Freelance Event Manager
Northern Gal (Manchester, UK). Based in Dubai. Self-confessed organiser in the friendship WhatsApp group.
My Story
To ensure a fruitful collaboration, I believe it’s important to introduce myself a little. I am a Virgo at heart, which makes me a natural perfectionist with a logical, practical, and systematic approach to everything I undertake. My innate ability to organise and coordinate events has been a lifelong passion, and I firmly believe in celebrating every possible occasion!
I developed a fondness for events at a young age. However, my passion was fuelled by a sad event in my life – my grandmother’s passing from breast cancer when I was just 12 years old. On my 13th birthday, instead of receiving presents, I asked my friends to donate money to the cause, and together we raised £500. Since then, I have organised numerous fundraising events, raising close to £10,000 in my grandmother’s memory. As I honed my skills in fundraising and through my professional career, my love for events has only grown stronger.
Fun Facts
Nickname: Bazza
Hobbies: Reading, Theatre, Travelling, Skiing, Interior Design
Favourite Food: Pie (closely followed by Roast Dinner)
Drink of choice: Strawberry daiquiri or Aperol Spritz
My Career
I have over a decade of experience in organising events and recruiting for some of the world’s most well known brands, agencies and charities.
Core skills
- End to End Event Management (Pitches and proposals, admin, supplier liaison, stakeholder management, logistics, execution, post event reporting)
- Account management
- Highly proficient in MS + Google
- Event Marketing; Emails, PR, Social Media
- Stakeholder management at all levels
- Budgeting and negotiation
- Exceptional Communication
- Customer Service
- Venue styling and dressing
Qualifications
Higher National Diploma Events Management(2.1) – 2012
- Event Manager – Eventuelle (Incentive Trip for Teno)
- Director Amber & Aster (Events for recruitment and talent agencies)
- Events Specialist – Checkout.com (Conference, Exhibitions and Ancillary Events)
- Project Coordinator – Smyle (Adobe Cannes and Salesforce)
- Event Manager – Production Futures (Show and Awards)
- Event Manager – Department of Levelling up, Housing & Communities (Awards Ceremony)
- Project Manager – First Event (Conference and Exhibition for Construction Industry)
- Event Manager – Blackberry Events (Get Into Teaching Roadshow)
- Associate Director (Events) – Next Level Networking UK
Skills: Internal and External Talent Events · Stakeholder Management · Relationship Management · Interviewing · Networking · ATS Knowledge
In my role as a Talent Manager, I provided a comprehensive resourcing service for all permanent, FTC, and Editorial freelance hiring across Discovery, which includes CBBC, CBeebies, Newsround, Labs, and Platforms, as well as Scheduling and Business Operations. My responsibilities included managing more senior or intricate roles (in contrast to Talent Advisors) and collaborating with hiring managers to establish the most suitable attraction and sourcing approach. Ultimately, my objective was to oversee the entire end-to-end process of recruitment.
Skills: Customer Service · Relationship Management · Hospitality
In my capacity as a member of the Executive Welcome Team, I served as the club’s ambassador, being the initial point of contact for our guests. The primary objective of this role was to provide a match day hospitality experience that exceeded the expectations of all our customers, with the ultimate goal of creating an unforgettable world-class experience. My main responsibility was to ensure that guests received a ‘world-class’ standard of service that went above and beyond their expectations
Skills: Internal and External Talent Events · Stakeholder Management · Relationship Management · Interviewing · Networking · ATS Knowledge
As part of my responsibilities in this position, I was accountable for recruiting behind-the-scenes staff for both Coronation Street and Emmerdale productions, in addition to resourcing for Production Links & 3sixtymedia and ProVision. I oversaw the entire recruitment process for both fixed-term and permanent positions, working closely with hiring managers and candidates on a daily basis to identify and secure the best talent available. My main focus was to manage the end-to-end recruitment process, from sourcing candidates to onboarding successful hires.
Skills: Event Management · Budget Management · Stakeholder Management · Negotiation · Venue Finding
As a Project Manager at The Live Group, I was responsible for planning, managing, and delivering a wide variety of meetings, conferences, and events. These events often utilized digital technologies to enhance communication. My duties included overseeing all aspects of project and event management, as well as logistics for client events. I managed delegate registrations, payments, and accommodation bookings. Additionally, I collaborated regularly with internal business units to maintain high standards for all client projects and identify potential new opportunities. I communicated frequently with external suppliers, such as venues, caterers, and furniture hire companies, to ensure the best possible service and product delivery at the most competitive price.
Skills: Event Management · Budget Management · Stakeholder Management · Negotiation · Fundraising · Social Media
During my time at Breast Cancer Care, I held the position of Event Project Executive, with responsibility for overseeing the coordination and successful execution of a range of events, including the Vitality 10,000, Tough Mudder, and the Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon. As the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries, I was responsible for maintaining strong relationships with supporters, providing exceptional customer care, and delivering a seamless supporter journey. In addition, I developed comprehensive marketing plans and campaigns to promote the events to a wider audience, leveraging a variety of channels including advertising, media coverage, database mailings, e-marketing, web marketing, and social media. I consistently met income targets and ensured cost-effectiveness by maintaining an income and expenditure account for each event and providing regular reports as required. I also managed the updating and maintenance of the Breast Cancer Care database, including inputting new supporter information and generating participant and income reports. Additionally, I oversaw the event materials supply, maintaining a stock control system and placing orders as required. Finally, I acted as the team’s Digital Champion, creating and updating web pages for all events.
