The Events Insight - Its a Wrap Season 15

Speaker A: Hello, Karen.

Speaker B: Hello, Jack. How are you?

Speaker A: It's the last time I want to say this for another season.

Speaker B: I know. Are you a bit sad or are you going to ring me tomorrow and say that anyway?

Speaker A: Well, I will make you laugh. Um, and I'm not going to jump ahead in terms of introducing our, uh, our, uh, listeners, but one of them said, I just listened to the start just to see you say here, you say, hello, Karen. And, uh, I thought, I'm sure the guests are better than me just saying, hello, Kevin.

Speaker B: See, it just shows that people like that, that friendly voice and the consistency we bring them in, the warmth. They like to hear it. They know they're in safe hands when they hear that.

Speaker A: But it is, it's. It's wrapping up another season.

Speaker B: I know. I'm quite sa. Because I think. Well, I know we say it every single season, but it's been great. We've had some really great guests for like, full spectrum of the industry. Really great backgrounds. Yeah, just. Yeah, uh, yeah. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant, brilliant season.

Speaker A: I'm going to do the formalities. I'm going to say thank you ever so much to our listeners, first and foremost. And I know they've jumped to the top of the queue, but thanks ever so much to our listeners because they, they bear with us because we're not a podcast that can run week in, week out. You know, work gets in the way, unfortunately, but they do still keep tuning in and listening and giving us feedback. So thank you ever so much for those. I want to say thank you to our guests, um, who come on and share some fabulous stories with us and, and are so heartfelt, warm and engaging. They just are completely transparent when they're on the conversations with us. And finally, thank you to our sponsors. Um, they allow us the creative freedom that we can bring. Uh, they allow us that little bit of travel. They allow us, in terms of the. To support the team, the team behind us, you know, And I suppose they're the final people to thank the volunteers, um, and the team that work with us to produce this. I know people here, mine and your voice, Karen, but let's be honest, we only do a small percentage of the work that goes on.

Speaker B: We're just the puppets. Some. Yeah. Everybody else behind us is, is. Is doing a lot of the hard work. And so, no, we do really appreciate everybody's support all the time on, every. Every season, every episode. So thank you.

Speaker A: So if you don't like the recordings, you don't like the way it's edited, you can blame Tony if you don't like the social media that goes out, you can blame Laura. If you don't like, can blame Matt. If you don't like the videos that are done, you can blame James, you can. Should I keep going on? Should I keep going on? Should I dig us a bigger hole? The team that we have, um, the time that they put into it and, and I should really say, uh, thanks to our families as well because we record at some ridiculous times of the day, either early mornings or late at night and it does eat into our time with our families. And that I sometimes get a knock at the door in terms of my recording room. In terms of are you still recording?

Speaker B: Well, I often get a small person appear. That's normally my thing, isn't it? Um, we're mid conversation and I have a small child just appear next to me like, mommy. You're like, I'm just talking, darling.

Speaker A: But, but the other thing and, and I, I don't say this enough. The feedback that we get from our listeners really does make me smile. Um, and I know people always do the formalities in terms of like and follow and share us comments back and I'm not going to be as formal as that because I actually get some personal messages from some listeners who literally sort of come on and ah, just send me a WhatsApp and say love this week's episode. I really laughed at this bit. That's good enough to me. And I know I shouldn't be saying that because everyone in the team will be saying, no, no, they've got to actually subscribe, they've got to actually give feedback because that's the way the algorithms work. We'll sort the algorithms. You know, we're not really worried about that. We do it for a different reason. We do it because we love doing it and, and what comes of it comes of it, you know. But, um, you know, thanks for those that do reach out and give us some feedback. Good, bad, ugly, it doesn't matter. Feedback knows that you're listening to what we're doing and I really do appreciate that.

Speaker B: Yeah, we, we enjoy, we, we enjoy doing it. We enjoy the conversations we have with, with the guests that we get on there. That's why we do it, isn't it? Because the industry is full of great people who give up their time and, and actually like, we love chatting to them and learning about them, their experiences and sharing that with the listener. It's um, it is it like, I think I say it quite a lot. It is a privilege to meet all these people because we wouldn't necessarily meet them in our day to day jobs, to actually meet and chat and have a, have a giggle is, yeah, is, is pretty special.

Speaker A: So we'll wrap up our intro. We'll not tell anyone in terms of who our uh, listeners are. If you want to join the podcast in a future season, just let us know. If you're a listener who has never been on a podcast, who listens to what we're doing and just thinks I listen to that, it would be great experience to be on a podcast, get in touch. That's what these listeners have done. Yes, they're now on a podcast. You now get to listen to them. And although there was a little bit of nerves when we came to this recording and one, uh, of the listeners says, I'm not gonna listen to this back, she will and she'll get feedback from her, uh, colleagues and friends. Um, but yeah, uh, let's listen to the final time for this season. Let's listen to our season sponsor. Please listen to when Tommy edits in our, uh, shout out for our final shout out of this season. We've had seven great people as shout outs this year and it wouldn't have been possible without the shout out sponsors. And then enjoy the conversation.

Speaker C: Enjoy marketing your events business shouldn't feel like herding cats. If it does, you need Electric Cat. We're the specialist marketing and PR agency helping event suppliers get noticed, get featured and get booked. From strategy and socials, press and awards to branding and web design, we do the lot. So want to join our 80 plus happy clients, some of whom may have even featured on this fabulous podcast. Then head to our website, Electric Cat Co, or email us helloectricat co. Now, Jack and Karen, what have you got in store for us today?

Speaker A: So then, ladies, um, thank you ever so much for joining us, Karen. Uh, and I, uh, have only tweaked in terms of what uh, uh, what we got to expect in terms of this recording. And we didn't tell anyone anything about who you are and what you do, so I'm going to leave that up to you. So if we start with just because you're on that site, Indy, if you want to just introduce yourself, tell people who you are, what you're currently doing in terms of a job role.

