Jade austin, 28
Event director, CI Events
BIog Austin started out in her native Australia in 2000 at The
Event Centre, becoming an international event manager by 2002.
A working break in the UK followed, before Australia–
headquartered CI called her home in 2005. She became event
director and in 2007 took on the same role in CI’s UK office.
BEst thIng aBout thE joB Working across every aspect of
the business: “Coming from such a large operation back to a
smaller one has been a fantastic challenge,” says Austin.
My BEst EvEnt An incentive to Japan for Subaru Australia – the
craziness of Tokyo, followed by Mount Fuji and traditional Japan.
Worst MoMEnt Ordering ice creams for 1,500 and having chicken
drumsticks delivered instead. “No laughing matter at the time.”
I WIshEd I had run… Elton John’s White Tie & Tiara Ball. “I’d
really enjoy the budget, the clientele and the creativity involved.”
FavourItE vEnuE The Ritz-Carlton Singapore for its
outstanding service levels.
drEaM InCEntIvE A limitless budget to hire and brand an
exclusive island for a small, lovely, group of delegates.
goals BEForE 40 Professionally, to be part of the executive team
at CI. Personally, simply to keep taking risks and have no regrets.
Jemma Peers, 26
Account manager,
Corporate Innovations
BIog Peers joined Corporate
Innovations in 2001 and when
an account manager left, Peers
took on the role temporarily
and was requested by the client
to take it on full time. It is now
the most profitable account.
BEst thIng aBout thE joB
The emphasis on team
development. “We go off-site
once a quarter for a targeted
incentive and to trial the
products we pitch to our
clients,” says Peers.
My BEst EvEnt A trip to
South Africa for IT firm McAfee
including Cape Town, winetasting,
safari and diving with
sharks – “A delegate from
South Africa came up and
thanked me for doing his
country justice.”
Worst MoMEnt An eight-day
event in Lisbon that saw ten of
12 staff go down with food
poisoning – “I had to fly in more
crew and help those who were
ill, as they were too unwell to be
flown home. I got two hours
sleep each night.”
I WIsh I’d run… The Sex and
The City première in New York –
“I’m a huge fan, love New York
and could have done it all so
much better!”
FavourItE vEnuE The Ritz
Carlton Penha Longa. “It’s
beautiful – contemporary but
not pretentious – the service is
immaculate and the food
excellent,” says Peers.
drEaM InCEntIvE A tour of
India taking in the Golden
Triangle, Taj Mahal and
elephant-trekking.
goals BEForE 40
Professionally, to reach director
level. Personally, to spend a
year in another country
Boss says “Jemma is a great
motivator and manager and is
excellent at bringing out
strengths in others,” says
Corporate Innovations
managing director David Watt.
matt Franks, 29
Senior project manager, drP group
The a lisT
Jade is forever raising the bar and her
proactive client strategy is something
she pursues like no other
CI Events general manager (UK & Europe) Penny Lion
BIog Franks spent two years as an assistant purser for
Princess Cruises before joining Birmingham City Council
in 2002 to run its events, initially as management support
officer and then as marketing and promotions officer. In
2005, DRP Group recruited him as a project manager
and he was promoted to his current position in 2006.
BEst thIng aBout thE joB No day is the same, and
DRP Group’s ‘family’ approach to work.
My BEst EvEnt Sainsbury’s managers conference at
the NEC in 2007.
Worst MoMEnt When delegates were having
breakfast in the restaurant of a Seville hotel in 2006 and
a fuse board burst into flames directly behind them.
I WIsh I had run... Nelson Mandela’s 80th birthday party.
The planner for this event presented it to Birmingham City
Council and it made me want to get into events.
FavourItE vEnuE The NEC. “It’s a blank canvas in a
flexible space and it’s amazing how it can be transformed.”
drEaM InCEntIvE A tented safari in Africa – seeing
exotic animals with the comfort of luxury tents.
goals BEForE 40 Professionally, to be independently
sought out by clients for
project management and a
key role in the 2012 Olympics
opening ceremony. Personally,
to tour South Africa.
Boss says “Matt has an
ability to understand clients’
needs, and challenge them
when needed, looking at the
strategy behind every event
and delivering a fantastic
event while running a strong
team,” says DRP Group
project management
director Jane Jones.
www.citmagazine.com 2009 The A List 11
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