Each week, we spotlight a StandOut individual who has made an extraordinary impact within the events industry. This week, we’re featuring Thomas Franklin, director of Revel Events Management – 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 realised events were my thing midway through university while I was training to be a primary school teacher. I spent my summers working security and traffic management at festivals and events, watching greenfield sites transform into fully functioning villages, and in some cases, cities. I was hooked the moment I got involved. The pace, the pressure, the camaraderie… and the feeling of contributing to something thousands of people would experience and remember, even though I was just one small moving part in something a lot bigger.

Looking back over your career, what’s been the biggest lesson you have learned? 
Communication is key. Whether it is building those solid foundations and relationships with suppliers, keeping teams motivated and working together, or simply being that link for people to highlight issues to ensure they are solved in a timely manner. Communicating with people clearly can save time and alleviate a whole heap of stress. Especially in an already high-pressured environment.

What are you working on at the moment? 
At the moment, I am in conversations with existing clients to plan for being involved in their 2026 projects, shaping support around their operational demands. I’m also actively on the lookout for new and exciting opportunities, projects both big and small that I can bring my meticulous planning skills and creativity to the table and support clients from early planning through to delivery. Alongside that, I’m currently procuring suppliers for the 2026 edition of Reading Pride Festival and Parade, building a £100,000 budget for a festival that welcomes approximately 13,000 people across the day.

What trends in the events world are you most excited by right now?
I’m excited by the industry’s shift toward smarter, more accessible site management, particularly integrated mapping tools that don’t cost a fortune and make use of technology we already carry every day, like our phones. There’s also real progress in tracking consumables more accurately on-site, such as fuel for generators, which helps teams make better decisions, run more efficient builds, and aid in becoming a more sustainable industry. On the audience side, I’m fascinated by the rise of interactive, experience-led events, especially as younger audiences (18 – 25) are drinking less alcohol. It’s inspiring to see creativity driving more meaningful and engaging experiences.

When you’re going on-site, what three things do you not leave home without?
My trusty Leatherman, a fully charged power bank, and a decent waterproof. You never know what the day will throw at you. A change in weather? Sorted. A day where you are making endless phone calls? Not a problem. A cable tie that absolutely refuses to cooperate? Consider it dealt with. However, if all else fails, at least I will stay dry, charged, and capable of fixing or cutting something.

When you’re on-site and someone wants a favour, what will win you over?
A biscuit or a slice of cake, and a good honest chat. If someone takes a moment to be genuine and explain what they need, and we can share a bit of humour over it, I’m almost always persuaded to go the extra mile. I will always try my best to help people out.

Do you have any on-site bugbears? 
Vehicles driving too fast in compound areas, or on metal trackway. Despite the numerous amounts of signage placed and the H&S inductions that they have read and signed. That, and people cutting over each other on the radio.

Do you have any on-site rules that you live by?
No problem is ever too big or too small to be solved. Also, even when it is busy and everybody is stressed, you always have time to be calm, be clear, and be kind.

What do you do on site to keep morale high and your team motivated?
To keep morale high and my team motivated, I always try to be visible on-site and approachable so everyone knows they can come to me. When you’re deep in an event, a quick check-in, or a cup of tea or coffee goes a long way. Not everybody is okay, people may look it on the outside but inside can be a different story. Take the time to check in with your teams.

What’s the next chapter in your events journey?
The next chapter in my events journey is stepping into more operations, site, and project management roles across major festivals and live events. Projects where I can shape the advancing, the planning, and the delivery from day one. I’m excited to take on bigger challenges, grow new partnerships, make new friends, and continue building shows that I am proud to put my name to and say I was involved in.

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