The Venues team work for all in-house business sectors, who are in effect our clients. We see the conference organisers as the “Head” and we are the “Hands”. They come up with the research and content for the show and we put it into practice.
We are the point of contact for our clients, exhibitors, and contractors should they have any venue related queries, and vice versa from the venues’ perspective. We are responsible for finding and booking the venues and secondary suppliers (i.e. AVs, designers) and dealing with all the operational aspects of the scheduled event, including the smooth operation of the event when it happens. Multi-tasking is the key as we can often be working on up to 3 shows in one month and we have no time for mistakes. Attention to detail is a must.
Once a show has been given the go-ahead, we then work alongside a sales manager, our accounts team, customer services and the conference organiser. We’re responsible for regularly communicating on the progress of the show as well as updating budgets and negotiating with suppliers. When we’ve selected a venue for a show, we’re in control of all the operational elements of that show, and will be the main point of contact from then on. We work with a variety of Venues, ranging from 4 or 5* hotels to Convention Centres for larger shows.
Criteria for the Venues Team
• Team player- we work with clients and suppliers from all around the world so you should expect that attitudes to work can differ. Patience is the key.
• Attention to detail- an understanding of the event is crucial. We aim to think out of the box and see the event as a jigsaw where we create the pieces to make it all come together.
• Problem solver- a lot of our job is creating solutions to problems. We want someone who is able to think on their feet in unfamiliar surroundings. The ability to stay calm in situations like this, is essential.
• Negotiator- rule # 1 in Venues is that we never accept the first price that is given to us. We need a strong individual who isn’t scared to ask for the earth, and more!
• Working to a budget- you must understand the importance of minimalising all costs and being able to record the information in company sales reports.
• Strong administrator- must be highly organised both in yourself and co-ordinating others, to ensure overall deadlines are met.
• Motivation- able to work independently and take responsibility for all aspects of the job in hand. We want you to take ownership of your events to make them successful.
Jo Lamontaigne
Venues/Production manager
