A little-longer-than-expected stay at Momentum

Since writing last, I was thoroughly enjoying my time at Momentum Forum Events, working on the Men in Black Ball, in support of Men's Mental Health. Post ball, my mentor Barbara invited me to stay with Momentum and work on the Pink Ribbon Ball which would be held on the 11^th of October 2014, and raise much needed funds for breast cancer awareness and research. 
</br>Not wanting to pass up on this opportunity, of course I said yes. I can now say I have had the pleasure of assisting on one the most incredible events EVER (potentially bias but you will have to take my word for it!). The days turned into weeks, consisting of 100’s of emails, phone calls, bookings, arrangements, liasing with clients and companies, organizing donations and entertainment, the writing of scripts and run sheets, table settings and placements…the list goes on ….until finally the Brian Gardner Pink Ribbon Ball 2014 finally came together. And WOW. What a night! I can proudly say that the night was a success, and with the generosity of many corporate sponsors and attendees on the night, we were able to raise over $100,000 for the Momentum For Australia charity. At this stage, to say I am proud to have been a part of such an event is an understatement in itself. Money aside, we were also thrilled to welcome Dana Vulin who attended the ball as her first social event without her mask. That was a highlight in itself – what an honour to meet such an inspirational woman.  
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After a total of six months, I have just completed my final days at Momentum Forum Events – a little bittersweet ending to an enjoyable and insightful internship. I will definitely miss my days at Momentum, working with the other interns, and not to mention the organized chaos that is Barbara herself. She has been a huge inspiration and mentor to me over the past few months, and I am super grateful for everything she has taught me. As sad as I am to be leaving Momentum, it is now time for me to decide what I would like to do once I graduate – there are so many options! Thankfully, Momentum has helped me decide what I am  good at as well as what I love, and this will help me make a decision about the future ahead.

To see more of the amazing work that is done by Momentum Forum Events, click here!

OCD in the Office

If there is anything I have learnt so far from my time at Momentum Forum Events, it is that  being over-organised is the key!

Working closely with Barbara, the founder and CEO of Momentum Forum Events, has taught me a lot about the importance of being organised and on top of your workload. While she juggles the planning of multiple high-profile events, Barbara must manage her time with clients, sponsorship meetings, responding to emails, phone calls and the like, as well as giving her undivided attention to her beautiful interns!

With such a hectic schedule, I know it can be easy for some things to slip through the cracks and be forgotten. For me, if something is not written down, there is a pretty high chance i will forget to do it! This was the same with Barbara. Although she uses a diary, and makes a "mental note" of meetings and event appearances, there is not always time to write it down.

I asked Barbara: "Is there ever a time you forget about events, or meetings?"
She simply responded with "Oh yes Darlink! All the time!"

So, from that moment on, I made it my personal pledge to Barbara and Momentum to help her with her organisation while i am there….even if it is only small things like making notes in her diary, or flagging emails for her to read later. In the past, my friends and family have teased me and said that i have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (a joke of course), and that i am too much of a perfectionist sometimes. So why not put these traits to use at my internship?

As well as monitoring her diary, I have also made it a personal aim to help organise her computer (all files etc), her paper filing system (which sometimes is non-existent) and the sorting out of her contacts and databases. Since using her computer i have noticed that it is somewhat disorganised, and sometimes hard to find the necessary files or folders, because they have been saved in the wrong place or under the wrong name. This is not only annoying and frustrating, but extremely time consuming when trying to send quick emails to potential sponsors or clients.

So, from now on, I will attempt to re-organise Barbara's office life, to help make it as efficient and organised as possible! I think it will be so beneficial to be that little bit more organised at the office, and hopefully it can be maintained over the weeks to come - kickstart some useful habits i say!

Stacey Morrison
14862663