Description

Highly accomplished freelance Events Director and Head of Operations with 15+ years’ experience delivering complex events across multiple clients and sectors. Proven at rapidly embedding into organisations to lead teams, drive operational excellence, and deliver high-impact events that exceed objectives and ROI.

Languages

English
Native or bilingual

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

London (up to 50km)

Incisive Media, NHS
Freelance Head of Events & Events Project Manager
PUBLISHING
May 2024 - Today (2 years and 1 month)
Overview:
• ● Experienced events lead delivering end-to-end projects in the media and public sectors. Skilled in strategy, operations, stakeholder management, budgeting, and complex logistics.
• ● Managed multiple projects with strict governance and budget control.
• ● Led internal teams, suppliers, and production partners for seamless execution.
• ● Developed event plans, timelines, and run-of-show documentation.
New Statesman Media Group,
Events Director
January 2021 - May 2024 (3 years and 4 months)
London, UK

• ● Generated revenue through delegate and entry fees, capitalised on new opportunities, aligns programs with sponsorship targets, and transitions the portfolio to scalable core events.
• ● Fostered innovation, developed content-first events and managed product development to promote growth.
• ● Redefined processes to generate an events business that effectively serviced clients and internal stakeholders.
• ● Analysed attendance at core events, leveraging insights to refine strategies and drive audience growth.
• ● Negotiated contracts and optimised resources to achieve desired outcomes within budgetary constraints.
• ● Prepared comprehensive reports and presentations for executive leadership, providing insights into event performance, revenue generation, and strategic recommendations.
• ● Collaborated with internal departments to align event strategies with broader organisational objectives.

Accomplishments:
• ● Doubled events division revenue contribution from £1.5m in 2021 to £3.6m in 2023, achieving an impressive 140% growth in just two years.
• ● Led a strategic clean-up in 2021, identifying and enhancing successful products while discontinuing less profitable ones. Developed new core events to secure client budgets for 2022 and beyond.
• ● Built and led an effective events team of logistics, production and marketing specialists.
• ● Established clear event cycle timelines that boosted commercial interest and achieved record numbers.
• ● Pioneered a cross-brand virtual event that generated additional revenue of 180K within a year post-COVID.
• ● Implemented a structured meeting rhythm with critical stakeholders to focus on event execution.
• ● Collaborated with commercial leaders to develop new sales propositions and higher-priced sponsorship packages, increasing revenue across the event portfolio.
• ● Achieved record entry revenue and a 60% year-on-year increase in entrant companies for awards events.
Euromoney, Insurance Insider,
Events Director
January 2019 - December 2020 (1 year and 11 months)
London, UK
• ● Cultivated partnerships amid uncertainty, effectively communicating with stakeholders to mitigate risks.
• ● Led innovative event formats tailored to the pandemic's new standard and leveraged technology for engaging and impactful experiences.
• ● Empowered the events team, optimising staffing, scheduling, and processes for maximum impact.
• ● Devised comprehensive risk management strategies to anticipate challenges and guarantee event success.
• ● Promoted a culture of innovation and adaptation, driving organisational resilience and growth.
• ● Shared insights with industry peers from navigating the pandemic, contributing to collective learning.
• ● Prepared concise reports, communicated effectively with senior management, and demonstrated ROI.

Accomplishments:
• ● Overhauled the events portfolio swiftly to adapt to COVID-19 challenges and successfully flipped all events before lockdown, delivering continuity and relevance.
• ● Managed finances carefully during the pandemic, optimising budgets and reallocating resources effectively.