Here at Hippo we like to get to know our clients and suppliers well, but we also like for them to get to know us! So, throughout 2024 we’ll be running a series of ‘Get To Know A Hippo’ interviews of our Hippo team.
So, to start off, let’s find out a little bit more about our Director, Steve…
Why did you want to work in events?
I love creating something from nothing. From having that initial conversation about an event to then actually being there seeing it take place with everything is going well brings with it a huge sense of achievement, pride and that internal satisfaction that all the hard work and late nights were worth it. I’ll never get bored of that process. Also, every event is different and has its own unique personality, so you’re never doing the same thing twice. I love my job!
What skills do you bring to Hippo Events?
Hopefully I bring organisational skills, given that this is the fundamental of event planning(!), but otherwise I think my people/communication skills, client-first mentality and (boarding on OCD) attention to detail to name a few. Oh, and to do everything with a smile on my face!
So our clients can get to know you more, tell us about your background.
I went to Bournemouth University where I got a degree in Television Production, which was originally what I wanted to go into. I decided I didn’t really like the industry that much but knew my skills in Producing (TV) are very transferable to the events industry. Both involve starting with nothing and making something happen! My first job in events was managing a Christmas venue up in Newcastle, before then landing my first agency role. I then also worked for Lloyds Banking Group in their events team to learn the ‘client’ side of events (which was invaluable experience!), before moving back to agency and eventually starting Hippo in January 2018. I never wanted to get complacent in my career and there is no greater continuous challenge than working for yourself. Since then, I haven’t looked back!!
Give us 3 random interesting facts about you.
1) If I could meet anyone past or present, I’d want to meet Winston Churchill
2) I learnt British Sign Language for 2 years
3) Despite having sky dived, bungy jumped, white water rafted etc. the scariest thing I’ve ever done was swimming with Dolphins!
What energises you at work?
Fundamentally, getting results energises me! We all know perfection doesn’t exist, but my desire to achieve perfection is what drives me every day. This comes in so many forms – giving the client the best possible experience with Hippo at every touchpoint, ensuring an event goes seamlessly with no hitches, providing information on time and with no mistakes, achieving the perfect outcome for a client and so on. My drive to get the perfect result from everything motivates me a lot!
Favourite food and drink?
For anyone that knows me, I ALWAYS have a Pepsi Max in my hand, however for food it varies on mood, but overall I’d have to say Pizza … Extra Large, Double Pepperoni, Stuffed Crust, Double Tomato Base, with Tomato and Herb dips, in case your wondering ;)
Favourite country you’ve travelled to?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot in my life, so this is a ridiculously hard question to answer as it depends on what type of trip you’re going on. If I had to say overall though, I’d say New Zealand – it has everything in one country!
What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like?
Well, when I’m at the gym lifting weights, I listen to WWE wrestler’s entrance theme playlists and pretend I’m as strong as them. My secrets out!
What’s your most used emoji on text?
Definitely the crying laugher emoji…who doesn’t love to find the humour in everything?!
What’s your go-to dance move?
I can’t say I have one, but I do have a dance theory, which is that the younger you are the higher your arms are when you dance. So, in your 20’s they’re above your head, and in your 70’s+ they’re by your side with a slight sway front to back. I’m currently at shoulder level.
What unwritten rule would you make mandatory if you could?
Probably using the words “Please”, “Thank You” and “I’m Sorry” – I was always raised that manners cost nothing.
What’s the most ridiculous fact you know?
Well, did you know that a fear of long words is called “Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia”? I thought about calling the company that, but decided to just use “Hippo” instead 😝
Hippo offer Event Project Management and Global Venue Finding services. Contact us today on 01372 460 100 or events@hippoevents.co.uk to see how we can assist.