Each week, we spotlight a StandOut individual who has made an extraordinary impact within the events industry. This week, we’re featuring Gemma Bechervaise, creative events director at Enable.

When did you realise that events were “your thing” and the career for you?

I actually started out in the film and television industry and absolutely loved it. But I quickly realised that you tended to fit into one of two camps – you were either in a department where you could be hugely creative or one where you could be highly organised. I wanted both. My brain has always worked equally on the creative and logistical sides, and I was looking for a career that would let me use them together.

When I left that industry, a few people suggested I’d make a good project manager, and others mentioned events. At the time, though, I pictured conferences or weddings and neither particularly appealed.

Then I landed a project management role on an incredible programme of live events and was completely hooked. Suddenly I’d found an industry where I could dream up ideas, solve complex logistical problems and watch those ideas come to life in front of thousands of people. It scratched every itch I had.

Since then, it’s been a complete love affair. I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything else. The long hours, the pressure and the inevitable stressful moments staring at a lightening app? They’re just part of a slightly toxic relationship that I’m far too in love with to walk away from.

Looking back over your career, what’s been the biggest lesson you have learned?

I’ve learned that you can spend months meticulously creating plan A… but you almost never end up executing plan A.

Live events have a habit of throwing curveballs at you – weather, suppliers, artists, transport, technical issues – and before you know it, you’re making decisions that weren’t in the original plan. The irony is that the reason you’re able to adapt so quickly is because you planned so thoroughly in the first place. Good planning gives you the confidence and understanding to be flexible when you need it most.

I’ve also learned that you’re only ever as good as the team around you. No event is built by one person, and the best ideas in the world are worthless without brilliant people to bring them to life.

And perhaps the hardest lesson for me, as a perfectionist, has been knowing when to let go. There comes a point where an event has to stop being perfected and simply happen. It’s still something I’m working on, but I’m getting better at recognising that sometimes “ready” is better than “perfect”.

What are you working on at the moment?

One of the things I love most about my role as creative events director at Enable is the variety. I’m fortunate to work across a portfolio of very different events, so there’s never really a quiet moment.

We’ve just launched our newest event, Battersea Park Comedy Festival, so I’m currently pulling apart all the data to understand what worked, what didn’t and how we make year two even better.

At the same time, I’m about to head on-site for the second year of Country on the Common, while finalising plans for Battersea Park in Concert in August and developing the creative for Battersea Park Fireworks in November.

And because event planning never really stops, I’m also shaping a potential new show for 2027 while laying the strategic foundations for 2028.

So, in one word? Busy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What trends in the events world are you most excited by right now?

I think audiences are becoming much more intentional with how they spend their money. They’re no longer buying tickets just because an event exists – they’re buying experiences that feel unique and emotionally rewarding.

That’s pushing organisers to think beyond a line-up and create complete worlds, stronger storytelling, and more reasons to come back year after year. I also love seeing events becoming more community-focused, rather than trying to be all things to all people.

When you’re going on-site, what three things do you not leave home without?

First, my bumbag full of mini essentials – a torch, power bank, hand sanitiser, tissues, sharpie, hair band and all the little things that somehow become indispensable when you’re on-site.

Second, a clean pair of socks in my backpack. It might sound odd, but after a long day in wet boots, nothing lifts your mood quite like dry socks. No one needs trench foot at a festival.

And finally, waterproofs. It’s England. Experience has taught me that if you leave them at home, that’s the day you’ll spend 12 hours standing in torrential rain. You’d be surprised what you can achieve if you are dressed appropriately.

When you’re on-site and someone wants a favour, what will win you over?

Come with a solution, not just a problem.

I’ll always make time for someone who’s thought through the issue and can explain what they need and why. Events are built on teamwork and flexibility, but everyone’s juggling priorities, so making it easy to say yes goes a long way.

That said… I can also be very easily persuaded by something sweet. Turn up with a brownie or a packet of Haribo and your chances of getting my attention definitely improve.

Do you have any on-site bugbears?

People walking past problems because “it’s not my department”.

We are only here because of our audience. We don’t create festivals for ourselves – we create them for the people who have chosen to spend their time and money with us. So, I hate seeing someone ignore an issue because they think it belongs to another team.

If you spot a trip hazard, a queue building, an overflowing bin or a customer looking confused, own it. Deal with it if you can or find the person who can. Guests don’t see departments or organisational charts; they just experience the event as a whole.

For me, the best event professionals are the ones who are constantly looking at the site through the eyes of the customer and asking, “Would I be happy with this?” If the answer is no, fix it.

Do you have any on-site rules that you live by?

Never ask your team to do something you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself.

Whether that’s picking litter, moving barriers, or helping reset furniture in the rain, leadership is visible on-site. If people see you mucking in, they’re much more likely to go the extra mile themselves.

What do you do on site to keep morale high and your team motivated?

I make a point of saying thank you, celebrating the small wins and making sure people know why their work matters.

When everyone is tired, stressed and running on caffeine, a bit of recognition can completely change the atmosphere. I also believe that keeping people well fed is one of the simplest ways to keep spirits up – good snacks can solve an astonishing number of problems on-site.

And whenever possible, there should be music. It lifts the energy, breaks the tension and reminds everyone why we’re there in the first place.

Events are serious business, but they’re also meant to create joy. I think the best teams are the ones who can work incredibly hard while still finding reasons to laugh along the way.

What’s the next chapter in your events journey?

I feel incredibly lucky to have reached a point in my career where I’m genuinely in my dream job, so right now the focus is on making the most of it.

I want to keep learning, keep innovating and keep creating experiences that surprise people. I never want to become complacent or think I’ve got all the answers – our industry moves too quickly for that.

One of the biggest sources of inspiration for me is experiencing other forms of entertainment. I make a conscious effort to go to as many festivals, theatre shows, immersive experiences, concerts and attractions as I can, because the best ideas often come from outside your own corner of the industry.

Ultimately, I hope the next chapter is simply more of what I love: building brilliant teams, trying bold new ideas, and creating events that people remember long after they’ve gone home.

Nominate your #EventProf of the week or sponsor an #EventProf and align your brand with the best in the industry by emailing marketing@standoutmagazine.co.uk