Our events team has gone from strength to strength increasing in size and being listed in the top 10 UK events company ranking with C&IT. Jo Lake is a Senior Events Consultant, based in Manchester. She joined Clarity in June 2016 and was a Rising Star Finalist at the 2019 Business Travel Awards.
What’s a regular morning for you?
I’m not one of those people who jumps up when their alarm goes off – it’s more of a slow struggle! I drag myself out of bed, get ready and then prepare myself for the horrendous Northern Rail commute. Once I’m on the train, I feel more relaxed. I like listening to Capital on the radio and just generally staring at other commuters!
What are your main responsibilities?
My main responsibilities are booking meetings, events and conferences for our clients. We have a broad range of clients with specific needs, so it’s always exciting when you pick up an enquiry and get to be creative with it.
I also train our new starters on the MICE team. I really enjoy being able to support people and feel proud when I get to see them grow and develop. Alongside that, I support my Team Managers, Mike and Andrea with updating client policies, training manuals as well as any general enquiries.
How would you describe a particular day?
No two days are the same in this role! One minute you could be booking a boardroom for 4 people in Manchester, the next you could be looking at event venues for 300 in Dubai. I am currently trying to source a castle in the Highlands for 600 people!
I recently went to Amsterdam to support one of our larger client’s event. It’s great when you see an event taking place and the client is happy. It makes you feel proud knowing you’ve contributed to its success.
What’s the best part of your job?
My team hands down. When I first started, there were only 5 of us. Since then, our team has grown to 20. You’d think we wouldn’t be as close but if anything, we’re closer. Everyone is so supportive, and we genuinely care about one another.
My most memorable moment was when I received my GTMC Diploma. I had to write 15 essays, do 15 tests and complete 15 modules whilst attempting to have a social life. I came into work at 7am every day and was on my laptop until 11pm – my boyfriend did start to wonder if I had gone missing. It was all worth it when I collected my certificate at the conference, in London. Clarity is the first TMC to offer the Diploma so, to represent the business felt amazing. What I didn’t realise was that I’d have to speak in front of 500 people. The room was full of influential CEOs from different companies, so it was quite overwhelming, but everyone was up clapping! Definitely a moment I won’t forget anytime soon.