sports event management - FIFA/CIES International University Network

leaving a legacy of event skills among thelocal people they work alongside.”But, he adds, there can be pitfalls foremployers.“It is in the nature of the events worldthat there are a lot of people out theremoving from project to project andsometimes making unsubstantiatedclaims about the level of real experienceand capability they have. That meansone of the difficulties employers face isverifying those claims in order to hire thebest people.“There are around 30 operational areasinvolved in delivering an event and simplyaccepting what is written on a CV can behazardous. A claim to have been a ‘venuelogistics administrator, for example, mayin reality relate to someone who didthe photocopying or whitewashed thestadium wall,” he explained.Graham believes that Impact’s focuson event personnel and its connectivitywithin the events world gives it a headstart in this area.“We are part of the network andnot only have a unique understandingof what is required by OrganisingCommittees but the ability to check-outCVs and verify the credentials of everyclient,” he said.While the notion that experience isa key attribute for event personnel isunquestionable, it cannot be applieduniversally. It may seem somewhatparadoxical but the man – or woman –at the top of an Organising Committeeis routinely the least specificallyexperienced of any of the senior staff onthe team.According to Simon Cummins,managing partner of the internationalsports practice at Odgers, this is anentirely predictable and positive situation.“It is true that many top positions areheld by people with no previous eventsexperience but that is largely inevitableand does help ensure that the overallmanagement of events is in the handsof those with wide-ranging experienceof running big, complex enterprises,” heexplained.Cummins, who has recruited seniormanagement for projects includingSPORTS EVENT MANAGEMENT 33