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How did you get that job?
Name: Gilly Bain Job title: Freelance Event Manager Company: YOURgb When did you start your job? I have been in the events industry since 2005 and took the leap to go solo and launch YOURgb in July 2010.
So what does your job actually involve? It involves creativity, variety, contacts, logistics, decision making, learning, paperwork, pressure, travel, multitasking, red tape, laughing, mucking in, listening, giving advice, contingency planning, flexibility, risk assessments and more laughing . . . I
created YOURgb in direct response to six years of event feedback collated from my clients about what they felt worked in their event planning process, as opposed to what they felt didn’t achieve the end goal. The feedback was consistent, in that it was unfailingly different. All clients are unique and as such should be treated in an individual way. It was this realisation that gave me the push I needed and YOURgb was created to the resonant cry of “let’s do things differently, because we are all different, aren’t we?” Or something along those lines. There are a few elements that are always involved in event management, no matter what the
event: legislation, policy, procedure, health & safety, risk assessment, red tape and terms & conditions. However, event management on the whole isn’t formulaic. Every event, the planning involved, and every client differs and because of this, I adapt. I design bespoke event management plans around the individuals I work with. Operating as an extension to my clients’ teams, I can take the reigns and ride their events into the sunset sharing their saddle, or I can stand in the shadows and covertly manage and protect them. So, it’s tricky for me to tell you what I 'do'. I can tell you what I don't 'do': weddings. No thank you. Unless you would like it to be quirky, with a nice budget . . . then maybe . . . I digress. YOURgb events range from media parties, tour management, conferences, incentive trips and award ceremonies to press conferences, product launches, theatre productions and experiential marketing. My clients can be found in a variety of industries including media, publication, public sector, record label, financial, motorcycle, pharmaceutical, entertainment, electric vehicle, PR, energy and theatre. Best / Worst Aspects? Best - I simply love what I do and I am passionate about it. I get opportunities to draw on my theatrical experience. Every element is relationship driven, the
connections I have made with clients and
suppliers have been inspiring. Worst – YOURgb is founded upon transparency;
I do hate the whiff of subterfuge.
Looking back, what advice
would you give to a young Gilly at the start of her career? Don’t
lose heart. I remember that feeling. The one where your stomach flips, your top
lip starts to perspire, the colour drains
from your face and all you can do is bow your head and stare at your keyboard. We
ALL make mistakes, thankfully these days they are few and far between
(phewf). I do wish the ‘experienced me’
had been there, every now and then, to put my hand on my shoulder and say,
‘don’t worry – there is nothing that can’t
be fixed, you will find a way around it and although you won’t believe it now,
you’ll laugh about this in a few years.’
And finally . . . what are you most looking forward to in
2011? What could top working with
The List?! I’m feeling positive and loving
the work I have on. I have some press events scheduled in the coming months
and some creative proposals out for
tender, so we shall see . . . Keep in touch
with me on Twitter! @YOURgb.
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