NEC Group Welcomes Largest Ever Cohort to Event Week Live

This week (3rd–7th March), the NEC Birmingham is hosting 42 event management students from six Midlands institutions, offering them a unique opportunity to gain industry experience.

Now in its 14th year, the NEC is welcoming its largest Event Week Live cohort yet, with students from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, Birmingham Ormiston Academy, Coventry University, and the University of Northampton taking part.

With support from the Association of Event Venues and The Power of Events, Event Week Live aims to provide students with hands-on experience during one of the NEC’s largest shows – Crufts – as well as introductions to key industry contacts.

The week features a packed agenda, including tours of both the NEC, the ICC and bp pulse LIVE, talks delivered by NEC Group colleagues at all levels – including management, sales, and supply chain – hands on experience with the NEC rigging team and behind-the-scenes access to the opening of Crufts. The experience will culminate on Friday with a networking event bringing together 250 industry professionals, NEC Group colleagues, students, and university lecturers.

Following Event Week Live, a select number of students will be chosen for the NEC Group’s Elite Programme, which provides students with mentoring from NEC Group colleagues and exclusive shadowing opportunities.

Michelle Baldwin, Head of Events at the NEC, said: “It’s brilliant to see Event Week Live going from strength to strength.

“We’ve had first-hand feedback that both the week and the Elite Programme significantly enhance students’ readiness for the world of work, improving their employability after graduation, something we’re proud to be part of.”

Rick Stainton, Founder of The Power of Events, commented: “The team are proud to be invited to support this unique event again – it’s a fantastic forum for networking amongst peers alongside the students, as the format allows high level engagement, insights and advice for all attendees at every level.”

Raphaela Yongli Lee, event management student at University College Birmingham, said: “I am really excited to take part in Event Week Live. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from industry professionals and see behind the scenes of a major live event.

“I’m especially looking forward to applying the skills I learned during my placement and experiencing the excitement of Crufts first-hand. After hearing great things from my friend who took part last year, I knew I had to get involved - plus, seeing the dogs is a bonus!"