I got into the events industry because I went to answer the telephone for two weeks while a secretary was on holiday and I needed some work. The rest is history. I’d like to say that I’d always dreamt of working in this industry, but the reality was that I happened upon it by chance. However, I liked what I found and stuck at it.
I have worked here since I started Priority Exhibitions in 1989.
I was attracted to this particular role because every project is different for each exhibitor and our response to their brief varies depending on their objectives.
Not many people know that I met my husband horse riding in Montana.
My worst experience at an event occurred before I started at Priority Exhibitions. I was project managing a stand for a computer company that had a Jaguar car on its stand. The car had to be located within the stand space before the ISO frame structure and the last of the supporting walls were installed. I was watching the frame being lifted when one of the carpenters holding one corner of the structure slipped off his ladder. The ISO frame, which was about twice the size of the car, slid onto the roof of the Jaguar. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. Fortunately the car only had a minor scratch on it but sheer panic went through the entire team.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s never assume anything whatsoever, ever.
The best event I’ve been involved in was Jacuzzi’s stand for several years at KBB, I liked the complication of fitting the products as well as getting the stand built all at the same time.
If I could do it all over again I would be an architect. Design and build is in my blood.
The one thing I can’t stand is any box not ticked or checked.
Outside of work I spend my time riding my horse, travelling, being a social butterfly.
If money were no object I would buy a race horse.
The one event I will never miss is a difficult question – our programme of events changes year on year, depending on client need. The Paris Air Show is always a great event, well run and there is certainly a lot of fun to be had in the evening because Paris is a great city. However, the best events are always the ones where the client is happy and had a productive exhibition. They are always more willing to sip a glass of champagne if the event has gone well.
The next 12 months will be busy for Priority Exhibitions. We have undergone some changes with the introduction of new business software the staff are getting to grips with and our storage facility is being streamlined. Lead generation and the increase of dwell time for visitors for our customers is our focus.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be with myself. It’s not that I am self-absorbed but I am exceptionally happy with my lot.
If I ruled the event industry I would make procurement and tenders illegal.