Olivia: Looking back, what first attracted you to events?

Naomi: I first got into events when I was running a fashion streetwear exhibition back in around 2000. Before that, I'd worked in advertising and media, but there was something about the trade show floor that completely drew me in. I'm a real people person, so feeling the energy and seeing everyone together under one roof made me completely fall in love with the industry. I was 23 then, and I've never looked back - I still get a huge dopamine hit from it all!

Olivia: You've built an impressive career spanning international markets and a wide range of portfolios - what do you think has been  the key to your success?

Naomi: It comes back to listening. Throughout my career, I've stayed close to my customers, understood my teams and never lost sight of what people really need. Data, insight, and technology are incredibly powerful, but they work best when they're combined with genuine human understanding.

Olivia: What was it about CloserStill and our European Technology portfolio that made you think, ‘I want to be part of this’?

Naomi: I'd followed CloserStill's growth over the years and been really impressed by what it had achieved, but what truly stood out to me was the potential. Especially when I met Gareth Bowhill and Matthew Butler, I could feel the entrepreneurial energy, the ambition to keep evolving and the desire to build something special. I knew I wanted to bring my own experience and help shape the future of the business.

Olivia: How have you found your first few months in the role?

Naomi: It's been a whirlwind. We've already delivered two of the three shows in the portfolio, and I loved spending my first few months really observing how everything works - that’s been key to understanding how to best support my team.

One thing that has stood out to me from my very first day has been the culture. Everyone sitting together at lunch, talking and connecting, isn't something you see everywhere. It's a genuinely collaborative business, and you can feel that from the moment you walk through the door.

Olivia: You've worked across everything from fashion to gaming. Has working in so many different industries changed the way you approach your role?

Naomi: Absolutely. Every industry has taught me something, but what I've realised is people and their priorities are often more alike than we think.

One question I always ask customers is, ‘What keeps you up at night?’ After years of asking it, the answers are remarkably similar - how to grow, manage people, stay ahead of the competition and keep up with change. It's a reminder that every successful event starts by listening to the people you're creating it for.

Olivia: What kind of leader do you strive to be, and how has your leadership style evolved over the years?

Naomi: I'd describe myself as an open, collaborative and transparent leader. I'm not someone who leads through control - I'd much rather inspire and motivate people. Earlier in my career, I thought I had to have all the answers. Now I know good leadership is about leaving your ego at the door, admitting when you've got something wrong and giving your team the confidence to learn from mistakes too.

Olivia: No career is without its challenges. Looking back, what has been your biggest challenge, and what did you learn from it?

Naomi: Leading through the pandemic was a defining moment. I'd only been in the role for three months when everything changed, and suddenly I was leading a team through the complete unknown.

We were running events when many others weren't, so I flew to Amsterdam and completed the entire customer journey myself, from getting on the plane in a mask to arriving at the event. I wanted to experience exactly what our customers were, so that every decision we made was based on reality - not assumption. That mindset has stayed with me ever since.

Olivia: Is there a piece of advice that's guided you throughout your career?

Naomi: Number one - don't be afraid to ask questions. Earlier in my career, I wish I'd had the confidence to speak up more. Asking good questions, and not being scared to get things wrong, is one of the best ways to learn.

The second is a phrase I’ve gone back to for years: recruit for will, train for skill. Technical ability matters, but attitude, curiosity and the ability to connect with people matter just as much. Especially in a world of AI, we should never underestimate the value of the human element.

Olivia: Looking ahead, what's your vision for the future of the European Technology portfolio?

Naomi: I can already see and feel the opportunity. The foundations are there: great products, brilliant people and a genuinely collaborative culture. We’re working on our strategic growth plan at the moment, and what excites me most is bringing the team on that journey. We'll roll our sleeves up together, build on what's already been achieved and unlock the portfolio's full potential. I truly believe the opportunity for further international growth is enormous.

Olivia: Finally, what's something your CloserStill colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

Naomi: I'm a massive hip hop fan!