Subscribe via RSSThursday, November 12th, 2009
Downtown Sydney, Australia
From Sydney to Los Angeles, an Event Managers Journey…
After many years as an event manager at various well established businesses in Sydney, Australia, I find myself here in Los Angeles. Before beginning my time here at FantaSea Yachts, I worked all over LA doing events from wedding’s, corporate and many parties.
The most significant difference in events between Australia and Los Angeles is mainly cultural. Most Australians work hard, but on the same token like to play hard as well, so events tend to be more ‘party’ oriented. In LA, depending on the event, it can be more work oriented and has a definite ‘networking’ feel to it.
Certainly economy of scale is a factor in the differences. Having experienced many events here in LA, the budgets tend to be higher and events with opulent design can be the norm especially in the entertainment business.
Australians are a very sporty bunch and many of the events are centered around such times in the year where big corporate sponsored sports are watched. For example, the first Tuesday in November is ‘The Melbourne Cup’, a horse race not unlike ‘The Kentucky Derby’ which literally stops the nation to watch for 3 minutes every year. Every major city in the country will have events on incorporating the racing theme and intertwining fashion, food and of course champagne.
These events are considered culturally to be part of the Australian way and most employers give their staff half days to enjoy such events. Therefore these events tend to go longer and are usually an all day affair.
Although there are differences the one thing that levels the playing field is the ocean. I had the privilege of being the events coordinator of Cafe Sydney, a world renown restaurant perched high above Custom’s House overlooking arguably one of the most stunning harbors in the world. Many people from all over the world came to get a glimpse of Circular Quay and watch the boats meander their way from point to point as they enjoyed their meal.
The ocean has a mystical allure that transcends languages and countries, its flow is not only mesmerizing but also tranquil, and people are drawn to its energy. It’s one of the reasons I have chosen to work at FantaSea Yachts, as I love the water and enjoy being out on the marina at sunset drifting around the water ways as people enjoy their time on our yachts.
