I got into the events industry because I fell into it, starting off in admin roles before a position came up at the Holiday Inn Mayfair where I got a taste for events and venue management. Eager for the next challenge I joined Portman Inter Continental Hotel, a much larger conference and banqueting operation, and from there moved to Regent’s College rising through the ranks to gain the position of conference manager. After 15 years I went on to set-up a new events venue – Trafalgar Events – before landing my current position at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.
I have worked here since January 2012.
I was attracted to this particular role because 10-11 Carlton House Terrace is a stunning venue in a wonderful location off The Mall offering 10 rooms with period features. I took on the role whilst the venue was undergoing refurbishment and my aim is to widen its event potential hosting both private and corporate events and conferences.
Not many people know that I sing in a choir and I recently performed a solo in front of 300 people. A most scary but equally exhilarating experience.
My worst experience at an event was a medical conference at Regent’s College which involved a dead pig. Finding a storage place for the pig pre-event and the setting up on the day was an experience I’ll never forget.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s expect the unexpected and don’t take anything for granted.
The best event I’ve been involved in was a fireworks display for 1,000 guests in the grounds of Regent’s College accompanied by a live brass band and bonfire - a fantastic event.
If I could do it all over again I would honestly not change a thing. As clichéd as that sounds, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had experiences both bad and good.
The one thing I can’t stand is persistent sales people.
Outside of work I spend my time with family. I love going to live gigs and concerts. I’ve recently seen The Killers, The Cranberries and Coldplay.
If money were no object I would never hear the word 'no' again.
If I ruled the event industry I would create regulation to ensure agency and supplier transparency with a fixed commission fee.
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