In our latest 'Getting to Know' feature - proudly sponsored by our friends at VisitBritain, we caught up with independent event professional Andy Edwards who has been in the industry for 18 years. Andy has a BA Honours degree in Event & Hospitality Management and is an an expert specialist in entertainment, team building & theming requirements. Throughout his career he has been fortunate enough to have worked on some terrific events across the globe, winning awards such as C&IT Best Energy & Utility Eventn
Q: In a nutshell, tell us the about your services and the some of the industries you’ve freelanced for?
A: I offer full project, event management and additional consultancy services; including production, team building & entertainment consultancy to best meet your event needs.My experience has led me in many different event directions; working closely with blue chip automobile, media & financial businesses, as well high-end customer led events in the cruise industry.
Q: How did you get started in the events industry?
A: I spent my initial years in hotels before working in the States as a rooms controller & entertainment manager! I then graduated at the University of Gloucestershire studying Event & Hospitality Management, subsequently moving into the agency world as a venue finding consultant. In time, moving up the ladder to Team Manager, and then solely into events in 2011, where I haven’t looked back!
Q: Most memorable moment working as a freelancer?
A: Only this year I took a short break from the industry to enjoy travelling through South East Asia. Whilst travelling I was given the opportunity to start my freelancing career early by entirely managing a ‘Back to the 80’s’ festival in Bali for a high-end cruise customer. I only had basic equipment, including a laptop, to operate such large event logistics. A huge amount of work, but eventually paying off considerably and my customer & guests were ecstatic with the final results - a truly memorable & monumental moment in my career.
Q: Best location you’ve worked at?
A: I have been lucky enough to work all over the globe. Destination wise, I would say either Bali because of its sheer beauty and people, or South Korea as it was truly fascinating, and culturally, very different to work in.
Q: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself when you first started out in the events world?
A: Not to panic, don’t rush into things too quickly, and don’t be afraid of getting things wrong as you only learn and get stronger from them.
You can contact Andy here:
Email: Andy@The-Event-House.com
Website: www.The-Event-House.com
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theeventhouseconsultancy/about/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/theeventhouseconsultancy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheEventHouse
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