Jodie McLean 0:04
Hey, I'm Jodie Event Manager, business owner, educator and podcast host. I'm an introverted homebody want to be wine master, and I truly believe in the power of events to inspire the light and ignite human potential. Every week, I take you backstage into the wonderful world of business events, and give you the insider scoop on how to take your events to the next level. Before we begin, I'd like to acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and listen. Let's get into it. Welcome to Episode 18 of the events Insider PodCast. Now today is a bit of a different episode for you. So normally, I'm either giving you event tips and advice or I'm interviewing an event expert about a particular area of events. But today, I'm joined by an admin expert to discuss tips and best practice for when you're tasked with the company event on top of your day to day work, and how you can go about managing all those different stakeholders and how to collaborate with others to get the job done. So today I'm chatting with Candice Burningham. Now Candace is the founder of admin avenues, which is Australia's first Premier employment marketplace and community for admin professionals. But she started her 20 year admin career as an office Junior and worked her way up to C suite executive assistant to some of the best and brightest minds globally. She's got a lot of experience managing the company meetings, events and experiences as well as navigating those relationships and collaborating with others. So there is a lot of gold nuggets in this chat. Now. Let's get into it. Candice, welcome to the events Insider PodCast.
Candice Burningham 1:46
Thank you very much for having me.
Jodie McLean 1:48
It's so good to have you. I feel like this is a slightly different episode today, which I'm excited to chat about. Normally, I invite people from the events industry onto the podcast, but I really wanted to have this chat with you today because you are like a voice for admin professionals. And I love the work that you do. And also I think it will be a great way to get perspective on how someone else sees events and what you like about events. So that we can learn from someone who attends a lot of events, because you definitely are out there in the world. Yes, you attend a lot of an event. So good. So for anyone that doesn't know you, can you share a little bit about your career journey and how you ended up starting admin avenues.
Candice Burningham 2:31
Absolutely. So my background is I'm a career executive assistant. And I'm a career admin professional. But I say executive assistant because I did that a little bit. But I Yeah, did the whole journey from office Jr. up to C suite executive assistant. And then I came back to Australia. I was living in London, and I saw a gap in the market and I was like where are all the jobs for admin? And there wasn't a solution for that. So with two weeks of quarantine on my hands, I have plenty of time to come up with an idea or website and plan and bam we came up with the idea of and I keep saying we were he wasn't around then me came up with that Ren avenues in the hotel and we just for reference if anyone that does not follow our our socials is my dog, Millie. She is my way. So yeah, it kind of just came out of nowhere. It wasn't planned. It wasn't something that I was like, oh, yeah, one day, I want to have a job board. And then so I put together the job board and my community was like that. We want more we want a community, we want, you know, templates, we want connection, we want networking, and I was like, alright, alright, build it, and they will come. And so that's what we did. We just sent it out, building out this community and it grew very quick, very organically. Again, we had events all over the country. So we interact with all the admin groups around the country. So whenever there's any of our admin community, and I'm I'm travelling, I always make a point of seeing if I can attend an event and meet everyone. We have admin groups, literally in every capital city. So if you're looking for one reach out, I'll introduce you. But yeah, that's how it kind of came about. And then from that, we we're expanding into the UK next year as well. So it's it's been a journey, but it's been a fun journey.
Jodie McLean 4:35
Yeah, amazing. I love that story. And it was obviously something that was just so needed for the community. Yeah, so we'll join you for starting it.
Candice Burningham 4:42
Thank you
Jodie McLean 4:43
before we dive in, because I feel like there's a lot of areas we can tap into with you. But before we dive in, I'd love to know because you do attend a lot of events. What do you think makes a great event?
Candice Burningham 4:53
So I think a great event is an organised event. I'm a typical EA answer. But I am actually like a checklist kind of gal. I really, really love things being ticked off, I like knowing that there is procedures, I like knowing everyone's clear on the plan. And that we, you know, we can all understand how to make the the amount of great success. And my other feedback would. My other point is that feedback is important. So whether it's like, you know, sending out a survey afterwards or speaking with your, your peers, doing whatever, whatever works for you, whether it's a big event, or whether it's just an internal event, get feed back, find out, you know, what, you could have done better what you might have missed, you know, did, did we forget to acknowledge someone did we forget to an error, it's always just good to get feedback, so that you can always build on on your event and make sure that you can make it better for the next time or also for future events you may have. They may come up with ideas, we're like, Yeah, I'm gonna use that in a future event. That's great idea.
