Member Article

Prestigious award for Ricoh senior events manager

The senior events manager at the Ricoh Arena is celebrating winning a prestigious national award.

Chris Owen was presented with a trophy for winning the Best Venue Event Manager category at the Exhibition News Awards 2013.

In front of 800 guests, the 27-year-old from Nuneaton scooped first place at the seventh annual awards ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel.

Ricoh Arena sales manager Michelle O’Toole was also among the final five shortlisted in the Best Venue Salesperson section.

Chris, who received a special commendation at the Exhibition News Awards 2011, was delighted to go home with the top prize this year.

“It has been quite a year after being promoted to senior events manager in November and now winning the Best Venue Event Manager title,” he said.

“To receive such an award in front of leading figures in the exhibition industry was an honour but it wasn’t just for me, it was for all my colleagues at the Ricoh Arena because I wouldn’t have won it without their support and help.

“My job involves being in charge of the event planning team which involves developing the events aspect of the Ricoh Arena, supporting the sales team to attract new events and liaising with other departments to ensure each event runs smoothly.

“I am responsible for conferences for up to 4,500 delegates to exhibitions which can attract anything up to 8,000 people to boardroom meetings for 12 because of the flexibility of the facilities at the Ricoh Arena.

“I am also now working with other members of the team in planning for this summer’s Bruce Springsteen and Muse concerts which promise to be another two memorable nights in the venue’s history.

“One of the highlights of the job is working with clients and agencies every step of the way in planning their event and then being involved on the day as everything comes together successfully.”

Liz Cooper, marketing director at the Ricoh Arena, said Chris thoroughly deserved his success at the Exhibition News Awards 2013.

“Chris is a vital member of our event planning team and his hard work, determination and ability is evident every day,” she said.

“He also shows plenty of initiative and he put forward a business plan to the Ricoh Arena’s management team to invest £60,000 in a new Wi-Fi system to improve the experience for exhibitors and visitors. The new system means up to 4,500 people can use Wi-Fi at any one time at the venue.

“We are delighted Chris and Michelle have been nationally recognised for their talents and outstanding achievements.”

PICTURE CAPTION: Chris Owen from the Ricoh Arena who won Best Venue Event Manager at the Exhibition News Awards 2013

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ricoh Arena .