Freelance Event Manager

What is a freelance event manager?

A freelance event manager is someone who is available to work for different companies and on different projects on a flexible as-and-when basis. Your organisation can employ me when you need an extra pair of hands – either in the planning stages, on site at the event, or once the event is over.

What sort of projects do you work on?

I have a great deal of experience (see my portfolio for more information) of working on all sorts of events. I have been a professional event manager since 1999 and a freelance event manager since the end of 2006. I have managed exhibition stands, conferences, meetings and dinners, as well as outdoor events, concerts, festivals and social action events. My biggest skill is as an event logistics manager, production manager or infrastructure manager.

What’s the biggest project you’ve worked on?

It depends how you look at it:

  • Biggest number of people (outdoor event): 22,500 people (weekend festival with campsite)
  • Biggest number of people (conference event): c. 15,000 people (although I reguarly manage conferences of between 1,000 and 3,000 people)
  • Biggest budget (for which I’ve been entirely responsible): approx £300,000 (corporate tour)
  • Highest profile (infrastructure manager): Archbishop of Canterbury Walk of Witness (featured on Sky News, BBC News, Local and National press.)

What do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy working on all types of event, from smaller conference and training days to the more complicated and complex, multi-venue indoor and outdoor events – the more complex the better! I enjoy the challenge of working with different types of clients on their events and making a success of the more complicated requirements. I enjoy the planning stages of the event, making sure that all of the paperwork is correct and keeping track of the budget – but there is nothing better than standing back and saying ‘I did that’!

How can you help my project?

If you are looking for someone to work on an event, chances are that I can help you. I work on all aspects of the event, from finding venues, managing the delegate bookings and dealing with technical (lighting, sound, video, power) contractors. I have a large network of colleagues and contractors with whom I have worked many times. I am happy to recommend contractors for your event, or work with those that you are already partnered with. My particular skill lies in the booking, management, roll-out and de-rig of concert, festival and event infrastructure such as marquees, big tops, fencing, staging and toilet units. This can be from a single marquee to multiple venues spread over many acres.

Why shouldn’t I just employ someone?

Whether you are looking at a long or short term project, it can often be more cost effective to hire a freelancer than to employ a member of staff. For starters, I will only cost you money when I am working on your project. You don’t have to pay me for days off, sick days or holidays. You don’t have to provide me with a computer, telephone or pay for my mobile calls. Nor do you have to pay for insurance for me as I’m covered by my own public liability insurance. The daily rate that I quote you will include everything – all you have to provide is food, accommodation and cover my travel expenses.

Do you have any qualifications?

  • BA (Hons) Event Management – UK Centre for Events Management (Leeds Metropolitan University) (2004)
  • IOSH Managing Safely (2008)
  • Public Liability Insurance – £5million

Who have you managed events for?

Since 1999 I have worked on many hundreds of events in every capacity from car parker to senior event manager. Indirectly or directly I have provided event management services to:

  • Microsoft EMEA (for BBL)
  • Microsoft US (for BBL)
  • Microsoft UK (for BBL)
  • Samsung Europe (for BBL)
  • The Audit Commission (direct)
  • The Carbon Trust (for BBL)
  • The Methodist Church (for Affinity Events)
  • Christian Aid (for Affinity Events)
  • KCM (for Affinity Events)
  • The Anglican Communion (for Affinity Events)
  • ACEVO (for Affinity Events)
  • A Quick Sale Limited (for Affinity Events)
  • Greenbelt Festivals (for Event & Management Services)
  • Legoland (for Affinity Events)
  • Ultimate Events (Alton Towers) (for Affinity Events)

Where do you work?

I work all over the UK and for the first time in 2008 ventured into Europe. I have worked at most of the major UK venues in the UK including:

  • NEC Birmingham
  • NIA Birmingham
  • eXcel London
  • Olympia London
  • Earls Court London
  • Docklands Arena
  • Cheltenham Racecourse
  • Millennium Stadium Cardiff
  • Leeds Victoria Gardens
  • Clapham Common London
  • Birmingham Science Centre
  • The Meadows Edinburgh
  • Coopers Field Cardiff
  • Nottingham Arena

For more information, to download my CV or to get in touch, please visit the contact page.