I got into the event industry because I trained in the theatre and worked my way up so by the time I'd reached the position of stage director at the Aldwych I was ready for a new challenge. Imagination came along with an offer to work in a new type of industry – industrial theatre. I was hooked and haven't looked back since.
I have worked here since January 2013.
I was attracted to this particular role because I believe there is a better way to support a client’s ever more sophisticated needs by offering a complete service that meets all of their event requirements. The use of technology, and especially the development of new digital solutions, is key to meet ever-changing client requirements and I believe here at MCL Create we are in a unique position to lead this change. The opportunity to develop and define the direction of the business at such an exciting time was too good to pass up.
Not many people know that I was the project director for the Millennium event along the Thames. It was the biggest single gathering at one given, specific point in time, estimated at 5.2 million people.
My worst experience at an event was at a major project launch. We'd built a five-times scale model of the product, a deodorant spray, which shot off stage mid-reveal ending up in row E of the auditorium. No one was hurt and the client was very understanding, but it was a real low point for me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s to consider all sides of a problem. It might take longer to get there, but an objective, dispassionate viewpoint will always result in the best outcome.
The best event I’ve been involved in was the Millennium celebrations along the Thames, it was truly a fantastic experience. At the time I was running my own agency, Pacesetter, so to be involved in this was a massive achievement for us. It's definitely one of the proudest moments of my career.
If I could do it all over again I would have maybe accepted a job offer in the States though that's another story.
The one thing I can’t stand is arrogance.
Outside of work I spend my time being a father. Kids bring you back to reality whatever the scenarios at work.
If money were no object... it isn’t.
The one thing I can’t do my job without is a sense of humour. I wouldn’t say the mother-in-law was fat but...
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be... honestly, no one at the moment. The role here is brilliant and it's exactly where I want to be.
If I ruled the event industry I would force procurement teams to attend an event and shadow their event colleagues.
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