MEETinLEEDS Welcome’s a Tiny New Delegate!

I have been an Event Manager at the University of Leeds now for 5 years, and though I love my job, I will be hanging up my event manager shoes (polished black kitten heels) to take on a new role for the next few months, becoming a first time mum (a role for which I’m guessing the shoes are flatter and more comfortable – perhaps Ugg boots or slippers?!)

I’m hoping my current role will stand me in good stead for my new one. For example, part of my job is to anticipate requirements before the client does, by making signs, arranging water for speakers and organising the air con to be on in hot summer months, I’ll probably still have to do this sort of thing, but in my own house.

“When I’m used to the responsibility of conferences for hundreds or even thousands of people, looking after just one tiny one can’t be that hard – can it?!!”

Another aspect is sending out conference information ensuring all guests to the University are aware of exactly which building and part of campus they should report to on arrival, what the travel and parking arrangements are, details of catering service, accommodation check in times and local amenities. I may not have to write these whilst I’m off work, but I have a feeling I will have to produce a similar document every time I leave the house or go somewhere new, so I am aware of the nearest changing facilities, chemist and buggy friendly café at all times.

Though for a time I will be swapping budgets for bottles and registrations for rusks, there are lots of exciting conferences taking place at the University which I will keep my eye on over the next few months, for example our degrees begin next week, and lead onto welcoming the Teach First Summer Institute back to campus for two weeks at the end of July. In addition to this we have one of the busiest September’s coming up too where we will welcome MEIbioeng 2015, Leeds International Piano Competition and a whole host of smaller day meetings and accommodation bookings.

Though I will be sad not to be part of making these events happen, I will no doubt enjoy my time with my new little one, and I’m sure will find some time over the next few months to pop in and frequent one of our delicious coffee bars. After all, when I’m used to the responsibility of conferences for hundreds or even thousands of people, looking after just one tiny one can’t be that hard – can it?!!