By Mike Large
It’s now been 6 months since I started as Deputy Venue Manager at the Yorkshire Event Centre and I’m loving every minute. We have a great team of talented people working on sales (finding and contracting the events) and operations (making the events happen), who all contribute to the clients in equal measure.
As a newcomer to the events industry; I have spent time learning about both sides of the team. I’ve seen how hard our sales team work to bring in new and exciting events and I have learnt countless new operational skills from Richard and Colin, whose experience provides a great platform from which to learn.
I joined the YEC at a very exciting time with the new Hall 1 opening just before I started. My timing seems to have been perfect; as Richard regularly reminds me I did not have to deal with the difficulties of the temporary structure or temporary office (I’m very lucky apparently!). The new hall is a great place to work, all the facilities are top notch and we even won an award for our toilets. And before you ask, YES, they actually do give awards for the best toilets!
It’s natural to be nervous on your first day in a new job, but the fact that I’d left a job in retail to try something completely new really put an edge on it for me. However, I needn’t have worried. The whole team made me feel very welcome and I must have met 50 new, friendly faces on my first day. I was keen to get my first show under my belt and prove to the team and myself that I could successfully manage an event. My first event was the Great Create Extravaganza in August, and I was very happy when it ran without any hiccups and the organisers left very satisfied.
The highlight of the first 6 months has to be a very busy November as we hosted back to back events including 2 fantastic dinners. The new hall looked incredible and I think everyone who attended had a great time. I am now looking forward to the opportunities and challenges facing me in 2017. The sales team have worked extremely hard in securing some exciting new events, which I’m sure will be a great success. I look forward to seeing you all at some of our events over the next 12 months; please come and say hello
