Portfolio Feature: Activities

By Priyanka Sharma

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As we gear up for another unforgettable Law Ball, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Beth Joel, the 2024 Activities Portfolio Director for DLSS. Beth, along with her dedicated team, has been at the forefront of planning not just the Law Ball, but a series of standout events this year. From liaising with vendors to leading her team with creativity and care, Beth's role is pivotal in bringing these beloved events to life.

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Can you tell us a bit about your role as the Activities Portfolio Director within DLSS?

Of course! My role as the Activities Portfolio Director at DLSS involves leading a dedicated team of officers to coordinate and organise some of the most anticipated social events of the year. This includes events like Bar Hop, First Year Law Camp, End of Exams Party, and of course, our Law Ball! Each event is unique and comes with its own set of challenges, but my key role is ensuring that these events not only run smoothly, but also provide students with memorable and enjoyable experiences. I work closely with my team of officers, Ed, Lauchie, and Firas, and we communicate frequently so that everyone is informed and engaged, ensuring that our events reflect the hard work and creativity that goes into them.

I was particularly inspired by the idea of creating a space within DLSS where students could unwind and connect in a social setting. Being a Director also means leading by example, and ensuring that my team of officers feel supported. I focus on maintaining open communication, being open to new ideas, and making sure that everyone feels like a valued part of the process.

What are the main responsibilities and goals of your portfolio?

The responsibilities of the Activities Portfolio are quite broad, but at the heart of it, our main responsibility is to ensure that every aspect of our events is well planned and well executed. What sets the Activities Portfolio apart from other portfolios within DLSS is the focus on social events which is a very different responsibility. For example, when organising our First Year Law Camp, we aren’t just planning a weekend away—we are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of around fifty first-year law students for the entire duration of the camp. Similarly, with Law Ball, we host around 500 people at a massive venue like Crown, so there is a significant amount of planning involved to ensure everything from decorations, to entertainment is perfect.

There is a lot of liaising with various third parties, whether it is a venue, decorators, DJs, or other vendors, to make sure that everything aligns with our vision for the event. As Director, I have to ensure that all the legal and logistical aspects are covered, especially considering the liability that comes with hosting social events in less formal settings. Our goal is always to create events that are high-quality, safe, and incredibly fun for everyone involved!

Could you give us an overview of the Deakin Law Ball? What makes this event a highlight of the academic year?

Our Law Ball is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events on the DLSS calendar, and for good reason! It is a night where we all come together to celebrate surviving law school. Law Ball gives everyone a chance to get all dressed up, have a fun night, and connect with each other in a way that is different from the usual academic environment.  

I think what makes Law Ball such a highlight is that the evening is planned for such a long time that it is always such a high quality event.  We have to ensure that everything from the venue setup to the entertainment is perfect, and our commitment to creating a standout night guarantees an unforgettable evening for all attendees.

What can attendees expect from this year’s Law Ball? Are there any unique themes, activities, or surprises planned that you’re particularly excited about?

This year’s Law Ball is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet! I am thrilled to have chosen our theme of Studio 54, which is all about celebrating the glamour and glitz of the 70s disco era. When I took on this role, I immediately knew I wanted to bring a unique theme to Law Ball—something that would stand out and make the night truly special and memorable. I have always been a huge fan of 70s disco, so the Studio 54 theme was very fitting and I think it elevates the night.

We have amazing aspects planned for the night which I will be keeping as a surprise, but what I can say that there is going to be a special Photo Booth, our DJ is amazing, and we have worked hard to ensure that every detail, from the table settings to the light colours, aligns with the theme. Law Ball 2024 will definitely be a night to remember!

What goes into planning such a significant event? Can you share some behind-the-scenes insights into the organisation process and the team involved?

Planning an event as significant as Law Ball involves an immense amount of behind-the-scenes work—more than I had ever imagined. One of the key elements of our success is our teamwork. I run my team like we are a group of friends and it establishes such a strong and positive relationship which I think is reflected in the high quality of our events.

Before each major event, we hold detailed planning meetings where we go through every single aspect of the event. During these meetings, I also take the time to understand how each team member works best and what tasks they feel most comfortable taking on. Something I learned last year as Director of Marketing, is how effective it is to be open and transparent about everything that is happening so that each team member feels included and important—because they are! None of our initiatives this year would be possible without the support within our portfolio.

Additionally, we are constantly liaising with vendors and third parties to coordinate everything from venue logistics to decorations. For Law Ball, for example, I started discussions with Crown as early as November 2023 to secure the date and begin the planning process. I believe that it is all about being proactive and ensuring that nothing is left to the last minute. My team’s dedication and our teamwork has been the highlight of planning these events, and I could not be prouder of the work we do together.

Looking ahead, what other exciting events or initiatives can we expect from the Activities portfolio this year? Any teasers you can share?

There is absolutely more to look forward to this year! We are already gearing up for our final event—Boat Party is coming back! It is going to be an incredible way to wrap up the academic year, with plenty of surprises in store. I’m keeping the theme a secret for now, but I can promise that it is going to be an amazing night! We are always striving to make each event better than the last, so keep an eye out for more details—we have definitely got some exciting things in the works!