I got into the events industry because it is the most satisfying job in the world, everyday is different and although it is hard work, I love the buzz that I get when I see visitors leaving an event very happy.
I have worked here since November 2005, so it’s coming up to my six-year anniversary.
I was attracted to this particular role because SK Events produce such diverse events, that it wasn’t a hard decision to join the team.
Not many people know that when I started SK Events, there were only three people working here. The events that we put together were so large and people always naturally assumed that we were a very large team.
My worst experience at an event was the toilets overflowing at an event I visited while I was stood in the queue. It was quite traumatic to say the least, especially as I was stuck in the middle of a field, miles away from home and camping for three days without showers.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to make lists, even if it is at 4am when I wake up knowing exactly what I need to do that day. To do lists are a key part of being an event manager as there are so many elements to incorporate into producing a successful event.
The best event I’ve been involved in was the first ever Liverpool Food & Drink Festival. As a team we completely surpassed our own and the visitors expectations. We really put Liverpool on the gastronomical map and ensured that the festival was placed firmly in the city’s minds as well as the event calendar. The second year was pretty special too.
If I could do it all over again I would let myself know that I would have grey hairs by the age of 30. In all seriousness, I wouldn’t change a single element of the path my life has gone down.
The one thing I can’t stand is lack of event organisation. Events are so important and lack of thought from the organisers is one of my biggest criticisms. I can’t account for the amount of times that I have attended an event and there are so many little things that aren’t right. Being in the events industry, it is really hard to attend events and not look at every element, it drives my husband and friends crazy.
Outside of work I spend my time eating and socialising in Liverpool’s restaurants with my husband and friends. We are all foodies so keeping up with what’s new in my industry is key, but doing this with my nearest and dearest is a fantastic thing. I have also recently become slightly addicted to running. It has helped me in the last few months to run off the stresses from the day.
If money were no object I would ask my director to set up an SK Events office in New York. It is a particular dream of mine to organise a New York Food & Drink Festival
The one event I will never miss is the Radio 1 Big Weekend. We organised the food for the VIP area at this year’s event in Carlisle.
The next 12 months will be really exciting as the team has just expanded and so it will be great to see the additional events that we work on. I will also spend it working on the inaugural Taste Cumbria Food Festival, which takes place in Cockermouth in the Lake District as well as the fabulous Liverpool Food & Drink Festival.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be the person who organised the Royal Wedding. I think that this would have a classic and historical event to have played a part in as well as very exciting.
If I ruled the event industry I would make sure that every event, no matter how big or small had a very healthy budget.