Speaker D: Okay. Hello everyone. Um, thank you both for having me on this wonderful podcast. Um, my name's Indy and I've spent the last 12 years working in live events, um, ranging from small scale theatre to artist liaison, um, at music festivals to all sorts. Um, I've been very fortunate to produce global film premieres and photo calls, so I've seen a little bit of everything across the past decade. Um, I've always had a love for the arts and I realised at a young age I really wanted to work in it and went to drama school, did some stage management, um, which just fed my passion for everything. That's a little bit chaotic. So. So at the moment, I'm about to go into a busy festival season, still dipping my toe into the odd premiere, um, just doing everything in between. That's me.

Speaker A: Lovely. Thanks for that, India. And we'll, we'll touch more on that, I'm sure, with some of your answers. And, um, Judith, uh, would you like to, uh, let everyone know who you are?

Speaker E: Hi. Thanks also from me for inviting me onto the podcast. I'm a huge fan, as you know. Um, I've really been in the, the hospitality and event sector, like, for forever, as long as I've working, um, like some of the, the wonderful guests that we're going to move on to shortly. Um, I fell into it straight from uni, not really knowing what I wanted to do other than I wanted to do something interesting. And, um, and that was the start of it. So since then I spent years on the, the ops and, um, the sales side of events and hospitality. Um, I've since worked in house on the agency side and, um, as a freelancer in, uh, sales consultancy and, um, more recently copywriting, content strategy and LinkedIn marketing for the sector. So if you would like to be seen, raise awareness, visibility, demand generation and ultimately sales, hopefully I can help some in some small way.

Speaker A: A lovely pitch. How easy was that? Uh, someone's been working on their elevator pitch. Credit to you, Judith. That was fantastic. Okay, so let's, let's jump straight into it because I know that our guests are always keen to find out what listeners thought of their episodes. Um, so if we start with episode one now, Karen, why don't you introduce this lady first and then you can select which of our listeners you would like to, to feed back.

Speaker B: I love that. Great idea. Well, our first guest was the lovely Adrian, and I am fortunate enough that I've worked with her, um, for a couple of events out in Florida. And she, yeah, she was, she was a great guest to have on. I won't say anything else yet, but I think, Judith, do you want to give us your summary and your top takeaways from, uh, our great chat with Adrienne?

Speaker E: I'd absolutely love to. And, and What a, what a brilliant start to the, to the latest season. Adrienne was, um, she came across as, she had such a grounded energy and, and ah, no ego at all. The way that she talked about people falling in event sideways and um, that's not weakness, it's a superpower. Completely sort of reflects uh, her own experience. So I think, you know, working in the furniture sector side, uh, of event supply, it's one of those functions, isn't it, that if it's done well, nobody notices it, but if there's not enough tables and chairs for people to sit at, uh, obviously it's not great. So she deals with these massive accounts. You know, she's kind of equal parts logistics and relationship colleague. And I loved it. A big lesson that I took from, from the, the whole thing put together was when she said patience under pressure is a learned skill.

Speaker B: Tremendous. I mean that summed her up, hasn't it? Because yeah, she was that. It was that patience under pressure that I loved as well from her because that, you know, if you're ever fortunate to meet her, uh, she's very, that, that kind of person. Um, Indy, anything you wish to add

Speaker D: currently top that one, to be honest. Um, but yes, I agree with everything that Judith has said. Um, and I just think it's fascinating because I've never really thought about that side of uh, of a live event. Obviously I've hired furniture in the past, but never to that extent. Um, and to the size of the warehouses, to everything. I was blown away, um, just by how much furniture you can fit into a warehouse in the States. And uh, I feel like we don't have that space over here in the uk. Um, but yeah, and it was just. Her story was really interesting about her move from fashion, um, and her career pivoting and, and yeah, I can't really add anything else because she was just wonderful.

Speaker B: She was, she was. Jack, what have you got? Anything you wish to say?

Speaker A: Well, the one bit, the one that stuck for me, and I think it was a really good piece of advice, was focus on what you do well. I think we're all for people experiencing and get some really good general experience and trying everything. But if you want to stand out, make sure you do that one thing better than everyone else. Really focus on doing something really well. Because by doing it really well, it'll open up avenues for other opportunities. And I think that was a really good statement that she made that a lot of people can really focus in on and saying, do I do really well? And how can I Showcase that in the work that I'm doing. So that, that was my sort of takeaway, um, from that one. Karen, I'm sure you've got more to add when it comes to this young lady.

Speaker B: I have. Well, the other thing I wanted to mention as well as about, she's um, about don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. It's about getting stuck into situations. You know, if you want, if, if you're the leader of a situation, you need to be able to do what your team are doing and have been in that role before. I also was interested that her father was a big part in her life as well. Um, was her mentor and who she really respected and looked up to and was kind of her there in, in her business path. I really found that interesting about her. But yeah, I think just that it was, it was the fact, you know, you said focus on what you do well. Don't be afraid to pivot at any age in your career. Like, just because you pick that path now, you can change in two years time or 10 years time. The world is massive and there's opportunities out there, so don't feel that you can't change. But I really enjoyed talking to her. It was, yeah, I think a great start to, uh, this season.

Speaker A: Yeah, couldn't agree more. Now, episode two, we moved across to, uh, Matt Clark, or I like to call him the Professor. Um, and I want to say my takeaway first because he says the biggest one for me was if you have nothing to say, don't say anything. So I'm not going to say anymore because I've got nothing to say about him. So I want to pass straight across to Indy and let you three ladies comment about what you thought of Mr. Clark.

