I spent the last three months in placement at Revolution AV, a local company specializing in both hybrid and in-person events, spanning conferences, award shows, and live music experiences across the country. This work placement has been an eye-opening journey, providing me with valuable insights into the intricacies of the live events industry. In the upcoming reflection, I will use Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to explore and analyse my experience at Revolution AV, aiming to capture the essence of my professional growth in this dynamic environment.

In Revolution AV, the focal point of my work placement lies within the confines of the office, where I am actively engaged in diverse tasks essential to the execution of upcoming events. This involves organization and thorough testing of equipment. Beyond the confines of the office, my role extends to on-site involvement, participating in the complete lifecycle of events, from the initial setup and smooth operation to the takedown. This hands-on experience has provided invaluable insights into the practical intricacies of event management. A recent highlight involved the US Delegates breakfast hosted at the iconic Titanic Museum in Belfast. This experience not only underscored the significance of precision and teamwork but also exemplified the diversity of events Revolution AV is involved in, furthering my understanding of the dynamic live events industry.

Embarking on this work placement at Revolution AV, I was initially fuelled by a blend of excitement and comfort, drawn from my prior experience as a lighting engineer at Mandella Hall. The prospect of delving into the world of live events with a company as dynamic as Revolution AV was inherently thrilling, coupled with a sense of ease rooted in my background. However, as the days unfolded, a spectrum of emotions emerged, shaping my reflective journey. The challenges encountered were not insignificant—long hours tested my endurance, repetitive tasks prompted a reassessment of efficiency, and navigating through unfamiliar equipment posed a learning curve. Troubleshooting became a recurrent activity, demanding adaptability and problem-solving skills. These challenges, while initially daunting, became crucial contributors to my growth, instilling resilience and resourcefulness in the face of the demanding and ever-evolving nature of the live events industry.

Throughout my work placement at Revolution AV, my proficiency in time management emerged as a notable strength, allowing me to navigate the demanding and often unpredictable nature of the live events industry effectively. However, a critical self-assessment reveals a room for improvement in my technical troubleshooting skills. While the collaborative spirit within the team proved invaluable, with colleagues consistently taking time out of their day to provide support and insights into the intricacies of complex technical equipment, I recognize the need to elevate my technical competence further. The environment’s positive collaborative culture significantly contributed to my growth in this regard. On a personal level, I identified areas for improvement in my ability to speak up and articulate ideas promptly, as well as in enhancing the speed and efficiency at which I complete tasks. Despite these areas requiring attention, the overall work environment at Revolution AV has been commendable, fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning and professional development. Looking forward, I am motivated to refine my technical skills and communication abilities, building upon the solid foundation laid during this placement.

In retrospect, my time at Revolution AV has been a transformative journey. The dynamic nature of the live events industry became a canvas for personal and professional growth, as I navigated the intricacies of event. It has been a very interesting journey with initial excitement tempered by the long hours, repetitive tasks, and technical troubleshooting. These challenges, however, proved instrumental in strengthening my resilience and adaptability, essential attributes in the dynamic realm of live events. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the team, highlighted in the evaluation, became a cornerstone for overcoming challenges and fostering professional development.

As I look ahead, the identified areas for improvement in technical skills, communication, and task efficiency serve as beacons guiding my future endeavours. The commendable work environment at Revolution AV has been a catalyst for learning and growth, providing a solid foundation for the continued refinement of my skills.

Armed with the insights gleaned from my reflective journey at Revolution AV, I am tasked with creating a strategic action plan aimed at furthering my professional development. The identified areas for improvement serve as a roadmap, guiding my efforts toward enhanced proficiency and effectiveness in the realm of live events and beyond.

Building upon the positive collaborative culture within the team, I intend to proactively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Their guidance will not only augment my technical competence but also provide valuable insights into the nuanced aspects of event management. Looking forward, the solid foundation laid during my time at Revolution AV has fuelled my enthusiasm for continued learning. I aspire to explore additional professional development opportunities, including workshops, certifications, and networking events within the live events community, to expand my knowledge base and enhance my skill set.