Event Management
A key aim identified whilst developing Specsavers’ early careers strategy, was to build the company profile within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and education arena. Research showed that students perceived Specsavers as a ‘high-street retailer’ and not as a leading healthcare provider. This meant that high achieving STEM students were less likely to consider Specsavers as a future employer, despite Optometry being a highly paid and well-regarded healthcare profession.
As Early Careers Lead for the UK & ROI, Gemma recommended exhibiting at the Big Bang STEM careers fair, in order to challenge perceptions and tackle the lack of awareness surrounding careers in optics
Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, the Big Bang attracts over 85,000 students, teachers, and parents across a 4-day period. It is the UK’s biggest STEM celebration for young people and receives extensive regional and national press coverage.
Along with the creative team, Gemma led the event, consulting with suppliers, creating hands-on workshop content, engaging internal stakeholders, as well as ensuring board members were aware of the benefit and overall impact of the event.
Specsavers is now in its 7th year of exhibiting at the Big Bang. It is a key feature on the organisations event calendar where ambassadors from across the business look forward to sharing their stories and inspiring the next generation of optical talent.
