Meet Debbie our Events Logistics Manager, who has been with CWA for 27 years.
1. What originally brought you to this job?
I started out as a house coordinator through an agency. I actually interviewed twice once for a PA role to the MD and once with the creative director. The rest, as they say, is history.
2. Did you ever imagine you'd stay this long?
Not at all! I was 25, the role was secretarial, and I never expected it to turn into a career. My first big moment came in 1999 when I planned my first event in America. I’d never even travelled abroad on my own before and didn’t have a work mobile phone!
3. Do you remember your first day?
It was a different world back then much smaller, like a little family. Everyone was incredibly friendly, but there was no biscuit tin or fruit bowl in sight!
4. What was your first big win?
Getting the chance to plan that first event in America. It opened up so many doors and really showed me the opportunities within the company.
5. How has your role evolved?
It’s changed massively. I started on reception and kept getting new opportunities to stretch and grow. Eventually, I found my groove in events, and I’ve never looked back.
6. Have you noticed the company culture shift over time?
The friendly culture has always been here. Everyone gets on well—it’s a genuinely supportive environment.
7. Who had a big impact on you early in your career?
The former MD, Roger. He really encouraged me to spread my wings and take every opportunity.
8. Have you had a mentor—or been one?
Yes, I’ve been lucky to have several, including Nicola and some past MDs. And I’ve mentored others along the way too.
9. What’s something people don’t realise about working in events?
Whether it’s an event for 50 people or 300, the pre-production workload is the same. People don’t always see that.
10. How have events changed—from live to virtual and back again?
Post-COVID was tough at first. All the new restrictions made things feel different. But now, it feels like we’ve returned to normal—almost as if nothing happened.
11. Most over-the-top event you’ve worked on?
We once created an exhibition stand with a gold reflective floor that doubled as a dance floor. It was... unforgettable to say the least.
12. What are you most proud of?
The progression I’ve made. I grabbed every opportunity and turned it into something more.
13. How has this job shaped who you are?
It’s definitely made me more extroverted. I’ve had to push out of my comfort zone and talk to all sorts of people. It’s been a great personal journey.
14. What keeps you motivated?
The variety. One day it's a gala dinner, the next a product launch or exhibition. No two days are the same, and I’ve made some great lasting friendships with repeat tained clients.
15. What advice would you give your Day 1 self?
Stick at it. You never know where it’ll take you.
16. Two words of wisdom?
Be yourself.
17. If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Probably a hairdresser or something people-facing. I love interacting with others.
18. If you could swap jobs with someone here for a week, who would it be?
Leigh in HR—I love the people side of it (and maybe a bit of nosiness!) or Dave Clancy our head of video production, it’d be fun to learn what he does and maybe even fly a drone!
19. Biggest hurdle you’ve faced here?
Balancing work and home life when my kids were young especially with twins and travelling for events.
20. How do you manage work-life balance?
It comes in waves. Hybrid working has really helped.
21. Most random work task you've ever had?
In Cyprus, I had to source a music track for an awards dinner, pre-iTunes and Spotify! Someone had to go an hour back to the hotel, grab a Tina Turner CD, and bring it back. "Simply the Best," of course.
22. What did you want to be when you were little?
A hairdresser or an air stewardess but I didn’t quite meet the height requirements!
23. What’s a part of your job people don’t see?
Table plans is one of the biggest ones! It’s not just names it’s managing dietary requirements and making sure the venue knows exactly who’s who.
24. How has your idea of ‘a good day at work’ changed?
Technology has transformed everything. Tools like Synergist have made invoicing so much easier—no more waiting for bike couriers to deliver signoffs!
25. What do you think you're known for around the office?
I’m kind of a go-to person when it comes to events whether it's helping with a wedding plan or giving advice. I’m always up for a good chat and a bit of a laugh!
26. When did you first find your confidence?
It really came with repeat events when clients come back, trust you, and appreciate your work. That builds confidence like nothing else.
27. What's your caffeine-to-working-hours ratio?
50/50! But I’ve recently discovered the perks of decaf.
