2 minute read
Delivering better value for events members
ERIN JOHNSTON
HRIA EVENTS DIVISON PRESIDENT
It’s no secret that one of the most consistent challenges for the HRIA is how to ensure ongoing value and networking opportunities for events members.
One of the characteristics of members in this sector is how different the interactions are from those we see in our American counterparts, as well as those members active in more traditional general hire here in Australia.
Coming to terms with these different characteristics is the first step to addressing them, but it does mean you have to come at the challenges from a different angle. The short answer is that promotion of existing members benefits is only part of the solution. The longer answer is that we need to build more tailored offerings for members who only operate in the outdoor events silo.
Following on from the announcement of the HRIA’s revised 5 year strategic plan and request for feedback from members, the national office has recognised the need for a “deep dive” into the Events & Party Hire Division, to ensure the HRIA is delivering on its strategic objectives for members in this sector of the industry.
Members working in Events and Party Hire were invited to volunteer to participate in a 2 hour workshop focusing on what the HRIA priorities and deliverables should be for this segment of our membership. This workshop was facilitated by a third-party specialist research firm.
By participating in one of these workshops, members are ensuring their voice is heard and getting the most value out of their membership.
From the outset, the facilitator aimed to focus on specific content areas, including awareness and use of existing member benefits, value in HRIA Insurance and uptake of HRNet advice. The workshop also identified how to highlight and promote other benefits already on offer and how events members can make better use of them.
Major topics of interest for events members were how to get access to safety resources, training, new experienced and casual staff, as well as how to improve the level of engagement with other Events members at state meetings and the annual convention.
The discussion of new ideas made these workshops extremely valuable. The results of the workshop are expected by the end of October. The HRIA will review and communicate its recommendations to members in late 2022, with actionable outcomes and a timeline for delivery. We look forward to working with events members going forward to deliver on these objectives.
