Exclusive Access Event Summary; the Manager's Perspective!

This article provides a detailed look at our Exclusive Access Event, which was part of our full Football Intermediary Programme - preparing the next generation of Football Intermediaries.  

Running up to the first ever e-Careers Exclusive Access Event, I was a little nervous, I wont lie to you. I was confident in my ability to event manage, I’ve been involved in events before in many different roles, I was confident in our Speakers and the value that they bring to such an event; but how would the guests take to it all?

I had been harping on to them for weeks about how this event was the place to be – what if I was wrong.

The good news is, I wasn’t. The better news is that it went so well we’re hosting another one: but more on that later.

Everyone arrived with a keenness, an openness and an eagerness to learn; as we were going in, I told each one to make the most of the day, use it as a platform to really showcase who you are.

There were people of all ages and all backgrounds; one professional had been an Intermediary for three years, some who had only just enrolled onto the course but saw the Event (and the remainder of the Programme) as a sound investment: each and every one said that the day was a huge benefit to them and their pursuit of this career path – which made me exceptionally happy.

Things kicked off with a welcome from yours truly, not sure if I’m the face you want to see at 9am after what could potentially have been a long journey but that’s what you need to deal with.

You know my voice, now this is my face.

Everyone was welcomed in, sat down and given an introduction and what to expect from the day.

Then the main event kicked off (excuse the pun). John Viola spoke with his usual vigour on all things related to client identification and recruitment, then after a short break he spoke about how to contact clubs and build relationships with them.

The best part of everything he said was that it was all practical and could be implemented as soon as the guests walked out of the exit.

After a coffee break, Paul McVeigh presented how you can climb to the pinnacle of the football industry, and how you can focus your mind to reach your potential as an Intermediary in what can be a tough business.

After a delicious lunch, John took centre stage again to shed some light on how to maximise the international football scene as an Intermediary and how you could be an international Intermediary the very next day.

QPR Director of Football Les Ferdinand then joined us for some vital insight from a club’s perspective in dealing with Intermediaries, providing valuable and honest advice for the guests who were present: a crucial session with irreplaceable knowledge for everyone in attendance. We then finished the day with some drinks and a networking session where everyone was able to unwind, and even some business ventures and ideas were born from the guests who were present.