returning to Brussels, Laura worked for a few months at the European Parliament, for one of the Italian committees, where she was involved in proof reading and editing various documents and also participating in Trade Committee Meetings where she took notes, tracked the voting and ensured the committees vote went through.
Most recently, Laura was the Events Officer for The FIDI Global Alliance for over 7yrs, which is a Brussels based International Association of Moving and Relocation companies.  She ran their meetings, trade shows and annual conference from start to finish – including destination research, site visits, managing registrations/delegates, budgets, hotels and suppliers, along with reporting, marketing and everything involved with pre, during and post conference.

Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A When I was working at FIDI in particular, there were moments where I felt quite isolated or alone, in terms of questions and queries around our event, or I wanted to improve my knowledge and/or skills. To have some sort of recognition of the industry I was working in
and part of – especially as that didn’t come from the company, as it was an association. I think it is important for event planners (people in general) to know they have somewhere they can turn to, whether it is for support, to ask a question or to better themselves through accredited learning so they can grow professionally.

Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A To ultimately be part of something bigger and be recognised in what we do.  Looking for a job can sometimes be challenging so having an accredited body like the IEM behind you can be great, for you as the individual and to potential employers.

Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
A It would be great to see the IEM in a strong leadership position in the Events Industry on an international level. Recognised around the world as a solid body supporting Event professionals, ultimately to better the Events Industry. Continued support through different workshops and educational experiences, networking opportunities for its members.

Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A This is a tough one.
As the event organiser – I don’t think I have a favourite, as nothing beats seeing months of hard work come to life through your events, from rooms settings, to lighting and attendees having a good time. But if I had to pick a stand out moment, 2018 Sand Diego, final evening, we had our gala dinner on the beach (what a learning experience that was) at one of the most iconic hotels – Hotel Del Coronado – finishing with a silent disco in the crown ballroom, because we had a noise restriction from midnight. The board were quite apprehensive and not in favour so much, so I needed it to go well. Along with our DMC, we put on the associations first ever silent disco, with the headphones and different music genres. It was one of the most successful gala dinner after parties we had ever had.
As an attendee, I was invited to attended a weekend at Gleneagles, hosted by Ottawa and they finished with a ceilidh which I thought was genius, as a non-dancer, I felt it was a great way to ensure everyone engaged and at the same time experience such a local Scottish culture. In that kind of situation, it is so easy for anyone/everyone to just go up to any attendee and invite them to participate in that dance. I thought it was great inclusion. Closely followed by a sloth encounter in Panama, I was hosted by the DMC Network, and they started their days with sessions, speakers, etc. but in the afternoons it was all activity based – which I thought was a great way to meet with other attendees but more importantly the various DMC’s from the network in a fun, casual setting where you tend to learn more about the individuals than you would in a sit down meeting.

 

Nathaniel Jackson
Events Manager at the Institute of Chartered Foresters
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanieljackson1/

As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.

After receiving his BA Hons degree in Theatre from Dartington College of Arts, Nathaniel fell into a career in Hospitality, working in various medium and high end restaurants in the UK and then in Melbourne, Australia.  Whilst he was there Nathaniel had the opportunity to start working on internal and external events which ignited a passion in him.  So, on his return to the UK he sought out opportunities in the event sector and within a couple of years Nathaniel was Conference and Events MICE Sales Manager.  Then, when looking for a new challenge he took on an Events Manager role in the Charity Sector where he could take more ownership of events.  Working as the Events Manager for the Institute of Chartered Forester brings a variety of challenges through a varied event calendar they run everything from large International Conferences to Study Tours where they get outside into the woods.

Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A Working for a Professional Body myself, I can really see the value of guided continued professional development and look forward to setting myself targets to further my knowledge and skill within the field.

Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A I believe that membership of the IEM will help to guide me, to grow my network and eventually to become chartered, which will be a sort after status in the years to come.

Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
A Difficult question, however, I cannot imagine working in any other industry.  I would suggest that I will be continuing to pursue my two passions, Event Management and the Environment.  I believe that the industry will emerge from the current crisis stronger than before as we embrace technology and make hybrid and digital events the way of the future.

Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A One of my favourite memories goes right back to the beginning when I was working in a wedding venue.  I’d been helping to plan the big day for a hearing impaired couple, both of whom had been born without hearing and struggled to read lips.  During our important meetings we had an interpreter with us to help us communicate.  The experience alone was enough to teach me a lot, not just about the disability, but also about the importance of other types of communication.  On the day of the wedding, there were unfortunately some service issues. However, I had taken it upon myself to learn some basic sign language, just enough to tell the bride that she looked beautiful and to congratulate them both.  I had not anticipated the reaction to this as both the bride and groom were delighted, the surprise and gratitude on their faces has stuck with me for years and served to remind me that even if things aren’t going to plan, most things can be fixed with effective communication.