Venue Hire Part Two: Interview with Paige Patrick, Commercial Events Executive at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
Paige Patrick has been working part time whilst studying for a BA (hons) in Public Relations at the University of Greenwich over the past two years. She joined the Commercial Events team on a full-time basis after graduating with a fantastic first-class honour! In this blog post, we interview her for an insight into her day-to-day life working on commercial events.
Hi Paige! Could you please tell us a little about your journey to the Centre and how your degree helped you in your role as Commercial Events Executive at the Goldsmiths’ Centre?
I had always wanted to live and work in London which is why I choose to go to the University of Greenwich to study PR and Communications. During my third year I started working at the Goldsmiths’ Centre because I wanted to become multi-disciplined and have PR, communications and events experience. I learnt how to think strategically with an eye on the result which assisted when going through the steps of planning an event as I am always thinking about the outcome and how the details matter towards future business.
What is a typical day in the commercial events department at the Goldsmiths’ Centre for you?
Every day is different here. If we have any daytime events, we would start by checking on the rooms and the catering and making sure everything as set up immaculately. Hosts usually arrive before the guests, so I would run through the specifics of their events with them and help them settle in. Once their guests arrive, I am on hand to deal with any last-minute requirements and make sure everyone is settled in. In between those duties, I respond to enquiries, plan ahead for future events and make sure any invoices are up to date. We often have evening events which usually take the form of a drinks reception or dinner. Other day-to-day activities can include showing prospective clients around our spaces, sourcing external entertainment and AV for events.
What do you think are the most attractive qualities of the spaces that we have at the Goldsmiths’ Centre? Do you have a favourite space?
The event spaces here are crisp, white and bright. They have a clean feel to them and you will never feel cooped up. My favourite space is the Agas Harding Conference Room. Located on our fourth floor, it is our second largest events space and has a lovely roof top terrace with a live bio-garden and skyline views of London. There’s not many event spaces with a view of London these days so this is a special space, perfect for evening drinks receptions or even to just step out during a full days meeting.
Exhibition Room
Agas Harding Conference Room
The Atrium
What advice would you give to clients to help them in planning for their event with us?
Details, details and more details. The more you know and can tell us about your event the more we can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, we will always try our best to find a solution even if you think we can’t.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy meeting new people and finding out about why they are hosting an event. I like the process of putting an event together from beginning to end, to see the final product completed is always a good feeling as all the details culminate in a successful and seamless event.
Find out more about commercial events and venue hire at the Goldsmiths' Centre on our website here, or get in touch with the events team directly by calling 020 7566 7699 or emailing events@goldsmiths-centre.org