Speaker D: That's a very clever pivot. I do agree. Uh, yeah, I loved it when he said that. And, um, I mean, what a guy. I think I really sort of acknowledged the whole imposter syndrome that he was talking about and found that really fascinating. Um, and that he still needs to take a deep breath before going into sort of trade shows. And, and I think for someone that's been in the industry for a long time, I, um, think that was really refreshing to hear. Uh, hanging upside down. Everything that falls off is overlay. What an exceptional way to, uh, describe your job. I wish I could describe my job like that, but I cannot. Um, and, and just his sort of attitude to life. I adored do it your way and don't replicate and that social media can be a little bit boastful. Um, and as someone that is terrible, as Karen knows at all sorts of social media and LinkedIn, that's definitely an element of imposter syndrome that I feel on those, um, on those websites. But yeah, so I, I understood what he, where he was coming from a lot of the time. Um, and yeah, just what a guy with a lot of experience.

Speaker B: I was just gonna add the uh, overlay description. I've used that so many times to people because honestly I'm like, that is a genius way to describe that role that because, oh, this, this is my job. Anything. I don't know what he's talking about. I was like, oh yeah, yeah, that's great. This brilliant. Now I do exactly what you do for your job in that, in those terms. So yeah, Matt, that was brilliant. Thank you.

Speaker A: Go on. Before I let you continue, Karen, I'm going to let Judith have her say first and then we'll come back to you.

Speaker E: Yeah, I mean I've actually nicknamed him Lord Overlay. It's, I'd never heard that term before. So, so thank you Matt for that. If you're listening, um, I found Matt's session very humble, very honest and, and he made such a good point about relationships over CVs, um, if you want a long term career. And how he described the first phone call from a friend that landed him at Silverstone and unknowingly set his entire career path. So that was really, really interesting to, to hear. Um, certainly I agree with Indy about the, the imposter syndrome. You know, we all suffer from it every now and again. Uh, m. And he made the very relevant point that you just get better at carrying it. So a great piece of advice there. Uh, you know, at the end of the day he said the industry' full of people who don't quite feel they belong like this bunch of professional misfits or something. So. And how confidence is often a perception. So, so yeah, really, you know, a humble but inspiring.

Speaker A: Listen, he isn't going to be humble after hearing this. I thought it was bad enough call him Professor Clark. Now you're calling him Lord Overlay. From someone who has to work with him every so often, he's going to be unbearable. Karen, can you bring this down a level? Can you, can you contribute to this? But just bring it down a touch.

Speaker B: I am going to bring it down. My favorite part, Matt, was your Brummy accent. Definitely that was, made me chuckle a lot. And the toilet roll story, I just felt like uh, uh, I loved everything that everybody said about him, but those things really made me stand up. That was kind of a reflection of his personality and just how he, how he is on his events. Like he's, he came across as really kind of unpractical, like going to buy toilet rolls from Tesco's. You know, like sometimes you've just got to do that to get, get the job done. And. Yeah. And yeah. Brummy accent so thanks, Matt. I enjoy, I really enjoyed it.

Speaker A: And um, because he did that awful jingle, I had to put that on social media. So people, if you don't hear it in the actual recording, it is now live on social media somewhere slanderous, but it's out there. Okay, so that was Matt, episode two. It was a strong start and we can continue the momentum into episode, uh, three with Claudia Stevenson and Judith. Would you like to start us with, uh, with Claudia?

Speaker E: Yeah, sure. I mean she's a real powerhouse, isn't she? A really sharp, strategic and an ambitious individual. Um, really, really impressive the way that she sort of put her head above the parapet to, to move internationally and launch Freeman's London presence, which is, is obviously a huge career highlight of his. Um, but what I took from Claudia was that big, how she really labored, that big was come from curiosity and saying yes before you're, you're ready. Which, which I think we could, we can all learn something from. And um, as far as, as hiring, she gave her a piece of hiring gold that you can teach skills and not attributes. So they were my main takeaways from, from Claudia. And uh, yeah, I really enjoyed that session and, and was. Was quite, quite inspired and impressed by it.

Speaker A: Yeah, Uh, I think, I think it was, wasn't it? It was the, it was the nature of the way she delivered. I think her recording and her conversation. You know, we can have fun, we can have laughter. It was to begin with, it was quite a serious episode, but the way she delivered actually brought me into the conversation. I was like enticed into the conversation the way she delivered it. Indy, anything you want to add to that?

Speaker D: Um, apart from the fact that we have skimmed over the fact that she was a professional ice dancer. Very exciting. Um, and um, produced and managed all sorts of ice skating events. Very cool. Um, I loved what she spoke about with her work life boundaries. So not work life balance. Um, and I think that's really important for everyone who works in events and um, sort of all industries actually to um, sort of take some of the pressure off yourself because we all put pressure on ourselves to sort of try and maintain this 50, 50 split, which never really happens in this world. Um, but to just be intentional with your time and your energy and what you're doing. Um, so yeah, I thought that was really honorable of sort of her talking about that.

Speaker A: Yeah, you've stolen that one off me, Indy. Because that was my biggest takeaway.

Speaker D: Sorry.

Speaker A: No, no, that's good that someone else picked up on it as well. And I have used it so many times since the recording. You know, in terms of that I've always talked about being present in all that you do. So if you're working, be present. If you're at home with the family, be present. But I thought that analogy in terms of work life boundaries, you know, I'm being protective over those. Quality of the time that you're spending within those settings I think was really important. So as I say, work life boundaries, work life balance I've used so many times since the recording. So uh, it's my takeaway for sure.

Speaker D: Karen.

Speaker B: Well obviously that one but, but that's been stolen. But my, my take really from Claudia was, was along the lines of the respect aspect that she spoke about kind of respecting like the boundaries at work, respecting work within different regions and different markets about the storytelling nature of what she does at the agency. Uh, that uh, I love the idea of that a storytelling agency and then the co creating with the client, you know, you're surprised and delighting them with ideas that you're, you're putting forward. And I think yeah, she, she was really interesting right from the start and like Jack said, pulled us into the. And you kind of wanted to unfold what she was, what she was telling us like so she did tell us a story about her journey but yeah, it was yeah, work life boundaries and balance and respect and just yeah, I thought, yeah she was, she was a really fascinating lady, like calm, respectful. So thank you.

