I got into the events industry because I like working to a deadline with people who are passionate about their business and deliver something real.
I have worked here since we started the business in late 2007.
I was attracted to this particular role because when we founded Etherlive we were (and still are) passionate about making technology for events that actually does what it’s supposed to; make things easier, open new opportunities and be less painful. We spend a lot of our effort on innovation and working with our customers to make cool things deliver.
Not many people know that we spend time working with local schools to encourage entrepreneurship and learning about technology.
My worst experience at an event was when we were working with a client who insisted on using GPRS chip and pin terminals. Once the event got closer and the amount of people on site increased the units began to fail and eventually became un-usable. As the technology people on site the pressure was enormous for us to fix but in reality there was nothing we could do on a Sunday afternoon.
If there's one thing I've learnt it's those who work hardest are the luckiest.
The best event I've been involved in was – there are all kinds. I’m constantly amazed at how different each event is and how passionate the people who take part and run them are. It doesn’t matter if it’s an exhibition, festival or press launch.
If I could do it all over again I would mostly do the same things – and learn the piano.
The one thing I can't stand is litter, moaning and things not working the way they should.
Outside of work I spend my time with family, running and trying to keep on top of emails.
If money were no object I would bring on board more engineers and site leads so we could make our weekly resource meetings easier.
The one event I will never miss is family birthdays (if only by Skype) and friends’ weddings, of which I seem to be going to a lot recently.
The next 12 months will be hugely exciting. An Olympic year where we hope to see some great competition and a busy events season.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be anyone who managed to get an office with a good sea view, I like Chippenham where our head office is based, but miss the sea air.
If I ruled the event industry I’d ensure IT was not as scary as it seems.
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