How did you find your way into the events industry?
I joined the marketing and communication industry as a strategist just before the Internet took off 17 years ago.
Before that I had been expatriated to Hong Kong in 1992 to lead the Asian operations in another industry. Yet I was resolute to be part of a creative and innovative force that had an impact on our society and the Internet made that possible. From this great career change, I quickly specialised in experiential marketing.
What’s your responsibilities at WRG?
I lead the Asian offices for WRG, a global and independent live communication group that shapes memorable experiences for some of the world’s most ambitious people and organisations.
How many events do you handle on average each year?
I cover about 35 corporate events in Asia, with audiences ranging from 100 to 20,000 in size.
What is your most memorable job-related incident?
We did a gala for presidents of large global banks in Mumbai. Despite being secret, the stay of a foreign head of state in the same five-star hotel sparked street demonstrations. The show had to go on. After hours of negotiation with the police, we broke the curfew and lifted our equipment through every third-floor window to make up for time. Staying calm is a must when facing the unexpected.
What advice would you give to someone looking to come into events management?
Curiosity matters above all. To get ahead you will need to stand out in a very competitive marketplace. Aim to attain technical and marketing knowledge.
Take time to volunteer to obtain small and large hands-on experience for any events such as charity.
Try being a guest of both physical and virtual events to see how it feels. And finally, don’t specialise too early to
allow for a broader range of skills and experiences to be developed.
