Karen Edwards
Events Specialist at BRIGHT EVENTS LIMITED- Claim this Profile
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French Elementary proficiency
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German Elementary proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Jack Saward
What can i say about this lady that hasn't already been said?! I have been fortunate to work with her on projects on numerous occasions and cant fault her planning and organisational skills. She also clearing communicates instructions throughout a team setting. Not one to walk away from any task that needs doing Karen will always put her hand in to help, to ensure the project gets done. She has also deputised for me on work when i haven't been able to run them myself and needed someone that i could trust to both deliver the project, but also manage our clients expectations. Look forward to many more projects together.
Lisa Sweeting
I have known Karen for a couple of years now. We first met during lockdown in 2020, both of us were part of the event management networking group ‘Get Ahead In Events’ Facebook group. I was looking for event professionals with experience of managing delegates and virtual events, for a Sustainability workshop. Karen was a fantastic support on this international pharmaceutical event, making sure that the delegates understood the platform, encouraging them to participate in discussions and generally being on hand to answer questions. More recently, Karen and I have worked together on mentoring projects for second and third year Event Management Students. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen; she has an infectious passion for events, always strives to get more out of her events, and has people at the heart of what she does.
Claire Leer
I approached Karen in 2021 to ask if she would mentor some of our BA Events Management students at the University of Northampton. She immediately said ‘yes’. I knew Karen’s expertise, knowledge and experience would make her an effective mentor, however, moreover she is a naturally optimistic and selfless person whose passion for the events industry is infectious. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive. She is approachable, friendly, professional, dependable and trustworthy. Karen provides support, advice, guidance, constructive feedback, coaching and is a good sounding board for her mentees. She has proactively reached out to her network to arrange specialist support sessions which her mentees have found enjoyable, extremely valuable and provided them with more industry contacts. Karen is inspirational and an exceptional role model.
Jack Saward
What can i say about this lady that hasn't already been said?! I have been fortunate to work with her on projects on numerous occasions and cant fault her planning and organisational skills. She also clearing communicates instructions throughout a team setting. Not one to walk away from any task that needs doing Karen will always put her hand in to help, to ensure the project gets done. She has also deputised for me on work when i haven't been able to run them myself and needed someone that i could trust to both deliver the project, but also manage our clients expectations. Look forward to many more projects together.
Lisa Sweeting
I have known Karen for a couple of years now. We first met during lockdown in 2020, both of us were part of the event management networking group ‘Get Ahead In Events’ Facebook group. I was looking for event professionals with experience of managing delegates and virtual events, for a Sustainability workshop. Karen was a fantastic support on this international pharmaceutical event, making sure that the delegates understood the platform, encouraging them to participate in discussions and generally being on hand to answer questions. More recently, Karen and I have worked together on mentoring projects for second and third year Event Management Students. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen; she has an infectious passion for events, always strives to get more out of her events, and has people at the heart of what she does.
Claire Leer
I approached Karen in 2021 to ask if she would mentor some of our BA Events Management students at the University of Northampton. She immediately said ‘yes’. I knew Karen’s expertise, knowledge and experience would make her an effective mentor, however, moreover she is a naturally optimistic and selfless person whose passion for the events industry is infectious. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive. She is approachable, friendly, professional, dependable and trustworthy. Karen provides support, advice, guidance, constructive feedback, coaching and is a good sounding board for her mentees. She has proactively reached out to her network to arrange specialist support sessions which her mentees have found enjoyable, extremely valuable and provided them with more industry contacts. Karen is inspirational and an exceptional role model.
Jack Saward
What can i say about this lady that hasn't already been said?! I have been fortunate to work with her on projects on numerous occasions and cant fault her planning and organisational skills. She also clearing communicates instructions throughout a team setting. Not one to walk away from any task that needs doing Karen will always put her hand in to help, to ensure the project gets done. She has also deputised for me on work when i haven't been able to run them myself and needed someone that i could trust to both deliver the project, but also manage our clients expectations. Look forward to many more projects together.
Lisa Sweeting
I have known Karen for a couple of years now. We first met during lockdown in 2020, both of us were part of the event management networking group ‘Get Ahead In Events’ Facebook group. I was looking for event professionals with experience of managing delegates and virtual events, for a Sustainability workshop. Karen was a fantastic support on this international pharmaceutical event, making sure that the delegates understood the platform, encouraging them to participate in discussions and generally being on hand to answer questions. More recently, Karen and I have worked together on mentoring projects for second and third year Event Management Students. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen; she has an infectious passion for events, always strives to get more out of her events, and has people at the heart of what she does.
