“ To be able to play a small part in bringing experiences to life is a fantastic feeling ” |
What led you to a career in the events industry ? When I was 20 I managed a retail store in Australia . I loved what I did and the relationships I was able to build , but ultimately , I felt unfulfilled . With a passion for festivals and all things experiential I started an online degree course in event management . I fell into my first role in events soon after I landed in the UK . To this day , no-one has ever asked to see my degree . |
What is it about the live events industry that interests you most ? Everything . I love the feeling that events create . To be able to play a small part in bringing experiences to life is a fantastic feeling .
In this post-pandemic world of virtual meetings , do major exhibitions and conferences , such as EPS , still have an important role to play ? The pandemic taught us a lot of things , one of them being our inherent human need to be around others . You see it everywhere you go postpandemic ; people are nicer and more understanding of situations . Having human interaction taken away from us for almost two years made everyone appreciate so much more what we had missed . I have always found face-to-face interactions with others to be more memorable and fulfilling . Just as major sporting events and concerts are best experienced in person , so are exhibitions and conferences , they are the lifeblood of our industry .
What aspect of the Event Production Show 2023 are you most excited about ? For EPS23 we are doing something that has never been done before – building a live
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show . It ’ s not going to compete with Glastonbury or Boomtown but it is an out-of-the-box way to experience suppliers ’ products and services , ahead of next the season , while listening to some great up-and-coming talent . We ’ re also building a golf course , and there will be an incredible prize up for grabs . EPS is the exhibition for the live events industry , so it is our job to help inspire attendees and reflect the creativity seen at events throughout the UK .
Who has influenced you most during your career ? It ’ s mixture of the best bits of everyone I have worked alongside . The organisation of my first event director , the industry knowledge of my most recent line manager , and the creativity of everyone around me .
If you could change one thing about the industry , what would it be ? The levels of diversity across the sector have risen , however , we still have a long way to go .
What is your ideal way of relaxing when you have downed tools ? Attending amazing events , painting and pottery , or having a cheeky wine or two .
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