It's coming, it's coming...it's gone.

The adrenaline that comes with planning an event and being there as it happens is much like watching a sports car speed past you. It’s coming, it’s coming, it’s gone. There is so much excitement that goes into waiting for an event to come around and this excitement definitely does not leave when it passes by.

I am currently completing my internship with Momentum Forum Events, a not-for-profit events management company founded by Barbara McNaught. Momentum Forum holds annual events to support worthy causes.

The ballroom set up for the luncheon

Since beginning my internship, the main focus has been on the Xoticar International Women’s Day Luncheon that was held on March 7^th in support of the prevention of violence against women.

As part of my internship I have been lucky enough to try my hand at many different tasks such as managing emails, researching sponsors, monitoring and updating social media pages and websites, compiling guest and contact lists, communicating with the media, writing newsletters and helping to develop media releases, scripts and advertisements. I have also attended a photoshoot and interview for an editorial in the lead up to the event. This experience in itself was great because I was there from the moment the story was pitched through to the final article in the paper. Being both a public relations and journalism major it was interesting to see the process from both sides.

Me with Dana, Rhea and Barbara

Saying this, the highlight of my internship so far has definitely been helping out at the event. It is an amazing feeling when you see all the hard work that has been put into the planning being enjoyed by the guests.

The event was held at Crown Perth and had the U.S. Consul General Cynthia A. Griffin as a guest speaker, Dana Vulin as a testimonial speaker, Nez Erok as the guest performer and a Ruth Tarvydas fashion parade.

There were also four luxury cars on display from the event’s naming sponsor Xoticar. The event had a great mix of celebration, inspiration and emotion that touched everyone in the room.

Before the event we received some great media coverage and this continued after the event.

International Women's Day received coverage on both Channel 7 and Channel 9  news

as well as a spread in the social pages.

From a public relations perspective it is really exciting seeing your event picked up in the media and receiving favourable coverage. It is not only great for the cause but great for the organisation.

The Lamborghini, one of the four cars on display.

The focus at Momentum has now turned to the annual Men In Black Ball and there is no doubt it will come around fast. If there is one thing I have learnt so far it is that the public relations and event industry moves quickly and you need to buckle up or run the risk of being left behind.

Kiara Bonasera

15523055

Curtin Bentley