Victoria Borwick
Former Director of Clarion Events
https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-borwick-577a243/
As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.
Victoria started at Earls Court and Olympia and worked her way up the organisational structure, learning from great organisers and attending training organised by “P&O Events” as they were then. She worked on the Olympia Showjumping events, the Royal Tournament, London Fashion Week, music concerts (including Rolling Stones & Rod Stewart), tennis tournaments, the Motor Show, the Boat Show and a vast array of trade shows. Her experience covers the organisation and management of events, stand sales, marketing and PR for both business to business and public events from Fabrex, (trade textile event) where they had the first automatic prepayment card, to The Olympia Fine Art and Antiques Fairs. As a Director at Clarion Events responsible for a portfolio of events, Victoria came to understand the importance of exhibitions as part of the sales and marketing process – giving fantastic opportunities for people to learn more about the product and great introductions for newcomers to a market. Upon leaving Clarion Events, Victoria became Honorary President of the British Antique Dealers Association and continues to act in an advisory capacity to various events.
Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A I see the role of the IEM is to encourage young people to use their creativity and energy in a purposeful way. This is not about essays and degrees; this is about making thing happen. The discipline of running an event well, of making sure that everything is beautifully and skillfully organised, to be the backdrop for a great event, exhibition or conference requires many skills: planning, organisation, time management, people skills, communication, paperwork, accounting, how to bring a team together, and be part of a team – all are great skills for life. So, I would hope that the IEM will give plenty of opportunities for people to experience events from the front line to open up career opportunities.
Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A Millions of pounds of business are generated by exhibitions and are a great showcase for British firms internationally. It is not just the exhibitors and visitors who benefit from this industry but all the associated services and suppliers. Now will be the time to transform the industry and this will bring opportunities for new careers, taking into account the ever-changing technology that is available. This industry should be open to all – it is the place to work if you are a self-starter, have vision and are happy to really work hard and learn from others.
Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years time?
- Being seen as the place to learn about careers across the whole industry and associated suppliers to the industry
- Providing training courses
- Guidance on good practice
- Promoting success and exampling of why having your event run by an accredited Event Manager either as an individual or a company / organisation is important
- Promoting events as part of the sales and marketing process
- Bringing in business, sales and people
Q What is your favourite event related memory?
Every show day must be as exciting as the opening day. The feeling of anticipation and expectation and then, at the end of the day, relaxation that because of work that you have done, others have had a great time, enjoyed an event, or done business and are going home happier because of the work that you and your team have put in…
