Hannah is a global event manager who helps companies engage their audiences through memorable experiences. She has led and managed small—to large-scale events, from executive meetings to symposiums, working with clients to conceptualize, synthesize, and materialize event visions and goals.
Hannah was born and raised in Singapore and currently lives in Arizona, USA. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (2012), a Master of Business Administration (2016), and a Master of Science in Marketing (2016).
Her love language includes bubble tea, fiction, and podcasts. In her free time, she scouts for great coffee shops.
I entered event management unexpectedly when a family friend encouraged me to apply for an opportunity at the University of Cincinnati while I was pursuing graduate studies. She believed I had the personality for it, and she was right—it quickly became clear that the field was an excellent fit.
Event management combines working with people, understanding their needs, and creating impactful experiences, which aligns with my strengths. Since starting in 2015, I’ve developed a well-rounded skill set through managing internal and external events from conception to execution. In 2018, I expanded my expertise by contributing to a global initiative between the university and a foreign partner, further enhancing my experience and commitment to this field.
I was looking for an avenue to engage with the events world from a new perspective. Becoming a tutor gave me the opportunity to work with the next generation of event professionals. It’s rewarding to contribute to their learning journey and be a source of encouragement for them while they develop their interest and the skills they need to succeed.
Every event manager should be highly {organised |organized } and able to manage time, resources, and information effectively. Another essential quality is the capacity to analyze various pieces of information and visualize how they fit together to create a cohesive and memorable experience for attendees and clients. Creativity, communication, and adaptability are also crucial in navigating the dynamic challenges of event management.
One of my favoriteevents was a staff appreciation celebration for university employees. Staff members are the backbone of the institution, often working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. It was incredibly fulfilling to create an event that honored their contributions and made them feel valued and celebrated.
I emphasize the importance of paying close attention to the details outlined in event briefs and considering how different elements come together to create a successful event. Additionally, I encourage students to trust their gut and give their best recommendations based on the information they have. This fosters problem-solving skills and creative thinking to address the unique challenges in event management.
My favoritepart of being a tutor is witnessing what I consider "aha" moments when students grasp a concept and their knowledge clicks. This is often evident in their assignment submissions, where they demonstrate creative thinking and apply what they've learned in practical ways. I also love seeing their confidence grow as they progress in the course.
Trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities. Take the initiative to expand your knowledge of the event management industry, both within and outside the course. Don’t hesitate to ask questions - curiosity and a willingness to learn are invaluable traits that will serve you well in your career.
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