From Ottawa to Ireland: Real Stories from the Next Generation of Event Leaders

Sometimes the biggest lessons don’t happen in the classroom... they happen halfway across the world. For Michael Peters and Leo Bak, students in Algonquin College’s Bachelor of Event, Sport, and Entertainment Management (Honours) Degree, a semester abroad in Ireland turned out to be just that. It wasn’t just about school and earning credits, it was about stepping into new environments, learning about different cultures, seeing how events are run on the global stage, and realizing just how ready they are to take on the fast-paced world of event management back home in Canada.

Seeing the Industry in Action

“One of the most memorable events from my trip to Ireland was attending a live European soccer match between Ireland’s Men’s National Team and Bulgaria’s Men’s National Team,” said Michael. "As an event management student, it was fascinating to experience the atmosphere, organization, and scale of such a major sporting event firsthand. It gave me valuable insight into how large-scale events are coordinated in Europe, from security and crowd control to fan engagement and entertainment.”

Leo had a different kind of hands-on experience during his time abroad. 

“At first, I was expecting the event to be easygoing, with the crowds being dispersed during coffee and networking breaks, but it was the opposite,” he shared, referring to his volunteer role at the Cantillon Leadership Rewired Conference, a one-day thought leadership event focused on how businesses can learn from leaders in various sectors to adapt and thrive amidst global challenges.

“Every single person was crammed into a hallway with barely enough space to move. It gave me a new perspective from the event management side of planning and execution. We could’ve created better flow by spreading out the coffee tables, but in the moment, it was a real lesson in crowd control and space planning.”

Leo Bak (left) and Michael Peters (right) at the soccer match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland.

A Different Kind of Crowd

“It made me realize that successful event management goes far beyond organizing activities. It’s about anticipating the needs and behaviours of the audience, ensuring safety, and crafting an environment that reflects the culture and values of the host country,” Michael explained.

Leo was surprised by how flexible and compact Irish venues could be. “What truly surprised me about the events in Ireland compared to Canada was how small of a space could host a large-scale event. They used everything, from narrow hallways to multi-purpose rooms. It impressed me how they made it work.”

World-Class Venues, Small-Town Lessons

Their program’s site visits brought textbook theory to life. Michael and Leo both highlighted tours of the Gleneagle Arena and the Dingle Skellig Hotel as standout learning moments.

“At the Gleneagle Arena we went through a full-site tour, including the main theatre filled with seats on two floors,” said Leo. “It was the perfect site for concerts, live events, and comedy shows. The Dingle Skellig Hotel, on the other hand, gave us this beautiful event space overlooking the ocean, it made me think of the types of galas and networking experiences that could happen there.”

Michael added, “These visits brought the classroom learning to life and deepened my interest in working in large-scale event venues or destination-based event planning.”

From Students to Professionals-in-Waiting

Beyond the technical takeaways, the trip shaped how both students view their future careers and offered them a broader outlook. 

For Michael, it affirmed his passion for large-scale event planning with an international lens. “Living abroad significantly broadened my perspective on studying event management at Algonquin College,” Michael shared. “Event management isn’t just about following procedures, it requires cultural awareness, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.”

Leo echoed that: “Every single time it is brought up, I mention that my five months living abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I gained newer perspectives on what has to happen for an event to be successful and where they can be created. I need to have an open mind for the event world.”

Looking Ahead

Both Michael and Leo encourage fellow students to embrace study-abroad experiences and offer some practical advice: plan ahead, remain open-minded, and don’t underestimate the cost or the reward.

“This trip gave me the confidence to approach my studies with a global mindset. I want to create events that go beyond logistics and truly connect people.” Michael said, “My top advice for students considering a similar international experience is to fully embrace the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. The challenges you face will help you grow in confidence, independence, and problem-solving,” he added.

Leo has a specific career goal in mind: “My career goal remains the same… to become a GM of a major sports league organization. It is now good to know that there are a lot of opportunities outside of North America, where I could expand a future business to, or create a new experience for everyone to enjoy forever.” Leo offered this: “Be loose and willing to go to as many places as possible, with the amount of time off available from your studies... If you are able to go on multiple smaller trips, your time spent internationally will be fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Skills That Stick

“Adaptability is the skill I’ll carry forward,” said Michael. “Living and studying in a different country taught me that being open to new perspectives and willing to adjust plans is crucial.”

Leo shared, “Being able to think quickly on my feet was one of the biggest skills I gained. A difficult aspect of life in Tralee was transport... Being able to adjust accordingly and swiftly is huge in the event world, as it is always changing, even before, during, and after the event itself.”

Why It Matters

These aren’t just stories, they’re proof that students in programs like Algonquin’s are already thinking critically, problem-solving, and gaining the experience needed to thrive in the event world. Michael and Leo are returning home not only with new perspectives but additionally with practical skills, tested adaptability, and an eagerness to contribute to real-world teams.

Michael and Leo’s stories are more than just travel reflections; they’re case studies in how academic learning, real-world experience, and cultural exposure can produce job-ready professionals. For festivals, venues, and organizations looking for adaptable, globally aware, and genuinely passionate talent, students from Algonquin’s BESEM program bring more than ambition. They bring experience.

For anyone in the event industry looking to bring on fresh talent with international experience, cultural sensitivity, and a passion for community-focused events, these are the kinds of students ready to step up.