Point of View: Ashley Garlick
Dr Ashley Garlick
Senior Lecturer in Event Management at University of West London
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleygarlick/
As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.
Ashley is a Senior Lecturer in Event Management at the University of West London, where he teaches subjects that include event planning and operations, venue management, emergency planning, and the role of events in society. He has a PhD in strategic practice and his current research is looking at how leaders can embed strategy in organisations and developing a shared understanding of risk. His professional background is in the management of live music events and licensed retail, especially student events and Students’ Unions, and he still regularly volunteers at a range of live music, festival, and sporting events every year.
Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A Most of my working life has been spent supporting students in some way, whether as customers, staff, and now students. It should therefore come as no surprise that I am passionate about seeing people grow and develop. For far too long we’ve needed an organisation that can facilitate the growth and development of the industry and create a space where event professionals can network, learn, and share good practice. For as long as I can remember, we have talked about a single body taking on this mantle and so I am excited to see the Institute of Event Management finally become a reality.
Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A The last 25 years has seen the emergence of events as a profession and the growth of an industry that is a significant and vital contributor to a modern economy. However, the varied nature of events means it is often seen through the lens of individual sectors. As such, it does not get the credit or influence it deserves. For this to happen, we need to come together as one industry and raise our collective voices, both in advocating to the public and influencing policy makers. In doing so, we get to learn from each other and celebrate the wonderful diversity that exists across the many different events we stage. The Institute is the vehicle to help make this happen, and so it’s important we all get involved.
Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years’ time?
A I am certain that the IEM will be the principal body that advances the interests of its members and recognises the excellent work of event professionals around the world. I am confident it will achieve this through promoting the events industry to the public, supporting research to understand the value of events to society, and representing its members to Government and to local and national authorities.
Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A Working for the Students’ Union at my university summer ball in the early 2000s. The support act, Phantom Planet, were in the top ten with their one-hit-wonder ‘California’. I had a spare five minutes, so decided to swing by the start of the set to see what they were like. They had one song everybody knew, so it was assumed they’d hold it back until the end for a big finish. Instead, to everyone’s surprise, they opened with it. The feeling when a packed crowd erupts with euphoria is like a wave of electricity and cannot be replicated anywhere but at an event. Helping people create emotional and meaningful experiences for their attendees became a passion that still excites me today. It is what makes events such a special industry to work in.
