Meet Sally, Global Head of Content & Events, SSON
When did your IQPC career begin?
I began my career in the Singapore office of IQPC as a Divisional Director managing two conference producers, we focused mainly on shared services and outsourcing events and HR conferences within south-east Asia. As the market was growing quickly I was lucky enough to be able to take on more responsibility quite quickly and within two years I had a team of six, focusing on events all over Asia from a variety of different exciting industries.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I moved back from Singapore to Europe last year and now work in the Berlin office. I was recently been promoted to Global Head of Content and Events for one of IQPCs longest running and biggest brands, SSON (Shared Services and Outsourcing Network). This means that I produce and project manage our two biggest summits held every year in Orlando and Dublin and spend the rest of the time consulting other offices on their SSON events. It is a fantastic job for me as I get to work with my old team in Singapore, as well brand new teams in New York, London and Berlin. In addition to the events I spend one day a week working with the dart institute, SSONs brand new data analytics centre, which is a completely new challenge and enabling me to learn a lot about data collection and visualization.
What do you think is unique about working at IQPC?
For me, IQPC provided me with a fantastic opportunity to see the world whilst progressing my career, both of which are really important to me. In most jobs you have to be at a senior level before you can be considered for a transfer, however if IQPC recognizes you have a good work ethic and talent they will support you to pursue your career goals wherever they might take you.
What lessons have you learnt during your time here?
When you first start at IQPC the work is hard and there is a lot of pressure from all sides to ensure your conference succeeds with limited resources and against a deadline. However if you get your head down and work hard your tenacity will soon be rewarded and recognized. The opportunities are there to be taken.
How has your career developed since you started with us?
One of the great things about IQPC is that you can go so many ways in your career. After getting my grounding in basic conference production at another events company I joined IQPC as a team leader. My portfolio grew to 6 producers and over 40 events in the next two years and it was an exciting and challenging time managing lots of different projects and people. When I moved back to Europe I decided I wanted a change and to specialize in one particular area on larger scale events. Three months ago I started as Global Head of Content and Events a role which combines, project management, conference production and advisory.
What advice would you give to a new employee?
The work will be hard at first, lots of phone calls, short deadlines and pressure, but put the effort in and you’ll be surprised at how many doors open for you to establish a flexible, dynamic and fulfilling career.