Jonathan Harvey
Programme Leader (BA (Hons) Events / Marketing / Tourism Degrees) at University of Suffolk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipswicheventsjayharvey/
As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.
Jonathan has worked for many years planning and organising a variety of different events ranging from community firework displays, to vintage and food markets, to classical concerts, to coordinating the Ipswich Maritime Festival. In 2011, he decided to develop his event experience further by becoming a student at University Campus Suffolk and where he graduated with a First Class Honours Event and Tourism degree in 2013, before adding to this a Master’s in Business in 2014. Whilst studying he began guest lecturing and later employed as a lecturer, before progressing to senior lecturer and later programme leader for the newly established University of Suffolk. Jonathan has been heavily involved in revalidating the courses to include more industry content, engaging event business with the programmes, ensuring students are undertaking placements in the industry (#reallifeexperiences) and supporting their awareness of what is happening in the industry (#WeMakeEvents etc). Jonathan also teaches the Personal Licence industry award to students as well as local businesses, enjoys volunteering at events, and has been nominated/shortlisted for the university Most Inspiring Lecturer / Best Personal Tutor awards for the past 4 years.
Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A There is no dispute that the event sector employs huge numbers of staff and contributes significantly to the UK (and worldwide) economy. Yet despite this, and the huge number of creative, logistic and operational, strategic (and more) highly skilled personnel, it appears to many a disparate industry rather a Profession. There is a real need for the way this is viewed to be professionalised, headed by a professional body that both recognises and accredits qualifications and experience and ‘shouts’ and represents Events Management.
Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A Covid-19 has highlighted that whilst there are many different membership organisations representing different segments, there is no one body to speak for Event Management. At the University of Suffolk, we have taught Event Management for many years, we saw this opportunity to support the development of IEM, and help champion professionalism in the event sector together. Having our event tourism marketing management degree programmes co-accredited means that our students leave with not only a University of Suffolk degree, but also a professional qualification which will give them a head-start in their event career.
Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
A As the recognised professional body which represents the Event Management Profession, and which supports members, and helps develop their skills and provides recognised good practice guidance.
Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A There is no one event I can pinpoint to as so many have different memories. Greenbelt was the first festival I stayed at and 35 years ago facilities were very basic! Wandering along the beach at the Isle of Wight a few years ago I remember coming across a Pirate Festival which was simple and everyone was having such a lot of fun. Volunteering at an event in Trafalgar Square (in the pouring rain) was another experience I will not forget! Coordinating a community engagement event along the Waterfront in Ipswich, led several years later to a local authority organised Maritime Festival, and the year I coordinated it had an attendance over the weekend of 60k. I enjoy attending ‘sizzle’ type events where the attendance is hundreds rather than thousands, and especially events where our present and Alumni students are involved.