Speaker D: Hi, I'm Charlotte, a sales exec. And I'm Grace, an event coordinator here

Speaker E: at Church House Westminster.

Speaker D: And we're proud to sponsor the talent spotter Shout Out. Church House is a grade 2 listed unique event space in the heart of Westminster, uh, with capacities ranging from 10 to 600 guests. For more information visit our website www.churchhouseconf.co.uk

Speaker F: hi, it's Emma here and I'm thrilled to bring you this week's Townspotter Shout Out. This week I'd like to shout about Ella Mayo. Manchester Central is a beast of a venue and Ella is taking it all in her stride. Supporting on conference and award dinners, exhibitions and full on Christmas parties. Not one to shout about themselves, we are thrilled to do it for them. We can't wait to see you grow and follow your career. Check out their LinkedIn profile and connect with them. The Townspotter Shout out is sponsored by Church House Westminster. To get in touch with Mental Health UK, please email Charlotte Brumbury on charlotte.brumburyurchhouseconf.co.uk or Grace Brennan on um, Grace Brennan at. Or look on their website www.churchhouseconf.co.uk

Speaker A: okay, that was. We were halfway through, halfway through the season already with all those three, and we moved on to someone that Karen knew well. So go on, Karen. I will let you introduce this gentleman.

Speaker B: Yay. So this is Mr. Adam Tetro. And as you all know, I work with Adam. We're at the ICC in Birmingham together and. And he was such a great guest. So, so interesting. And he was a bit surprised when we asked him if he would like to come on as a guest because he's like, what, what's interesting about me? But, like, your whole journey from how you've started, you know, your interest in music, your passion for the technical side, but your, but also you know that how, how you talk to your guests and your team about tech and finding a solution. Um, he was just really not humble with it, but I think because he didn't really get what we wanted from. But actually, when he started talking, we were like, mate, this is really interesting. And again, another great Brummy accent came out on this. But this has been the season of, like, Brummy accents. Um, but yeah, no, I think, yeah, he, he spoke about, you know, it's it. People leave away with the feeling from the event, from the tech side of things is that again, like we spoke about with Adrian, that if the furniture's wrong, people moan about that and if the text wrong, people definitely tell you if the tech's wrong. But what they want, what he wants to create is a feeling. So people going, that was great. That was great. But, yeah, Adam was a great conversation with you.

Speaker A: So, uh, are you now telling me that every application that we get for people to be a guest on the podcast, they've got to submit their own best Brummy accent before we'll accept them?

Speaker B: I think so. I think we need a little voice section on the website now to say if you can leave us a recording and we'll, uh, judge you by your Brummy tones.

Speaker A: I knew you were always going to be a bad influence. Indy, please get us out of this hole. Tell Us something different about Adam.

Speaker D: Sadly, I can't deliver a Brummy accent talking about Adam, but I wish I could. Um, yeah, I think Adam, it was really interesting to hear about his journey through, um, all the sort of technical elements of events and being a technician. I loved that he spoke about his childhood, um, and that whilst you didn't really understand what sound is when you were younger, he talked about being sort of six or seven and listening to the Beatles. So he was very musical, but he really enjoyed what was coming out the speaker. And I think that's a lovely way to describe a passion of yours. Um, and his whole journey, you know, what he was talking about with people. When he delivers an event, he's not expecting praise, but he doesn't obviously want people to notice the wrong lighting state. And he was quite humble in that sense. So sort of echoing what Karen just said. Um, and I think it's really important as well, with what he was talking about as compromise. Always learning something new. Um, you always need to compromise in this world that we're working in, whether you're working with budgets that need compromising or clients. Um, but, yeah, just sort of paying it forward and just surrounding yourself with good people, I think is incredibly important to have a good, uh, sort of support network in this world. Um, and whether that support network would be a huge conference that he's working at in Australia or his time working in Dracula's cabaret restaurant, like, it doesn't matter. Just have a good support network. Um, so, yeah, those are my thoughts on Adam, and I would love for Adam to submit some sort of photo with him in a Dracula costume.

Speaker A: You've heard it here now, Adam, um, if possible, your audience has, has demanded it. Sorry, Adam, it needs to come back out of the closet or you need to recreate it if you can't find a photo. I think that's the thing. We'll ask him to recreate it as he is now.

Speaker F: Perfect.

Speaker D: Great.

Speaker A: Okay, Judith, what were your thoughts in terms of. From Adam?

Speaker E: Just before going on to Adam, I'm having this image of people sort of auditioning for the podcast in future, sounding like Hartley hair off Pipkins, if anybody else besides me is old enough to remember that. But, uh, I digress. And coming on to it to Adam, Yeah, he was absolutely. You know, it really made you think about another of those unsung hero elements of events that can literally make or break the experience. Like Adrian with the furniture and, and you know, how the. What he does, the technical side, uh, and, um, the sound side really are about feelings and, and not features. Whilst we may automatically associate what he does, uh, with a feature rather than a benefit, I suppose. And what I found quite un about him, um, he was very passionate and very practical and um, he brought up the uh, the, the, the honest truth about the career versus family trade off and, and how he's sort of compromised that uh, in, in his own personal life, um, choosing a stable corporate events path rather than touring, you know, which he may have dreamt of as a, as the childhood music fan he was, was and um, prioritizing his family while still building a meaningful career.

Speaker D: Ah.

Speaker E: And uh, you know, that's something that's, you know, intrinsic to so many people. So it was good to hear him speak openly about that.

