Each week we will focus on a StandOut individual who has been extraordinary within the events industry. This week it is Ella Haynes, event staffing manager at the Occasionall Group.

How did you get into the events industry? Where has your career taken you, and what roles have you enjoyed?

I joined the events world after achieving a First Class BSc (Hons) in Event Management from the University of Lincoln. I was originally supposed to complete an industry placement year in New Zealand, but COVID put an abrupt end to that. After deferring this year and working within a completely different industry, I knew I wanted to get back to events! I gained as much experience as I could from several event companies in casual, temporary positions whilst at university and after blowing off some steam whilst exploring Southeast Asia, I was offered a position as an event staffing assistant at The Occasionall Group (or as it was known at the time, Festivall Services). Within this role, I learned an incredible amount about the industry, different online systems, welfare and standards and even the responsibility of having a full-time job! As I progressed in the company, becoming a coordinator and, more recently, manager, I was given more responsibility with processes and policies, a bigger team to manage, and even more opportunities to work in some incredible roles on-site.

What’s been the stand out moment of your career so far?

It’s hard to pick one stand out moment, as I am incredibly proud of many! I have been fortunate to complete additional external training and certifications, which have led to exciting new positions on the ground, such as working within event control as part of the UEFA Champions League Festivals earlier this year. I also had the pleasure of working with the rest of the team at The Occasionall Group to staff and work on-site at Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. These, alongside so many other amazing festivals and events, whether in the office or on-site, are the moments I am so thankful for.

What key pieces of advice would you give to someone starting in events?

I still feel new myself, but the thing I learned very quickly was to get yourself out there, say yes to as much as possible, and not close yourself off. The events industry is so broad, and there is so much to experience that you may not even realise certain jobs exist yet. One of the best ways to do this is to attend networking events, which for some (including myself) is so daunting and honestly terrifying at the beginning, but you soon realise that everyone is there to chat, welcome you and see how we can help each other! At our own networking event – ON:Occasion – we often discuss jobs that we are actively hiring and ways that you can get involved to start your journey. So, for anyone who shares my previous feelings towards networking, I promise your confidence will grow, and it will be worth it!

What career goals do you have, and where do you see yourself heading? For example, is there an event that you would love to work on but haven’t?

I would love to explore international events one day! To learn about the differences in culture, ways of working, and, of course, the event itself would be a career dream. Mega-events such as Tomorrowland, Coachella or the Olympics are definitely on the bucket list for the future, but I am still so open to new experiences and continuing to learn as much as I can within the industry!

If you would like to nominate someone for #EventProf of the week, please email marketing@standoutmagazine.co.uk.