ICMS X SXSW Sydney gave event management students a front-row seat to the industry as they went behind-the-scenes on the staging of the world class event.
This unprecedented opportunity allows students to gain real-world experience, network with professionals and observe the intricate processes involved in organising world-class events.
Here is how ICMS is offering its event management students exclusive access to Industry best practice:
This opportunity showcases ICMS’s dedication to providing real-world experiences that prepare students for their future careers.
SXSW Sydney is a major event for creativity, progressive thinking, technology and innovation, bringing together music, screen and interactive media.
Run from 14-20 October 2024, with over 1,000 events and sessions, it’s a place for making connections and sparking new ideas across Asia Pacific and beyond.
It’s a fantastic learning ground for future event managers.
By being part of it, ICMS students get to see how major events are planned and executed, gaining knowledge and confidence that will help them in their careers.
“It was an absolutely amazing opportunity for our event students who were invited to attend the SXSW x ICC preproduction meeting,” ICMS Event Management Program Manager Janene Wardrop said.
“Fifteen students sat entranced for over two hours seeing and hearing their lectures come to life with a real experience.
“Huge thanks to Jono Whyman and the SX team who went out of their way to make this happen and spend time with them post meeting answering questions.
“At ICMS we love industry immersion; it’s the best form of teaching.”
The industry immersion evident in the SXSW experience is part of the ICMS teaching approach, focused on getting students industry-ready before they even graduate.
This approach puts students in charge of their learning, focusing on critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on experiences.
“Assessments are seen as key deliverables per industry requirements rather than chores,” ICMS Events Lecturer Ruth Friedmann said.
“On completion of the subject, students will have a ready-made portfolio of tools to help them deliver and enable them to succeed in their event careers.
“Students have been inspired and engaged in industry practice from the first day, applying learnings to a real world ‘client’ and event.
“They are motivated to deliver quality assessments based on real-world requirements and deliverables, to take individual ownership and be in the driving seat, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and peer-to-peer learning.”
For ICMS Master of Event Management student Arina Rundau, attending the SXSW meeting was eye-opening.
“I am so glad that ICMS has such collaborations that allow students to attend such meetings. I learned a lot of new things for myself,” she said.
“Thanks especially to the SXSW team for allowing us to attend their meeting and answering our questions.”
As SXSW Sydney runs throughout the week, ICMS students have been enjoying all the event has to offer while absorbing valuable industry experience.
Fellow ICMS event management students described their SXSW Sydney experiences as both interesting and valuable.
“Exploring SXSW Sydney has been an insightful experience for us, providing valuable learning about delivering events on the ground,” Eva Wu said.
“I spoke with some XR exhibitors and attended a session where a speaker shared AI-generated data that illustrated a vision of future life, work, and events.”
Jessica Mantel described her first day at SXSW Sydney as “exciting”.
“I spoke with staff and volunteers, asking what event managers can do to make their roles easier.
“The key takeaway? Clear communication and detailed planning – it’s all about making sure the teams have what they need to succeed. That‘s a great insight for a growing event manager and was wonderfully implemented at SXSW Sydney!
“I also had the chance to dive into the expo with many inspiring chats with companies big and small.
“A big thank you to Jono Whyman and Tom McAlister for making this possible, as well as to ICMS faculty Janene Wardrop, Ruth Friedmann and Katrina Denoux for guiding us with their experienced insights.”
To find out more about the ICMS Bachelor of Event Management, click here.
To find out more about the ICMS Master of Event Management, click here.
Bachelor of Event Management, Master of Event Management, Masters, Industry Immersion, News