Encore Unplugged is the podcast that takes you behind the curtain of the dynamic and ever-evolving events industry. In each episode, we shine a spotlight on the passionate people who make unforgettable experiences possible, from event organisers and creative designers to tech experts and performers.
We don’t just talk logistics, we explore the real stories, challenges, and triumphs of those who bring events to life. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone fascinated by the people the behind-the-scenes of events, you’ll find inspiration and insight in every conversation.
In our very first episode, we sit down with Alison Aguiar, Operations Manager at one of our key London partner venues. She shares her journey in the events industry, what it’s like to work in a traditionally male-dominated space, and her proudest professional milestones.
A glimpse into the role
“I started off as a Technician and have been promoted to an Operations Manager… I start my day by going through a checklist of what I need to do during the day and if my Technician is with me, we start going through the rooms that we need to set up.”
The surprising side of the events industry
“One of the most surprising things was not being in contact with many women at Encore for the first like 5 months I started. This has definitely changed for the better… the Technician that I work with is a woman and we now have an all-women’s team.”
Navigating challenges in a fast-paced industry
‘’Learning to adapt as events change, because you know how the industry is, there’s a lot of last-minute requests and being able to adapt to that is the attitude you need.’’
Alison’s proudest achievement
“The first event I managed, nearly on my own, being the face of the team, gave me satisfaction by being able to please the client with everything going smoothly. It was a great moment to say that I did this on my own.”
Advice for individuals interested in joining the event production industry
“To be open to learning, to not think that you always know everything. Being open to learning allows you to grow and to be confident in yourself. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re doing but having that mindset of ‘I can figure it out’ is very important.”
Advice on building confidence and staying resilient
“Confidence is very important, and it’s been a big process for me… keeping calm and not taking anything personally, knowing that whatever is happening is not against me, and to always have the clients’ feelings first. Whatever the clients are feeling, it’s important to be empathetic and respectful.”
Stay tuned for more episodes featuring the incredible individuals shaping the world of events.
Interested in a similar opportunity? Explore the open roles available at Encore here!