Jodie McLean 5:59
Yeah, for sure. And feedback is definitely something that I bang on about a lot as well. Because I think sometimes it can be daunting to put ourselves out there and ask people what they think, because we don't want to get the negative feedback. But the only thing worse than putting on you know, a subpar event is doing it twice, right? There might be something that we're doing that we don't realise people don't enjoy, or there's something that we could easily add that people really want. And so it is super important, as daunting as it is to ask for feedback. So I love that you've suggested that
Candice Burningham 6:29
you're taking on that feedback, like yes, as he just said, sometimes it's not not nice, it's not great feedback. But if you if you're asking for feedback, take it on, don't just say okay, well, that's their opinion. Like, you've got to actually take it on and be like, Okay, maybe they're onto something there. So, yeah, the big point there,
Jodie McLean 6:48
and they'll always be you know, some comments that you can just dismiss. Worry about. Oh, the room was too cold. Oh, yes.
Candice Burningham 6:56
Oh, that's Oh, it's always too hot or too cold, or Yeah,
Jodie McLean 7:01
yeah, we can dismiss those. But yeah, definitely, absolutely. Taking on the feedback. Um, have there been any business events that you've attended as a guest that I guess really stood out to you that you've remembered or even just elements of events that have really stood out to you?
Candice Burningham 7:16
I mean, I like to tell a story of the first big event I ever went to, because it's just stayed with me forever as to why I love events. My mum was one of the first people to implement Ronald McDonald House in Australia, she was on the board, the charity balls. And I used to help like, put packs together, you know, goodie bags and things like that. And they were auctions and everything. So I was a child labour wrapping things and doing all the all the bits and bobs in the backend, but I remember getting of age where I could come. So I was a teenager. And I've walked into this grand ballroom at the Hilton in Brisbane, and my mind was just blown. Like, the whole room was just beautiful. I've never seen anything like it that the table placements, the napkins, the, the chandeliers, the the band, the stage, like everything was just like sensory overload. I was just like, this is incredible. And I felt like if that was me, I want to sit here for a minute and watch everyone else come in and see their faces. They came in, and everyone had the same reaction. Oh, my gosh, this is amazing. And I remember thinking, that's the impact you can have. From hosting an event your work gives that impact where people will walk away and remember that and that kind of stayed with me of like, these, these things matter. Little details matter. Yes, the big room and everything looking pretty made it but it was people coming to the table and looking and seeing their calligraphy name tag it was it was the centrepiece it was it was just, it was just I've never forgotten it clearly. So any kind of event ever since the spirit backed up against that?
Jodie McLean 9:04
Because we don't get those ones all the time. Exactly. Yeah, that you've pointed out it is in the details. You know, we might not be able to transform a ballroom every event that we do. But you know, what are those small things that people are going to notice? And see that someone's put in the effort and the time for them as a guest? And how can you make that whole experience or even you know that that room reveal that wow factor at the beginning?
Candice Burningham 9:28
Yep. And it's just even those little things that you just take through to any event, be it a board meeting, a board meeting is an event and this is something I say to admins all the time you don't actually understand you are event managers, you are event creators. Yes, even a board meeting is an event. It has a run list from start to go. It has catering, it has presentations, it's an event. So it's just those little things like remembering, you know, the chairman loves this brand of tea or they like these biscuits or, you know, Bob's a vegetarian Unlike all those things where people just say, Oh, thank you like you remembered that matter, and make a difference. So from the littlest thing like a boardroom event through to big events, it's all in the detail.
Jodie McLean 10:11
Yeah, I remember I had to organise the board meetings for a company that I used to work for, did a lot of events, but board meetings were part of that. And every month, they had a different theme. And so whatever they were talking about, I then got to tie everything into that theme. So through the catering, and the setup and that kind of thing. And so, yes, the board meeting might sound dull, but you know, how can we have fun with it? How can we get excited and people remembered those board meetings?
