Diving into Event Management: My First Six Weeks with Fifth Element GroupJumping into a
Diving into Event Management: My First Six Weeks with Fifth Element Group
Jumping into a new industry is a wild ride—think equal parts excitement and nervous energy. Six weeks ago, I took the plunge into the vibrant world of event management with Fifth Element Group, and it’s turning out to be quite an adventure!
Right out of the gate, I was thrown into the deep end at the Canadian Meetings & Events Expo. With zero formal experience, I was both amazed and slightly overwhelmed by how many moving parts go into creating a successful event. We’re talking venues, catering, AV, entertainment, (and so much more) and making sure everything runs smoother than your 12 step skincare routine.
What’s really got me hooked is how this industry is a balanced mix of creativity and organization - perfect for a right-brained, type A girly like myself. I’m learning event management is way more than just logistics; it's about storytelling and making connections. Luckily, I’ve got the best team to show me this first hand. They’ve been beyond welcoming and patient, answering all my dumb questions without even a hint of judgment. As a girls-girl, being on a team of almost all women who work collaboratively to support each other in work and life has been one of the most rewarding aspects of joining Fifth Element Group.
Jumping into my role as Sales Development Manager has felt like stepping into the “Wild West.” That’s what my boss Aaron ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/akthefifth/ ) likes to call it, and honestly, he’s not wrong. After working with clients in super-structured industries like pharma and green tech, I’m loving the creative freedom here. I get to explore strategies that actually align with my passions, while learning the ins and outs of vendor networks, competitors, and potential clients.
Like any sales role, relationships are everything in this industry. It's not just about making deals; it's about making friends. Events can be such huge moments for brands, and it’s all built on trust and collaboration. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is, "go make friends." Forget the hard sell—just be yourself, connect, and the rest will follow. As a self-proclaimed social butterfly, I’m living for this part of the job!
Overall, my first six weeks at Fifth Element have been a whirlwind of learning, growing, and occasionally Googling event jargon on the sly. I’m so excited for what’s ahead. My team is incredible, the industry is buzzing with creativity, and I’m just getting started. Here’s to more iconic events, building connections, and seeing where this adventure takes me next!
-Alannah alannah@fifthelementgroup.com
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