Claire Leer
I approached Karen in 2021 to ask if she would mentor some of our BA Events Management students at the University of Northampton. She immediately said ‘yes’. I knew Karen’s expertise, knowledge and experience would make her an effective mentor, however, moreover she is a naturally optimistic and selfless person whose passion for the events industry is infectious. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive. She is approachable, friendly, professional, dependable and trustworthy. Karen provides support, advice, guidance, constructive feedback, coaching and is a good sounding board for her mentees. She has proactively reached out to her network to arrange specialist support sessions which her mentees have found enjoyable, extremely valuable and provided them with more industry contacts. Karen is inspirational and an exceptional role model.
Jack Saward
What can i say about this lady that hasn't already been said?! I have been fortunate to work with her on projects on numerous occasions and cant fault her planning and organisational skills. She also clearing communicates instructions throughout a team setting. Not one to walk away from any task that needs doing Karen will always put her hand in to help, to ensure the project gets done. She has also deputised for me on work when i haven't been able to run them myself and needed someone that i could trust to both deliver the project, but also manage our clients expectations. Look forward to many more projects together.
Lisa Sweeting
I have known Karen for a couple of years now. We first met during lockdown in 2020, both of us were part of the event management networking group ‘Get Ahead In Events’ Facebook group. I was looking for event professionals with experience of managing delegates and virtual events, for a Sustainability workshop. Karen was a fantastic support on this international pharmaceutical event, making sure that the delegates understood the platform, encouraging them to participate in discussions and generally being on hand to answer questions. More recently, Karen and I have worked together on mentoring projects for second and third year Event Management Students. I would not hesitate to recommend Karen; she has an infectious passion for events, always strives to get more out of her events, and has people at the heart of what she does.
Claire Leer
I approached Karen in 2021 to ask if she would mentor some of our BA Events Management students at the University of Northampton. She immediately said ‘yes’. I knew Karen’s expertise, knowledge and experience would make her an effective mentor, however, moreover she is a naturally optimistic and selfless person whose passion for the events industry is infectious. The feedback from the students has been extremely positive. She is approachable, friendly, professional, dependable and trustworthy. Karen provides support, advice, guidance, constructive feedback, coaching and is a good sounding board for her mentees. She has proactively reached out to her network to arrange specialist support sessions which her mentees have found enjoyable, extremely valuable and provided them with more industry contacts. Karen is inspirational and an exceptional role model.
Experience
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BRIGHT EVENTS
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United Kingdom
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Consumer Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Events Specialist
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Jul 2018 - Present
Delivery successful event for client across a variety of sectors (Construction, Plant, IT, Legal, Charity) - clients include: Plantworx, Railworx, DLA Piper, Network Rail, GSE, The NEC Group Writing, adapting and delivery Event Plans to ensure the smooth running of the event Operational, Delivery and Admin skills Assisting with Social Media and Comms planning UK and International Key Competencies . Event Delivery/ Operational running of an event . Stakeholder management . Building and developing relationships . Writing Event Plans . Updating knowledge and skills in-line with CV-19 . Adapting to different IT systems, and ways of working . Risk Assessment writing Show less
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NOWIE - The Network of Women in Events
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United Kingdom
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Events Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Level Up Mentor
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Nov 2022 - Present
Level Up with NOWIE is our brand new 6 month mentorship programme which will pair up women in the early-mid stages of their events careers with those with more experience in the mentee’s chosen specialism. The programme will encourage the sharing of skills, guidance and opportunities for growth as well as the chance for mentees to grow their network. Anyone with a minimum of 3 years of experience can become a mentee and we’re keen to encourage applications from women who are either employed, self-employed, or running their own business. Level Up mentors will act as trusted experts in their field to help guide mentees towards achieving specific goals - increasing their impact, confidence, and success within the industry. Show less
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The Events Insight | Podcast
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United Kingdom
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Events Services
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Podcast Co Host
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Jan 2022 - Present
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Event & Show Services Ltd
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United Kingdom
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Events Services
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Company Director
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Aug 2019 - Present
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#WeMakeEvents Campaign
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United Kingdom
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Entertainment Providers
