I got into the events industry because someone at Blenheim Exhibitions had a relative in Scotland and liked my accent.
I have worked here since QD Events was launched in April 2007.
I was attracted to this particular role because I knew the working environment of the business and saw it’s potential. I recognized an exciting opportunity to influence the way the business was to evolve and knew there was a willingness from the Board of the company to make it happen.
Not many people know that my first job was as a karaoke host – and it’s stood me well since starting work in Glasgow.
My worst experience at an event was watching – along with hundreds of visitors and exhibitors – a fight break out between two exhibitors who were selling competitive utilities services as I was walking a VIP trade buyer through the show.
If there's one thing I've learnt it's that however implausible it might seem the month, week or night before an event, the challenges faced in pulling events together are almost always surmountable.
The best events I've been involved in are those where you know you’ve done everything possible to give the visitor, sponsor, exhibitor and media the experience they were buying into – and they smile and spend.
If I could do it all over again I would have started QD Events earlier.
The one thing I can't stand is the refusal to put common sense ahead of ‘health and safety’ guidelines. And people who stand on the left hand side of escalators.
Outside of work I spend my time with my family and friends – and drinking a good rioja when appropriate.
If money were no object I would ensure that my team were shown the appreciation they deserve with an annual winter ski trip and summer Caribbean break courtesy of the business.
The one event I will never miss is The Main Event Scotland. It’s Scotland’s answer to Confex, RSVP and the Square Meal shows rolled into one relevant, high profile national event.
The recession has meant that I’m watching every penny and making sure we get the return on it – as are most of our clients.
The next 12 months will be challenging, but long-term rewarding.
If I ruled the event industry, I’d try to ensure that we were better integrated into the larger media industry.
To leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
I have worked here since QD Events was launched in April 2007.
I was attracted to this particular role because I knew the working environment of the business and saw it’s potential. I recognized an exciting opportunity to influence the way the business was to evolve and knew there was a willingness from the Board of the company to make it happen.
Not many people know that my first job was as a karaoke host – and it’s stood me well since starting work in Glasgow.
My worst experience at an event was watching – along with hundreds of visitors and exhibitors – a fight break out between two exhibitors who were selling competitive utilities services as I was walking a VIP trade buyer through the show.
If there's one thing I've learnt it's that however implausible it might seem the month, week or night before an event, the challenges faced in pulling events together are almost always surmountable.
The best events I've been involved in are those where you know you’ve done everything possible to give the visitor, sponsor, exhibitor and media the experience they were buying into – and they smile and spend.
If I could do it all over again I would have started QD Events earlier.
The one thing I can't stand is the refusal to put common sense ahead of ‘health and safety’ guidelines. And people who stand on the left hand side of escalators.
Outside of work I spend my time with my family and friends – and drinking a good rioja when appropriate.
If money were no object I would ensure that my team were shown the appreciation they deserve with an annual winter ski trip and summer Caribbean break courtesy of the business.
The one event I will never miss is The Main Event Scotland. It’s Scotland’s answer to Confex, RSVP and the Square Meal shows rolled into one relevant, high profile national event.
The recession has meant that I’m watching every penny and making sure we get the return on it – as are most of our clients.
The next 12 months will be challenging, but long-term rewarding.
If I ruled the event industry, I’d try to ensure that we were better integrated into the larger media industry.
To leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.