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A toast to success in business

Studying at the University of Tasmania helped Courtney Quinn-McCabe launch her own festival.

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After working in hospitality for over 10 years, studying at the University of Tasmania helped Courtney Quinn-McCabe launch her own festival.

As part of her Bachelor of Business, she came up with the concept for Ginuary, a festive, laid-back, mid-summer do all about gin.

Courtney used her extensive hospitality experience – along with the University’s connections and expertise – to make the festival a reality.

“Having worked at Tasmanian distilleries, I thought, ‘We’ve got heaps of Tasmanian whiskies, but we haven’t got anything that showcases our gin.’ Courtney said.

“So I thought it would be good to do a festival."

After tracking down a hip and trendy Hobart space, Courtney organised everything from food trucks to cocktail masterclasses to music – and most importantly, she ensured there was plenty of local gin.

Courtney worked closely with emerging and established distillers from all round the state, giving attendees the chance to taste from more than 30 local gins.

Through gaining my degree, I really effectively learned how to communicate.

Courtney Quinn-McCabe
Courtney Quinn-McCabe sitting at table closely reading label of gin bottle

"Talking with distillers, applying for grants, writing proposals were all very big things, but through the studies I’ve done, I was able to do them quite easily.”

It’s not unusual for Business students at the University of Tasmania to have this level of contact with Tasmania’s booming and creative local industry.

In fact, offering real-world opportunities is one of the things that the School of Business and Economics’ teachers and lecturers pride themselves on.

Anja Boot teaches festival and event management in the Bachelor of Business and brings her industry connections into the classroom.

Our students participate in 'Industry Immersion' workshops which see them meeting with many of the major stakeholders in the Tasmanian events industry.

Anja Boot

"They gain first-hand knowledge from the directors of key Tasmanian events such as the Falls Festival, the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Dark MoFo and Winterfeast.”

“These workshops give students the chance to connect their learning, experience strong industry engagement and partnerships and come away with industry standard knowledge and techniques.”

Courtney produced a fantastic event and we can’t wait to see what our students come up with next.

Anja Boot

Sound exciting? Find out more about studying Business and Economics.