EEAA Young Stars to host virtual exchange on key challenges facing young members of business events community

October 16, 2020

With the goal of sharing and engaging on key issues and challenges facing workers aged under 30, the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) Young Stars Committee will host a virtual meeting exchange with more than 100 younger members of the business events community.

Taking place on Wednesday 21st October at 12 noon, the session has been designed by the EEAA Young Stars Committee who have invited their peers to come together to ‘Meet Share and Engage’ on a range of topics affecting their careers and their wellbeing.

The virtual meetup will be led by the EEAA Young Stars Committee Co-Chairs, Kay Badakhsh and Roslyn Du Plooy along with the Committee Members. Jo-Anne Kelleway, Chief Executive, Info Salons Group and Claudia Sagripanti, EEAA Chief Executive will facilitate the session, help steer the conversation and provide strategic counsel and advice.

Sagripanti advised that from the outset of COVID-19, the EEAA placed a high priority on future proofing the industry with talent retention and engagement forming a key pillar in the EEAA Rebuild Strategy.

Sagripanti notes “the EEAA recognised that the younger members of the industry were at very high risk of losing sight of their career pathway, their livelihood, their emotional well-being and in many cases their commitment to stay in the industry.

“As a result, in July, the Association launched a new program called “The Young Stars Pathways Program” that would provide a range of tools to assist young talent in developing skills to facilitate career progression. We have been piloting a group coaching program with our Young Stars Committee featuring senior managers from a number of the Association’s most valued members.”

To date, two coaching sessions have taken place. The first session featured Jo-Anne Kelleway, Chief Operating Officer from Info Salons Group covering the skills required to operate in the ‘new normal’ business events landscape and the second, with Rodney Cox, Managing Director, Delaro covering communication and conflict management skills.

Two more sessions are scheduled to run this year with Joyce DiMascio, Strategic Marketing Consultant covering the art of networking and Christine Kotsis, Senior Business Development Manager, Harry the hirer providing advice on how to create and manage personal branding.

The EEAA Young Stars Pathways Mentoring Program will be formally launched in 2021 and open to all members of the Association aged under 30.

Sagripanti adds “we have been working closely with our Young Stars community since the onset of COVID-19 to ensure this sector of the business events workforce is supported and that their knowledge and skills are retained into the future.”

Launched in 2012, the EEAA Young Stars Program offers a range of activities tailored specifically to engage under 30-year-olds within the Association’s membership with the aim of building a strong community, ensuring the sustainability of the Association, as well as nurturing young talent in the world of exhibitions and events.

The Young Stars Program is supported by Tourism Australia, which became the program’s inaugural Platinum Partner in 2016.

The virtual event will broadcast live on Wednesday 21st October from 12 noon. The event is free of charge to all EEAA Young Stars members and non-members. Registration for the event is available here.

Image top left Kay Badakhsh and top right Roslyn Du Plooy, EEAA Young Stars Committee Co-Chairs

27th August 2020 - EEAA launches webinars to gain industry insight on the return of in-person exhibitions and business events

6th August 2020 - EEAA launches #ExpoReady campaign

23rd July 2020 - EEAA launches program to support young members of the business events community

4th June 2020 - EEAA online webinar highlights Australian business events industry ready to restart face-to-face events

20th May 2020 - EEAA to lead Global Exhibitions Day 2020

8th May 2020 - EEAA calls on governments to expedite restart date for domestic business events

5th March 2020 - Workplace equality promoted at EEAA 2020 International Women’s Day Breakfast

27th February 2020 - EEAA to explore workplace equality in celebration of International Women’s Day 2020

21st January 2020 - EEAA appoints Claudia Sagripanti as Chief Executive

5th December 2019 - EEAA 2019 Awards honour industry excellence and service

12th November 2019 - EEAA Chief Executive Joyce DiMascio to step down

14th October 2019 - EEAA workshops contribute to industry sustainability framework

10th October 2019 - EEAA Young Stars focus on the future of event marketing

2nd August 2019 - EEAA introduces new networking platform for members

14th June 2019 - Tourism Australia partners with EEAA to support sustainability initiative

13th June 2019 - EEAA completes Global Exhibitions Day events and calls for industry action on sustainability

11th May 2019 - EEAA continues to support the career development of young people in events

17th February 2019 - EEAA seeks feedback from emerging leaders on event sustainability practices

6th December 2018 - EEAA 2018 awards recognise industry excellence and service

27th September 2018 - ICC Sydney and EEAA partner for Global Exchange 2018

15th August 2018 - EEAA initiative to reduce the environmental impact of events

7th June 2018 - EEAA launches campaign to encourage school leavers to chose careers in events

8th December 2017 - Tourism Australia continues backing of EEAA Young Stars

20th September 2017 - EEAA Young Stars celebrate five years at Luna Park Sydney

4th June 2015 - Ungerboeck becomes inaugural EEAA Young Stars Program partner

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