Each week, we spotlight a StandOut individual who has made an extraordinary impact within the events industry. This week, we’re featuring Kerry Harmer, freelancer.

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

One of my first ever event jobs was helping out on my friend’s sausage and mash stall for a summer season – and I absolutely loved it! Looking back, I think that’s when I first realised my passion for events. After managing event bars for several years, I knew I wanted to work within the actual festival team. I was desperate to understand how festivals are built from start to finish and everything in between. Since then, I’ve taken on a variety of roles, each one teaching me something new and helping me get to where I am in my career today.

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

Have confidence in yourself and your abilities – you don’t need to say yes to everything. Freelancing can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know when the next opportunity will come along. I used to panic and agree to every role, even when I wasn’t sure it was right for me. The problem with that approach is that when something truly exciting and challenging comes along, you’re already committed to work that doesn’t inspire you. I’ve learned to trust my skills and experience, and to believe that the roles I genuinely deserve will present themselves at the right time.

What are you working on at the moment? 

I’m currently wrapping up a contract as operations director for the Noor Riyadh Light Festival. I’ve been working on the project since August and have just returned after three months in Riyadh. As a freelancer, January can be a quieter period, but it’s often a welcome pause and a valuable time to reflect on the year ahead. It’s encouraging that meetings with new clients for 2026 are already underway.

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

Coming from an operations background, I really geek out on tools like event control logging software and project management platforms. It’s exciting to see how much EC software has advanced, particularly in its capabilities and the data it can capture. When you’re sifting through hundreds of logs for next year’s planning, trying to pull together incident figures for stakeholders, you really appreciate the value of clear, accurate data capture that these platforms provide.

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

• Multiple pairs of waterproof boots and coats: On-site weather can be unpredictable, and there’s nothing worse than having to put on soggy clothes! Rotate your gear so one set can dry while you wear the other.
• My Leatherman and podger: If you don’t have them, you’ll always end up needing them – they’re absolute lifesavers on-site.
• My Bodum coffee plunger mug: Good coffee is an absolute must when you’re on site!

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

To be honest, I just like helping people out and don’t need winning over. It’s all part of the community of what we do. I’ve learnt over the years what goes around comes around. From doing favours for others over the years, there’s always so many people I can call upon when I’m in the sh**t!

Do you have any on-site bugbears? 

Disorganisation and mess are my biggest bugbears. A chaotic site container can make me want to cry, and a messy office can make me want to walk straight out. Finding crew rubbish on the floor during an event build is incredibly frustrating — I’ve even been known to not let contractors leave site until they’ve gone back and cleaned it up! And nothing is worse than picking up a site vehicle that’s been used by someone else, only to find it full of rubbish and cigarette butts.

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

Be kind and stay happy. On-site work can be incredibly stressful and can get the better of any of us at times. When I feel myself reaching boiling point, I remind myself how much I love what I do and how fortunate I am to have a career I genuinely enjoy. Showing kindness, helping others, and maintaining a positive demeanour lifts the atmosphere and makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

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

Daily team huddles are an absolute must. They’re essential for keeping everyone informed, giving the team space to raise concerns, and ensuring people feel heard. That said, the real secret weapon for morale? Ice cream. On a sweltering, dusty day, there’s nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up when you surprise them with a frozen treat.

What’s the next chapter in your events journey?

Coming from a strong greenfield festival background, it’s been great to work on a wider range of international events, including art projects, conferences, and sporting events. I love the challenge of working in different countries and learning about new cultures along the way. That said, there’s nothing quite like UK festival culture, which will always hold a special place in my heart. Balancing different types of projects throughout the year is really important to me – it’s what keeps my work varied, rewarding, and makes me want to keep doing it.

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