ALEXANDRA HEDLEY
Events Management
Skills
SKILL SET
Finance
Human Resources
Procurement
Time Management
Marketing & Branding
Production Management
Promotion
Public Relations
Event Design
Communications
Logisitics
Health & Safety
Risk Management
Legalities
Social Media Management
Organisation
Team Work
EVENT SKILLS
Event Design
I have a keen eye for event design. As this is my favourite aspect of event management, I like to research the theme thoroughly and design the event to the best of my ability to meet the client or target audiences needs. I like to spend the most time on this aspect of event planning as I believe it is the area that has the most affect on the audience. The event design is a huge part of the appeal of an event. I have a great sense of where props/decor/seating/staging etc should be situated in a venue and what colours and styles match or clash. Event design is integral and is definitely my most preferred responsibility.
Networking and Communication
I am a firm believer in the phrase 'it's not what you know, it's whom you know'. Networking and communicating with other members of the event industry is the best way to create working relationships and present oneself professionally. The key to successful networking is to be yourself, find a balance between professionalism and showing your personality, and showing interest in other people and their endeavours. I am a confident individual and I enjoy connecting with people and building new relationships, as an avid social networker I find it easy to keep in contact with people and keep up with their current affairs. I am happy to extend my help to my acquaintances and often find that they are also often willing to help me, I hate to disappoint and work hard at maintaining relationships with people.
Organisation and Time Management
Although my thought processes are often fast and eratic (particularly at the beginning of a project), I believe it is strategic to take an organised approach to every project that you undertake. Organisation and time management go hand in hand in my opinion as it is impossible to master one without the other. Even at the beginning of a project, when thoughts are flying round, it is important to record every idea in order to succesfully develop your concept. I have always been orgainised and punctual from a young age, but only realised the importance of it when working alongside people and on projects. I am naturally organised and find it completely neccessary to construct to-do lists and schedules, meet deadlines and be punctual and find it integral in event planning.
Marketing
Marketing is arguably the most important aspect of a consumer reliant event. Marketing and promotional success is only possible when thorough market research has been undertaken, as someone who thoroughly enjoys reading and collecting and recording information, I believe I posess the skills needed to produce successful market research. A vast understanding of social media is essential in this day and age, social networking sites are becoming increasingly useful in the events industry. The ability to effectivly utilise social networking sites to promote an event is a skill that I am confident I posess, although I do believe that the concept of an event has to be strong in order for an event to succeed regardless of the amount of social media promotion.
Team Work
The ability to work in a team is a skill that I am confident I posess. I enjoy working alongside others, you can share your own knowledge and skills as well as learning from others. I believe that working in a team is all about finding out all team members strengths and working together to get the best possible outcome out of a project. The ability to work peacefully and effectively is an important skill to have in most industries as most tasks are done in teams, I like to get on with the people I work with and build strong working relationships in order to allow me and others to enjoy work.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Customer Service
I do not believe in the prase 'the customer is always right', I believe in the notion that the customer should always believe that they are right. It is no secret that customers can be difficult and unreasonable at times but in my opinion they should always be dealt with calmly and be offered solutions to their problems. I have the ability to do this and if a customer disagrees there is always the apologetic excuse of 'company policy'.
Multi Tasking
I take pride in being an efficient multi-tasker. Producing work would take a lot longer if every task was completed one by one. Multi tasking goes hand in hand with organisation and time management. If you can't be on the phone, send an email and write a to-do list all whilst making a cup of coffee then a career in event management is not for you.
Presentation Skills
If I am happy with and proud of the work I have produced then I feel confident and comfortable presenting it infront of a crowd. Speaking infront of a crowd was a daunting thought when I was younger, but throughout my education I have come to accept that it is an inevitable part of my work. Through thorough practice I gained confidence in my presenting abilities and now seldom get nervous when it comes to presenting my work.
Problem Solving
I have come to realise that in events management you are often faced with many problems per project and I am happy to say that I have mastered the art of staying calm in these situations and thinking of a number of options that could be a solution. It is important to consider all options before making any rash decisions, the work experience I have undertaken has helped me to develop and exercise my problem solving skills.
Research Skills
I would definitely consider myself as an acedemic, as a history lover I developed my research skills throughout my education and excercised them further upon attending university. Research skills are important when faced with understanding an audience and developing concepts and ideas. I have a thirst for knowledge and enjoy the reward that critical thinking and independent study provides.
Tea Making
Growing up with a true northern family of tea lovers means I've had my practice of tea making from a young age. Having a large family with many different tea related preferences ensures I never get the order wrong. Tea making is integral in any meeting scenario and always calms down intense situations. Of course, I can also accomodate coffee lovers!
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Health and Safety
This is an important skill to posess as health and safety can be crucial to the success and reputation of a project. I consider the safety of those around me to be of great importance, therefore I take pride in my ability to identify and reduce the possibility of risk.
Working at Height
Often in event work, especially projects involving staging, event planners are required to work at height. I am confident in assessing risks and know what measures are required to work safely at height.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Drivers License
I have a full UK drivers license and own my own car. This ensures that I am seldom late and can be extremely convenient in the case of emergencies.
Working alongside fellow volunteers at Truro City of Lights
Microsoft Office
I am highly competent at using Microsoft Office software. I am skilled at producing powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets, word documents and emails.