A PR Multi-tasker Intern

As part of my internship with Tourism Council WA I was required to participate and help with the planning of a Parliament House Function. And wow, what a night! …

The TCWA Parliament House Function provided me with a hands-on event management and networking experience with Members of Parliament along with the Tourism Industry movers and shakers. A total of 190 attendees comprised of 120 of the industry leaders representing accredited businesses that exceed tourism standards across WA.

To set the scene, imagine the prestigious venue of Parliament House, where suits, high heels and professionalism is the norm. I arrive at the office four hours ahead of the event to be called into an urgent briefing from our event coordinator who provided team members with a detailed event run sheet and venue maps. The run sheet was our go-to bible for times and schedule for the night, from when the first guest should be expected, to when the first oyster and glass of champers’ will be served! Two members of the TCWA and I then made our way to Parliament House three hours prior for “bump up” (a term they don’t teach you in your units, but is a flashy way of saying set up). This included meeting our venue coordinator who knew Parliament House like the back of his hand, and was complete in explaining the set up that had been planned for the event.

My internship supervisor and I then prepared ourselves for the arrival of our industry guests, whom where the key to the success of the event! The registration table was set up and before we knew it guests were arriving and lots of handshakes and introductions were exchanged. Following our strict no-time-for-faffing run sheet, we made ourselves up the sweeping marble staircase to the courtyard, the main venue for the guests, and just in time for the canapés featuring local exquisite tastes of swordfish, prawn, fish, beef, and oysters. Yum!

The event’s purpose was to allow executives of tourism companies that are recognised for their reputable position in the tourism industry, to mingle and talk “business” with the Members of Parliament and be advocates of the importance of WA tourism. The event was seemingly professional although a few champagnes, ciders and beers later (courtesy of local companies, of course) and guests had let their hair down and were willingly getting to know one another. On a personal level I felt the event bought about the importance of collaboration of local businesses and government.  It also allowed me to network, discuss how PR and communications is used in the various companies, and acquire a few contacts for future industry knowledge opportunities – score!

An event of this calibre reiterated the topic of policies and procedures that were introduced in the Corporate PR 360 unit as “issues management and corporate affairs”.  The unit used the McDonalds vs Tecoma Community case study to highlight the importance of governments and companies working together and valuing the needs of the community. A common topic of conversation at the event was consumers, and more importantly, what they want and need in terms of WA Tourism. The leaders from the industry ultimately were acting as activists and had the important job of relaying this to the Members of Parliament for action!  

Much to my disappointment, photographs of the event venue and the events happenings were not allowed to be taken! However, the event and past two weeks leading up the event were a great insight into the copious amount of tasks and planning that are required for the successful execution of a high-quality event. 

The remainder of the week was spent at the Perth Caravan and Camping trade show, held at Claremont Showgrounds. Boy, was I out of my comfort zone. Although I had experience in promotional roles, standing at an exhibition stand and attempting to lobby our services to passers by and gain their attention, and most of all, their participation in our competition! The average age of attendees was about 125 years old with their dream of traveling WA in their brand spanking new caravan, not my cup of tea. 

Other tasks I have been delegated and have been working on are:

- Social Media Business Plan 

- PRIA Golden Target Awards Submission for Destination Perth Strategy developed by TCWA

- Mail outs of the Destination Perth Strategy

- Media monitoring for Destination Perth 

My main observation of the PR/Tourism industry is that its definitely not the glamorous attending high profile events, mingling with big names and receiving sought-after gifts from clients that you read about in novels! But the industry IS fast-paced, demanding and requires an attentive and creative mind. The key to PR is innovation, relationships with publics and media and to understand your environment. 

Until next time, 

Olivia Buck Intern @ Tourism Council WA