Speaker A: Yeah, I remember that point and it was a very honest section of the podcast where he really did go into that and you could feel it in his, in the way he was describing it when he was talking about that subject. So, yeah, really good point to raise. I haven't really got a lot more to add on that one. I think one of the points I noted down was events are about how you make people feel and I think that really was important. It's often something that I always think about when I'm walking away from an event or um, I'm stood there when an event's going on. How are we making the audience feel? What are the bits that they're going to go away with and talk about with their kids, with their grandkids, you know, in terms of an experience that they've had. And the other one, um, that I had from Adam is, is Adam epitomizes, I think everything that we looked at when we started this podcast in that it's about people's journeys. And since the recording he's already moved on to another part of his journey. So I think he's just asking for a recall to do another episode. I'm sure that's what it is. He's just jumped ship and gone somewhere else. But the whole point of this is our journeys continuously change. The more experience we have, the more opportunities we have. You never know where that journey is going to take you. And as I say, I would encourage people to look up Adam on LinkedIn and see where his journey has taken him since the recording. So, okay, that was Adam episode four. Then we, uh, we stayed with the theme of recording with someone abroad. This, ah, time was a little bit closer to home with the wonderful Emma King. Um, now where do I go with this one? Let's Start with Judith this time. Judith with the wonderful Emma King. What. What were your takeaways? Ways.

Speaker E: Well, very apt with it with Emma King that you. You start with myself because, uh, I will open with welcome to Manchester CHS later this year, my hometown, of course, and we can't wait to. To have the show here. So that's great news. Um, but m. Honest, resilient, no nonsense. Really enjoyed this episode. Um, the way she was completely upfront and open about the naivety and governor and how early failures are the best education. And, um, she's just sort of have taken them on the chin, head on and learned from them. And as far as CHS goes. And of course, that was a big career moment for her, taking over and remodeling an existing industry show and turning it into something more commercially viable and differentiated. Um, I know from experience, as many of us will do, the absolute frustration of standing on an exhibition stand and you've got suppliers coming up and pitch slapping you and students filling the boots with. Walking around with carrier bags of freebies and stuff. You know, when you've spent your business, I spent a considerable amount of money for you to be in there. Um, rather than sort of saying, right, no, students, she really sort of turned that on his head, on its head and made it a positive by saying, okay, students, um, you know, of course we want you to come because you order the talent of the future. You. You, the future of this industry. So come and work the show and get some real life experience. So, so really clever, really enjoyed.

Speaker A: Uh, Karen's itching to get in, but I'm gonna make a wait. Indy, come on. I'll give you the opportunity first before we let Karen speak, otherwise you won't get an opportunity.

Speaker D: Thank you. Um, shit sandwich I thought was excellent, and I have taken that on board heavily. Start nice, tackle the issue. And finish. Nice. Um, she really was barking up the right tree with that one. Uh, and just her whole mentality, like with the coaching versus mentoring. I thought it was really interesting to hear her thoughts and her take on that. Um, we go back to creating a really lovely work environment. And I mean, her and Julie's relationship seems absolutely wonderful. And it's so good, you know, going back to sort of Adam's support network, um, and to be able to trust your team, um, and just be brutally honest. You always want brutally honest feedback, although sometimes that can push you over the edge if you're exhausted and a bit broken from a week on site. But it's good to have that because then you know how to, um, put those elements forward for your next event. And, you know, you're always learning, um, which I think from. From her stories, she always is. And she's always looking for ways to sort of improve and excel. Um, I also wrote to give feedback is an honour and to receive is a gift. And. Sorry, uh, I think I might have stolen what Karen was gonna say with that. Um, but truly can agree more.

Speaker A: More.

Speaker D: Uh, that really resonated with me and probably a lot of your listeners. So, uh, yeah, Karen, I'll hand it over to you.

Speaker B: Thanks, darling. Uh, well, I'm still. I'm still laughing at pitch. Laughing. That still makes me laugh, that phrase. Okay. It's making me chuckle. My. But one of my main takeaways from Emma, um, was about taking responsibility for your own learning and development. No one's gonna put you on a course if you don't want to do it, you should. We should be out there saying, I want to learn something, I'm going to go and do it myself. And like, her whole ethos was about learning and development and pre. Improving yourself all the time. So that was a massive takeaway for me. And like, I think if you want to do it, just. Just go and do it. Yeah, the, um, feedback one, obviously we're gonna say that, but, um, you stole that thunder, so don't worry. Um, I think as well, she said about the. She doesn't mind people judging her because it keeps her on her toes. And I thought that's a really hard thing to take, isn't it? Because we all, we, we don't like to be judged. We like to get feedback as long as it's constructive and nice. But then actually it is quite good then to have people tell you things that you don't necessarily want to hear because it does make you improve all the times. I think she constantly strived to improve herself and the show and what she was doing. Um, that came across strong with me, that, yeah, she's. She's a force to be reckoned with, definitely. So I really enjoyed her whole conversation and her energy that. That came from it.

Speaker A: I felt as I was in a school lesson, you know, I. I, uh, really did and it was backed up and you won't have seen this, but in the recording she had all the books that she reads behind it and she was referring to them. And. And I think if you can speak with peers who you value their opinion and feel as though you've been educated while you're having that conversation, I think that's a Real positive place to be. Because we all continue to learn. It doesn't matter what stage of our career we're at, whether we're just entering the industry or whether we've been here for 50 years, you know, we continue to learn. And if we don't evolve with the environments that we're in, we go backwards. And as I said, I felt during my conversation, I was learning whilst I was having the conversation with her. And I think, I mean, you've touched on the bit in terms of the feedback is an honor. And to receive is an absolute gift. And I think from someone who runs an event for people who work in events, that is putting yourself out there, that really is a strength to be able to ask for the feedback for the professionals that you are, uh, your peers. And to open yourself up to receive that feedback and learn from that feedback to ensure that you are, uh, continuing to develop the program. And the offer that you're giving, I think is a real strength. And I praise the CHS team and Emma for doing that consistently in terms of. Because I've seen the development. I've seen the development of that CHS program since it started. And like you, Judith, I'm really looking forward to the Manchester launch. I think it was. Was. It's going to be a real show showstopper for that region. And I think by bringing it both of the programs together, I think that will drive them from strength to strength. So, yeah, I thank Emma from the bottom of my heart in terms of the time that she took out while she was sunning it across there in Spain. And we were during the recording. I know that the misery. It was miserable weather where I was during the recording, so there was no jealousy at all. I. I promise you. So as I suck that up, I will, uh, I will wait and we'll move on to the final episode of the season. And Karen is definitely going last here because all I have had since this last recording is, oh, Roger. Oh, how. Oh, Roger's voice. Oh, Roger. So we're gonna leave her to last. And, um, in this, I will hopefully come to you for more than. Oh, Roger.

