Using a Workforce to Accomplish Great Goals.

A year ago, Brisbane showcased the G20 Summit and at this time I would like to share my reflection with you;

A short time ago the eyes of the world were on Brisbane as the leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies met for the G20 Summit at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). Awaiting their arrival were 600 enthusiastic volunteers who facilitated a smooth and friendly operation at major venues throughout Brisbane. For me, the G20 experience began in 2013, when I was approached by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to join the G20 Taskforce to create and project manage the Volunteer Program. This entailed working with key stakeholders, service providers and functional areas from that date to completion.  At this one-year anniversary it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the engaged, talented and committed Australian public who contributed to the successful delivery of the G20 summit.

The Volunteer Program assisted to engage the Australian community to be a part of the large-scale event whilst, increasing individual skills and providing the community the opportunity to showcase Brisbane and Australia to the world. The G20 volunteers were amazing! The age group of 18-24 year olds were the majority taking up 30%. The age group of 55-64 followed at 15% whilst the age group over 65 years of age came as the third highest group contributing to the summit.

We managed the program through to its successful delivery in November 2014. It was no easy task as we had six months lead time from the public launch in April 2014 to fulfil the recruitment, selection, accreditation, back ground checks, training, uniforms and operational delivery.  The difficulty of combating project challenges such as attrition and keeping the volunteers engaged was achieved though our high communication strategy.

The sense of fulfilment to design and complete such a mammoth world-wide event over 18 months is indescribable.  To share the experience of the volunteers massive contribution to the summit and to see and hear their gratitude at participating, was overwhelming. The Volunteers shared in the sense of project satisfaction and accomplishment, whilst expressing a positive community experience.

We created the motto, the FACE of the Summit; Friendly, Adaptable, Committed, Enthusiastic. This I believe we achieved, the Volunteers were fantastic and the FACE of the summit.

 

Two G20 volunteers expressed the following:

“This has been a highlight of my life and if I never have the pleasure to do something this big again, I will never forget the people, friendship and overall feeling that, ‘We are Australians’.

“I felt like my work was appreciated and everyday brought something new.”

 

Following the G20 Summit, I identified there was a gap in the market to capture an events vision and its delivery, through inspired event management and passionate workforce.

At innerpulse, we believe in bringing people together to deliver an event, contribute to something greater, have a sense of purpose and contribute to its success. The people are the core of the business, the pulse. Through this Innerpulse was created. I reflect on the G20 Summit for providing this experience and look forward to a greater contribution to the community.

It is a great reflection to now have seen a project from a blank piece of paper, through to delivery, the volunteers and the wonderful friends made during the journey!

(photo courtesy of Volunteering Queensland)

G20, which stands for Group of Twenty, is an assembly of governments and leaders from 20 of the world's largest economies: 19 countries – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States – and the European Union.