Our dedicated employees are the driving force behind our success. From the meticulous planners to the welcoming receptionists, the talented kitchen staff, the hardworking cleaning crew, and the efficient operation, finance, and logistics teams, every single member of our team goes above and beyond to preserve the legacy of The Brewery. It's time we bring attention to the remarkable individuals who make our organisation what it is today.

This month, let's shine a well-deserved spotlight on Kelly, Senior Event Planning Manager.

Hi Kelly! To start us off, can you share a bit about your background and what led you to the events industry?

I’ve been working in the events industry for many years now. My interest in hospitality and events really grew during my time at Surrey University, where I studied International Hospitality Management. I think what initially inspired me to pursue hospitality was my love of travelling and the incredible family holidays I experienced growing up—they sparked my interest in tourism and hotels.

I was lucky enough to work at Marriott Grosvenor House as a waitress and hostess for events while I was studying, and that’s where I really discovered my passion. It was such an exciting environment, especially working on events like the Pride of Britain Awards. The atmosphere, the energy, and the excitement of the events—everything about it resonated with me. I also did a placement at Calcot Manor in the Cotswolds, which gave me a fantastic foundation in problem-solving and getting to grips with the day-to-day of hospitality management.

After I graduated, I knew I wanted to work in London, so I sent my CV out to several venues. The Brewery got back to me with an internship opportunity, and I thought it would be the perfect way to test whether I wanted to continue building my career in events. I loved the experience, and when they offered me a full-time position, I was thrilled! It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’ve never looked back.

How long have you been with The Brewery, and could you walk us through your career path within the company and what you do in your current position?

I’ve been here for just over seven years now. I started with a three-month internship, then moved into an Event Sales Coordinator role, followed by a year as an Event Sales Executive. I’ve been in my current role as Senior Event Planning Manager ever since.

In my current role, I get to oversee our larger events. I’m responsible for taking events from the moment a contract is signed all the way through to delivery, which means working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. It’s a lot of planning, problem-solving, and collaborating with different teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. A big part of my role is building relationships with clients, whether through menu tastings, logistics meetings, or just being their go-to person throughout the process.

Every day is different, and I love the variety and the creative challenges that come with helping to deliver such memorable events!

How would you characterise the company culture at The Brewery, and what makes it a great place to work?

The culture at The Brewery is supportive and collaborative. It’s a great place to develop professionally, and the fact that so many people have been here for a long time is a testament to how much people enjoy working here. The team dynamic is great—we’re all working toward the same goal of making every event a success, and that really creates a positive environment. I especially appreciate the management style here; you’re trusted to do your job, but you’re also supported and given the freedom to take ownership of your work. Everyone helps each other, and that sense of teamwork is one of the reasons I’ve stayed here for so long.

What do you find most rewarding about working in events?

The most rewarding part for me is when everything falls into place, and you see the event come to life—it’s an incredible feeling. But it’s also the feedback from clients that really makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that we've made a positive impact on their experience and helped them create something unforgettable is a huge motivation for me.

What key skills do you think are essential for someone in your position?

There are a few key skills that are essential: problem-solving, organisation, time management, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Patience is also key—it’s important to handle situations with grace and keep everything on track, no matter how stressful things get. Strong communication is also crucial, as you’re constantly collaborating with clients, teams, and suppliers to make sure every detail is covered.

Reflecting on your career so far, what would you consider your proudest achievement?

The Festival of Marketing is definitely one of the standout moments for me. It’s such a huge event, and I’ve had the pleasure of working on it for three years now. The first year was a bit of a challenge because it was a new event for our venue, and the scale and complexity had its hurdles. But I work really well with the client, and it was amazing to see everything come together. After that first event, the client and I shared a proud moment, realising how far we’d come and how successful it had turned out.

I also look forward to working on the Bamboo Awin event, which is fully themed and always keeps things exciting. This year, we created a themed dessert—the event had a jungle theme, so the kitchen put together a chocolate dessert with soil and moss elements, along with little mushrooms made from marshmallows and chocolate.

If you could go back and give advice to yourself as an intern, what would it be?

I’d tell myself to attend more networking events and meet more people in the industry. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice—it’s such a valuable part of learning and growing.

What are your professional goals for the future?

I’m really enjoying mentoring junior team members, and that’s something I’d like to continue to do more of. I’ve also started to get involved in more of the behind-the-scenes work, like costings and managerial meetings, and I’m excited to develop my skills in these areas. I’m always looking for new challenges, so I’m eager to take on new projects and see where they lead.

Where do you see the events industry heading in the next few years?

The events industry is definitely moving towards more sustainable practices, and there’s a big shift toward hybrid and tech-driven events to reach a wider audience. I think we’re also starting to see the influence of emerging technologies like AI.

How do you continue to stay inspired and motivated in your role?

Every day is different in events, which is what keeps it exciting. There’s always something new happening at The Brewery, whether it’s a new event, a different project, or a fresh challenge. The venue itself is so versatile, recently I have worked on a variety of events ranging from boxing to charity dinners with performances from famous bands and artists. I love pushing myself to take on new challenges and trying new things.

Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to in the coming months?

I’m really enjoying Christmas at The Brewery right now—it’s such a fun time of year, full of energy and excitement. The themed parties always add something special, and there’s such a great atmosphere with everyone celebrating together. Looking ahead, I’m also excited to see the return of our new summer offering next year. The Retreat was a huge success, and I can’t wait to see it again!

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