Events Management students impress at experimental BRIT Awards 2021

The Edge Hotel School were delighted recently to be able to offer Events Management students the opportunity to participate in the BRIT Awards, as has been tradition over the last few years. However, this year’s awards were a little different – forming part of an exciting trial period by the UK government’s Event Research programme to assess the impact and feasibility of large-scale events in the wake of a post-COVID world.

The event was run without the requirement of masks or social distancing, instead relying on testing as a means to mitigate risk. This year’s BRIT Awards held an emotional and symbolic significance for many given the events of the past 14 months – a time to feel a sense of normality return, and to thank over 2,500 NHS front line staff who had been invited via ballot to the event.

For the students of Edge Hotel School, this was an exciting opportunity to work on their first live event in over a year – and what an event to return with. Attended by some of the UK’s most exciting musical talents, including Little Mix, Dua Lipa and Headie One, working at the BRITs provides Edge Hotel School students with an incredible opportunity that can benefit their careers. 

Student Nieve Trifunac agrees. “Working at such a high profile event, being surrounded by celebrities and VIP guests, helped me gain more self-confidence while working and completing tasks in a fast-paced environment, which is something that I need for my future career in the industry.”

“All of the theory and skills I have learned at Edge Hotel School helped me in performing my role at the BRIT Awards at some point throughout the night. The skills gained from my degree that helped me improve my performance at the Brits include teamwork, food and safety management, communication, managing customer expectations and their behaviour.”

Fellow Events Management student Natalie was similarly delighted with her time at the BRITs. “This experience would benefit anyone thinking about a career within the events industry; it showed insight in how an event of that size is run and the amount of preparation needed. It showed the skills needed to work in an event and gave you a real insight into how events are run within a large venue.”

“If you ever get an opportunity to work within a large scale venue, be it the O2 or anywhere else, take the opportunity - it is a great experience and helps you gain knowledge and have a real look at how it all works behind the scenes.  It’s a very memorable opportunity so grab it with both hands.”

Phillip Berners, Events Management lecturer with the Edge Hotel School, was keen to emphasise the benefit of the Edge Hotel School’s relationship with BRIT Award organisers. “This is the 4th year we have been asked to provide students of events management from the Edge Hotel School to work at the BRIT Awards. Our ethos is ‘learning by doing’ so we are delighted to have such a prestigious event in the landmark o2 venue supporting our teaching by providing real-life experience to young people starting their career.”

 The event organisers were full of praise for the Edge Hotel School students, commending their professionalism and attitude to their work.