Navigating Change & Cultivating Excellence: My Journey to Event Strategist of the Year 2024

As I reflect on the recent honor of being named the Event Strategist of the Year at the Event Marketing Award 2024, organized by Campaign Asia, I am reminded of the journey that led here - a path marked by continuous learning, adaptation, and commitment to excellence. This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective spirit and hard work of my team at SCMP Live.

2023 has been a test of agility and resilience. From navigating the uncertain economic environment of Hong Kong post-social distancing to restructuring our events team for greater efficiency, each challenge demanded a strategic response. We diversified our event types, from flagship events like our China Conferences to custom events tailored for client needs, requiring distinct skills and innovative approaches.

Our strategies were aimed at not just surviving but thriving. By integrating our events sales with the larger SCMP Advertising+ team, we removed bottlenecks and significantly grew our revenue streams. Sustainability became a cornerstone of our planning, partnering with organizations like Carbonbase to offset our events' carbon footprints and pushing for more sustainable practices across the board.

Some of the newer events under my leadership this year included the 'Future of Work Summit' and 'Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Summit'. These events not only reinforced SCMP's commitment to thought leadership but also showcased our adaptability in enhancing audience engagement through new formats such as museum tours, drum circles and meditation sessions.

This award is a reminder of how far we've come and how much more we aim to achieve. The landscape of event strategy continues to evolve, and with it, our approaches must too. We are on a journey to redefine what it means to deliver impactful, innovative, and inclusive experiences, one event at a time.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my team, our colleagues, our partners, and everyone who has supported us on this journey. Together, we will continue to set benchmarks in the industry and create experiences that resonate deeply with our audiences.

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