I got into the events industry because in 1996. I was stood in the middle of a field on a bank holiday weekend at the Stoneleigh Grasslands Show, manning a piece of equipment which was designed to wrap bales. It was raining and windy and people were more interested in the banners we had made up in the fabric than they were in using it around the farm. That made me decide I would probably have more fun selling banners than the agricultural equipment.
I have worked here since Sunbaba started in 1987, and we've been working in the event industry since 1996.
I was attracted to this particular role because it was exciting and I get to meet really interesting people. The more people I know in the industry the more I love it. Even though I work very much in partnership with my co-director Trevor, I took the title of managing director because once upon a time it was more difficult for women to have clout automatically in business. I'm pleased to say that that isn't a problem...23 years on.
Not many people know that I used to be a textiles teacher and that I am a huge bargain hunter for anything, whether it's work purchases, dinner or shopping. I'm also a director on the board of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA).
My worst experience at an event was at the Event Production show this year I managed to get myself locked in a toilet. Another time I fell out of a lift at an exhibition...to find myself in the main conference room in full swing.
If there's one thing I've learnt it's to be respectful of people's views, even though you might not agree with them. Sometimes you learn the most about yourself and business from people with differing perspectives and everyone deserves to be listened to.
The best event I've been involved in was the Capital Radio Roadshows when they used to be run all over the country. We made the branding that wrapped all around the ramp for the Redbull FlugTag, which people then threw themselves off...those are some of my favourite photos. Being involved in iconic events is always an honour, we provided screening for the last World Cup and branding for Red Bull X-Fighters at Battersea Power Station.
If I could do it all over again I would be more hands on and do more of the on-site work. I'm getting the opportunity to do it all again by bringing our son Jonathan into the business.
The one thing I can't stand is people that don't get back to you when they say they will, over promising, and people that don't listen.
Outside of work I spend my time in the garden, skiing, doing aerobics and yoga, having a nice Pimms with friends and family. And bargain hunting.
If money were no object I would probably sadly do what we do now...run an events branding company with my family. Or join Joe from Green Ant on his Island.
The one event I will never miss is skiing at Christmas time....and the NOEA convention.
The recession has meant that we have gained a greater understanding of our client's needs and looked at ways of helping them save money. It's meant we can be really service focussed and forge closer relationships with clients - leading to some product innovations and a more comprehensive portfolio.
The next 12 months will be as challenging as the last 12 months but with new staff we will see growth in our company. It's also an exciting time as vice president to be so involved with NOEA, with a new general secretary, Youth NOEA launching and loads of new initiatives
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be Ann-Marie, my daughter. She's a senior production manager with Iris Experience and her job is really challenging and fascinating, working all over the world and dealing with everything from diplomatic incidents through to production issues, I have such respect for her. I'd also quite like to be an event journalist for the day and see it from their perspective.
If I ruled the event industry I would bring lots of young people who are struggling to break into what is essentially quite a closed environment. I'd also wipe out the cowboys... there are so many people who fold companies in the industry owing smaller suppliers large sums.
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