For more than a decade, Event Buyers Live has brought event professionals together to connect, share ideas and build valuable industry relationships. As we look ahead to #EBL26, we’re revisiting the experiences that make the hosted buyer event so memorable. This time, Frankie Tee, managing director at EnTEEtainment, shares her EBL experience, from the insights she gained to the people she met along the way.

What first drew you into the events industry and what keeps you excited about the sector?

It was never the plan to get into events, I was sold on graphic or interior designer, but growing up around site builds and load ins, I guess it was inevitable I would catch the bug for it. What keeps me excited now is watching the live industry evolve alongside changes in consumer behaviour. What people want and expect to see from a day out is dramatically shifting, and the events paying attention to that are the ones doing the interesting work. I’m also excited by the growth in non-music festivals and what they’re doing to keep the public entertained.

The events industry is intense and moves fast. How do you switch off, recharge, and stay inspired between projects?
I read a lot, and I compete in ballroom and Latin dancing. I deliberately picked a competitive hobby so I’d have to commit to it. I’m learning chess at the moment and would love to give it more time – site chess club, anyone? For inspiration, I try to look at creativity outside live stages, and I’m interested in how touring creative concepts could work on a festival stage.

You are attending Event Buyers Live this November. What’s your top tip for someone attending EBL for the first time?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your first year, be honest with the EBL team. They were so helpful with me and really settled my nerves. I’d also say join one of the longer NetWalks – it’s a great, low-pressure way to talk to people you haven’t met.

What are you most looking forward to about EBL26, and what opportunities are you hoping to discover?
I came in 2025 with a few specific events in mind. This time, I’ve got some quite different projects on, and I’m looking for both inspiration and suppliers for those. This summer has gone exceptionally fast and I can’t wait to get into 2027 planning.

There are many industry events but for you, what makes EBL stand out from all the others and why did you want to come back?
I wish I’d come sooner. Quality suppliers, likeminded buyers, and a really good mix – proper time focused on talking business, then space for general networking and industry catch up.

EBL is “the place to do business”. Who have you met at EBL that has completely changed your event?
Two suppliers I met in 2025 – Furniture On The Move and Azorra. Both helped a project that was confirmed at very short notice, and both delivered an excellent service.

What information have you learned in the EBL content sessions that you have taken back to the office and put into practice?
I joined a really interesting session on volunteer management and took a lot of what that group shared straight into an event. It was our first year on that one and the volunteers gave really good feedback – it made a huge difference.

If you could sum up EBL in one word, what would it be?
Balanced.