When global marketing agency LAB 5 Agency needed some help with staffing on the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition they approached College of Event Management for some particularly vibrant and skilled graduates. Alicia, past full time student and one of the successful applicants tells us a little about her experience working at the amazing BACARDÍ Legacy Global Cocktail Competition event held early this year.
The Event: BACARDÍ Legacy Cocktail Competition
This unique event is described as the cocktail version of the Olympics. Exceptional bartenders from 34 different countries compete for the honour of having their signature creation added to the list of Bacardi legacy classics. Promotional lead up events were held in Sydney at Watsons Bay, The Rocks, NSW Art Gallery, on Bondi beach, Cockatoo Island and other award winning bars. The Grand Final to be held at Sydney Town Hall.
The Agency: LAB 5 Experience
A global specialist marketing company who create exceptional experiences through event management.
The Job Description
Super talented event management superstars to assist with the logistics of a packed event program. Be ready for full on, varied and incredibly exciting days with the opportunity to experience hands on involvement in a truly global event. Learn from some of the best in the business. Must be willing to get stuck in and help with all jobs big and small, including the not so glamorous elements of event management.
The successful applicants
Alicia Ivecic, Lauren Lister and Tara Beautyman. All former students of College of Event Management.
Alicia, what was it that drew your attention to apply for this position?
After seeing the past Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition video from last year, it got me interested in applying for the position, as I knew it would be a unique event to work on.
How did you hear about the position?
I heard about the position through the College who were contacted by Lab 5 Experience. Every week CoEM posts all sorts of job opportunities and internships for former students. It’s a great way of keeping in contact with the college and what’s going on in the event industry too.
Tell us about the interview process…
I met Frances Young, the event producer and director for Lab 5 Experience at the Shangri-la Hotel, the main venue for Bacardi Legacy. She ran through the very busy program ahead and some of the tasks that would need to be completed. Hearing about the event from the producer got me even more excited about working on the event.
Tell us about your experience on this event…
I had an incredible experience working at Bacardi Legacy. Every day was filled with visits to Sydney’s best bars and venues. I met cocktail experts, contestants and ‘mentors’ from over 34 different countries, representatives from Bacardi and over 25 different media representatives from 6 countries. Throughout the whole week I was able to meet nearly every person working behind the scenes and those attending the event.
As I was helping out with the PR and Social Media team. Some of my tasks included:
- organising interviews between the media and contestants/judges
- creating media itineraries
- helping out with all the social media platforms
- including the Bacardi Legacy App that was specially created for the event
- assisting with the live streaming of the event
- working with the great production crew (Electric Lime Productions) from Dubai
What did you learn on the job?
It was a jam packed week with lots of things happening at once, but it made me realise how much planning and work goes on behind the scenes of any event. It was definitely more than I had expected it to be. I was able to master the art of organisation, which was crucial for the week, as well as learning to prioritise, and being able to balance different tasks. It was an extremely valuable experience and I learned skills that I will be able to apply when working in events in the future.
Are there any other opportunities that may come out of working at Bacardi Legacy?
Being able to meet so many different people during the week allowed me to greatly expand my industry contacts, especially due to the fact that Bacardi Legacy is a global event. Hopefully I’ll get to work with the team again some day!
Postscript – Alicia went on to work for Lab 5 in London. Hear how she built her event career HERE >>
Graduates from College of Event Management are job-ready! If you’re wanting to find out more about a career in event management there’s plenty of information on our website about our specialised event courses. Any of our course advisors will be more than happy to chat to you on 02 9280 4912 or you can contact us HERE >>