I got into the event industry because it’s like theatre and I always loved being a part of theatre. I get the opportunity to be composer, conductor and director of a show on real stages, not sets.
I have worked here since February 2007, joining the day before the Woodhouse organised the Rail Business Awards dinner at the Grosvenor, Park Lane. Needless to say it was a fast track introduction.
I was attracted to this particular role because Woodhouse’s core events business is in the transport, freight and shipping sectors. Less attractive than many perhaps, but if my clients succeed then so does the country. This is real economics, each event is one part of a larger programme and vision.
Not many people know that it is possible to charter your own train for an event.
My worst experience at an event was taking the heat from the father of the bride for an under-cooked fish dish at a wedding breakfast. The kitchen saw the return of more than 50 plates.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s making sure everyone in the team knows what’s expected of them and how well they’ve performed.
The best event I’ve been involved in was the naming of a special locomotive for Sunderland Football Club. The naming was part of the build-up to a very successful season back in the top division for the club with a streak unbeaten matches.
The one thing I can’t stand is a messy desk.
Outside of work I spend my time running. I’m involved with a variety of local sports clubs, competing in triathlons and running in a variety of road and trail races all of which keep me fit.
If money were no object I’d bid for the Olympic Stadium and host the best show in town, Live Aid.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be Catherine Ugwu or Mark Fisher, the executive producers of the Olympic opening ceremony. The magnitude of the event was inspiring and I’d love to be involved organising the next one in Rio.
If I ruled the event industry I’d lobby the government to decrease regulation, invest in training and encourage more companies to get involved whether hosting their own or by sponsoring creative elements of events.
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