My Event World - Colin Sayers

Colin Sayers, managing director of Seasoned Events, on experiencing the cuisine of different cultures and meeting the Queen.

My Event World - Colin Sayers
My Event World - Colin Sayers

I got into the events industry because I liked the creative aspect of the industry, having trained as a chef, I wanted to get stuck in and see my creativity come to life.

I have worked here since 17 March 1990

I was attracted to this particular role because I enjoy running events and seeing how they unfold from an initial meeting through to delivery. I get inspired to add new creative dimensions to the food and overall production of each event I'm involved with. Seeing guests enjoy your hard work is still a great feeling.

Not many people know that I met the Queen this year at Tower Bridge Walkways as part of her tour of the City of London.

My worst experience at an event was a power cut at a venue where we were scheduled to showcase our food. The road outside was being dug up and the workmen went through a cable. We had two hours to find another venue, set-up and notify over 100 attendees, which we managed to do and the event went splendidly.  

If there's one thing I've learnt it's to think outside the box, there's always more than one way to achieve something, even if it seems impossible.

The best event I've been involved in was Seasoned are involved in many types of events from charity dinners to product launches and each event has their own unique quality which makes it near impossible to pick one.

If I could do it all over again I wouldn't change a thing! Any mistakes that you make along the way, you learn from.

The one thing I can't stand is dishonesty.

Outside of work I spend my time with my wife Emily and our daughter. 

If money were no object I would travel around the world, I love experiencing the food of different cultures.

The one event I will never miss is the Make A Wish Foundation Summer Ball. I've been to 12 and this year I'm cancelling a trip to Portugal so I can attend. The ball itself is superb and raises a lot of money for a brilliant cause. 

The recession has meant that we have had to work harder and smarter to cater to clients' budgets.

The next 12 months will be exciting as Seasoned Events continues to grow and develop. We have recently received sole caterer status at the Royal Courts of Justice and are pitching for more venues to add to our portfolio.  

If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be I am very happy with my role at Seasoned Events. I would however love the opportunity to organise Elton John's annual White Tie and Tiara Ball. It always looks utterly fantastic and Seasoned could be very adventurous with menu concepts, entertainment and design.  

If I ruled the event industry I would develop an online forum where all sectors of the industry including caterers, venue agents and event organizers had time to freely share success stories, logistical problems and useful suppliers without anyone feeling affronted. 

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