AWARDS 2013 EXECUTIVE PA MAGAZINE
From backstage to on stage
After organising her company’s big night, Gailene Snell finds herself a star at the PA awards, writes Sadhbh Warren.
TIPS
Longer events are particularly challenging to organise and oversee. Gailene Snell offers guidance on putting together a focused schedule that engages without exhausting:
Know your delegates Keep in mind the demographics of your group when planning.
Don’t schedule events too closely Allow your delegates (and yourself) some downtime.
Mix it up Make events interesting and full of variety.
When Sydney EA Gailene Snell organised a gala awards event last year, little did she know she would soon be in the spotlight herself – four months later she was on stage herself, at the Executive PA Magazine Awards, accepting the trophy for Best Organised Event by a PA. It was recognition of her work on the
NAFDA Gala Awards Weekend (Snell works for the boss of the Parramatta-based foodservice procurement and marketing company). The weekend is the final in a series of key annual events that run for nearly a week, from a directors’ dinner through to the awards and including a board meeting, two-day conference and full schedule of social and recreational events. As the organiser and host, Snell was
on call throughout the week, as well as being an active participant. Her role was to ensure events ran to schedule and take notes during the conference. NAFDA does not engage outside event planners or managers for the event, so Snell’s biggest challenge as to deliver an exciting and innovative event within a tight budget.
16 APRIL/MAY 2013 I
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.COM.AU While the assignment involved a lot
of work, there was a perk – at the themed dinner, the Golden Years of Hollywood, she had the opportunity as host to portray herself as Audrey Hepburn. Snell believes that putting on a
great event is well worth the effort. “It’s exhausting, enjoyable and satisfying.”
GAILENE SNELL’S TOP TIPS FOR PAS ORGANISING AN EVENT... 1. Be prepared for any situation. Have all documentation on hand, with extra copies. 2. Delegate whenever you can. Do not spread yourself too thin. 3. Don’t assume anything.
Snell started her career in the legal
profession and moved on to the wine industry for “six fabulous years”. She then joined Australia’s Wonderland as PA to the managing director and finance director, leaving at several points to have children while returning to various roles. She worked in local government and for home builder Clarendon Homes before taking up her current role.
Keep everyone happy Ensure there is quality food and beverage throughout.
Pace yourself Don’t stress out at events and try not to become too sleep deprived.
As well as being EA to CEO Mark
Hancock for four years, she ensures the smooth running and administrative management of the office, and arranges NAFDA’s conferences and other meetings. The awards are a highlight in the company’s calendar and an integral part of the group’s efforts to build community and cohesion in the foodservice industry, recognising distributors and suppliers for excellence, as voted by their peers. Hancock was confident the event was
in excellent hands. “Gailene has a passion for ensuring a successful event and plays an exceptional host. Her social skills and personality are a big asset to us.” For Snell, receiving the award was a
career highlight. “I was totally surprised and honoured to be selected as the winner.” And what did Hancock think when he heard she had won? “I wasn’t surprised.” E
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