| |
By Meredith Craig
The muggy Georgia heat engulfed me as I stepped out of the cab at the
Georgia World Congress Center. The anticipation fluttered like a butterfly
in my stomach as I walked through the doors into the large registration
area. I had no idea what to expect, what I would learn, who I would meet
and, most importantly, if this would help me determine a career path.
I was a student volunteer for IAAM’s 77th Annual Conference & Trade Show in
Atlanta, and I did not know it at the time, but my decision to volunteer was
only the beginning. You may be asking yourself, Is volunteering for me? Do I
know someone who wants to volunteer? What is volunteering all about?
Each year, students from various degree programs at various colleges with
various backgrounds in event management spend a week volunteering at IAAM’s
Annual Conference & Trade Show. This opportunity is one essential way to
prepare for the venue management profession. According to former student
volunteer Brendon Wagner, operations manager at the Duplin County Events
Center, “I would recommend that students gain experience at all levels to
aid in their future careers. I willingly accepted the task of being a
volunteer to IAAM President Steve Peters, a task that consumed more of my
time than the average volunteer, but in the end, I felt that it enhanced my
experience and helped me begin my career on a strong note.”
Reaping the Rewards
Each student is required to work at least 20 hours volunteering for
different shifts and must uphold the IAAM code of ethics. The conference
registration fee is waived for all students who volunteer and those who
qualify for a scholarship can offset cost from travel expenses. Since the
volunteers work in shifts, this allows students to use a hands-on approach
and experience all that the conference has to offer, including sessions,
meetings and networking receptions.
“Attending the sessions and committee meetings taught me about aspects of
the business I would not normally encounter in my day-to-day duties. This
cross-training has prepared me to step in to any situation where assistance
is needed with the confidence that I know how to handle anything that comes
my way,” says Allen Stebelton, former student volunteer and guest services
supervisor at the Ervin J. Nutter Center at Wright State University.
Not only does volunteering enhance a student’s knowledge by attending
sessions, but the industry contacts that they gain though the various
networking
opportunities are invaluable.
“I found that the connections I made as part of volunteering were the most
valuable for me. I have met some interesting people and they have provided
me with a great deal of guidance as I have entered the work force,” Wagner
says.
Taking on a Challenge
While the networking, learning new skills and knowledge are all essential to
the student, it is important to remember that in order to get the most out
of volunteering, it is up to the volunteer.
According to Chris Winter, former volunteer and now assistant, special
projects, Texas Tech Red Raider Basketball, “It is important to remember
that a first impression goes a long way. The student volunteers are
surrounded by industry leaders at conference; therefore, do not be afraid to
go up and meet people, and be sure to bring lots of business cards.”
Adds Stebelton: “I have learned that to get the most out of your volunteer
experience and your association with IAAM, you need to get involved. One of
my best memories from volunteering was riding in a van with Lionel Dubay,
then director of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and IAAM president who told
me I should volunteer for a committee. To this day, I remember that
conversation and thank Lionel for helping me get more involved in IAAM. It
has been a very rewarding experience.”
Who would have thought that a week in Atlanta would make such a difference
in my career path? After the conference, I fell in love with venue
management and I ended up working at United Spirit Arena at Texas Tech
University for several years before coming to IAAM as the public relations
manager last August. I am working beside another IAAM student volunteer,
Stephanie Barreras. The possibilities are endless and the student volunteer
experience is what you make of it. If you or someone you know is interested
in the industry, I encourage you to
apply.
fm
Meredith Craig is public relations manager at
IAAM. She may be contacted at meredith.craig@iaam.org.
|
|
Back to Facility Manager Contents
