Q&A with events support Sam Fisher
Sam is one of the calm yet energetic forces behind IWN. Her work behind the scenes helps keep us humming and that’s something she enjoys in every sense of the word… find out more below.
LET’S START WITH THE PERSONAL - TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF
I was born and bred in Melbourne. I have settled in the Macedon Ranges but have lived in various parts of Victoria, as well as Queensland and Canada.
I’m a proud mum of two great kids and two fur babies.
Outside work, I love exploring new places whether that’s local, interstate or overseas – I’m always planning my next holiday! I’m a keen gardener, book worm, yoga enthusiast, occasional leisure bike rider and I love the theatre (I’m currently driving my family mad by singing songs from Hamilton at every opportunity 😊).
WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I’m the Executive Assistant to the GM Operations and Delivery Solutions at Greater Western Water (previously Western Water), a role I’ve held and thoroughly enjoyed for almost 10 years.
Prior to that, I was a conference and events planner for a boutique venue in the Macedon Ranges. And before that, I have been a corporate and leisure travel agent and have worked in the front office of hotels in Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Queensland and Canada.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO EACH DAY?
In a nutshell, I view my role as doing whatever needs to be done to add support and value to my executive. I free up my GM’s time by taking on the process, detail and research needed to ensure he can focus his attention where it is needed.
The role is very much lived in the now; my work is driven by the demands of the day and week. I handle numerous highly detailed, urgent tasks one after the other.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE WITH IWN
I was first asked to assist with coordinating the IWA Champions workshops back in 2015. My role is to liaise with the Program Director and support team to arrange the venue booking and to finalise accommodation, event timing, meals and post workshop networking activities, which have included lawn bowls, playing pinball at a ‘secret’ Melbourne bar, street art walking tours and mini golf.
During the workshops, I handle attendee registration, liaise with venue staff and ensure everything runs smoothly and on time.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN IWN?
The IWN communications person at the time, who also worked at Western Water, knew of my background in conference and events planning and thought it would make sense to get me involved. I thought it would be a great way for me to get my head around the industry and develop my network.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE - FOR THE INDUSTRY AND FOR YOURSELF?
For the industry, my aim is to ensure the IWN Champions get the most from their time at the workshops by ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to departure. I am constantly inspired by the energy and enthusiasm the Champions display during each of the workshops they attend. My hope is that by arranging venues where they have the space, time and opportunity to learn, collaborate and network they will come away feeling energised and ready to put into practice everything they’ve learned.
For me personally, I love the detail involved in conference and event planning so my work with the IWN enables me to keep doing something I enjoy. The other bonus is meeting highly engaged water professionals from around the state and seeing them develop their leadership skills through the Champions program.
WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?
Usually my cat! I genuinely love my job too. I work with great people and my role is interesting and varied - no two days are ever the same. I’m also a natural early riser and enjoy starting the day with yoga while the rest of the house is quiet and still . And of course, a good espresso coffee always helps as well.