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, Susan Gibson, head of city events at Culture Liverpool, 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?

After completing my degree in tourism management, I was tasked with taking on the events for the local authority I worked for. That’s when I realised this was my passion and gave me further direction into the industry. I love the events industry. No two days are the same! Each project comes with its challenges and merits. And clearly, I seem to be an adrenalin junkie!

The events industry is intense and moves fast. How do you switch off, recharge, and stay inspired between projects?

It’s difficult sometimes with the number of projects we are involved in in Liverpool, but it’s so key to take the breaks between events; the job demands long hours. The inspiration to stay in the job for me is when you see people enjoying the events you have worked months on producing.

You are attending Event Buyers Live this November. What’s your top tip for someone attending EBL for the first time? 

Interact with everyone as there are so many new and different suppliers every time I go. Everyone has different perspectives, and the knowledge sharing at EBL is incredible. It’s also great to trade stories and know that we all have similar challenges in this industry.

What are you most looking forward about EBL26, and what opportunities are you hoping to discover?

I haven’t been for a few years, so I’m looking forward to meeting new suppliers. And the roundtable discussions are incredible for knowledge sharing and keeping ahead of the trends and changes in legislation.

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? 

It’s different because it takes place over a few days and gives you the chance to really forge new relationships with people in the industry. The format and the roundtable talks really does make it varied. The subject matter is always really looking ahead at what’s coming towards the sector.

EBL is “the place to do business”. Who have you met at EBL that has completely changed your event?

Roadphone NRB are one of our key suppliers who we have worked with for many years. They have supported us through many challenging events. And also, other local authority officers – who I hadn’t met before. Genuinely, this has helped in so many areas, as we can pick up the phone to each other and help problem solve within similar circumstances.

What information have you learned in the EBL content sessions that you have taken back to the office and put into practice?

Some roundtable sessions I attended on accessibility and sustainability were incredibly helpful. This helped us review how we did things and what we needed to look at developing and changing.

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

Current.