The Queen and the Commonwealth tie us together. We speak the same language; both enjoy sports and see the fun side of life. However, despite the similarities, there are also a number of societal differences between the Aussies and the Brits. So, what differences have I noticed since transitioning from my events career in London to one in Australia?
Why I love the Australian events industry:
The weather
Guaranteed sunshine in each state at varying parts of the year is a huge bonus. Unlike the UK, you don’t have to travel overseas in search of sunshine whilst navigating conversations in broken English, trying to explain a stage set up using Google translator as your assistant.
The laid-back attitude
It’s definitely not a stereotype that Australians are a lot more laid-back than the Brits. I have found this both favourable and a huge learning curve. For example, ten minutes can mean absolutely anything to an Aussie; it could mean 30 minutes or the following day. And that café ‘just round the corner’ – I wouldn’t bank on it! On the plus side, their laid-back attitude is infectious, and you can’t help but fall in love with it.
Interviews and meetings
First thing first, don’t expect to have them in the boardroom. I have met people for meetings, or even interviews, in hotels and coffee shops whilst they eat their breakfast. This only serves to mimic their friendly and laid-back attitude, which is a refreshing change from a stuffy boardroom meeting.
Helpfulness
I have lost count of the number of times I have spoken with Europeans who cannot believe how friendly the Aussies are. They are taken aback by their willingness to always stop for you, and not be annoyed, when you’re lost. In London? All I can say is that you’d want to hope that you’re a fast walker and your phone is equipped with Google Maps. We don’t stop for anyone.
Office culture
Unlike the UK, the office mentality here is much more fun. Office drinks at 5pm? Encouraged. Socialising with colleagues out of the office? Applauded. The hierarchy that you find in the UK, in my experience, is no way near as prevalent here.
Why I love the English events industry:
Geography
Want to impress your clients with a 5-star, high-end, all expenses paid trip? That’s much easier to do when you can whisk them away overseas in under two hours for a fraction of the price that it costs to fly from one state to another in Australia.
Scale
The sheer scale of Australia can only be adequately gauged once you hear the aircraft announcement, “we are now entering Australia”. Excitement mounts quickly, until you spend four hours flying over barren land before hitting civilization, and you realise just how big this place is. So, when it comes to things like couriers, yep, you guessed it – they take ages, and can cost far more than what you’re actually sending. Sending anything around England? Well our little island is so small we can send everything, anywhere, for a fraction of the price.
Amazon orders
In the UK, you can jump onto Amazon and order 1000 packs of tissue paper with next day free delivery. Australia? Well, never assume the products you find on Amazon are in Australia, and I can guarantee you it will be US dollars you’ll see. The most common statement found on Amazon here? “This product can not be delivered to Australia”.
What doesn’t change? The great people that you meet and get to work with, incredible events you get to work on and execute, the amazing places you get to visit, the high stress, the feeling that you will never make it but do, and the feeling of accomplishment through sweat and tears to bring everything together seamlessly.
As with anything, there are pro’s and con’s to both industries. Of course, knowing that you can plan a dinner outside without the downpour of rain in the high summer season is a real novelty to me, but then the humidity here? Well, that can really kill the vibe too.
by Sarah Wade – our original lovely lass from London
