2012? - Rock Eisteddfod Challenge

career in the arts
We chatted with Rock Eistedfod Challenge ® Event
Manager Karla Tatterston about her role, why she
absolutely LOVES it and heraspirations for the
2012 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge ® .
What made you want to get into event
management
I started out studying ballet and contemporary from 3
years of age, and danced professionally for 8 years.
I really enjoyed seeing just how a production came
together. Discovering this love for live events and
productions, I made my way through a number of
behind-the-scenes positions. Stepping off the stage, I
realised I was a natural organiser, so to get my foot
in the door, I applied for intern and assistant roles
whilst studying so I could gain experience in the events
industry. I have always wanted to be the director of a
massive spectacle...I think I might be on my way there.
REC is definitely one of those events
I always aspired to manage.
How long have you been working behind
the scenes at events
About 10 years, and in a number of roles, not just
event management. (Wow that makes me sound old!)
My latest obsession when organising an event is the
marketing communication side –Engaging people
showing them / telling them / getting them to see the
event. Tough, but once people are there, they always
love the experience. I make sure of it. It’s important to
remember, that every role at an event,
helps to create the experience for
the audience. From the ticket collector to the
cleaner and the performer to the MC. It’s a total package!!
Most important thing that you’ve learnt
Work hard, be versatile and learn the ropes of
everyone’s job because you never know when you will
have to jump in and direct the show or light a scene.
It’s so important to be on top of the details in your role,
and be able to lead as well as understand the bigger
picture. The decision making process in creating and
delivering an event, is never as simple as it seems.
Don’t be arrogant, and always smile
because it is infectious!
What brought you to the REC
family
When I was a little girl, at our end of year
ballet concerts there were always the
awesome colourful and iconic REC
posters in the dressing rooms which I loved.
I would ask the older girls in the dance school
what the posters were for, and they were so
excited when they would tell us the
stories about their performances. I wanted to
be just like them. Unfortunately, my school
was never involved in REC (devastating
for a teen who was desperate to perform!),
however, as a dancer I was fortunate enough
to be booked to perform as a health promotion
during the Canberra finals one year, and as a
dance teacher I have seen a number of my
students perform in REC and love the process.
I was always attracted to REC because
it’s such a great event – I watched it on
TV every year, and the creative and
unstoppable energy, sequins, and
killer dance routines left me totally
inspired. The organisation itself stands for
something I really believe in. That is so
mportant to your career – not only
being skilled but working in a field you love,
you enjoy and are passionate about. Rock
Eisteddfod Challenge ® inspires me, and
I feel like I am contributing to the lives of
students and facilitating an amazing experience.