Helen Horton, Haymarket Business Media

In this episode, Helen Horton, Director of Events at Haymarket Business Media, shares her experiences and insights from years in the events industry. She discusses the wide range of events she manages - from awards and forums to large-scale conferences - and reflects on what it takes to deliver a fantastic product for a single, unforgettable moment in time.

Helen also explores the realities of working within tight budgets, engaging and inspiring the next generation of event managers, and adapting to the evolving expectations of audiences and businesses alike. She shares some of her proudest moments as an event organiser and offers practical advice for both speakers and fellow event professionals, highlighting the importance of kindness, organisation, and openness to new ideas.

Takeaways

• Great event organising is about creating a fantastic product for a moment in time and constantly evolving to meet audience needs.

• Managing budgets can be tough, but staying organised and treating everyone with respect is crucial.

• Inspiring and motivating the next generation of event managers remains a key priority for the industry.

• Helen’s proudest moments include delivering major events with high-profile speakers and well-respected awards programmes.

• For speakers: Be punctual, professional, and patient with event organisers.

• For organisers: Stay organised, be kind to everyone, and remain open to new ideas and technologies.

• Personal well-being matters — taking care of yourself is essential in the high-pressure world of event organising.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Overview
05:24 – Delivering Fantastic Events for a Moment in Time
09:31 – Navigating Budget Challenges and Engaging the Next Generation
14:26 – Tips for Speakers at Events
16:42 – Tips for Event Organisers
18:54 – Prioritising Well-being in Event Organising
21:23 – Conclusion