Eight Years Employed, Thirteen Years Involved, and a Future I'm Excited About

This month marks my 8-year work anniversary with DCME. While that's a milestone in itself, the truth is my journey with the business began much earlier.

My first involvement with DCME was around 13 years ago when I attended events as a representative of Denco and helped out at the registration desk as a Sponsor Assistant. Back then, I had no idea that a decade later I would be helping to shape the future of the company itself.

Over the years, I progressed into a Sponsor Liaison role before taking responsibility for marketing and promotions under the previous owner. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for what makes DCME special. I learned first-hand how important our sponsors are to the success of every event and how valuable it is to listen carefully to what they need from us. To this day, we strive to make decisions through the lens of delivering value for our sponsors while preserving the unique experience our guests have come to expect.

Two years ago, Nikki and I took a leap of faith and acquired the business from its founder. Looking back, I couldn't be prouder of what we have achieved since then. We've worked hard to stabilise and grow the company, made some difficult decisions when necessary, and continually challenged ourselves to improve. The result is a business that is stronger, more focused and better positioned for the future than ever before.

Personally, the last eight years have been a period of enormous growth. I've travelled across the UK and Europe, attended industry-leading conferences in places such as Dublin and Cannes, learned from some of the best minds in our sector, and developed a much clearer vision of where DCME can go next.

Life outside work has also brought significant change. I've moved house three times, experienced major shifts in family life, and endured the heartbreaking loss of my Mum the day before one of our events. Through all of life's highs and lows, DCME has been a constant. It has challenged me, supported me, and given me purpose.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that I can no longer think of myself as simply the marketing person or sponsor liaison. Those roles helped shape who I am, but today my responsibility is broader. As an Owner-Director, my focus is on the long-term health of the business, supporting our team, nurturing our community, and ensuring DCME continues to thrive for years to come.

I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved together and deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way – our sponsors, attendees, partners and friends across the industry.

Eight years employed. Thirteen years involved. Two years as an owner.

Who knows what the next decade will bring? Whatever it holds, I'm excited to be part of the journey.