I got into the events industry because with a love for live bands, I’ve always been fascinated by how music is able to transform the mood of a venue or crowd. Applying this same concept to live events really appealed to me. Through a chance meeting with an old school colleague in a local nightclub I met my now-wife, and her father had an AV company, which I subsequently joined. I’m still there now and the rest is history as they say.
I have worked here since November 2003.
I was attracted to this particular role because I saw the opportunity it could offer if we all dug in and worked hard to make it a success. From a family business operating out of a garage it has developed considerably over the years and my role has developed with it.
Not many people know that I’m also a qualified cartoonist and illustrator, though since our first child was born three years ago, I don’t think I’ve had the time to pick up a pencil.
My worst experience at an event was Fathers for Justice handcuffing themselves to our keynote speaker while she was on stage.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s under-promise and over-deliver to your clients.
The best event I’ve been involved in was an event we did with our local council where a 15 year-old homeless kid stood up without a script and had the audience captivated for over an hour. It may not sound too glamorous, but I just knew because of the impact he’d had it would change behaviours for the better.
If I could do it all over again I would trust my gut instinct more often when making key business decisions. When I don’t, it usually comes back to bite me in the backside.
The one thing I can’t stand is corporate spiel. Cross-departmental pollonisation was a particularly interesting topic at one event. I’m pretty sure there was no outcome either.
Outside of work I spend my time working. And relaxing with the wife and kids.
If money were no object I’d donate to community-based projects that make a real difference to people’s lives. Every time I watch Secret Millionaire I think 'one day, that will be me making a difference'.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is the support of friends and family. Oh, and my iPad.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be a video camera man. They seem to be packed up and off about five minutes after the event has finished.
If I ruled the event industry I’d introduce corporal punishment for those who don’t pay on 30-days.
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