Nurturing the Next Generation of Event Professionals with TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland has long been a leader in vocational education, delivering high-quality training across multiple industries. With campuses all around Australia, TAFE offers a diverse range of programs, including diplomas and certificates in Event Management.  

The College of Tourism and Hospitality (COTAH) at TAFE Queensland plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the event and tourism industry by equipping students with practical skills and industry-relevant experience. 

The challenges before EventsAir 

Prior to integrating EventsAir into their curriculum, TAFE Queensland faced challenges in providing students with hands-on experience using real-world event technology. Traditional event planning tools lacked industry relevance, and students struggled to gain familiarity with professional event management software, which is a requirement for most entry-level positions. Additionally, as the events industry evolved, the need for a digital-first approach became increasingly essential, requiring TAFE to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

Implementing EventsAir: A transformational learning experience 

To address these challenges, TAFE Queensland integrated EventsAir as part of its Diploma of Event Management. Students now complete their computerized booking system unit by leveraging the functionalities of the EventsAir platform. The implementation of EventsAir offers a robust and intuitive learning experience, allowing students to gain hands-on proficiency in event planning, registration management, and data collection. This means students who complete this unit have job-ready skills. 

”We are proud to be able to provide complimentary access to EventsAir to all the TAFE students. Supporting the next generation of event professionals is one of our core values, ensuring that students receive the best possible training on cutting-edge event technology without financial barriers”, explains Renee Elliott, Chief Customer Officer at EventsAir. 

One of the most valuable aspects of this partnership is the opportunity for students to earn the Meeting Planner Certification upon completing their curriculum. This certification, recognized by event professionals across the industry, validates their skills and enhances their employability. Additionally, EventsAir’s interactive training modules cater to various learning styles, whether students prefer reading, watching instructional videos, or engaging in hands-on activities.According to Antoinette Adams, Events & Hospitality Teacher at TAFE, “The intuitive nature of EventsAir makes it easy for students to grasp, even those with limited prior experience in event planning. And the ability to see their work come to life in real-time is incredibly valuable.” 

The results: A stronger pathway to industry readiness 

Since incorporating EventsAir into its curriculum, TAFE Queensland has seen significant benefits: 

• Increased student engagement: The intuitive and interactive nature of EventsAir has made learning more accessible and engaging for students, even those with minimal prior event experience. 

• Stronger industry connections: EventsAir actively collaborates with TAFE Queensland through guest speaker sessions and mentorship opportunities. Notably, former TAFE student Hope Simona, who now works at EventsAir, returned as an industry guest speaker in 2024, inspiring students with her career journey. 

• Seamless student enrollment: Improved security and enrollment processes, thanks to the integration of student IDs with EventsAir, have streamlined access to the platform while ensuring cybersecurity compliance. 

• Enhanced industry alignment: Students graduate with practical experience using a leading platform widely adopted in the events industry, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. 

Antoinette highlighted the impact of EventsAir on student readiness, stating, “EventsAir bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to develop real-world skills that will set them up for success in the events industry.” 

What’s next for TAFE Queensland & EventsAir? 

TAFE Queensland is committed to continuously evolving its event management curriculum to meet industry demands. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, TAFE is reviewing its diploma qualifications to ensure students are equipped with the skills required for large-scale event management. EventsAir, having already been used for major global events such as the Commonwealth Games, remains a critical component of this training. 

Looking ahead, TAFE and EventsAir will continue to strengthen their partnership, ensuring students remain at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies. TAFE Queensland is eager to participate in EventsAir’s pilot programs, providing students with early access to new features and further enhancing their learning experience. 

As the events industry continues to evolve, this partnership exemplifies how technology-driven education can empower the next generation of event professionals, ensuring they graduate ready to make an impact in the field.