Candice Burningham 10:37
Yeah, yeah, they do. Yeah, we, when I was at SPS, we had them all over the place. Like, one one year it was in over one one, it was in Canberra, at the not at the parliament house, but one of the, like, national galleries or something like it was just incredible. And yeah, each each form was was wasn't as as big of an array because SBS government funded, not the budget there. But we we were everything mattered, everything, everything mattered. And I think that you have to have that kind of mentality of Not, not if you're that'll do person don't get into events. If you're into the detail, and you're into making things special, then come join the party.
Jodie McLean 11:21
Yeah, I think for some admin professionals, it can be really overwhelming. And you sort of get tasked with these events that you have to plan and it sort of becomes another thing on your to do list. From your experience. What would you say are some tips for I guess, managing your day to day, but then when you've got these event projects on top of the day to day, how do you manage your time?
Candice Burningham 11:45
Okay, so for people who are lucky enough to have an events team or a comms team, sometimes they get involved as well. Awesome. You're lucky for people that don't I say enlist, help get your community, get your admins together and say, hey, you know, I've got this event, I need help. How can we break this up, and then literally plan it, break it into projects, and each person take a project each and be accountable for it have check in points have milestones where you're like, Okay, we're up to here. Now, we can do this. But never try and do it alone. I know, there's some people that do have to do it alone. But if you don't have to don't like, even if you've got lucky enough to have a receptionist receptionist can do so much while they're while they can. They can do the backend, they can do the dietary requirements, they can do the catering, like, don't always feel like oh, it's always on me. It's always on me, even though it always is dumped on. Don't lose your lose your cool with it, take it as an opportunity, because it is another skill set, which is something new is a transferable skill that you can take through to any job, any company all around the world, the fact that you have event management is experience on your CV is a really good thing to have as well. It also shows that you can multitask that you care, you're creative thinker, like there's so many good aspects of it. But I would say if you can try and enlist some help for it as well. But as I said before, I'm just such a list creator, I'm a big fan of the list delegation, where possible. But on the flip side of that I'm also a complete control freak that wants to have a view of everything and make sure that nothing goes wrong.
Jodie McLean 13:26
But I think that's the thing, right? Like, you could still be the project manager. But if you can, like you said enlist, help from others and delegate out parts of it. And you be kind of the overarching brains behind it, then. Absolutely. Yeah. And I think, you know, collaboration, like you say, is a great skill set to have. So I'm wondering, do you have any tips around collaborating effectively amongst a team, whether it's kind of admins or other departments in the company? How do you recommend we navigate I guess, managing those different relationships? Yeah,
Candice Burningham 13:59
I'd say in managing different stakeholders is establish regular check ins and maintain the transparent feedback loop. Because everyone has an opinion. And they all like to share it. And that's great. That's feedback. But actual, actual delegation, actual management of things requires people that are going to be aligned that they feel heard that you can preemptively tackle issues before they escalate. Like there's a whole bunch of tasks or tasks. So guess that needs to be addressed. Like that needs to be sorted that need to be managed in a collaborative way. So I think if you get it all I say on paper, but no one uses paper anymore. If you can get it all on paper and see okay, well, what are the blocks here? What can we make sure we avoid? Okay, for instance, the other day when we went to that event, I felt the need to go stand out the front of the restaurant because it was quite tricky to know where that restaurant was. And then so I, I collaborated with someone else and said, Okay, you stand on one side, because there's two entrances when you stay on one side, and the other side, because how are people going to know where it was, and we didn't have like, you can't like send out an email, like, no one's checking their emails after hours or anything. So you just have to rely on your people and make sure that you, as things pop up, jump on it. For I'll give you an example. Like, in my events experience, one of the kind of notable challenges I faced, during a company wide event was managing a diverse set of stakeholders, who all had, like their own different priorities and whatnot. It was actually another SPS event, we had a event at Parliament House. And I just remember, someone must have been talent, like a chef or something like that made jams. And like they must have had like from their farm or something. But all these gems were there and all these like randoms out of nobody like met I don't know where it came in like started like syphoning the champs, I'm like, What are you doing? And they're like, oh, you know, so and so wants a jam. And I'm getting this for this minister. And I was just like, I can't believe that we've got an issue with jams, like, come into the room and come see what the events are about. But no, you can't pick it. And that's the thing, right? Be flexible, be flexible for what's going to happen or what you may think, oh, that's just going to be something they take on the way out know that we're taking it on the way in, it's just, and these are ministers. I love a freebie. I do love a freebie. They do love a freebie. But yeah, I just say bring everyone together and channel your all your energies towards the same goal for a successful and smoother event. At this one, I'd say just communication and make sure everyone's on the same page.
