Each week, we spotlight a StandOut individual who has made an extraordinary impact within the events industry. This week, we’re featuring Katy Wilson, freelancer – and for 2026, we’ve refreshed our questions to bring you even deeper insights…

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

I remember the moment vividly. I was 14 years old helping out in the site office at Field Day in Victoria Park. This was before CDM Regs became a thing! Adrenaline was high, stress levels were at breaking point and there was a queue of people asking a million and one questions. Then the main stage started sound check and I just felt total euphoria. There’s nothing quite like that feeling, and I still get it at every single event I’ve worked on since.

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

You are never going to know everything. You will make mistakes, you will forget things, and at some point, you will definitely think, “Am I really cut out for this?” It’s important to remember that you are – and that there will always be someone who can help you. Trust your instinct, ask for help, and remember you’re human.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just finished the de-rig of a light trail, Christmas at Bedgebury, with the wonderful team at Culture Creative. I don’t have any other on site work until I head back to run the site office at Snowboxx in March, so I’ll be keeping myself busy with a few advancing days… and a few adventures.

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

I’m hoping to see a big increase in women working in the events industry, particularly on the site side of things. I can’t wait for the day a driver doesn’t feel the need to say, “Well done darling” to me for loading a truck.

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

My set of master keys, a bum bag, and a 21mm socket.

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

I like to bank my favours – I know for a fact that at some point I’ll need something back in return. Oh, and chocolate.

Do you have any on-site bugbears?

So many, but the biggest one is bad attitudes. The events world is demanding, exhausting and overwhelming, but we’re all in the same boat and no one is above anyone else. Attitude is the number one thing that will get you far in this industry, and if it sucks, word will spread.

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

Tea bag, sugar, water, milk. In that order.

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

Getting involved is everything. If another team, crew or supplier needs an extra pair of hands, I’ll be the first to jump in. I’ll always get my hands dirty and do what needs to be done if I’m able to.

What’s the next chapter in your events journey?

I’ve already secured a return as site coordinator at British Summer Time with the LS Events team, and I’ll be stepping into a crew boss role with IMG at The Big Feastival. This year is about growing my skills, building confidence, and seeing where the next opportunities take me.

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