Royal Shows around Australia will run just a little more smoothly next year, thanks to the work of a Flinders University tourism student.

Natalie Allen, who is in the final year of a Bachelor of International Tourism course, developed an operations manual for the main arena program of the Royal Adelaide Show (‘the Show’) as part of Flinders Tourism’s industry placement scheme.

The manual was recently presented by Brad Ward, Show manager of special projects, at a national meeting of fellow show organisers who have decided to adopt it.

Ms Allen said she was overwhelmed that the operations manual was received so enthusiastically.

“It is very exciting news. I was aware the Show was going to use the manual next year but I wasn’t expecting this,” Ms Allen said.

“I’m happy that my hard work is being recognised in this way,” she said.

The operations manual includes information sheets to collate the technical requirements of acts performing in the main arena, safety and emergency plans, contact lists and operations maps.

It also uses Ms Allen’s photographs to illustrate and support the information in what will become the arena stage manager’s “Bible”.

Head of Flinders Tourism, Dr Steve Brown supervised Ms Allen’s project.

“One of the strengths of the Tourism programs at Flinders is that our students leave us ‘industry ready’ because of the strong engagement that the students have with the tourism industry during their degree,” Dr Brown said.

“While each student gains the theoretical foundation to their studies there is a lot of applied work in placements and research projects such as Natalie’s,” he said.

“This is a real world project that the Show can use immediately to further improve what they do and it is indication of both Natalie’s ability and also a reflection of how Flinders Tourism prepares students for industry.”

Brad Ward said “the manual Natalie developed for us is going to be an incredibly useful tool and reference point for the future in many areas of the management of our Main Arena Program”.

Ms Allen is currently completing another industry placement with Carols by Candlelight and is looking forward to working in festival and event management after her graduation in June next year.