I got into the event industry because I have always loved live events. My first job was for a small PR company that worked with Famous Grouse Whisky, who at the time was the main shirt sponsor for the Scotland Rugby Union team (SRU). We ran a number of on and off-trade promotions as part of the sponsorship, and I was lucky enough to go to a couple of games. I was immediately hooked by the whole live event experience.
I have worked here since January 2010. My brother and I co-founded a small sponsorship rights consultancy, and we were looking for a bigger agency partner to help us develop a couple of opportunities. We knew the team at Experience Worldwide (now GMR Marketing) and so my brother and I ended up joining forces with them.
I was attracted to this particular role because we provide clients engaged in sport, music, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle with our latest thinking, as well as the very best in creative, digital and technological innovation – all in a live or physical environment. What’s not to like?
Not many people know that when I watch football, I tend to revert to my 18-year old self. My wife and children don’t like it.
The best event I’ve been involved was the London 2012 Olympic Games. It won’t get any better than that for anyone involved in the event world in the UK.
If I could do it all over again I would remember to stop every once in a while and take it all in.
Outside of work I spend my time with family and friends. With two small boys there isn’t room for much else.
If money were no object I would start my own business again.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, has a pretty cool job.
If I ruled the event industry I would try and make further in-roads in to the secondary and tertiary ticketing market. It’s still far too hard and far too expensive for real fans to get access to many of the world’s leading events.
More:
Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine by .