I got into the event industry because I spent two years as an elected sabbatical officer for Luton University Students Union and loved every minute. I was hired by the students for the students. Knowing they'd had a great time, and that the events had been commercially successful – which meant more benefits and services for the students beyond just having fun – was hugely satisfying. I was surrounded by like-minded individuals, many of whom now work within the industry, and enjoyed the experience so much that I then spent two years as an entertainment manager at Goldsmiths College.
I have worked here since March 2012.
I was attracted to this particular role because I’d be working with a worldwide partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games – Samsung. I was responsible for managing and delivering the Galaxy Studio project – an experiential platform for Samsung to launch and demonstrate its range of devices to consumers. The platform was so successful during the Olympics that is has been rolled out globally for Samsung Mobile.
Not many people know that my first words were in Greek. I wasn’t a child prodigy or anything – it was just an accident of circumstance: I was born to English parents in Cyprus, but the nature of my upbringing meant that I was looked after by an old Greek lady, hence my first words were Greek.
My worst experience at an event was as a punter, when someone let off tear gas into the crowd. The first thing that hits you is the stinging sensation, followed by the inevitable panic. But the incident was dealt with very professionally and the venue was evacuated before much harm was done.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s build a great team and treat them as equals, be that a supplier or team member.
The best event I’ve been involved in was my university’s first May Ball at the nearby stately home, Luton Hoo. It remains the steepest learning curve of my career to date.
If I could do it all over again I would choose more wisely. I am learning all the time and never stop. However in this instance it’s more about being brave and jumping out of your comfort zone of familiarity. I live this way, but have not always worked this way.
The one thing I can’t stand is waffle.
Outside of work I spend my time commuting to my home near Bordeaux, France. I thought if I’m going to commute I might as well do it properly...by plane. I live in London during the week and fly home at weekends. I’ve been making the journey on and off for almost nine years now.
If money were no object I would ensure no child in the UK sleeps rough or goes without food.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is my phone, the Galaxy S3 – I am a convert.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be Vince Power. He's always on the lookout for the opportunity to do something, be that organising an event or discovering a new venue. And he never gives up. You could say I’m a frustrated promoter at heart – nothing quite beats seeing a sea of smiles after a great event.
If I ruled the event industry I would make live streaming available from all performance venues and events. These are the TV channels of the future in my mind.
If you'd like to be featured in a future My Event World, email associate editor Rachel Bull.
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