Jodie McLean 16:43
Yeah, and you mentioned before milestones. And I think that that is crucial, as well as having those points along the way, where you can track how are we going and keeping other people accountable to what they have to do as well? Yeah, absolutely. Um, you have your own podcast as well, Congratulations on starting that. And you recently had an episode where you talked about being a strategic business partner, which I loved. And I would love your insights and advice around how someone could go about, I guess, pitching an event idea to their boss or to their company, because I think a lot of the time, you know, admins have this amazing bird's eye view across the whole company, right? And so sometimes we can see, you know, how an event might achieve objectives. So for someone listening who's like, I think we should put on this, how can they go about pitching that idea?
Candice Burningham 17:31
Yep. So pitching and pitching an idea in general is about storytelling. So if your pitch thing, an event idea, it's all about showcasing the value, usually, because you're having to ask for budget, if you're in the corporate world. So storytelling is showcasing the value to the business by saying, you know, by doing like, a give another example, you know, like in media, all the channels have showcase events where they showcase what content they have, and what shows they're going to have for the year and all the press are invited and to big like event where you know, all the talent calm. And if you have chefs and stuff, there'll be food and all sorts of great events, but they can see the value of that because you, you you're presenting your talent to the market, you're showing what what shows you've got coming on you, it's absolutely worth the money to do that. And the networking with all the press and networking with everyone, you can easily show, okay, this is how much it's gonna cost. This is the value we'll get from it. This is a dress we'll get from it like this, as we say, milestones of what you can achieve. And this is this is the output for it. So I would say, showcase the value, clearly define the purpose and objectives of your event. You know, it's all about process. It's all about, you know, having everything that's, you know, able to secure, secure the event budget and things like that. I'd say create a concise proposal, so that you can show the benefits, the cost, the budget, the general timeline, but always just keep tying it back into the company's goals or pain points. For instance, like, if your company is focused on employee retention, and you're pitching an event that like emphasises team building or appreciation, you know, you're you're showing how that's the value add and how the company will get something out of spending that money on that event. You know, if you're just like, Oh, we're gonna order some party pies and sausage rolls, we don't really know what we're gonna do. We might put up a fun game or something like that. That's, that's, that's one lazy. And two, that's not fun. No one's gonna turn up for that. So I'd say preparation is also critical. But also so as timing, make sure that it's at a time where people can actually attend. Like, there's an event coming up. I can't remember what it is. Is it 3pm And as they're not getting a lot of people coming or registering for it on my go to 3pm who can just clock out For the day at 3pm Yeah, know your audience, right? Know, Like, exactly right. Know your audience, I guess if it's a team event or in the in the building, you know, maybe if you put a calendar invite and their boss is attending, then they'll have to turn up. But you know, if you're doing an external event where you want other people to attend, just like think about the timings and think about what's going to work for people. anticipate questions and concerns that that people might have and be ready with the solutions. Nobody likes people coming to them with just problems, have some ideas and some solutions. And just remember that confidence is key. So like your delivery, and having confidence in what you're pitching. Because as I said, it's about storytelling. So your passion and your dedication to the idea will go a long way in convincing your executives of its merits.
