Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Let The Momentum Begin!

Let the Momentum Begin.
By Alaine Bailey-Bentley Campus

I didn't know what to expect when I began my internship at Momentum Forum Events. I had gone out and bought some black work shoes with a modest heel and some knee length skirts to try and prepare myself. The first day was a real struggle for me, as I had to adjust to having to wake up at 7am in order for me to have enough time to get dressed, have breakfast and catch public transport to arrive on time at my new workplace. 

The organisation, Momentum Forum Events, was founded by Barbara McNaught in 2002, and has one employee, Stacey, who helps in managing everything that goes on. When I arrived Stacey sat down with me and explained to me about Momentum Forum Events being ‘an innovative marketing and network organisation with a focus on charitable purpose’ (Momentum, 2016) and about their upcoming event. She also explained to me that my first task was to research companies to contact to try and sell tables to and to see if they were interested in becoming a sponsor for the event. This was because Momentum was holding their annual International Women’s Day Luncheon on March 11th at the Pan Pacific. I must admit I was a little underwhelmed by my first task but I realized that it wasn't just a task they had invented to keep me occupied. Stacey was also researching companies to invite to their event.

Becoming involved with Momentum Forum when they were at the final stages of organising their event meant that all the exciting tasks had already been completed and the final, less interesting tasks had to be undertaken. I do understand that researching companies for sponsorships and to sell tables is an important task to ensure the event is successful and hopefully sells out - its just a shame I wasn't more organised and planned my internship while they were still in the planning stages for the event.


On my second day though I was excited by the opportunity to come up with interview questions for Barbara to ask on her talk show HelloDarlink. Her show involves her interviewing high-profile guests about their different stories-all in which are inspiring, enlightening and/or entertaining to watch. She is currently scheduled to interview a man named Robbie Anstruther-Burson, who will be undergoing reconstructive surgery to become a woman. As well as insightful questions to ask Robbie I was asked to find statistics about transgender people to cite in the interview. I am now very well informed in the statistics and information available to the public regarding the transgender population!


(Photo of the Momentum Forum Events Office)

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