Ah now, you didn't really come here looking for jobs, did you? Everybody seems to be wait and see - let's see what happens over the next couple of months. So I'm going to repeat myself - let's use this time constructively, and take advantage of the quiet time to brush up our skills.

The Events Industry Skillnet Summer School is in full flight. So far there have been courses on bringing in numbers, developing a business plan and event plans and budgets. Some terrific feedback (I love the one from Alison Harvey of the Insurance Institute) and some more great courses coming up.

Telephone Sales Techniques on July 28th : This is an invaluable course for anyone who has to sell or market over the phone. I know that Sigrid got a huge amount from that one last time.

Effective E-Marketing and Using Your Website Effectively on July 29th: E-mail marketing is a critical tool for us these days, and so is the web. We get down and find out exactly what does work and help to stay away from what doesn't.

Project Management for Events on August 6th : A good overview of the key elements involved in the management of an event, including managing the work, the risks and the resources (human and material). The course will also look at directing activities, tracking progress and analysing results.

I think I might have been the first one to book on the Time Management on 19th August - I was afraid it was going to be booked out too fast! It's not, so you can still join me...

As you know, the Events Industry Skillnet is a separate organisation to NEO Ireland. We do want to keep you up to date but it would be lots better if you got the news direct from the horses mouth - as they say.

So, together with the Dublin Convention Bureau (who are really active representing the skillnet members on the steering group for the Events Industry Skillnet) and DCB members the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel & Spa, Enfield we'd like to encourage you to sign up for the Events Industry Skillnet mailing list - as well as spreading the word throughout your own network. Anyone who signs up for the Events Industry Skillnet mailing list during the month of June will be in with a chance to win 1 night dinner, B&B and one half hour spa treatment at the beautiful Marriott Johnstown House Hotel & Spa, Enfield.

All you need to do is head over to the Events Industry Skillnet website and sign up for the mailing list - along with answering a pretty simple question (clue: you'll find the answer at the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel & Spa website).

In case you didn't know already, the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel and Spa is a unique, 126 bedroom luxury hotel developed around a magnificent 1750s Georgian rural residence.
Set in over 120 acres of stunning parkland landscape, the hotel also offers 40 two bed roomed executive style self catering duplexes. Hotel located off M4 motorway, 45 mins from Dublin city & airport- offers shuttle on site. The hotel provides excellent teambuilding potential and marquee facilities. Largest meeting room catering for 1000 delegates. The exclusive Elemis Spa located on site is among the best in the world and one of seven leading Marriott destination resorts in Europe. Wish I could enter!

Talking of the Events Industry Skillnet - since the Summer is a traditionally more quiet time for events organisers, Ceslee and the steering group have been planning a Summer Blitz! Sign up for the mailing list, or keep your eyes on the Events Industry Skillnet website for full details. And take advantage of this funded training - it won't last forever!

We have a varied and exciting bunch of training courses lined up for May and June.
Events Budgets – 20th May morning half day class
Event Plans – 20th May afternoon half day class
Effective E-Marketing – 27th May morning half day class
Using your Website Effectively – 27th May afternoon half day class
Sponsorship – 4th June a full day course
Selecting and Managing Speakers – 11 June morning half day class.

You can book your place(s) for these courses by visiting the Events Industry Skillnet website and clicking on training. Half day courses are €40 for members and €150 for non members. Full day courses are €85 for members and €340 for non-members. Lunch is included in price for Full day courses. All training courses are at the Bewley’s Hotel in Ballsbridge. Membership of the Events Industry Skillnet is separate to membership of NEO Ireland and is online at the Events Industry Skillnet website.
We look forward to seeing you at the training courses.