I got into the event industry because my father was a manager with Strand Hotels and THF, so hotels were always in the blood.
I have worked with Radisson Blu Edwardian since November 1994.
I was attracted to this particular role because the hotel has one of the biggest conference centres in Europe on the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest airports, and hosts many interesting international clients from a wide variety of sectors.
My worst experience at an event was early in my career. I was running a shared Christmas party night, but only managed to secure one guest. More embarrassing was when the DJ and the solitary guest turned up - we had omitted to tell them it had been called off.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s almost anything is possible so long as you are determined, enthusiastic and imaginative.
The best event I’ve been involved in was creating a replica of the Orient Express for a buffet dinner. We had foods from different countries served in each carriage and used steam and strobe effects to create movement.
If I could do it all over again I would probably have taken the opportunity to work in the Far East or USA.
The one thing I can’t stand is standing by convention, there is always a way to look at things differently.
Outside of work I spend my time walking the countryside, running and cooking. I have four children, so spend a lot of time ferrying them to parties and helping them with their homework.
If money were no object I’d split my time between a large Kensington apartment in the week and a country mansion at the weekend, with a personal shopper and chauffer on hand.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is my iPhone – what an amazing invention.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be hotel billionaire Sol Kerzner – a true visionary who has created some amazing resorts.
If I ruled the event industry every function room would have natural daylight, there would be no wires and the AV equipment would never let you down.
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