
Women of Encore
Lisa Berryman
Technical Events Manager
1. Could you introduce yourself, and share how long you’ve been at Encore? What drew you to this team specifically?
My name is Lisa Berryman, and I’m the Technical Events Manager for Encore leading operations at our flagship venue, The Brewery in the City of London. I’ve been with Encore for 2.5 years, and in 2024 I was headhunted for this role, a testament to my experience, leadership, and reputation within the Event industry.
2. Walk us through a typical day in your role. What part of it brings you the most satisfaction?
A “typical day” doesn’t really exist at the Brewery and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. Every day and night bring a new mix of events, tight turnarounds, and unexpected challenges. I lead a team of six in‑house Technicians and four Project Managers, along with our wider crews and freelancers, ensuring everyone follows the Brewery’s protocols and H&S standards while keeping operations running smoothly.
My role is to make sure every setup is achievable within real‑world timeframes and that all production logistics are planned, coordinated, and delivered with precision. The goal is simple: create world‑class events that leave a lasting impression.
The most rewarding part? Watching my team bring a space to life seeing the craftsmanship, the problem‑solving, the long hours they have put in and then hearing clients walk into their plenary and say, “Wow… this looks and sounds incredible.” That moment makes every challenge worth it.
3. What inspired you to work in event production?
What inspired me to work in event production was the energy, creativity, and unpredictability of the industry. I’ve always been drawn to environments where no two days are the same, where problem‑solving meets artistry, and where teamwork transforms an empty space into something unforgettable. Event production was very new to me when I started but with 30 plus years in Event management, I wanted to see what more I could learn and Encore has given me the opportunity to learn so much in the past 2.5 years. There’s something incredibly motivating about watching an idea evolve from a concept on paper into a fully realized experience, the lights, the sound, the atmosphere, the reactions. Seeing people walk into a room and feel that immediate wow moment is what hooked me from the start. It’s fast‑paced, challenging, and deeply rewarding and that’s exactly why I love it.
4. Looking back to when you started, what surprised you most about the industry?
What surprised me most was how much happens behind the scenes to make an event look effortless. There is so much teamwork, communication, and adaptability involved. I was also pleasantly surprised by how supportive the industry can be. Early on, I met people who were willing to mentor me, answer my questions, and encourage me to keep growing, which made a huge difference to my confidence.
5. What’s the most challenging part of your role?
The most challenging part of my role is balancing the fast‑paced, ever‑changing nature of live events with the need for absolute precision. No two days are the same, and even the best‑planned schedules can shift in an instant. Managing those constant changes while keeping my team focused, motivated, and aligned is a daily challenge — but also one of the most rewarding parts of the job. I’m responsible for ensuring that every setup is safe, achievable, and delivered to the highest standard, often within extremely tight timeframes. That means making quick decisions, solving problems under pressure, and keeping multiple teams moving in sync. But the real challenge is doing all of that while maintaining the calm, confidence, and clarity my team relies on. They look to me to set the tone, especially when things get tough, and leading with that level of consistency is something I take seriously
6. What are you most proud of in your career, and what milestones are you looking to achieve next?
With over 450 events a year it’s difficult to choose one! I am proud of every event we deliver even the ones where things go wrong as we all learn from them and learning is something that makes us even better! Back in 2024 My First event at the Brewery two weeks into my role was The Brit awards after party which was insane! But one event that really stands out is the Telium event we have showcased two years in a row it’s been a standout moment for me. They’re the kind of projects that push the team creatively and technically and seeing us elevate the experience year on year is something I’m genuinely proud of…… What’s next? Looking ahead, the milestones I want to achieve next Centre around growth, both for myself, for my team and for the venue I lead. I’m focused on expanding the technical capabilities and creative potential of my team and the Brewery, pushing our productions to an even higher standard so we can continue to stand out as a flagship venue in London.
7. What advice would you give someone considering a career in event production?
My advice for anyone considering event production is simple: be adaptable, stay curious, and love the chaos. This industry moves fast, and the people who thrive are the ones who jump in, learn on the go, and keep a cool head when everything changes at the last minute.
Build strong relationships, ask questions, and never lose the buzz you get when an event comes to life, that feeling is what makes it all worth it.
8. Working in such a prestigious venue with exacting standards and demanding guests might seem daunting to some – how did you find your feet and what did you do to build your confidence?
The best way to find your feet in event production is to start doing, not overthinking. Confidence comes from action, from showing up, trying things, making mistakes, and realizing you can handle far more than you thought.
I always tell people to focus on three things.
- Get hands‑on early — the more you touch the kit, shadow the team, and see real setups, the faster everything clicks.
- Ask smart questions — not because you don’t know, but because you want to understand. Curiosity builds confidence.
- Back yourself — everyone starts somewhere. The people who grow fastest are the ones who trust their instincts and stay calm when things get messy.
Confidence isn’t something you wait for it’s something you build by stepping into the work, one challenge at a time. And in this industry, those small wins add up quickly.
9. What is your favourite part about working in-house at one of our partner venues?
My favourite part about working in‑house at one of our partner venues is the sense of ownership and connection you build with the space. You’re not just delivering events, you’re shaping the standard, the culture, and the experience of a venue you know inside out.
Being in‑house means you develop deep relationships with the venue teams, which makes collaboration smoother, communication faster, and problem‑solving far more intuitive. You become the go‑to expert, the person people trust to make things happen.
And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching a space you work in every day transform again and again, each event completely different from the last. That mix of familiarity and creativity is what keeps it so exciting.
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