I got into the event industry because… after university I knew I wanted a job where I could wake up every day and look forward to it. I am very fortunate to have been involved in some fantastic projects and I still am.
I have worked here since May 2010, but I had been an admirer of the agency for a number of years prior to joining.
Not many people know that I competed in the 2004 British Mini Golf Open. I finished in a respectable 32nd place, beating a number of "professional mini-golfers."
The best event I’ve been involved with was the Barclays Premier League live events, which are held in exciting locations such as Johannesburg and Mumbai. We hosted more than 30,000 avid fans at each location, screening live matches over a weekend.
Anyone who has ever put on events abroad can likely testify to the challenges involved. In these areas particularly there was a huge effort from the team before we got the activation out to market, followed by a monumental display of comradery and spirit to battle against the odds to deliver high quality and engaging events to appreciative fans and very happy clients.
If I could do it all over again I wouldn’t change much. I’ve had an amazing time so far and I hope it continues for many years to come.
The one thing I can’t stand is the fact that I am now unable to go to other events and switch off completely. I am always looking at (and very sadly often costing in my head) various elements, rather than just enjoying them. That and rudeness – basic manners are free after all.
Outside of work I spend my time... I am currently overseeing the renovation of my house, but otherwise there is lots of socialising and sport playing/watching.
If money were no object I would buy a super yacht and a number of islands, and sail the world stopping off at each to throw huge parties.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be Rob da Bank. I am a huge admirer of what he’s achieved in founding and continuing to curate something as imaginative as [four-day music festival] Bestival.
The festival continues to excel each year, and it epitomises everything that’s right about festivals in the UK – namely a fantastic range of offerings from music to comedy all brought together in a hugely creative and compelling environment.
If I ruled the event industry I would introduce a mandatory apprenticeship scheme, with the main intent to improve opportunities for younger people trying to get a leg up. There’s a huge amount of talented individuals out there, often they just need to be given a chance.
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