I got into the events industry because I grew up with NEC on my doorstep. I went to my first concert at what was the NEC Arena when I was eight and I am proud to say it was Jason Donovan. I attended the Clothes Show and the Good Food Show when I was at secondary school, so have always been aware of the presence the NEC has in the Midlands. I absolutely jumped at the chance to work here when I saw the job advertised. I couldn’t believe I would have the chance to work at a venue associated with such huge and exciting events.
I have worked here since September 2006.
I was attracted to this particular role because it was such a challenge. I really believe in the product that we offer here as a venue at the NEC, and it gives me great pleasure to help clients realise their visions of turning one of our empty halls into their perfect bespoke event space.
Not many people know that the NEC held 434 conferences last year – we’re not just an exhibition centre.
My worst experience at an event was probably wearing my highest, most inappropriate shoes on the day of a huge event that spanned four of our halls. I must have walked miles and ended up virtually unable to walk by the end of the day.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s wear flat shoes on event days.
The best event I’ve been involved in was - this is a tough one. I love events where the organisers make the most of our hall space, and really do create a live event for their delegates that fully immerse them in the brand, the message of the event, and make it a memorable experience rather than just sitting them in a room and talking at them all day.
If I could do it all over again I would not change a thing, I’ve been lucky enough to find a job I really love.
The one thing I can’t stand is rude people.
Outside of work I spend my time cooking, mountain biking, and going for long walks in the Lake District.
If money were no object I’d spend a year travelling round every state in the US in a motor home.
The one event I will never miss out on is the BBC Good Food Show – brilliant for anyone who likes eating and drinking.
The next 12 months will be even better than the past 12 months I hope. Whilst we worked through a tough economic climate, Live events and conferences at the NEC still had an impressive year last year, so it will be a challenge but I hope to attract more new live events to the NEC.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be one of the delegates at one of our big live events, just for the day – I would like to experience it from their point of view.
If I ruled the event industry I would do everything I could to ensure that every corporate company was aware of the power of live events to engage with their employees, and inspire them to believe in their brand and products. Nothing beats a live experience for really bringing a message to life and making it memorable.
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