Jodie McLean 20:48
And I think as well, you made a good point about the craft party pie one because I think it works in reverse as well. If you're being asked to put on, you know, an event that you don't think is going to achieve the company's objectives, because your boss is like, oh, we should probably do something, why don't just please organise this, here's some ideas and then not great. I think as well having the confidence to go, actually, you know, and question it. And it's one of the things that I always do with a client first up is they say, Oh, we've got this great idea. We're going to have this event, we need your help. And I go, why are we holding this? Yep. And it sounds really blunt. But you need to be really clear on what you're trying to do. And is it going to achieve it? And so actually, if in reverse, if there's a bad idea, like, say, I don't think that's a good idea, but what about this instead? Yeah,
Candice Burningham 21:36
yeah, we had a situation with that once where my executive really wanted to have a baby photo kind of competition where you had to guess who everyone's baby photo of. One. Not everyone's cool with that, like sharing a baby photo. But also, we had like, one black guy. Yes, it was just like. I mean, like, it was all in jest. And everyone knows this guy was lovely, and fun and whatnot. But I was just like, you've got to be a little bit sensitive towards people may not want to share personal stuff as well, whilst you're trying to make it personal and fun, and making it part of it be a bit bit sensitive to those things as well.
Jodie McLean 22:18
Yeah. Changing gears a little bit. Something I talked about all the time is I really believe that events have the power to ignite human potential. And I feel like if anyone's attended a good event before, you know, you really walk out, like inspired and changed and sometimes a different person. Why do you think it's important for admin professionals to also be out there attending and networking at events?
Candice Burningham 22:43
Yeah. Big believer of this as well, a big, big believer that human contact and human networking, it's just not the same when it's on Zoom. It does ignite human potential that it does Ignite. Like, I don't know the science behind it. I read it recently where like, it was saying, you know, when you feel that one of them was when you feel sleepy on the couch next to someone, it's because like endorphins, have of them be making you feel relaxed. And it's the same kind of thing of when you're in a crowd of people who are feeling excited and motivated. Like you get that sensory as well. Yeah. And I totally agree with that. Because whenever I, I, I often get I'm a I'm an extroverted introvert. So I love it when I'm there. But I, I am I don't want to go I don't want to go. I don't want to go. I hope they reek. I hope they reschedule. I hope they reach it like I am that person that just doesn't want to do it. And then as soon as I do it, I'm having fun. And I I now know that I have to push through that and be like, Dude, we do this all the time you do this, you tell that part of the story. I tell this, and then we always have fun. Let's go. Yeah. But I would say for admin professionals, attending and networking events is vital, not only for your personal growth, but also for your professional growth. So for that have been like training events, networking events, things that will allow you to stay updated with industry trends, building valuable connections and showcasing your skill set talking about you know what you're doing, talk about what other people are doing, how are you using this? How are you using that? Have you been to this latest place? Have you used this like it? You just don't talk like that conversationally online, it's when you're in person, these things come up or you're in a group so all different conversations are going in particularly us women are quite good at being in this conversation that jumping to this conversation, being a part of it like a long girls lunch or something. But I say like by interacting in these kinds of diverse settings, admins enhance their problem solving capabilities as well. And they're discovering innovative solutions, and they position themselves as contributors to their organisations because they're then able to come back from this and tell what they learned from it. And that's something I would also say, if you ever like an attend an event or a conference or something, be able to come back with an output statement of this is what I actually learned. This is what I got back from it so that they can actually say, Hey, that was great investment. Or, for instance, there was a Newcastle admin event not long ago, and these two admins connected in and they were like, Oh, my boss has been trying to get a meeting with your boss. And they were like, right, let's do it right now. And bam, connected, and it was done. So as I always say, when admins connect magic happens, so take these opportunities to network also opens doors to potential job opportunities, or collaborations, like often we don't outwardly say when there's things going on. But if you're like, for instance, where the Sydney admins of it, and one of the girls was saying, I'm looking at going into virtual work, and one of the girls owns her own business, and she was like, Great, I'm looking for someone, like, you just wouldn't have had that conversation if you weren't at that event, if you know what I mean. Yeah, I'm a big believer in you never know who you're going to meet as well. So I'm always like, just go, you never know who you're gonna meet, you never know who can talk to. And that's happened in so many different ways. Like, you know, we had an ARP event in Melbourne last month, I think it was, and I was talking to one of the guys that saying, you know, going through investment and whatnot, and he's like, Oh, I'm an investor, I can help you look at your deck, I can help you this, and I'm at an admin of it. But you never know who you're going to meet. You never know who's going to talk to you never know who's going to, you need a favour and you're like, Oh, hey, we've met at that event. Like I definitely, definitely implore admins to go out there ignite human potential and get amongst it with your, your, your community. Yeah.
