Event Matters

32 Episodes

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Building an Event Business That Lasts 100 Years with Jamie Simon

2026-11-0545:43

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Jamie Simon, Director and Partner at Banana Split, the events business founded by Julian Posner in 1974. What started as a mobile disco has become an international events business, creating extraordinary weddings, private celebrations and corporate events around the world. More than 50 years on, Banana Split is still thriving, but as Jamie explains, staying relevant takes more than a strong reputation. He shares how bringing new partne...

A Hybrid Event Is More Than Just a Live Stream with Rachel Locke

2026-10-2940:46

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Rachel Locke, founder of Virtual Approval and its new sister brand, VA Events. Rachel wasn’t planning to start an events business. Furloughed from recruitment during COVID, she offered to help people take their meetings online. The couple of hours she hoped to fill quickly became a full diary. Today, the company delivers webinars, workshops and conferences across virtual, hybrid and live formats, although persuading clients to see beyo...

I Built It. Then I Fired Myself: The Clownfish Story with Matt Turner

2026-10-2152:53

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Matt Turner, Founder of Clownfish Events, who started the business at 18, grew it into a multi-million-pound company and, 16 years later, decided to fire himself. Matt shares how growing up feeling he didn’t fit in led him to build his “own room” through Clownfish, creating a workplace where others could feel accepted and supported. He explains why a strong culture makes commercial sense and how events can help teams reconnect with the...

Building an Events Business Through Trust and Emotional Intelligence with Simon Woodward

2026-10-1437:47

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt speaks with Simon Woodward, Founder of Polar Bear Live, about finding a niche in event production and building a business through reputation, relationships and a willingness to solve unfamiliar problems. With more than 30 years in the industry, Simon has developed a specialist role supporting property developers and destinations including Battersea Power Station and Olympia London. He shares how adapting during COVID opened up new opportunities, an...

Every Event Is a Piece of Theatre with Adam Blackwood

2026-10-0848:13

In this episode of Event Matters, David Watt is joined by Adam Blackwood, Founder of Private Drama Events, who has spent more than 25 years bringing theatrical storytelling to events for leading brands and private clients. A RADA-trained actor, Adam never planned to build an events business. Performing Shakespeare at corporate dinners led to a partnership with Shakespeare’s Globe and a career creating experiences that make people feel something – and remember it. From murder mysteries aboard ...

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