Event Experts

December Student Profile

Our Xmas student spot light falls on Renae Matthews who graduated from Academy with a Diploma in Wedding and Event Planning. Since graduating Renae has launced Yarra Valley Event Planning which is a full service Wedding and Special Event Planning business specialising in personally designing, planning and coordinating your most special event.  Offering services for every taste and budget. Renae offers individual attention and a high level of service and attention to detail, from your initial appointment right through to the delivery of your event. Christine took some time to chat with Renae over this busy Xmas period to see what she is up to and where she is now.

Christine - Earlier this year I had an opportunity to work with one of the Academy’s students, Renae Matthews.  As part of my role with the Academy I was contracted to work on a National Conference to be held in Cairns and Renae joined me for the week as my assistant.  For Renae it was a chance to gain some hands on experience, but far from being an  observer, Renae was an important member of the team.  The Conference was a huge success, but what I will always remember is Renae’s smiling face at every turn and her absolute professionalism and ability to just get in and do the job no matter what – including when on the very first day I was laid up in bed with a case of food poisoning – perhaps the biggest day of the Conference when we needed to transfer almost 400 students from the airport to accommodation!

Renae, congratulations on what has been a very successful year for you; you launched your business Yarra Valley Event Planning, including a gorgeous website, worked on several events including the Conference in Cairns and completed your Diploma with the Academy.  What was it that made you make the decision to pursue this career and study with the Academy in the first place?

I have three young children and as well as needing something that I could work around their schedules, I had grown tired of the office environment I had worked in previously.  I have always loved planning events and when I came across the Academy I made a commitment to myself to complete the course and then start my own business.

There are a lot of study options out there Renae, what made you choose the Australian Academy of Wedding and Event Planning?

I looked at a number of different options but the Academy stood out to me.  I liked the look of the Diploma and the areas that it covered.  The website was what first attracted me, but the professional response to my enquiry really gave me the confidence that the Academy would support me through my learning.  So I enrolled and loved the course.

So what have you been up to since you finished your course?

Well, apart from working on the Conference in Cairns I have had a number of Weddings and Corporate Events and over 500 people have visited my site to date.  I am really looking forward to seeing Yarra Valley Event Planning grow over 2010.

Now that you are working in the industry how are you finding it? Is it as enjoyable as you hoped it would be?

I am enjoying this industry.  It is really satisfying when you have completed an event and know that you helped to make it a success.  Meeting new people is something I enjoy and this business gives you that opportunity.  I also enjoy gaining new ideas and inspiration from my friends at the Academy.

Renae, there are a lot of people who would love to be working in their own business in this industry and especially to doing something that gives them the freedom to work around their children’s schedules.  Do you have any advice for them?

I think you just need to make up your mind that you are going to give it a go.  Doing a course like the one the Academy offers is a great first step and you will learn from there what your next step should be.  They are really supportive and this is something that you can lean on when you finish the course.

Renae congratulations again on a fabulous first year as a Wedding and Event Planner.  Kylie and I are both really proud of you and can’t wait to see you grow your business further.