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1 - 100 Employee
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Event Logistics, Comms & Social Media Specialist
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Jul 2020 - Nov 2020
Supporting the main #WeMakeEvents campaign to ensure the message is delivered out to the regions. Building and managing relationships with local venues and suppliers Organising regional events Managing social media and comms strategy Supporting the main #WeMakeEvents campaign to ensure the message is delivered out to the regions. Building and managing relationships with local venues and suppliers Organising regional events Managing social media and comms strategy
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Sheer Edge - Hospitality & Events Experts
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United Kingdom
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Events Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director Of Training
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Dec 2019 - Sep 2020
Focussing on Event Management Training Researching, writing and delivering course content Building relationships with presenters Hosting 'live' chat with key industry figures Focussing on Event Management Training Researching, writing and delivering course content Building relationships with presenters Hosting 'live' chat with key industry figures
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Rail Media
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United Kingdom
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Rail Transportation
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Events Manager
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Dec 2013 - Jul 2018
Key Competencies: . Ensuring the delivery of exceptional events . Thinking of creative solutions for events . Ensuring event websites are up to date with all relevant information . Working closely with the Social Media Manager, Head of Event Sales and Creative Director to ensure that events are promoted and marketed in an informative, fun and timely manner . Writing and presenting event proposals in partnership with the sales team . To fully manage the event budgets and time-frames on events . Ensuring that my events are delivered on-time and within budget . Building lasting relationships with suppliers . To increase revenues from exiting accounts . To be fully responsible for on - site event management Show less
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The ICC Birmingham
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United Kingdom
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Events Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Event Manager
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Mar 2010 - Nov 2013
Key Achievements . Successfully managing the largest event which is held annually at the ICC (BSAVA) . Managing Events from 50 – 10,000 delegates . Successfully planning, managing and overseeing 250 Fringe Meetings for the Liberal Democrats Party Conference 2011 and 400 Fringe Meeting for the Conservative Party Conference 2012 . Adapting to different event styles; Conferences, Exhibitions, Dinners, High Profile . Taking responsibility for Logistics, Technical, IT, Health & Safety, Cleaning, Security . Manipulating EBMS to suit all Event requirements . Taking an active role in encouraging new starters to flourish . Employee Safety Representative for Venue Management . Constantly expanding Event Management knowledge i.e. NEBSOH Qualification, IOSH Qualification, Crowd Control, First Aid Risk Assessments . ICC Event Management – 'Outstanding Team Award' at Brilliance . Coaching University City of Birmingham Event Management & Marketing Students Key Competencies . Producing a comprehensive Event Manifest for each Event . Ensuring that each department within the venue has the correct information to enable successful delivery of the each . Looking for creative solutions to problems . Focussing on the overall event picture . Liaising with the client on all aspects of their event (part of the client Event Team) . Pre-empting client questions and needs . Building and developing lasting relationships with internal and external clients . Good listener . Up-selling additional services to the client . Working within client pre-set budgets Show less
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Hilton Hotels Worldwide
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Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Event Manager
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Jun 2006 - Mar 2010
Key Achievements . Managing £5million worth of events in 2008 . Dealing with high profile events such: Testimonial Dinner for Ashley Giles, End of Season Dinner for Birmingham City FC, New Product Launch for Cadbury’s, Annual Meeting for National Farmers Union, . Achieving a high level of repeat business for the Hotel . Managing and Developing my Administrator . Helping to training new team members . Putting together bespoke packages together for clients Key Competencies • Gathering all relevant event details and creating Banqueting Event Orders (BEO) – this information is used by the whole Hotel for staffing, budgeting and general awareness. • Providing creative and alternative ideas for clients • Ensuring clients have a hassle-free, memorable event at the Hotel • Building strong, long lasting relationships colleagues and key clients. • Understanding all key selling points of the Hotel and informing clients in a clear and comprehensive manner. • Upselling all Hotel facilities whenever possible • Making sure that Event Revenue is accurate, to ensure that client Budgets are correct and hotel forecasting is up-to-date. • Ensuring that all clients are dealt with in a prompt and professional manner • Being available to the client at all times • Planning and organising diary and workload to maximise available time. • Preparing and presenting Event and Hotel information to clients and agents. • PC Literate ( Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Delphi) • Training new Event Managers Show less
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Education
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Chase Terrace High School
Community
