Inspiring Women in Technical Roles: Sadie’s Story of Success at Encore 

What initially attracted you to the events industry and what motivated you to join Encore? 

I was looking for a job after returning from my travels in Australia, and some friends who worked at Encore told me about an opening. Shortly after, I began in the drapes department, where I was responsible for tasks such as washing and hoovering drapes and organising the warehouse. As I learned more about the industry, I found myself captivated by the amount of work that goes into creating unforgettable event experiences. I realised that this is where I wanted to be. What initially started as a bit of stop-gap opportunity has transformed into a passion-filled career journey. 

Can you share the highlights of your career path within Encore over the past fifteen years? 

There have been numerous highlights throughout my career so it’s difficult to pick out just one. It would probably be the incredible opportunities I’ve been given whilst working here. From starting in drapes with no knowledge of the industry, to moving through various departments and building up my expertise, it’s been a constant learning opportunity, and I’ve always had the support of the business and my colleagues. In fact, the people I work with have also been a major highlight. Encore feels like a massive family, and the camaraderie makes work more enjoyable. 

How do you think your experience has helped you in your career as a Product Sales Manager? 

My experience has been fundamental in helping me understand the specific needs of our customers. I’ve gained valuable insights both by working on-site at events and spending time in theatres. Over time, I’ve developed the skills to determine what our customers want and effectively specify products that I believe will work for them. 

What does a typical day look like for you and what are your responsibilities?  

No two days are ever the same. One of my key responsibilities is managing our sales quotes to customers and ensuring order fulfilment. This involves diving into quotes, assisting with purchasing decisions, following up on customer orders, and handling invoicing. Just this week, I had the opportunity to visit a customer’s site—a theatre that’s just been granted funding for an upgrade to their 50-year-old building. It’s been quite engaging to work on proposing a comprehensive replacement of fixtures that will meet their requirements. I’m always on my toes, ensuring everyone has the necessary resources and support they need to keep things running smoothly. 

As a female in the events industry, what advice would you give to other women who aspire to pursue a career in a technical role?  

I think the stigma around females being in the events industry is definitely waning. Over the 15 years I’ve been here, it has changed a lot as more females have joined the industry. My advice for women looking to start a career in the field is to just go for it. Get in there and smash it! It doesn’t matter what gender you are, as long as you’re passionate about what you’re doing. Personally, I can’t say that I’ve ever had an instance where I’ve been treated differently in my career path. I have always felt respected and valued in all my roles at Encore. My gender has never overshadowed my skills, dedication, and expertise. 

What unique qualities do you think set Encore apart from competitors?   

Number one would be our exceptional team. Their knowledge, passion, and commitment bring a special energy and expertise that make a significant difference in the services we provide. Another aspect that sets us apart is that we offer a complete service. This approach simplifies the process for our customers, offering a seamless experience. Also, our strong partnerships and close connections with manufacturers is another key advantage. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop solution, delivering top-notch production capabilities with a level of convenience and value that is unmatched.