For more than ten years, Event Buyers Live has been connecting event professionals. As excitement builds ahead of #EBL25, respected #Eventprofs share their experiences of the hosted buyer event. This week, it is Catherine Bishop’s turn to reveal what she learned, discovered, and who she met.

What inspired you to get into events, and how long have you been working in the industry? 

I’ve always enjoyed being the social planner within my friendship group, which naturally led me to working in events. I also gained experience working on trade stands for Joules during the summer, which is how I first got involved with The Game Fair.

Please share any success stories or memories linked to your EBL experience.

One of my favourite things about EBL is catching up with fellow organisers and swapping stories about the summer of events—it’s so reassuring to realise you’re not the only one dealing with the same challenges! I also love meeting contractors I’d never have thought to speak to before—it always sparks new ideas. And of course, the keynote speakers are always a highlight they’re inspiring, entertaining, and sometimes even a little bit surprising!

Can you pinpoint one relationship, meeting, or conversation that made a lasting impression, or opened new opportunities for you? What’s been your biggest takeaway?

One conversation that really sticks with me was at EBL when I spoke with a contractor I’d never considered working with before. That chat ended up opening doors to a few exciting collaborations later on, which was such a surprise! My biggest takeaway from experiences like that is just how valuable networking and staying open to new ideas can be it’s amazing how one conversation can spark opportunities you never expected.

What would be your dream event to own, launch or work on? 

I hear Taylor Swift is getting married – I would love to work on that! Taylor, if you are reading this drop me a line.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone attending EBL for the first time?

My one piece of advice would be: don’t be shy! Talk to anyone and everyone.

What do you do to recover after a busy season or event?

Big glass of rose wine and go on holiday!

In one word, how would you describe EBL?

Unmissable.

Have you attended Event Buyers Live before? If you would like a moment in the spotlight and are happy to share what you took from #EBL, get in touch. Email marketing@standoutmagazine.co.uk