Jodie McLean 26:45
Amazing. And you are a great facilitator of that. And I know you put on a lot of events,
Candice Burningham 26:50
love an event.
Jodie McLean 26:52
So if anyone's like, I need to be in Kansas as world how can they connect with you and get involved in what you offer?
Candice Burningham 26:58
Absolutely. So I'm literally the only Kansas burning ham on the planet that I know of. So if you put Kansas burning ham into anything, social platforms, LinkedIn, Google, you'll find me. So I'm on everything. But my company is admin avenues. If you'd like to come in and check that out during the community. It's completely free. And it has all sorts of resources companies we work with, including Gemma, the sun, the events Academy. And just so you know, we put these companies on there, because they're actually people we know. And we like and we recommend, they're not just oh, hey, we'll put you up there. Because it's, it's fun. We've tried and tested these people and had great experiences with them. So come and check out Amanda news as well.
Jodie McLean 27:43
And you also have membership community and you put on education as well, which I'm very excited to be presenting in.
Candice Burningham 27:50
Yes. So admin avenues recently acquired the admin collective, which is a global membership. For admin professionals, which has been really fun. We do a masterclass every week for premium members. And tomorrow, we have a minute taking one which I know doesn't sound all that exciting. But you would see how you'd be surprised how hard minutes are if you're not formally trained. So when you have someone who can actually explain how to do it's so helpful. And that's the same we're having Jodie on to explain how to like breaking it down into how to actually organise an event you think it's just oh, he do you do that you do that? You did? No, there's so much more to it. And your your website also has some free downloads and things for admins to be able to access as well. So but yeah, we're having Jodie on there masterclass, which is super exciting. So if you're not a member, feel free to check that out as well. That's the admin collective.
Jodie McLean 28:49
Yeah, I'll put the link in the show notes as well for people. I have one final question for you. If you had to sum up all your years of experience into one piece of advice for admins who get tasked with planning company events, what would you say?
Candice Burningham 29:03
I would say, especially to those ones, like diving into event planning and haven't done it before, is start with clear objectives. And always have a backup plan. And most admins are used to having a backup plan. But in events, just in my experience, I always say what could go wrong. Like I want to plan for the what could go wrong. So for example, you know if if it's an outdoor event, have umbrellas, even if it says it's going to be a sunny day, have umbrellas and usually the company will be happy to have their branded umbrellas everywhere. Like they want people to take away a branded item. But I would just say always have a backup plan. As we said earlier, know the why behind your event that will guide your decisions in having like your plan B, C and D and contingencies in place. Because you've already like planned for the unexpected and And if possible, have a two IC, who's across everything. So whilst you may be the over cheating project manager of the event, have someone else that you can rely on that you can be like, you know, for instance, I remember we had an event in in our office and the chairman forgot his pass. So he couldn't get access to the building. So we had to get one of the assistants to run down and get access and talk to security let him in because he was from America and didn't have ID and we weren't planning for that one. But you didn't have that on the list of things that would happen, but have someone that you could be like, go go, and that they can jump on something for you. So that that's probably my top three.
Jodie McLean 30:41
Yeah, love that such great advice. And thank you so much for coming on the podcast today.
Candice Burningham 30:46
Not at all. Thank you so much for having me. And thank you so much for helping out with the admin community as well. I think events Academy is something that was really needed for our industry. Big fan of getting people along to that. I know you're you're using it for for the future. Yeah. So stay tuned for that one. But it's just such a such a great tool for admins. And I think, you know, it's definitely something that every admin should be looking at as part of their role. So get amongst that.
Jodie McLean 31:14
Amazing. Thanks, Candace. Thank you, Jared. Thanks for listening to this episode of the events Insider PodCast. If you loved it, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, share with your friends, and I'll chat to you next week. Bye.
