Our People

Jonathan Simkins

Conference Producer (Financial Services Team)

Degree: BSocSc Politics & International Relations

University: University of Manchester

When I graduated, I wanted a job that was intellectually stimulating but that would also equip me with more practical skills, and a better understanding of business. A career in conference production was not something I had considered mainly because I wasn’t aware of it before I started applying for jobs but it has been a valuable start, especially for a graduate with no prior commercial experience.

My team has a great atmosphere. If I had to use five words to describe it I would say: exciting, fun, bright, interesting and co-operative. You are managed and supported by your own team, without feeling micro-managed. We are encouraged to share knowledge and information (especially with other departments), and also to discuss any problems or challenges that we face.

As a Conference Producer, you have responsibility for your own event from the start and you get to see it through to completion by running the conference on the day. You also work as part of a wider conference team alongside the sponsorship, marketing, sales and event management departments. The subject matter is interesting and diverse. One week you might be researching the UK insurance market, the next analysing the European private banking sector. I also benefit from exposure to senior industry figures as I am required to liaise with Chief Executives and Managing Directors at both the research and speaker acquisition phases of my role.

I have developed some really useful skills whilst working at Marketforce. I am now much more commercially aware and have a good understanding of what makes a commercially viable event. I am also able to produce clear, concise copy for marketing and sales literature and have honed my presentation style so that I can confidently present my research and ideas to senior management.

 

Sarah Reynolds

Senior Sponsorship Executive

Degree: French and German

University: University of Nottingham

When I started at Marketforce, I’d come from a media sales role and I wanted more of a ‘consultative’ sales role that was intellectually stimulating and meant greater relationship management opportunities.

One of the things I enjoy most about working at Marketforce is the people. You also get responsibility pretty quickly, for example I had meetings with the MD almost straight away. I like working with all the different departments closely too- it means you get to know each other and also learn more about the different elements of running a business. I have definitely learnt plenty about the sectors we work in about which I previously knew comparatively little. I’ve also learnt quite a bit about how major corporations go about their marketing and what their marketing goals are as that’s a thing key to understand when discussing their potential sponsorship.

Our team is like a little family. It’s not too hierarchical and there’s no corporate ‘stuffiness’; everyone’s happy to help each other out. You need to be a team player, not only looking out for your own events but also for opportunities that could help other team members. It is important to have confidence in building new relationships with prospective clients and to contribute to growing our existing relationships. A certain amount of determination is required in this role and a positive attitude helps too but it’s great when you develop good and friendly relationships with a client and sometimes you even get the opportunity to take them out for lunch!

 

Pete Drewett

Senior Sales Executive

Degree: Digital Film and Video Production

University: London Southbank

When I graduated, I was looking for a job in a fast paced environment that would offer me the opportunity to earn a good salary, learn new skills, take on responsibility and to develop as a person. Marketforce is a bright, dynamic company with a good atmosphere and offered me what I was looking for.

I have learnt a huge amount about business at Marketforce and I have gained an in-depth understanding of industries such as nuclear as I have worked on the nuclear conference for a couple of years now. I have also gained a lot of transferable skills such as how to communicate and sell effectively and how to train, develop and mentor the sales execs I manage.

In my role as Senior Sales Executive, I am required to lead by example, motivate the team and work with individuals to problem solve and to ensure targets are met. The sales team is very target driven which creates an exciting atmosphere and I get a real buzz when I make a sale. At an event it is really rewarding to see your clients enjoying the conference.

 

James Campbell

Marketing Executive

Degree: Mechanical Engineering with Management Techniques

University: The University of Edinburgh

I joined Marketforce as a graduate and was looking for a fast moving company that would allow me to develop a wide variety of marketing skills in a pleasant working environment. Marketforce ticked all those boxes.

As a Marketing Executive, you are involved in the whole marketing process from concept to completion. As well as the satisfaction gained from seeing a campaign through, you gain a great deal of experience in different areas of B2B marketing. Marketforce operates in a wide variety of sectors which means you develop an excellent understanding of how different industries operate.

The marketing department has a very friendly atmosphere. Everyone is approachable and will always assist you in any way they can. I particularly enjoy the fact that you are constantly busy with new ideas and projects - no two days are the same at Marketforce. You are entrusted with your own event from the very start and are responsible for the event performance. It is very satisfying to feel that you are adding value to the organisation from such an early stage. The company is also always very keen to listen to your ideas on how processes and procedures can be improved.

 

Gabi Smith

Event Manager

Degree: English and History

University: Lancaster University

Before joining Marketforce I had already been working for 9 months in an event's role so I knew that I wanted to be in a role that would stretch me, but would also offer further support and training to develop my skills as an Event Manager. Marketforce is a really vibrant company and full of like-minded people so every day is a pleasure coming to work, and I have definitely made some friends for life.

Everyday is different. I know a lot of people say that, but in Event Management, you never know who is going to call or what will be required of you. And the buzz you get when you have finished a really successful event is so great - you can take a real sense of personal pride in a conference. Staying calm when working under pressure is essential. Personally I keep hundreds of lists and one eye on the clock as time management is crucial.

We're a fun, chatty team, generally amongst the first to get involved, especially if the activity is a fun one! If you catch us just before a conference there is normally smoke coming off our keyboards - but there is nothing that can't be soothed with a cup of tea. There is an unwritten rule in our team that you're never too important to stuff a delegate badge - we all pitch in when conference season kicks in and that helps to keep our team a really strong group. Personally I am now at the stage where, after three years, I can start to pass on a little wisdom to other members of the team, but the beauty of Event Management is that you can always learn from someone else, no matter how long you have been doing the job.

 

Maxime Rolaz

Database Research Executive

Degree: HND International Trade

University: Université du Maine, Le Mans, France

When I applied to Marketforce, I was looking for a role where I could put my language skills into practice. I also wanted to gain experience of working in an exciting field such as business media. One of things that I enjoy most about working at Marketforce is that each team interacts closely with other departments and the working environment is very friendly. It is also very rewarding that each individual is able to have a significant impact on the success of the company.

Database Research is a committed team but we manage to create a convivial and friendly atmosphere. My team is very international and I enjoy working in that environment. Our diverse language skills means that we are able to help each other out if someone needs to call a country where we speak the language. One of the things that I enjoy most about my job is dealing with companies based all around the world. As a team, we also motivate each other to meet the different targets and deadlines that we are set and it is a very supportive environment.

Whilst working at Marketforce I have learnt to organize my time efficiently and effectively and I have developed a confident and professional telephone manner. My interpersonal skills have also increased and I have learnt to communicate effectively with all types of people from all over the world.