Speaker D: I mean, his voice was brilliant and it sounds very on brand for Karen to comment on this. Um, so, yes, Roger, uh, if you are listening to this episode and you would like to career pivot, I do suggest you go into voice acting or audiobooks, something wonderful like that. Um, but, yeah, I think it was so fascinating to hear his journey and to hear the roles that he's taken on, um, to be so high up on the ranks at the Excel. And um, to hear about his father's journey. Um, it was really lovely to hear about all of the work that his dad did at the nec, even when the NEC just opened. Like what an amazing part of history that is. Um, and um, just I think the overall feeling I got listening to Roger was the amount of effort he puts in. So he not only puts the effort into his job and the roles he's doing but even when he's traveling to other countries learning a tiny bit of the language and it doesn't matter if you're going on holiday or if you're working there, it's that's really important to take with you and just not be like a typical sort of stubborn human going abroad and not willing to sort of put any effort in. Um, so he's very headstrong and I'd admire that a lot from him. Uh, so yeah, yeah, what a guy. Um, and just that his job is, you know what he was saying about leading the team um, and morale upwards management. Um, I wrote am I adding value and am I doing the right thing? And I think, I don't think he meant that in a self doubt way but more of a boost in your own confidence way and believe in the things that you are doing in your job and when you're on site. Um, so yeah. What a wonderful man.

Speaker A: Judith, I'm letting you go first. Karen can wait. Come on Judith, you come next.

Speaker E: Well he definitely didn't, didn't come on with a Brummy accent did he? That's for sure. Uh, yeah, I mean you know we're talking a season pro here aren't we? You know it, it doesn't get much higher than being the boss at Excel. So to leave that behind, um, leave a senior leadership role of that level of seniority to launch his own consultancy um, with the absolute self knowledge while he's still fully credible in delivery. You know, ah, the self possession is quite incredible there and fair play to him for that. Um, yeah, I mean what can you say? You know we're all thinking Roger's praises aren't we? You know this 30 year career, um, early exposure to the industry of course and um, again as one of the other speakers labored on it's that saying yes, isn't it? And accelerating your confidence with the sort of, of why now beats one day sort of uh, philosophy. So yeah, absolute um, legend. And it's going to be so interesting to see where, where his consultancy takes him. One can only imagine.

Speaker A: Well I can Tell you that he was abroad when we were recording with him. And whilst we record this episode, he's abroad again in a different country. So he is still mobile in terms of. With the different people that he works with. And I'm going to quickly get in here because I feel wrong not to allow Karen the last words on Roger. So I'll get my points in first. Uh, and. And mine was really the, the generational aspects and India, I know you picked up on that. In terms with his father. And coming from someone who also has a father who worked in events prior to me coming into the sector, the biggest one that I took away was when he was able to take his father back to an event and show him what he'd been working on. And I tell you, from someone who's experienced the same, it really does hit home. It just gives you that sense of pride in terms of I'm doing this my way. But you were a big part of my journey to get to that point. And, uh, yeah, and Roger didn't know that. I didn't even bring it up into the recording. But yeah, that really hit home for me in terms, because I've had that experience of being able to take my father back onto a spot site and show him around what I've been doing. Hey, you'll never get past the fact in terms of them trying to offer you advice and how they would want to do it and things like that, and you take that on the chin. But it's just nice to be able to have that experience and that shared experience with, with someone in the family. And it's probably one of the reasons why all of my daughters have been on the site at some point with me and even my nephew has worked for me previously. You know, just to literally expose them to, to events, expose them to ways of working with different people and communicating with different people. And even if they don't end up in events, I think it's just such a strong environment to try and gain some work experience in. That's it from me. And as I said over to Karen, who can have the last words when it comes to Roger.

Speaker B: Just going to say one sentence. I am in Rogers fan club. If anybody else wants to join, join, just message me and I'll get you into the membership. Because, Roger, great episode. I still, yeah, uh, talking about the importance of having a network to support you as you're going through your career, whether it is in Excel, doing the, um, doing the Olympics or now working for yourself, um, talking about what more can I do to push and promote myself and what I do. Um, and yeah, I think. I think we've. We've all just. Just covered. Covered, um, how fabulous his career is. And then just to see. To take that step now and set up his own consultancy. But there was just so many aspects. But yeah, I'm definitely in his fan club and I think he should have a career move to voiceover work and audiobooks. Great, great episode to end on. Thanks, Roger.

Speaker A: It can maybe do that when it goes to semi retirement when he doesn't want to be as active and on the road as much. You know, it maybe holds that back. You know, keeps it as a school moving forward.

Speaker B: I think, in fact, I'm. I'm going to WhatsApp him now and say, um, I'm setting up your fan club as of tomorrow. So if you've got any of the members, let know.

Speaker A: As long as you don't start asking for photos to be sent to you. You know, that would just be wrong

Speaker B: crossing the line there, wouldn't it?

Speaker D: Oh, she's really taking a turn. All of a sudden she's gonna start printing her own merch.

