The VMA’s Venue Industry Awards are the premier Awards program in our industry for the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2010 the Awards have been showcasing the best of the venue industry’s talent across a number of categories:
- Venue Professional of the Year
- Allied Professional of the Year, and
- Young Achiever of the Year for our under 30’s
Last year, Caitlin Tilbee, Event Operations Manager at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, won the Young Achiever of the Year 2022 Award. This Award recognises and promotes up-and-coming venue professionals and their valuable contributions to the industry.
Read how winning an award can have a significant impact on one’s confidence. The recognition and validation that comes with receiving an award can help boost self-esteem and reinforce a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the knowledge that others have recognized one’s hard work and talent can serve as motivation to continue striving for success in the future. Furthermore, an award can open up opportunities in career, education or personal development. It also can help in building a positive reputation and can be a great source of pride.
- What has it meant to you personally to win the award?
Caitlin: Being announced as the Young Achiever of The Year in 2022 had a surprising impact on my confidence. I’ve always struggled with self-promotion, self-advocating and expressing my expertise. Winning this award bought a credibility that allowed me to back myself and helped to articulate my worth in a very public way. It was also humbling to see the reaction from my community of family, friends and work connections who cheered and supported me along the way.
- What had it meant to you professionally to win the award?
Caitlin: To be recognised by my peers for my work means so much to be professionally. I felt like my work was valued by the industry, my own organisation, and for all the events I’ve been apart of across the years. Throughout the process and beyond, I was able to engage and expand my network in a way I’ve never had. I’ve been able to create meaningful connections with VMA Members, key industry personnel and fellow finalists, which have created amazing opportunities professionally and personally.
- What would you say to your peers to encourage them to nominee for the award?
Caitlin: Don’t be shy and apply! This is about promoting yourself, your talents and announcing yourself in this industry. Regardless of the outcome, it’s an incredible process to go through and it helped me build a great support network around my career aspirations.