I got into the event industry because I wanted to be part of the excitement and energy that this industry thrives on. I wanted to make a difference to the customer and find a career, not just a job.
I have worked here since July 2004, which makes me feel rather old. I am literally a decade older than our latest recruit, but with age comes wisdom, right?
I was attracted to this particular role because I started at Chester Boyd a decade ago – how time flies. I launched ITA* three years’ ago and in the process created a fantastic new role for myself to head it up.
Not many people know that I can juggle with my feet, and I can do 100 kick ups with a football (when not in heels).
My worst experience at an event was witnessing a chef chop his own finger off whilst slicing an onion – we hadn’t even served the main course at that point.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s people are your best asset, so invest in them and be patient when recruiting.
The best event I’ve been involved was in 2012 – The Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace. It was the most patriotic, well executed event that saw 12,000 members of the public in Her Majesty’s garden. It was both a privilege and honour to be part of. The camaraderie amongst the staff and guests was special, London looked spectacular – certainly an event that I won’t ever forget.
If I could do it all over again I would not change a thing. I have been fortunate enough never to be in a job that I don’t want to be in.
The one thing I can’t stand is losing business based solely on price, which is very frustrating when quality is disregarded.
Outside of work I spend my time sipping red wine and eating delicious cheeses at my favourite treat. Friends and family time is also so important to me as I find it hard to switch off from work.
If money were no object I would fly the team business class to Las Vegas for a long weekend and stay in the Bellagio Hotel and insist that no one sleeps for the duration.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is... each of these has equal importance: my team and Green & Black’s at 3pm daily.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be my boss, Alison Tyler. She has the best team in the industry, if not the world. I also greatly admire Richard Reed from Innocent, who I think does a great job.
If I ruled the event industry I would do three things: firstly, put an eternal ban on chocolate fountains, secondly, insist that clients disclose their actual event budgets at point of enquiry, and lastly, bring food and drink to the forefront of every event.
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