Speaker A: M. So, uh, moving on. Moving on. What we do ask each of our, uh, guests is we give them the opportunity. We don't force them, but we do give them the opportunity to ask us a question. Question. So it would feel wrong not to put it out there for you as our guests. Our invited guests. If you have anything that you would like to ask Karen or I now is your opportunity. But I'm going to say you're only allowed to ask one question. And it can only be to one of us.

Speaker E: Can I start. Can I jump in with. With one. Um, something that's very, very on point in my sector and. And in all sectors. Um. Are you using AI to help you in events? And if so, how so is that

Speaker A: Karen or to me?

Speaker E: I'd like to hear what both of you have to say if we have time. But, uh, but if it could. If it can only be. Be to one, I will go to you, Jack.

Speaker A: All right. I'll very quickly say AI I think we would be foolish not to explore it. Uh, we're exploring it. We're not relying on it, but we are exploring it. I think it gives you some really useful information that you can utilize. But I would guard yourself in terms of how you use it moving forward. Um, because I think we are built on a human sector and human personalities and the way that we interact with people. I think we still get more out of it if it's. If it feels that human nature. But I think any business would be foolish to dismiss it at this time. Time. So from our stance, we're not dismissing it, we're exploring it.

Speaker E: I agree. Good answer.

Speaker A: Go on, Karen. You want to try and answer quickly?

Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, I'll answer quickly. To be fair, I. I've started to use it like a bit and kind of just get to understand it. But the extent that I use it would be something like helping me initially start a proposal or start a complex email or something I've got to put together to give me a starting point because I think sometimes you just need a bit. Bit of surge of, uh, A, um, surge of direction or kind of ideas. And then I suppose I'm still learning, like, has it got my tone? Would I say it like that? Is that a word I would even use? But it kind of gives a bit of a foundation as to what I'm going to say next. So I think it's definitely worth, like Jack said, definitely worth exploring. It's. It's out there now and people are using it and I think we've got to kind of embrace it, but kind of at your own pace. And like Jack said, like, with. With obvious caution as well. Well.

Speaker A: Okay, Indy, you had time to think of a really easy question for us.

Speaker D: My question is also going to be aimed at you, Jack. Uh, what is your. Sorry, sorry. Um, what is your biggest hurdle you have had to overcome recently on a job? And, and how did you do it? How did you overcome that hurdle? Sorry, it's not a super easy one.

Speaker A: Recent, most recent hurdle hurdle. Um, I think this is where you rely on your network. So we had an issue with graphics on site and event. And I know this is. Sounds a real sort of quick and easy solution, but my phone book was my friend, so it was a difficult scenario. The graphics weren't correct. Uh, the, the details we've been given weren't correct. And it was a telephone call. Someone came straight out to site within 48 hours, which was still 24 hours before the show. We had another graphics installer on site installing the new set of graphics that were required that were the perfect size. So, uh, I do believe in terms of building that those relationships go back again to relationships. I'm sorry. But I do, because this was. What was. What made this even more difficult was the. This was actually not in the uk, so this was actually in North America. So the relationships that you gain. I had this contact in my book, in my phone book, had I. Not. I had a dozen people who I could call, three of them in that area that I was working in, who I could have called and said, I've got a problem. Who do I need to ring in this area for this solution? So I think, uh, the more you can develop your network in terms of. I had a call the other day from someone asking me for advice on someone who could solve something for. For them. And I went through my phone book and said, this is the person I would ring. Tell them that it's me that's telling. You know, telling you to contact them. They won't let you down. So you stake in your own relationship when you are suggesting someone from your phone book. Um, so, yeah, that's kind of a quick and easy one in terms of. It's not the most glamorous one, but that was the problem. We've solved it by the use of a phone book and the relationships we've developed.

Speaker C: Thank you.

Speaker A: You go on. You've got. You've got to make Karen answer as well. You can't just direct it at me.

Speaker D: Oh, Karen, she's really. Go on, then. Just give me something. And you can't say your biggest hurdle is working with me in Amsterdam, because that's. I'm not welcoming that one.

Speaker B: I was going to say that. Well, we won't talk about that because there was a big hurdle on there I had to go overcome on the last day. But I think. I think I'm through it now. Anyway. No, I was going to say that, um, towards the end of last year, uh, I was part of an event delivery and the person that we got as our host wasn't the greatest person to host the event. And they, on paper, they looked great, but when they got there, actually, they were a bit out of their depth. And so my role, as long as I kind of run in the event and do and all that kind of jazz that I do, it was making sure this person was okay and kind of when they came off stage, was giving them like, a little breathing space, like, it's okay, it's going well. We've got this much time left. This is what's coming up. Why don't we do a pause here? Um, because you could tell that this person was just not comfortable with the situation. And, um, I suppose maybe not a hurdle, but I think I felt like my role there was to make this person calm in this situation because they were leading the show and we had to have them on point delivering. So just to step in and take a few Minutes, minutes to walk them to side of stage, back on again, say it's okay. Come on, let's do this, do that. Just, uh, just so you know, then the rest of the event is, Is going to be smooth. Um, so, yeah, ah, that. That's probably my, my best one, but kind of a different angle for me M. That more like the human aspect of it, not just going through time, time, time, time, time going actually take a second. Let's just put a pause in here. No one's gonna know. Let. Let them carry on eating and then we'll come back on again. Um, but I think that, you know, when you're, when you're a planner, you've got to a. Have. Have quite a big human side and recognize when things and when somebody's not quite. Quite as they should be and just kind of step in and make sure they're okay.

Speaker A: Okay. Questions Done. I think we, we got through it, Karen. We're all right. We got through that one.

Speaker D: That was beautiful as. It was beautiful because you both actually, it was all related to your relationships on site and your networking and, and whether that be, you know, a graphic supplier or some sort of pastoral care that you have to. To get. Give. Um, and, um, I think the overarching theme is to just don't be a dick, uh, because you will always need the people around you to deliver an event, um, whether that be, you know, just helping someone through a mental health moment or helping a supplier supply something. So, uh, I loved both those answers. Thank you.

