Event Management Students Gain Industry Insights through the Talkshow “Portrait of a Show Director”

The talkshow was part of the final assessment for the course “Event Directing and Program Staging” taken by students of class 22DSKA1, majoring in Event Management. Elaborately organized, the event featured renowned guest speakers who shared their insights across various topics, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the role and challenges of event directors, while also offering valuable advice and real-world experience from leading experts in the industry.

At the talkshow, Creative Director May Kashi emphasized the importance of professional ethics. According to her, ethics is not only a fundamental value in the field of directing, but also the foundation for building credibility and trust with clients and colleagues. She shared that professional ethics are cultivated through honesty with oneself and others, and through commitment and accountability in every project — no matter how small.

She also emphasized: “Working in this field means you must constantly learn and stay updated. Be open to feedback and keep practicing your skills to become more confident in your work”. This was a practical piece of advice for students entering the industry—especially in a field like Event Management, which demands continuous learning and strong perseverance

Following that, Ms. May Kashi introduced her creative philosophy of “Interesting – Adequate – Abundant” (Hay – Đủ – Đầy) in event design. She explained that a creative concept must first be “interesting” – meaning it should be unique, impressive, and captivating from the very first details. This requires event professionals to constantly innovate and express creativity in how they approach culture and storytelling – making it engaging while still preserving authenticity and respecting distinctive cultural values.
 

The speakers encouraged students not to view issues from a one-sided perspective, but instead to consider them from multiple angles in order to better develop themselves. They also emphasized that: “The performative aspects (phông bạt) can become a source of motivation when viewed in the right way”. The speakers advised students to reflect on their mistakes, be open to change, and continuously improve themselves to overcome challenges along the way.

Mr. Nguyen Le Phuong Anh, a lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture, shared insights on the power of language and its use in the digital space during the segment titled “Sharp Words on Social Media”. He emphasized that language is not merely a tool for communication—it also reflects respect and a sense of responsibility toward the online community. Verbal abuse, even in the form of words, can cause emotional and psychological harm to others. Therefore, using language that is respectful and responsible is essential to creating a civilized, positive, and safe online environment. Especially for students in Event Management, he stressed that words matter greatly—not only in professional communication but also in legal event documents and all aspects of their careers. MSc. Phương Anh advised students to always choose their words carefully.

The podcast segment “Luck Doesn’t Come by Chance” by Mr. Do Thi Hong Phu – Head of Event Management at HUTECH – was also a highlight of the talkshow. The speaker emphasized that luck is not merely coincidence, but rather the result of effort and a positive mindset. She shared that success in the event industry requires dedication, a proactive attitude, and thorough preparation to be ready when opportunities arise.

In the final part of the talkshow, the speakers discussed the importance of storytelling in event design—highlighting its role in evoking emotions and building meaningful connections with the audience. Director Huynh Phuc Thanh Nhan explained how a compelling story can enhance brand value, attract attendees, and make an event truly memorable. The talkshow also helped students explore key elements of storytelling such as setting, characters, and climax, thereby improving their creativity and ability to craft unique, impactful experiences.