This week marks the first time I’ve ever been at a conference, and never did I think I would have helped with setting it up. The 2018 Australasian Law Teacher’s Association Conference took place over a span of 3 days (4-6 July) and it was interesting to see such an event happen with so many professionals in the industry. I even saw some familiar faces from Curtin University!

My role required me to assist in various tasks that would all make the conference run smoothly. This included tasks such as setting up banners for sponsors, double checking delegate names and details, and also assisting in delegate registration on the conference days. I also wanted to showcase the conference on our social media platforms during the event (Instagram live) and post pictures on the Promaco Conventions Facebook.

 

The Welcome Reception 

The welcome reception took place on the 4th of July, and this took place at Curtin Old Boys School at St Georges Terrace. We set up the registration table for delegates who wanted to pick up their name badges and conference satchels early.

 

The conference delegates arrived and had the opportunity to liaise with others amongst drinks and canapes – I would say it was a great start for the upcoming conference.

 

 

ALTA Law 2018 Conference

For the conference (taking place at 57 Murray st), we also had to set up the venue (78 Murray st) for morning/afternoon tea and lunch. This involved sorting out the chairs and tables for food and beverages, and our sponsor signs and tables.

 

 

During day 1 of the conference, we set up our registration room with all of the satchels and name badges that weren’t collected. Since it was the first day of the conference, the delegates needed help here and there to find the locations of their presentations, and there were some last minute arrivals. Needless to say it was hectic for someone like me who didn’t know the ins and outs of the venue and conference program like the back of my hand! Take a look below at the final set up for the registration table and morning/afternoon tea venue.

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For the speakers comfort, I chose not to take pictures of their presentations, although overall I think it was a successful event. The conference itself ran for two days, and they were the same in terms of set-up and running.

 

Reflecting on the event

It’s definitely something different than what I’m used to (I’ve had some experience in events before), but personally I do like a challenge and I enjoy learning on the spot. A key learning point that would have benefited me in this case would probably to have a good understanding of the venue of any event I’m involved with, and having a better understanding of the runsheet/program to better help my managers with the whole process.

Since we were all so busy, I also didn’t have the chance to livestream the morning tea event as planned. However, I did manage to create an album on Facebook specifically for this event (something they’ve never done before), to showcase all the happenings of the conference.

I’ve learnt that time management is definitely an area which we only have so much control over – no one would expect this level of busy! With the stress and meticulous planning, it was a fun first experience in a real-life events company.

 

****If you’d like to see more images of the event (and upcoming events), check out Promaco Conventions  on Facebook.

 

Signing off,

 

Nikita!