Skills: Account Management · Event Management · Comms · Stakeholder Management · Hospitality · Ticket Management
As part of this role, I provided support for Aon’s sponsorship with Manchester United Football Club. My responsibilities included planning, communicating, and executing various marketing programs and special events. This involved organizing hospitality logistics such as match-day tickets, transportation, hotel accommodations, and providing attendees with relevant information such as itineraries and transport schedules. I maintained regular communication with agency/client and Manchester United counterparts, as well as other stakeholders including colleagues, suppliers, and partner organizations to coordinate hospitality and VIP experiences for clients at events and matches. Additionally, I was responsible for producing marketing collateral, designing website banners, and contributing to the social media aspects of the program.
Skills: Event Management · Budget Management · Stakeholder Management · Negotiation · Venue Finding · Theming and Venue dressing · Account Management · Pitch and Proposal Creation
As Event Operations Executive at ATM Corporate Events, my main responsibilities included overseeing the planning, organization, and management of various corporate events, including team building activities, themed events, incentive trips, fun days, and multi-activity days. From the initial planning stages to the execution of the event, I worked closely with the sales team and maintained effective communication throughout the process. I managed key client accounts, such as Virgin Media, Capital FM, and Domestic and General, identifying opportunities to upsell ATM products. Additionally, I was responsible for ensuring high operational standards and overseeing the company warehouse for equipment and prop maintenance. On a daily basis, I managed staff both in the office and on events while enhancing the part-time staff portfolio.
Skills: Event Management · Budget Management · Stakeholder Management · Negotiation · Customer Service
I served as an Event Manager at Redcape Marketing where I aimed to boost foot traffic in shopping centers by conceptualizing and executing a diverse range of events, from ideation to completion. These events included Fashion shows, Charity Balls, Santa’s Grottos, Christmas Light Switch ons, and monthly Kids Clubs, among others. I managed several duties such as providing prospective clients with initial information and costings, supervising supplier relationships, assigning tasks to my team, recruiting personnel, supervising budgets, and meeting deadlines. My key priority was delivering outstanding customer service that surpassed clients’ expectations.
Skills: Customer Service · Relationship Building · Hospitality · Health and Safety · Sales
During my employment, I was responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers throughout the flight, addressing any concerns or issues that may have arisen, and providing exemplary customer service. I ensured that passengers’ needs were met, and strived to deliver a high level of satisfaction by catering to their requirements and resolving any complaints.
My Services
Throughout my career I have built a varied skill set and a network of contacts which enables me to create, plan and deliver a wide range of events. I have the ability to work in a fast paced environment, learn quickly and thrive on being creative and innovative. My aim is to create meaningful and magical event experiences.
I work with both corporate and private clients for long and short- term projects. My rate varies depending on the scope and length of the project.
- Conferences & Exhibitions
- Launch Events
- Sporting Events
- Award Ceremonies
- Networking Events
- Corporate Hospitality
- Team Building & Incentive Trips
- Exclusive Hosted Dinners
- Christmas and Summer Parties
- Birthday Parties
- Children’s Parties
- Milestone Events
- Engagement Proposals
As a skilled venue sourcing professional, I possess a keen eye for detail and an innate ability to identify the perfect location for any event, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience for all attendees.
I am able to source unique and thoughtful gifts for clients, which result in cultivating strong and lasting relationships, while enhancing brand image and customer satisfaction.
Testimonials
Jess Ford
Head of Events; Blackberry Events
Amber came to us as a recommendation from a colleague, we needed someone to join our team in a freelance capacity to help deliver our roadshow during a particularly busy time for the company. Amber was able to pick it all up immediately and run with it from briefing the staff, setting up the event to liaising with the venue, we knew that we could trust her with running the events if we were called away. An excellent addition to the team and very reassuring to have her on our events, we look forward to working with her again this summer!
Lindsey Berthoud
Network Manager; Cambridge Health Network
Amber was a fantastic support helping me to run an event in Manchester. She built trust rapidly, demonstrating professionalism and vast experience in events coupled with enthusiasm, positivity, attention to detail, empathy and creativity. She was brilliant with logistics, venue staff and guests and we made a great team. I look forward to working with her again.
Ellen Morgan
Director of Events; Worldpay
I hired Amber as a freelancer to provide some extra cover during a very busy time for our events team at Checkout.com. She is amazing! She slotted right in and impressed everyone from day one. She has tonnes of experience, has amazing stakeholder management skills and is a bright and positive person. She is also ridiculously organised.
It’s clear Amber absolutely loves what she does, and she was a great asset to our team (so much so that we begged her to go permanent!). If it wasn’t obvious already, I completely recommend Amber and would hire her again in a heartbeat next time I need someone.
Simon Howard
Director; Introducing Events Ltd
Amber is smiley, approachable and an energetic member of the events team. Amber is an excellent listener who knows how to effectively communicate and engage others. With brilliant organisational skills and people skills, she is a great addition to your next event.
Nico Byron
Head of Recruitment; James Fisher
Amber worked for me at ITV in the central resourcing team for Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Amber puts everything she can into any duties she is tasked with, always looks for creative solutions and delivers them with energy and enthusiasm. She arranged and hosted large assessment centres and open days for production staff with confidence and ease. She was a great face of ITV and a valuable addition to the team. Amber is a pleasure to work with and I would recommend anyone to hire her!
Tania Basile
Head of Assessment and Selection; BBC
Amber is full of enthusiasm for any project that’s in front of her. She has an attitude of positivity and determination and can be relied upon to follow through with quality and speed. Amber is great with people so you’ll be confident getting her in front of your colleagues and clients.
Kate Rham
Head of Events; Breast Cancer Now
During her time at Breast Cancer Care, Amber worked diligently to deliver high value experiences for our fundraisers and participants and was an asset to the organisation. Amber’s energy, good humour and enthusiasm is infectious, and she brought this to each project that she managed. Her willingness to support the team and determination to deliver against her targets shone through. Amber would add value to any organisation.