karen edwards.
experienced event professional with credible experience in national and international large scale events, shows, festivals, exhibitions & conferences
about me.
As an events professional with 15+ years’ experience, my areas of specialism are people, planning and problem solving. I want your event to be an unforgettable experience for your audience. Through organic partnership, I will ensure the venue, agenda, speakers, learnings and take-aways are all relevant and memorable for your audience.
I have worked for many corporate clients including Network Rail, Construction Equipment Association, DLA Piper, Algebra Festivals, Quadrant Events, Nteractive, OneTwoOne, Daylesford, Abstract Events, Linney Group.
I see my role as a trusted partner, an events professional who can take the stress away from you and deliver a seamless, precise and well-planned event.
Precise planning – In the world of events, collecting and collating information in an accessible and user friendly document is essential to the smooth delivery of the event. You also need to have Plan B, C & D ready, as you never know what is going to happen!!
People and relationships – The role of an events professional is to join the dots. It is to build and maintain relationships with everyone who is connected to the event, from suppliers to clients and venues to internal stakeholders. I like meeting new people, working in events means that on a daily basis I am privileged to meet and learn from fantastic industry professionals.
Relentless problem solving – to truly succeed as an events professional you need to be able to ride a unicycle, solve the rubix cube, answer two radios and smile… all at the same time! Events are about adapting the plan to a changing situation, they are about working with the teams around you to find a suitable solution to the problem at hand. This unknown is what I thrive on.
skills.
training.
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – Basic Check 2023
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CDM Awareness 2020
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Mental Health First Aider 2020
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WHO COVID-19 Mass Gathering Risk Assessment Training CDM Awareness 2020
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FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid At Work 2019 & 2020
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IOSH Managing Safely 2010 & 2013
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NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety 2013
Conservative Party Conference
Worked on the Conservative Party Conference at ICC Birmingham, managing 450 fringe events, networking, exhibitors, marquee build, and VIP coordination. The event's success led to a thank-you visit from then-Prime Minister David Cameron at No 10 Downing Street.
The Rail Staff Awards
Managed the RailStaff Awards, an annual event for 1,000 guests, overseeing venue, suppliers, website, H&S documents, project plan, team coordination, and on-site delivery. Contributed to the event's growth and success from its initial size.
Plantworx
Contributed to the operational delivery of Plantworx, the UK's biennial construction sector showcase with 450+ exhibitors and 15,000+ guests. Coordinated between in-house departments, supported exhibitors, and managed a team of 5 event professionals.
COP26
Served as Exhibition Manager for COP26 in Glasgow, liaising with 120 world leaders and 40,000 participants. Managed the Green Zone, overseeing exhibitors, installation, and day-to-day operations, utilising NEBOSH Qualification for safety aspects.
Festival In A Day
Event-managed Daylesford Festival In A Day, a thank-you festival for 1,000 employees in the Cotswolds. Coordinated with suppliers, provided creative input, wrote a project plan, and oversaw services installation, receiving positive feedback.
COP28 UAE
As Hybrid Producer at COP28 UAE, part of the Digital Services Team, managed digital output, greeted virtual participants, facilitated their entry, provided technical guidance, and ensured smooth virtual event delivery with prior experience in virtual events.