Louis Moorcraft, Freeman

As a Senior Client Solutionist, I oversee Freeman’s involvement in the events we deliver from a financial, operational, and client relationship point of view. I liaise directly with organisers to discuss everything from contract renewals and budgets, to their specific show requirements and cross-functional Freeman services. This is all with the ultimate aim of providing an outstanding customer experience and ensuring our customers events are as successful as they can be. A crucial aspect of my job is building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with my clients, which is one of my favourite parts of the role! The reason I was so keen to join the ESSA future focus board, was to try and make a difference. As event professionals, we are being introduced to the exhibition industry younger than ever before, and with this brings a level of expectation. One example is the necessity for information at a faster pace and the hunger for new ideas. If we could tap into this zeitgeist, we could really create a stir. 

Chloe Retter, Aztec Event Services

I started my journey back in 2011, joining Aztec at the age of 21 as an industry novice with no real understanding of what a live event or exhibition entailed.7 years later and now head of sales, I have a watched and learned from industry legends, both clients and suppliers that have helped shape me into the person many of you now see now on your show floor.  The shameful thing is I didn’t choose to go into events, I didn’t go to university and do an event management degree or had any real intention of ending up here, like most people I fell into it with transferable skills, however the people in this industry are what kept me here, I have been very lucky to be nurtured and trained by such a talented mixture of individuals. This is why I am so passionate about being part of the ESSA Futures Board, working to make sure we try and get more young people aiming to join us and aspiring to stay.I want to encourage them to come into this amazing industry and have the same experience I was luckily enough to have. One of our key objectives of the group is to encourage more young people into this industry and nurture and support them in their own journeys by driving awareness in key areas. I am ready to be part of a group championing young voices. 

Rebecca McIntosh, beMatrix UK

Jess Corbett, Concept Furniture

At the age of 16, I left school without any idea of how I wanted to spend my life. I attempted an admin job at a local solicitor, quickly realising that this was not something I had any desire to pursue further. I unenthusiastically continued in this role until I received a phone call from Concept Furniture, asking if I was interested in beginning an admin role with them. My family have always worked in the exhibition industry, but I had never envisaged that I would follow in their footsteps and dedicate myself as they had done previously. Within three months at Concept, I was managing my own accounts and attending various exhibition build ups, to create working relationships that continue to strengthen to this day.  I haven’t had much experience in any other business, but I know that ours is truly full of passion and absolute dedication. I have spent the last ten years working on some of the most amazing events and exhibitions and continue to strive to offer exceptional customer service. If I can make others feel as though their job has been made that little bit easier and their experience that little bit more memorable, then I would consider my days’ work a success. I want to be a part of the Industry’s progression and be able to say that ‘I helped to make that happen’. Encouraging others to leave their legacy, whilst building on my own.

Sarah Frixon, GES

I’m a Project Manager, looking after the design and build of bespoke stands and chalets for aerospace and defence shows. As part of the GES team in Sheffield, I’ve worked on a variety of large projects for blue chip defence companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing and GKN. I’m a relative newbie to the industry, but I’ve been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work on some incredibly challenging and exciting air shows across the globe. From dealing with complex building regulations in Farnborough, to coordinating a stand build in Marrakech via the Google Translate app, to frantically trying to find 12 Red Bulls in India, it’s been a whirlwind ride I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I’m keen to bring my international experience to this role. The Future Focus Board really appeals to me, as I’m passionate about this industry and I’m keen to ensure there are even more opportunities for the next generation. I’m excited to meet young people from other areas of the industry, with different viewpoints to my own. I’m confident that together we can identify and challenge the issues we face and make a positive contribution to resolving them.

Marilyn Mahieu, Aluvision

One month after my graduation, I joined Aluvision in 2017 as the UK Sales Manager. Our dynamic team is a welcoming place where young talent is nurtured and given a lot of opportunities. Personally, I could not have found a better place to develop myself and fall in love with the Exhibitions and Event industry. Having experienced the importance of continued support from a company that believes in encouraging young talent myself, I was keen to join the ESSA Future Focus Board to raise awareness amongst young people for all the great possibilities our industry has to offer. 

Jake Tatlow, Expo Floors

Hi, I’m Jake and I’m a Senior Sales Executive at Expo Floors Ltd. I joined the company in 2014 from a “Door to Door” sales role and have enjoyed every minute of getting to grips with this fast paced – and at times manic industry.! The Sales Team here at Expo work with customers in a more consultative way as we constantly liaise with our Operations Dept to ensure builds can happen exactly how a customer needs them too. The carpentry and logistical knowledge I’ve learnt helps me to advise customers how they can fulfil their desired outcome on any job. I’m really pleased to have been invited to join the Future Focus Board and I have two clear remits I want to champion. The first is sustainability - the products we use have given me a passion for helping to drive this agenda within this industry. The second is the promotion of the Events and Exhibition Industry as a career path to so many who may overlook it. There are so many new ways we are now all connecting and communicating with each other so the opportunities and ways you can work in this industry are endless