Get to know: Helen Barkley

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

Get to Know: Helen

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 incredible Account Director, Helen. From her journey into the events industry to her favourite aspects of the job.

Meet Helen

As Account Director, Helen plays a crucial role at AP LIVE. Not only does she manage our wonderful team, but she also gets to work across each of our projects—a dynamic aspect of her role that she absolutely loves.

Like many professionals in the field, Helen didn’t originally plan to work in events but fell into it by chance. Helen’s journey started in Manchester at a public sector publishing company, where she organised conferences designed to educate the public sector on the latest government initiatives. The thrill of bringing events to life and seeing the result sparked her passion, and she’s been part of the fast-paced events industry ever since.

The Excitement of the Events Industry

What makes the events industry so special? For Helen, it’s all about creativity. Each event offers a chance to think outside the box and craft unforgettable experiences for clients. No two days are the same, and Helen thrives on balancing her passion for events and client relationships while leading and supporting a fantastic team.

Perks of the Industry

Working in the events industry means collaborating with some of the most talented and creative individuals out there. It’s this collective energy and innovation that keep things exciting. Plus, the opportunity to work in incredible locations around the world has been a major highlight of Helen’s career.

Helen’s Top Tips for Planning an Event

  • Set a Realistic Budget – Don’t estimate costs blindly. Get quotes early to avoid unexpected expenses later.
  • Consult the Experts – Event planning is a full-time profession for a reason. Working with professionals allows you to enjoy the experience while they handle logistics.

Helen’s Advice for Aspiring Event Organisers

Gaining hands-on experience is key. Whether it’s volunteering, shadowing industry professionals, or organising events for friends and family, practical experience is what truly sets you up for success in the field.

Life at AP LIVE

When asked what Helen enjoys most about working at AP LIVE, she didn’t hesitate—it’s the people. Being surrounded by a passionate and talented team makes every day enjoyable and rewarding.

One of Helen’s proudest career accomplishments was seeing those she has managed grow, achieve their goals, and thrive in their careers. Playing even a small role in their success is something Helen deeply values.

Working from Home & Career Highlights

Balancing work and family life is essential, and the flexibility of working from home has allowed Helen to do just that as a busy working mum.

As for Helen’s favourite event? There have been many, but the one that stands out the most was her first live, restriction-free event after the Covid-19 pandemic. The joy of being back onsite after so long was an unforgettable experience.

At AP LIVE, we are proud to have such passionate and dedicated team members leading the way. Stay tuned for more “Get to Know” features.

 

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