From Classroom to Career: Delivering the Keynote at Nottingham Trent University
At Tania Gerard Digital, we believe that the future of our industry depends on the talent we nurture today. I recently had the incredible honour of visiting Nottingham Trent University as the Keynote Speaker for the BA/MA Event Management Spring Speakers Day.
It was a day defined by honesty, real-world insights, and the undeniable energy of students ready to make their mark on the world.
Setting the Stage: The Keynote
As the keynote speaker, I addressed a room full of aspiring event professionals about the rapidly evolving landscape of employability. My talk focused on how the modern workplace is shifting and why accessibility, neurodiversity, and authentic personal branding are now at the forefront of what top-tier employers are looking for.
I shared my journey of building a multi-award-winning consultancy and how leaning into my unique perspective as an ADHD founder became a core professional strength. My goal was to empower students to see their own diverse backgrounds and lived experiences as their greatest competitive advantages.
A Powerhouse Lineup
I was joined by an inspiring roster of guest speakers, ranging from global entertainment giants to vital regional charities. It was a privilege to share the stage and exchange ideas with:
Kayleigh Summerfield and the team from Disney Cruise Line & The Agency: Bringing a perspective on global scale, world-class guest experiences, and creative problem solving.
Ravi Abbott: Sharing deep expertise in digital content and industry innovation.
Candice Kass: Providing invaluable insights into the professional events and talent landscape.
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People: Highlighting the profound impact of events within the third sector and community engagement.
The variety of voices offered the students a 360-degree view of where an Event Management degree can take them, from high-seas entertainment to mission-led charity work.
Speed Networking: Real Conversations, Real Connections
Following the presentations, we moved into a high-energy speed networking session. This was a highlight of the day! I moved across multiple tables, engaging directly with students to hear their career thoughts, anxieties, and ambitions.
We discussed:
The reality of running a mission-led digital consultancy.
The growing demand for inclusive and accessible event design.
Practical strategies for standing out in a competitive job market.
The level of engagement was outstanding. As noted by the NTU team, the way the students threw themselves into these conversations showed just how vital these industry connections are for building professional confidence.
Why Giving Back Matters
Education and mentorship are core pillars of Tania Gerard Digital. Bridging the gap between academia and industry ensures that the next generation of leaders enters the workforce with the real-world literacy required to thrive.
A huge thank you to the Higher Education Specialists at NTU for organising such a seamless Spring Speakers Day. It was a powerful reminder that while we teach students about the industry, their fresh perspectives often teach us just as much in return.
"The insights you brought into the room were invaluable... These moments of real-world learning and connection make such a difference." — NTU Event Management Team