Get to know: Emma
At AP LIVE, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. In this edition of our “Get to Know” series, we’re shining the spotlight on our brilliant Senior Event Manager, Emma Barker. From her journey into the events industry to her favourite aspects of her role here at AP LIVE.
Meet Emma
Emma plays a pivotal role in our team, overseeing every aspect of our events from start to finish. From the initial scoping call to post-event evaluation, she leads the entire planning process with precision and creativity. Whether it’s coordinating logistics or managing onsite delivery, Emma ensures every detail is flawlessly executed.
The Excitement of the Events Industry
After graduating from university, Emma began her career in the accounts department of a leading theming and furniture hire company. What started as a temporary role quickly sparked her interest in the world of events. Inspired by what she saw behind the scenes, she transitioned into an event management role—landing her first position at an agency. That move set the foundation for her career in events, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Perks of the Industry
For Emma, it’s the variety that makes the events industry so rewarding. Working on an exciting mix of projects for a wide range of clients means no two days are the same—each one brings new challenges and fresh opportunities to get creative. Whether it’s driving sustainability initiatives, crafting unique experiences, or uncovering hidden gem destinations, Emma is constantly inspired to think outside the box.
As a passionate traveller, the global aspect of the job has been a major highlight. From client events to FAM trips, Emma has had the opportunity to explore the world and create unforgettable memories along the way.
What truly makes the industry special for her, though, are the people. From suppliers and colleagues to wider industry connections, Emma values the supportive, welcoming community that makes every project a pleasure to be part of.
Emma’s Top Tips for Planning an Event:
- Revisit the Brief Often – Start with a solid understanding of the event brief and keep it front and centre throughout the planning process. Key objectives or stakeholder priorities can easily get lost along the way, so revisiting the brief regularly with the client helps manage expectations and ensures the final event truly hits the mark.
- See It from Every Perspective – Put yourself in the shoes of your attendees, speakers, clients, and other stakeholders. Walking through the event from each of their viewpoints helps you identify key touchpoints and ensure nothing important is missed.
- Clarify Ways of Working Early On – Every client is different. What works for one might not suit another, so take the time early in the process to discuss how they prefer to communicate and collaborate. Establishing this upfront sets the tone for a smoother planning experience.
Emma’s Advice for Aspiring Event Organisers
Put yourself out there. Whether it’s signing up for industry events, volunteering for internal projects, or joining working groups, Emma believes being proactive is key. “You’ll quickly become the go-to person,” she says, “and that puts you in a great position when new opportunities come up.” For Emma, it’s all about showing initiative and being ready to get involved.
Life at AP LIVE:
Emma loves being part of the close-knit team at AP LIVE. She thrives in the collaborative environment, where everyone brings their own perspective to the table. Working remotely suits her well—it allows for real focus and productivity—while regular team check-ins ensure there’s always a strong sense of connection.
What Emma particularly values is the trust the Directors place in the team. That autonomy means she can make meaningful decisions and see the impact of her work. Being part of a small, agile team also means things get done quickly and efficiently, which she finds incredibly rewarding.
Emma mentions “The team are great, and I couldn’t ask for better colleagues. When we do get together for office days, there’s a great buzz”.
Working from Home & Career Highlights
Like many in the events world, Emma found the Covid period to be a major turning point. It was such a challenging time, but it really pushed her to grow. Thrust into virtual events almost overnight, Emma quickly learned new skills—content production, virtual platforms, directing filming—skills she’d never needed before. It added so many strings to her bow and changed her outlook. Now, Emma never panic’s if she doesn’t know how to do something—anything can be learned with the right mindset.
As for working from home? Emma’s favourite part is easy: Monty, her miniature Dachshund, who’s a regular companion in her home office—and even pops up on the occasional client calls.
When it comes to career highlights, there’s no shortage of standout moments. Emma’s especially proud of the events she’s delivered for world-famous brands. Knowing you’ve helped bring something to life for a brand that millions know—that never gets old. She also loves managing incentive events. Creating experiences people wouldn’t normally have access to, and seeing how much they appreciate it, is special for Emma.
At AP LIVE, we’re proud to have a team of passionate and dedicated individuals driving our success. Keep an eye out for more “Get to Know” spotlights coming soon.