What started as a quick post to help some friends gain a bit of exposure has snowballed into a feature. The Event Star Spotlight is meant to bring some attention to some of our rising stars in the Event Industry. While I don't have a set timeline for how often these posts will roll out (it will depend on how often I get a chance to actually conduct the interviews) I am open to suggestions/nominations. This feature is not limited to graduates of The Art Institute of Vancouver (AI) or people just starting out in the industry - if you know someone that deserves to be recognized, please let me know! Now, without further ado, let's take a look at our inaugural star...
Sarah Dignos
It's no accident that I've chosen to write about Sarah on her birthday. After all, birthdays are supposed to be all about you! However, it was a happy accident that placed us in the same class at AI in the Fall of 2009. With over 30 students enrolled that term, I can safely say I lucked out getting Sarah in my class. She's driven, focused, and a whole lot of fun.
One of the biggest lessons Sarah took away from AI is that the effort you put out will drastically affect what you get in return. This was true though out our year at AI and is applicable to everything in life. From AI, Sarah not only increased her knowledge base, she also met amazing people, created a network and learned how to successfully make her way into the industry.
Currently, Sarah's working two jobs; as a part-time Staffing Coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital and part-time at Science World as an Assistant Membership Coordinator. These positions are giving Sarah an opportunity to work on her networking techniques as she is a participant in the Science World monthly meetings (SWELL - Science World Educational Lunch & Learn). The willingness to contribute to the success of any organization is always an asset.
Although her current positions have a strong focus on Human Resources and Client Relations, Sarah is keeping herself open to possibilities and opportunities in all sectors; from private social events (weddings, receptions, etc.) to corporate (conferences and meetings) to tourism and hospitality. There is no challenge she won't meet head on.
As for future plans, Sarah is enjoying working part-time contracts to help gain broad experience throughout multiple sectors. She hopes that during her journey to finding her niche in the industry, she'll find opportunities to travel around the world while doing what she loves.
To future AI graduates and anyone thinking of getting involved with the events industry, Sarah has the following advice:
1) Know in your heart that this is really where you want to see yourself - you will quickly weed yourself out or the industry will filter you out eventually if you aren't 100% committed
2) Work hard- nothing in this industry (or in life) will ever just be handed to you
3) keep your head up and be confident because change is the only thing that is constant. In my few months in the industry I've already seen many changes that have impacted people both positively and negatively. Your peers can tell when you're having a good day, so when you nail a presentation, seal the deal on a huge sale or just blow the Popsicle stand out of the park with your pitch, keep that momentum going. I am a true believer that positive feelings attract positive results. Having said that, when things just don't go your way, the only thing you can do is keep your head up and keep going. The industry isn't going to pause for you for a minute.
I wish Sarah all the best, but not luck because I know she won't need it - she'll be a success no matter what she ends up doing in whatever city is lucky enough for her to call home.
Sarah Dignos
It's no accident that I've chosen to write about Sarah on her birthday. After all, birthdays are supposed to be all about you! However, it was a happy accident that placed us in the same class at AI in the Fall of 2009. With over 30 students enrolled that term, I can safely say I lucked out getting Sarah in my class. She's driven, focused, and a whole lot of fun.
One of the biggest lessons Sarah took away from AI is that the effort you put out will drastically affect what you get in return. This was true though out our year at AI and is applicable to everything in life. From AI, Sarah not only increased her knowledge base, she also met amazing people, created a network and learned how to successfully make her way into the industry.
Currently, Sarah's working two jobs; as a part-time Staffing Coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital and part-time at Science World as an Assistant Membership Coordinator. These positions are giving Sarah an opportunity to work on her networking techniques as she is a participant in the Science World monthly meetings (SWELL - Science World Educational Lunch & Learn). The willingness to contribute to the success of any organization is always an asset.
Although her current positions have a strong focus on Human Resources and Client Relations, Sarah is keeping herself open to possibilities and opportunities in all sectors; from private social events (weddings, receptions, etc.) to corporate (conferences and meetings) to tourism and hospitality. There is no challenge she won't meet head on.
As for future plans, Sarah is enjoying working part-time contracts to help gain broad experience throughout multiple sectors. She hopes that during her journey to finding her niche in the industry, she'll find opportunities to travel around the world while doing what she loves.
To future AI graduates and anyone thinking of getting involved with the events industry, Sarah has the following advice:
1) Know in your heart that this is really where you want to see yourself - you will quickly weed yourself out or the industry will filter you out eventually if you aren't 100% committed
2) Work hard- nothing in this industry (or in life) will ever just be handed to you
3) keep your head up and be confident because change is the only thing that is constant. In my few months in the industry I've already seen many changes that have impacted people both positively and negatively. Your peers can tell when you're having a good day, so when you nail a presentation, seal the deal on a huge sale or just blow the Popsicle stand out of the park with your pitch, keep that momentum going. I am a true believer that positive feelings attract positive results. Having said that, when things just don't go your way, the only thing you can do is keep your head up and keep going. The industry isn't going to pause for you for a minute.
I wish Sarah all the best, but not luck because I know she won't need it - she'll be a success no matter what she ends up doing in whatever city is lucky enough for her to call home.
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