After a Modern Languages degree took her to Paris, Barcelona and Lisbon, Ellie swapped a short stint in sales for the fast pace of event management, joining our team here at BeaconHouse Events as a project coordinator.
We grabbed a coffee (though sadly no croissant) to chat about her route into events, what she’s learned from her clients so far and why she’s happiest leaving the spotlight to the speakers while she makes the magic happen behind the scenes…
Tell me about your new role at BeaconHouse Events – are you all settled in?
Absolutely! I joined BeaconHouse Events nearly six months ago and it’s flown by. It’s a close-knit team, so I’ve settled in quickly and feel part of the furniture already.
As a project coordinator I’m involved with lots of different areas of event planning, from research and liaison (catering, AV, access) to wrangling suppliers, delegate comms, those weird-and-wonderful delegate gifts, all before being onsite to make sure everything runs smoothly. I’ve been lucky enough to join right at the start of a really busy season for the agency so I’ve already been involved in a “listening” event series, supporting ATOMICON in June, and being part of the Great North Run weekend where we were onsite at the elite tent from the crack of dawn to hospitality later on. No two days look the same, and I love that.
What did you study?
I studied Modern Languages, French with Portuguese and Spanish here in Newcastle and I spent my year abroad in Paris, Barcelona and Lisbon. In Paris I worked in HR for a company that placed English teachers in primary schools, I loved it and it taught me a lot about clear communication, organisation, and thinking on my feet, which is all very transferrable to events!
How did a degree in Modern Language take you into a career in events?
I graduated last summer and started in a sales role that used my languages. It gave me solid office experience, but I realised pretty quickly that I wanted something faster-paced and more people-centred. Events had always been on my radar (my mum works in marketing and used to rope me into conference set-ups from being little!) so when the BeaconHouse role came up it just clicked and it was the best move I’ve made.
So you’ve been around events since you were little – that makes sense! What would you tell people looking to pursue a career in the sector?
The variety and energy is incredible. I thrive when it’s busy and every brief is different. Events put people at the heart of everything, which suits my linguist’s curiosity about how people connect. For anyone considering it – jump in! Be organised, communicate clearly, and embrace the unknown, plans change and you have to keep moving. It’s high-tempo, but that’s the joy.
Did you have any misconceptions about working in events before you arrived at BeaconHouse? Has anything surprised you?
People often just see the sparkle at the end, the stages, the lovely dresses and the photos, and not the 90% of detailed planning behind it but there’s a lot of admin, early starts, late finishes and 20,000-step days but the most common thing I’ve been asked is whether I’m constantly meeting celebrities! In reality, you’re there to deliver flawlessly and be almost invisible so the experience shines. What’s really surprised me the most at BeaconHouse is the breadth of backgrounds in the team, not everyone started in events, and those different routes mean that we approach and solve problems in totally different ways and its been great to observe and learn from others in the team.
What did you want to be when you were little?
At one point, an interior designer (I’ve always loved organising spaces and Rightmove is still my guilty pleasure!) but I also toyed with being a translator. My year abroad showed me I preferred dynamic, collaborative work over life in a translation booth though.
Outside of the office what can we find you doing?
Travelling whenever I can, brushing up my languages, and watching football – I’m a big Newcastle United fan and love getting to St James’ Park when I can, much to the dismay of the ‘Boro fans in the team. Otherwise, I’m probably planning the next trip or scrolling property listings!
And finally, who would be your dream client?
I’ve got two answers – is that allowed? Locally, something with Newcastle United would be a dream but I would love to work on a major film or music festival in France. It would be a dream to bring my love of Paris full circle and help deliver an international event.
To find out more about how BeaconHouse Events can support your business to deliver events with purpose in 2025 and beyond, email info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk