The Ops Nest

Born and bred in East London, both my parents are from Jamaica, but I sadly lost my father 25yrs ago to cancer. I’ve been fortunate to have had a full working career since 18yrs old. I’m loyal, warm, extremely independent, it would take a lot to knock me down and not brush myself off! I’m professional and dedicated, can’t be dealing with sitting about and laziness, got to be on the go.

I’d be ‘Super Wise’ - know when to comment, observe, then act accordingly.

DSEI 2015! It’s critical how much communication is important in terms of handing information over from one Event Manager to another. It was my first year working on the event and there were a lot of elements unknown to me. The struggle was real but my strong relationship with the client and team got me through, which I really appreciated. I went on to venue manager this event until Sept 2019.

So Beautiful’ but not so beautiful! A hair/beauty event. The client had not undertaken any marketing to promote the event, which in turn meant no visitors or VERY few visitors to the event. An everlasting memory, when you are opening a show and don’t want to do the general walkaround as you know exhibitors are going to jump on you for answers, as they just see the venue as the issue in these circumstances. Lesson: some organisers vary in experience and lack what is required to launch an event. You sometimes need to second think for them, as a successful event for the client is also a successful event for the venue. Don’t take for granted that your customer/client knows what they are doing, but support and identify weaknesses in a polite professional manner. Be patient.

Keeps me connected with colleagues and industry friends. The information is invaluable, plus it is an open and honest forum with trusted members. Ops Nest was definitely my saviour through lockdown especially when placed on furlough.

Don’t automatically think you will get the 3 G’s: glory, glamour, and gratitude, but it is hugely rewarding when you have worked really hard on an event and seeing the end result regardless of what it took to get there. You really must have a passion for the industry.

Continuity of Event Managers or Venue! You could ask the same question to 3 people and get 3 different responses!

Be careful what you wish for! This is based on a request I had to challenge myself as a manager and one came around which I didn’t want to deal with but had to. Managing people is never easy and your style must be flexible. You cannot treat each person in the same way, it costs nothing to listen.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-stewart-9701a8b9