When I first came to Sydney, I didn't know what to expect. The same can be said when I started interning with Mashay. If someone asked me six weeks ago if I thought I could plan an event, I don't think I would've said yes, but I can happily say that during my last weekend in Sydney that's exactly what I did.
Since the new and improved version of Mashay launched, we've been brainstorming on how we can get more people to download the app and book one of the many unique experiences available such as axe throwing, art workshops, and cooking classes. As a Public Relations/ Marketing major, this was both extremely fun and challenging. With the help of my supervisor Rob, the CEO and co-founder of Mashay, I helped organize a game of bubble soccer and barbeque with several other students in the CEA CAPA program.
When I first suggested the idea to my boss, I was worried that nobody would come to the event and it would be a huge flop. However, we worked together to conjure up a good deal for everybody. We also came up with ideas on how to get people on board with the event. We created spreadsheets, an online event, and an RSVP list to hit our target attendance goal. Through a lot of planning and communication between me and the Mashay team as well as my peers, we hit the mark!
The day itself went very smoothly. The weather was cool and sunny, perfect for a fun day outdoors. I'll be the first to say that I'm not athletic in the slightest, but even I had a good time running around in the bubbles. It was incredibly tiring though. Playing bubble soccer requires a lot of energy. Luckily, the Mashay team was kind enough to provide us all with a complimentary barbeque and drinks (featuring burgers piled with heaps of toppings) where we could recharge after running around all over the field.
All in all, it was a really fun time and the turn-out was better than I expected. Along with that, it was a great learning experience where I got to gain hands on experience in event planning which will benefit me in the future. I know the experience I gained from helping to plan this event will help me when I go back to school in the Fall and have to step up to a higher leadership position in the organization I'm in at my home campus. It has also given me a great grounding for leading events in my future career. Assisting in the planning of this event really helped me get out of my comfort zone and take risks that I otherwise wouldn't have. I also thought it was amazing to get some of my friends at CEA CAPA involved. I'm so grateful to work at a company that values my ideas so much, trusts me enough to help organize something like this, and allows me to work on projects that are both fun and challenging.