How did your career journey begin in the events industry?

My career in the events industry began many years ago when I joined Informa, working in conference management. I was then fortunate to move into a start-up focused on financial services events, where we ran conferences in Paris and Hong Kong. After that, I moved into the exhibition world and worked on Sibos, a major global financial services exhibition. I then spent a short period with a general contracting firm before moving into corporate events, joining an agency that specialised in the automotive sector. Now, I am thrilled to be back in the tradeshow world, reconnecting with many of the same people I worked with 10 to 15 years ago.

What attracted you to Jonas Event Technology and this opportunity?

I was drawn to JET for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we have a truly innovative product suite and a loyal customer base that has been with us for many years. Secondly, the team here is tremendous, enthusiastic, experienced and genuinely committed to putting the customer first. We recently worked on defining our corporate values, which include Customer First, Together Forward, Excellence and Warmth. I think these really capture what it is like to work here.

What have you achieved in your role so far?

Since joining the business in March, I have been able to put my own stamp on things. We have moved into a new office and introduced a new senior leadership team, including our Operations Director, Neil. We have also launched our new self-serve solution. While I cannot take credit for the innovation behind it, I am delighted that it has already supported a number of successful events, marking the next step in our evolution as a business.

In such a competitive market, it is crucial that our products remain current and relevant. Alongside this, I have been developing our longer-term vision and strategy. We recognise that future organisers will want more than registration and badging solutions, they will need access to data and analytics. That is where we are focusing our efforts, and we have some exciting developments coming to market very soon.

If you were not in this industry, what career would you have pursued?

When I was little, I wanted to be an actress, and later I wanted to be a writer. In many ways, this job involves a bit of both. If I was not in the events industry, I think I would have followed one of those paths.

Do you have a favourite book, podcast, or quote that inspires you?

I am a big fan of audiobooks, particularly those offering business insights. At the moment, I am listening to Endless Customers and Unreasonable Hospitality, both of which provide brilliant advice on running a business in our sector.

As for mottos, I have two. The first is “the longest day is only 24 hours”, reminding me that things always feel better in the morning. The second is “the darkest hour is just before the dawn”, which I think is especially relevant in the events industry. Stressful situations will always pass, and we always find a way through them.

How do you like to unwind outside of work?

With two lively teenagers at home, unwinding can be a challenge. When I do get the chance, I enjoy a nice glass of wine, sitting in the garden, and listening to good music.

What is something interesting about you that people might not know?

When I was 12, I had the chance to meet the Queen Mother and present her with flowers. What I remember most was being at least four inches taller than her. Another thing people may not know is that I have a tattoo of a bird on my shoulder.