Experienced Events Professional
I’m an events professional with over 15 years experience in live events, from theatre to corporate, large to small, technical to banqueting. This site is my live CV, or record to myself of what I’ve done. I also write occasionally about things I’m interested in.
Working in Live Event Operations to deliver memorable experiences that guests will want to share. With over 15 years of experience in live events, ranging from big to small, arts to corporate, I am now seeking a new challenge where I can develop my skillset and expand my portfolio.
In 2025, I was given the exciting opportunity to lead the newly formed Conference & Events Cluster as part of Source Catering at the University of Bristol. My role covers event catering to both internal and external clients, delivered catering across the University, and the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.
In November 2022 I took the opportunity to move back to events and conferencing and to lead the operation through Christmas. With 8 meeting spaces, and a capacity of over 400, I work closely with the Hotel General Manager and Groups and Events team to operationally deliver memorable events that guests will want to share.
From June 2021 I took the position of head of department for Restaurant and Bars. Reporting to the Hotel General Manager, I oversaw all front of house food and beverage aspects, including development of the hotel's restaurant, bars and in room dining offering, as well as conference and events. I lead a management team of 1 assistant manager and 3 supervisors, and a team of up to 50 staff, including full time, part time and casual.
This includes ordering stock, hiring staff, scheduling staff hours around a busy conference schedule, designing and delivering training to meet targets, as well as working with the Events Team in the pre-planning of events and conferences.
This role included running the day-to-day operation of the conference centre, including ensuring staff resources were positioned correctly, anticipating problems and being pro-active, working with clients and guests to ensure smooth delivery of events and a high level of customer service.
Alongside my full time role as an Operations and Security Assistant, I took on additional responsibility as a casual event/function manager. In this role I took on full event supervision during the set-up and running of events across Bath's Historic Venues. These include meeting clients, co-ordinating venue operations, catering, suppliers and other departments to deliver a flawless event for up to 500 people.
Assisting in the maintenance, health and safety and security of one of Bath's most beautiful historic venues, as well as assisting with high level events. This role includes supervising large set-ups of events, observing function detail documents carefully and working with clients, catering and suppliers, then handing over to the Event Manager to ensure a smooth running event.
Working in a developing multi-arts centre. This role included managing the venue's coffee bar, including maintenance of stock, development of range and line managing staff.
Working as part of the front of house team to service bars, sell concessions, and ensure guest safety.
Dissertation title: "A Museum Exhibit-Style Resource to Engage and Educate the public in Cancer Biology"
A Level: Human Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Physics (B), Maths (B)
AS Level: Business Studies (B)
GCSE: Additional Mathematics (A*), Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), English (A*), Geography (A*), German (A*), Mathematics (A*), Physics (A*), Statistics (A*), Business Studies (A), English Literature (A), French (A), Music (A)
Lighting, Sound, and Making Things Happen
I've worked on a number of productions in a variety of roles, including as Technical Stage Manager, Company Stage Manager, Chief LX and Production Manager. I have a wide range of experience in theatre lighting, sound, audiovisual and production management.
This comprehensive list showcases over a decade of theatre technical work across the South West, including regular comedy nights at Victoria Hall and various corporate entertainment events throughout the period.
In 2017, I took on a major organisational role on two high profile events.
Working with the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute (BRLSI) to take over full delivery of the Young Inventor competition. This event includes a series of workshops, as well as the main event with judging and award presentation.
After the success of the British Orchid Congress in 2012, I was asked back to help lead the team organising the 2018 version of this event (now called the British orchid Show and Congress). This event includes hosting over 1000 public visitors over the two day show, plus exhibitors and traders from across Europe.
Welcome to my notebook - a space for thoughts, updates, and insights from the world of theatre and events.
There are many interesting things I have to do in my current position. Managing a small Arts Centre means that budgets are very tight. Often, all of us have to work very long hours and muck in on jobs...
Read more →About this blog: I write about pretty much anything that interests me. Posts are written in markdown and published as clean, fast-loading HTML pages.
I'm always interested in new projects and collaborations. Whether you need a lighting designer, technical manager, or events coordinator, I'd love to hear from you.
Alternative contact: You can also reach me directly at hello@lbarnes.net