Speaker A: And I think what you, what you said there, Andy, is perfect in terms of you will work with people that you don't like, but it doesn't mean you can't be professional. Professional. And as long as you're not a dick, you know, you can actually work together to get a project done. Uh, you don't have to write. Write to them and become a pen pal with them. You know, it doesn't have to happen. You just need to get the job done. So be professional and let's, let's leave it at that. Let's leave it, uh, and don't be a dick.

Speaker D: Is that the tagline?

Speaker A: Let's go to our, uh, uh, Quickfire sponsor and then we'll have a bit of fun to finish. Finish with.

Speaker G: The Lewis foundation is proud to partner on the Quick Fire round on the Events Inside podcast. Our charity, the Lewis foundation, sources packages and hand delivers free gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals and within the community across the Midlands every week. These carefully chosen items are things Patients may struggle to buy themselves or simply cannot afford. And this brings comfort and moments of happiness during an extremely difficult time time. Please visit www.the LewisFoundation.co.uk or email us at HelloIsFoundation uh.co.uk for ways to get involved.

Speaker B: Right, ladies, so now what we're doing is just a little bit of fun. You may have heard it, it's our quick fire writing. So this is where we're going to get to know you a little bit better. So it's just, just some fun questions. I'm going to ask you both a different question so we can get lots of different answers from you. And just say the first thing that comes into your head. Doesn't matter what it is. Are you ready?

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker E: Ready as I'll ever be. Yeah.

Speaker B: Amazing. Right? So, Judith, to you first. What is your favourite Disney character?

Speaker E: Oh, uh, Sleeping Beauty.

Speaker B: Indeed. What's the last thing you bought from the supermarket?

Speaker D: Cheese.

Speaker B: What kind of cheese?

Speaker D: Manchego.

Speaker B: Nice, nice. Judith, what is your karaoke song?

Speaker E: What's Going on by Four Non Blondes.

Speaker B: I like that one. You can get into that. Give that somewhere, Lee. Okay.

Speaker E: Yeah. The high notes are very high, though.

Speaker B: Um, Indy, what was your favourite subject at school?

Speaker D: Drama.

Speaker B: Judith, what was the first career you dreamed of having as a child?

Speaker E: I either wanted to be an actress or a florist. Random, Randomly random.

Speaker A: I thought about floristry as well. I just put it out there. At one stage I thought about floristry.

Speaker B: Well, when, when you retire, you can do that. Jack on the side. Um, indeed. Skydive or bungee jump?

Speaker D: Oh, God, neither. Probably skydive. But I'd have to be pushed.

Speaker B: Pushed and attached to somebody gorgeous.

Speaker D: Yeah, yeah, exactly. Exactly that.

Speaker B: Judith, if you didn't have to work, what would you do with your time?

Speaker E: I would look after cats. And, um, have lots of spa time too.

Speaker B: I like that idea. Lots of spa time. Now, I'm going to ask you both the same question, one after the other. Indeed. Do you have pint on your pizza? Yes or no?

Speaker D: No. No. But I don't judge anyone that does.

Speaker B: Okay, nice answer. And Judith, to yourself.

Speaker E: No, thank you. No,

Speaker B: we will at some point meet you. I mean, I've already met Indy and had several drinks with Indy, but Jack's got to buy the next round. So, Judith, when we meet, what is Jack gonna buy you?

Speaker E: Oh, pina colada, please.

Speaker B: I like it, I like it.

Speaker D: And Indy, um, as I'm in the Italian theme after my holiday aperol. Spritz, please. Ideally, Not a glass, but a jug. Thank you, Jack.

Speaker B: And a straw. Judith, what is your. What. What animal would you be and why?

Speaker E: I would be a tabby. Cat. I've already mentioned cat. I'm absolutely a mad cat lady. Um, tabbies are the very cheeky, cheeky, cheeky chappies of the cat world. They. They rock my world. They have this perception of being far greater things than they actually are. And, um, they make me laugh. So, yeah, tabby indeed.

Speaker B: What would your walk on music be?

Speaker D: Oh, gosh, um, good question. Country music. Dolly Parton themed? 9 to 5, probably, or something fun and upbeat.

Speaker B: You just got one more each. Now, um, Judith, would you rather go into the future or back to the past?

Speaker E: Oh, back to the past, as I would love to visit. I'd love to go back to the King Henry VIII court and, um, also Studio 54 in New York. Again, random.

Speaker B: Random. Well, that's fine, isn't it?

Speaker G: It's good.

Speaker B: Last one, then. Twindy. On an event, what is the one thing you can't be without that's not your phone?

Speaker D: My power bar to supply power to

Speaker B: my phone and myself.

Speaker G: There we go.

Speaker B: Brilliant. Thanks, ladies. That was fascinating. Thank you, ladies.

Speaker A: Yeah. Ladies, um, thanks ever so much. We appreciate your ongoing support with the podcast. Anyway, the fact that we've been able to get you on, and as I said to the very beginning, our, uh, guests really do love hearing the feedback. But what we've also found is it's not just our guests that listen to the feedback. It's. It's actually our listeners. You know, the. The listener habits are changing in terms of podcasts, and I don't know whether you've seen that yourself, but we get a lot of people who come on listening and actually give us feedback and said, oh, we listen to the rap first, and then we went back and listened to the episodes that we thought would be most, you know, interesting for us. So that's. That's really nice to hear. So having the support of you and the time that you've taken out to come and join us is really, is appreciated. So thank you ever so much.

Speaker D: Thank you so much.

Speaker E: Not at all. Thanks for having me.

Speaker B: Pleasure. Loved it.

Speaker E: The Events Inside podcast is brought to you in partnership with Standout Magazine, the leading publication for event professionals. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget

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