Matt started with Jonas Event Technology nearly 10 years ago, initially joining the technical team to help build the web registration forms. Since then he has moved into operations and the preparation of the onsite kit and since our re-brand in early 2017, he has led the marketing efforts with the aims of getting the Jonas Event Technology name out there…

When did you join JET?

February 2013

What’s your career history?

I initially went to University to become a PE teacher, but after a period spent travelling I joined JET in 2013 after learning a bit of code and deciding I wanted to become a web developer. I didn’t ever end up doing that, but I have had a varied time here with both technical and operations roles before focusing on marketing.

Where are you based?

I have always lived in Banbury, Oxfordshire, which is famous (although not really that famous) for the Banbury Cross (you may have heard the nursery rhyme about a fine lady upon a white horse). The best part about Banbury is the location, right by the M40 and pretty central in the UK, with the Cotswold’s on our doorstep.

What have been your impressions of the events industry?

There is an event for everything and anything. Whatever industry you work in, you can be sure that there is an event out there where you can build your network, find new suppliers and improve your knowledge of the industry.

If you were going to run an event, what would it be?

My biggest passion is football, so I’d have some football related event. I know Soccerex is already out there so I’d have to come at it from a different angle… not quite sure what that would be yet though.

First song bought?

The classic Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)!

The song you’d sing at karaoke?

I am quite possibly the worst singer you’d ever hear, so I have adopted the tactic of choosing rap songs… I once had to perform a song at a party and chose ‘Don’t Stop The Party’ by Pitbull… there may be video evidence out there…

Worst job you’ve had (hopefully not this one 😉)?

I’ve been quite fortunate and only worked at a few different places, none of which have been terrible. I did spend quite a bit of my time working at Focus D.I.Y making sure the paint cans were all facing the right way which is anything but exciting…

Favourite Film?

Groundhog Day or Forrest Gump.

Who would play you in a movie?

I often get told I look like Tyson Fury (not that he’s much of an actor), so basically any generic bald guy would do a decent job.

Favourite Food?

Since 2015 I’ve been vegetarian so many of my previous favourite foods are no longer allowed. It would have been Buffalo chicken wings or a burger, but as I can’t have them… some Middle Eastern or Greek cuisine always goes down well.

Favourite Drink?

I do quite like blood orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime so something that includes these… whether that is a gin & tonic or some sort of craft beer. Alternatively, just a nice cold lager on a hot day.

Favourite Holiday/Place to go on holiday?

I stayed on a horse farm in rural Uruguay which is probably the most relaxed place I’ve ever visited. If I ever go missing, I’ll probably be there.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

I was meant to be going to Japan for my honeymoon but the pandemic cancelled that. It’s still top of my list, however, since we’ve now had a child I might have to wait 18 years or so to get there!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Sport, especially playing 5-a-side football… I retired from 11-a-side more than a few years ago. If there is any excuse for a chance to play some sport or a game, you can count me in.

What one thing could you never give up?

I’m always trying to lessen my use of it, but it’d be my phone… I’m addicted to the fact I can get an answer to anything immediately and the frustration at not being able to do that would really bug me.

Your biggest achievement?

Visiting 34 of the 50 US states. 16 to go…

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I once went to six different theme parks in six consecutive days.