Nathaniel Jackson
Events Manager at the Institute of Chartered Foresters
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanieljackson1/

As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.

After receiving his BA Hons degree in Theatre from Dartington College of Arts, Nathaniel fell into a career in Hospitality, working in various medium and high end restaurants in the UK and then in Melbourne, Australia.  Whilst he was there Nathaniel had the opportunity to start working on internal and external events which ignited a passion in him.  So, on his return to the UK he sought out opportunities in the event sector and within a couple of years Nathaniel was Conference and Events MICE Sales Manager.  Then, when looking for a new challenge he took on an Events Manager role in the Charity Sector where he could take more ownership of events.  Working as the Events Manager for the Institute of Chartered Forester brings a variety of challenges through a varied event calendar they run everything from large International Conferences to Study Tours where they get outside into the woods.

Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A Working for a Professional Body myself, I can really see the value of guided continued professional development and look forward to setting myself targets to further my knowledge and skill within the field.

Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A I believe that membership of the IEM will help to guide me, to grow my network and eventually to become chartered, which will be a sort after status in the years to come.

Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
A Difficult question, however, I cannot imagine working in any other industry.  I would suggest that I will be continuing to pursue my two passions, Event Management and the Environment.  I believe that the industry will emerge from the current crisis stronger than before as we embrace technology and make hybrid and digital events the way of the future.

Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A One of my favourite memories goes right back to the beginning when I was working in a wedding venue.  I’d been helping to plan the big day for a hearing impaired couple, both of whom had been born without hearing and struggled to read lips.  During our important meetings we had an interpreter with us to help us communicate.  The experience alone was enough to teach me a lot, not just about the disability, but also about the importance of other types of communication.  On the day of the wedding, there were unfortunately some service issues. However, I had taken it upon myself to learn some basic sign language, just enough to tell the bride that she looked beautiful and to congratulate them both.  I had not anticipated the reaction to this as both the bride and groom were delighted, the surprise and gratitude on their faces has stuck with me for years and served to remind me that even if things aren’t going to plan, most things can be fixed with effective communication.