Connected Conversations | Stephen Tormet
In the bustling world of faculty events, there's one individual who can always be found working quietly behind-the-scenes to ensure every detail falls seamlessly into place. Today, we shine a light on the person who keeps all our events running like clockwork—Faculty Events Officer, Steve Tormet. Have a question about Open Day, the Florey Research Conference or where to find a branded tablecloth? Steve is your man. But beyond his professional prowess, Steve also brings his passion for basketball and general trivia knowledge, making him the ultimate teammate both on and off court.
Please tell us your name and a little bit about yourself.
Hey everyone, my name’s Steve and I’m the Events Officer for the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. I get to help plan and run the faculties major events, including the Florey Research Conferences, MBBS Declaration Ceremony, Annual Memorial and Dedication Ceremony, and of course, Open Day.
I studied a Bachelor of Tourism and Event Management at UniSA… but I would have chosen to study here if we had that course!
I love sports, especially basketball and spend lots of my spare time watching or playing basketball. Some of my favourite players are Carmelo Anthony (retired...but still watch his highlights), Damian Lillard and Josh Giddy. I’m also into AFL and support the Essendon Bombers. I decided to switch from the Crows, back in the early 2000s, after being forced to support them as a kid.
Tell us a bit about your time at the University.
I started at the University in May 2022 and have worked as the Events Officer for the faculty ever since. Although technically my role sits within the central Marketing team, I’m happy I was given the opportunity to work with the FHMS spoke team and have been lucky to work with some really smart and inspiring people within the faculty.
What has been your journey to get where you are today?
I was born and raised in Adelaide and after two ‘gap-years’ trying to figure out what I wanted to study, I decided Event Management sounded like something that I would enjoy and that would keep me on my toes. Since graduating I worked on events for a law firm, accounting firm and a research company before finding my way to the University.
What has been your career highlight, to date?
Being forced to move a large 3-day conference, planned for Perth, to a fully virtual conference within a few months at the start of the pandemic is something I’m very proud of achieving, and we had a record for attendance that year.
And then obviously having the opportunity to work with the amazing and experienced events team at the University.
What do you love most about working at the University of Adelaide?
The best part about working in the Events team at the University of Adelaide is the variety of events we get to work on each year. Working in an events team that services student recruitment and cultural and campus events, means we have the chance to work on a huge range of events. Aside from working on the many different Health events, I’ve also had the chance to assist with the planning of the Illuminate Adelaide festivals University installation, which was a fantastic event to see come to life along North Terrace.
Who (or what) inspires you?
Anyone who works hard at their job, no matter what they do, but also treats everyone equally and with respect.
What is the best decision you have ever made? Or—if it’s more interesting!—the worst?
The worst decision I ever made was quitting my job to move to Sydney. I only lasted 8 months there and really wasn’t a fan of how spread out, expensive and busy the whole city was. The best decision was moving back to Adelaide and meeting my beautiful girlfriend!
What is your favourite thing about living in Adelaide?
People say there’s nothing to do in Adelaide, but I totally disagree. I feel like there are almost too many events at times. Whether it’s a festival or sporting event, there is usually something on every few weeks at least. The events I enjoyed most from the past year were probably WOMAD, LIV Golf, Gather Round and Fringe obviously.
I love going for walks along the beach in summer and that even though I live in the Eastern suburbs, it’s still easy to get there. The Mount Lofty and Morialta walking tracks are also great for some exercise on the weekends.
What’s something that people are surprised to find out about you?
It’s not that exciting, but people seem shocked when I tell them my ancestry is Estonian. Probably because it’s not very common and only has a population around the same size as Adelaide.
Also, my last name is actually pronounced Tor-May.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I’m hoping I’ve won a $100 million lottery and I’m retired chilling on a beach somewhere drinking cocktails with my then wife. I can dream right...
If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
10 years from now when I’ve won that lottery.