What makes a great events manager? Attention to detail for sure, creativity and innovation, definitely, and someone with positive interpersonal skills? Absolutely. But In today’s virtual world, you also need somebody with the ability to pick up new platforms and technologies with ease, someone who isn’t afraid to jump right in and learn something new.
You need that person to be flexible as things won’t always go to plan, i.e a physical event turning virtual at the last minute. The ability to stay calm, level-headed whilst seeking to solve any problems that may arise.
Meet Jodi Newton. Since 2019 she has been our (excuse the pun) designated events manager. With over 25 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Jodi has helped numerous clients create and execute both virtual and in-person events, achieving their goals in a smooth and seamless fashion.
From being a key liaison during the early years of the MOBO awards while working at the New Connaught Rooms through to holding conference and banqueting manager roles at some of London’s top hotels. Jodi has likely seen it all. (If you ever speak to her in person, do ask her about the time she had to fire Santa!)
We asked Jodi about her favourite events moments during her career, she told us:
“One of my career highlights has to be being involved in the MOBO awards when they first started at the New Connaught Rooms. For two years in a row, I was their main contact, liaising with the organisers and ensuring that the Operations team had all the information they needed to make the event run smoothly – including dealing with celebrity performers with some very particular demands! It was thrilling watching the event grow into such a huge success over the following years, knowing that we had played an important part in helping them establish their name.
After several years working in Central London hotels and venues, I joined a construction company and organised all their events, from a client lunch for 10 people to a staff weekend away for 200. I loved the new challenges that came from working on behalf of the client instead of the venue. My highlight has to be organising our company’s 10th anniversary, a lavish dinner dance at stunning Banqueting House. For me, there is no better feeling than walking into a room and seeing that everything is in place, everything goes well, and everyone has a fantastic time, knowing how hard I’ve worked to make it happen.”
We also asked Jodi what she feels the events Industry will look like post-pandemic:
“I’m feeling positive about the events industry for the coming year overall. Covid continues to have a varying effect in different countries, but I do believe the UK Events industry will continue to recover, both for work and leisure.
The pandemic has driven an exponential increase, and improvement, in virtual event technologies and these will still have a place in the future. However, there will always be an appetite for travel and for physically being in the same space as other people, and so hybrid events are here to stay.”
At Designated, Jodi has several, regular clients that she organises and executes events for. The fact they keep returning to work with Jodi, speaks volumes.
Designated, a lifesaver for sure!
When Covid 19 hit, the format of all the corporate events at WOB NexGen had to change imminently to meet the dynamic needs of our global corporate partners. The challenge was primarily to switch our in-house workshops, talks and events over to remote hybrid platforms without compromising quality and content. With the swift intervention of Designated and Jodi Newton in particular, we were able to seamlessly move from one to the next.
Jodi stepped into the multi-faceted role with ease and the necessary professionalism we required to assure our partners that it was business as usual. She has become an integral part of our corporate team who independently manages the planning, execution, and follow-up of all our events.
Ancia Cronje, WOB NexGen, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Read the full Women on Boards case study
If you are planning a virtual or in-person, live event and are looking for additional events and/or marketing support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. michelle@designatedgroup.com
