MSc Events students visit Confex

Wednesday 9 March 2011

On the 3rd of March I was one of the 8 students of the University of Surrey who visited the Student Day at International Confex 2011, an event for some 250 final year events students. Later on I shared my impressions of ‘the event about events’ with my friend. I told her how the speakers’ speeches were so vibrant that the time flew by. A variety of topics were discussed, from the value of event management education, the newest trends in the development of the industry, to the skills required for future success. Great food for thought! 

After the speakers, it was possible to visit Confex exhibition itself and see the exhibition industry in action.

My friend challenged me with a question why someone would need to attend such an event as nowadays it is possible to get a lot of knowledge and network without visiting exhibition stands or listening to the industry’s leaders in person. My answer was to some extent an echo of what was emphasised by all of the presenters: face to face communication cannot be easily replaced by anything else, as it gives that extra intangible value for the experience which will definitely contribute to encouraging students, in words of Ian Irving, ‘to be the influencers’ in the future.

Victoria Matey, MSc International Events Management