NEW RECRUIT FOR NOEA

When I started my third year of University in September 2021, I suddenly realised that the need to find a job to kick start my career was fast approaching. The safety net of a student loan and the “I’m still in full time education” excuse were soon to be a thing of the past. As many of my peers would say “it’s time to start adulting” something that is nowhere near as fun and exotic as it sounds!

I met Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA whilst doing a summer job in the Show Office of the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society. Susan would often be the provider of sweet treats and grapes to keep myself and the other show office staff going when the workload of the looming 2022 show didn’t allow much time for a trip to the supermarket to stock up on lunchy-things. Upon completion of the 2022 Mid-Somerset Show, I suddenly found myself feeling like a bit of a lost dog. Thankfully, Susan was on hand and took me in under her wing. In September 2022 I applied for a position with NOEA and was welcomed to the NOEA administration teamIn addition to the administrative skills I picked up whilst working at Mid-Somerset, I bring a passion for country pursuits to the team, having competed on my

Partnership) before it, and I know I speak for many of our members and executives when I say we’re proud of all that we have achieved, and how we’ve evolved since the partnership was formed in 1999. But progression is about moving forward and adopting alternative approaches, and I look forward to continuing our work with a fresh and exciting new look. The UK Events name incorporates how our members are adapting and growing in line with the UK’s ever-changing events industry, and demonstrates that as a collective, our sector is a serious contender for international trade, exports and inward investment.” horse at a national level for many years. My degree in Equine Business Management at Hartpury University and experience working in the management offices of two other country and agricultural shows has been invaluable and I enjoy applying the skills I’ve picked up to my work with NOEA as well as learning new skills whilst working alongside Susan.

The role of UKEVENTS is to support the work of its partners to help create a strong, growing and sustainable events industry in the UK. The industry comprises many diverse and individual sectors, covering meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, incentive travel, event hospitality, ceremonies, sporting, cultural, outdoor and festivals, events education and training, as well as other services provided by the wider supply chain.

I have embraced NOEA’s work with alacrity, taking a particular interest in raising our social media presence and devising new ways of reaching out to younger generations. Having been a key member of the organising team for the 2022 Convention, I am already helping plan the 2023 event and contributing to our drive to foster new partnerships within the outdoor events industry to ensure we are offering the best possible support to the whole of the sector.

From April 2023 I will head back to the Mid-Somerset Show office where I am looking forward to another summer of show preparation. NOEA will not be far away during the summer as I will have Susan on hand as she is Vice Chair of the Society.I will return to NOEA in September 2023 to continue working on the Convention as well as helping out with the various other events we attend such as the Showman’s Show.

I am very grateful for the opportunities Susan and the NOEA Council have provide me with. Here’s to another successful year for NOEA and the rest of the outdoor events industry.

Isabella Bride – NOEA