Profile
SUPPLIER FOCUS
The Barista
ALTERNATIVE VENUE
The sunshine coast
Director Sam Fletcher on
organic growth, scaling
a business without losing
sight of quality, and event
waste frustrations
What’s one thing you would change about the
events industry?
If I had a magic wand, I would eliminate all the
waste that’s generated from events. If everyone
plays their part, significant waste reductions can be
made within the events industry.
Through more efficient processes and educating
people on sustainable choices, I think there is
definitely scope for a very positive change.
What issue most affects your working life?
I would have to say that it’s the seasonality of
the exhibition calendar. This is something we have
no control over, but it affects the direction and
intensity of my working life massively.
Certain times of the year represent particularly
hectic patches for us and our clients. It would be
nicer to have more of a consistent balance. However,
saying that, we always manage to get the job done,
so maybe an element of time pressure helps!
How has your business changed over the past
five years?
Our business has changed enormously over the
past five years as we’ve seen exponential organic
growth. We have really started to use technology
to make our business more efficient and organised,
as well as adding value to the services we provide
clients. Since day one, we’ve benefitted from a
strong team of really enthusiastic employees.
In the events world, having a team you truly trust
and can rely upon is so important. This is ultimately
what has enabled us to scale up our services without
ever losing sight of quality.
What do you enjoy most about working in
events?
I enjoy how challenging and fast-paced it is. Every
event is different and even when you’re at a familiar
venue, you can face completely fresh challenges. EN
48 — July
EN takes a trip to the heart of Eastbourne’s
Devonshire Quarter – a recently completed
state-of-the-art conference facility
Can you tell us about the venue?
A £54m transformation into Eastbourne’s Devonshire
Quarter, the heart of Eastbourne’s conference, cultural
and sporting district, offers new and enhanced conference,
event and sportings facilities to Sussex. This investment by
Eastbourne Borough Council has been created to reinforce
the town’s reputation as a premier conference destination
alongside its top flight cultural and sporting facilities for
both residents and visitors.
The 1,655-seated Congress Theatre reopened in March
2019 having been completely refurbished with new seating,
technical and temperature provisions. This venue seamlessly
sits alongside the brand-new Welcome Building, home to two
large exhibition halls.
The development of Devonshire Quarter is almost
complete with work starting later this year on the Grade II
listed Winter Garden, marking the final stage of the project.
Funding for Devonshire Quarter has included £5m from the
Government’s Local Growth Fund through the South East
Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
The versatility of the site means it can host a wide mix
of events, often alongside each other. These include the
pre-Wimbledon Nature Valley International Lawn Tennis
Tournament within the meticulously maintained lawn
grounds, an array of conferences including association,
medical, not-for-profit and political, exhibition-only led
events plus award ceremonies and weddings.
With over 1,000sqm available in two new exhibition halls,
plus mezzanine, terraces and foyer spaces for exhibition
across the auditorium venues, the DQ offers new and
refurbished facilities in a unique setting.
Eastbourne – such a unique and newly enhanced
environment cannot be found elsewhere on the South Coast!