Chris
Client Services Director
About Chris
Chris is our Client Services Director. He manages and develops key accounts and client relationships, develops our business strategy and plans, and works with the team on managing and delivering key projects. He’s a fully-trained 3D designer with a flair for creativity and an eye for detail.
How long have you worked in the events industry?
37 years. Yes, you read that right!
I started in this industry at 16 as an apprentice designer and never looked back. It’s been an incredible journey watching the events world evolve from hand-drawn designs to 3D visualisations and sustainable modular systems. There’s always something new to learn, which probably explains why I’m still as excited about it now as I was on day one.
What did you do before EI?
I’ve always been in the events industry, starting as an apprentice designer straight from school. Over the years, I worked my way up through various events agencies, from junior to senior designer, then studio manager, design director and, eventually, managing director. Each role taught me something valuable about creativity, leadership and client relationships.
In 2021, I joined the team at Exhibit Interactive and now I’m a joint shareholder and executive director, bringing nearly four decades of experience to help build something special.
What does your day-to-day role entail?
No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting. I split my time between managing the business, nurturing client relationships and working closely with our design team on projects. There’s always a mix of strategic planning, creative problem-solving and making sure our financials stay healthy. I love being hands-on with the creative and practical sides of the business.
What skills do you bring to your role?
After 37 years in the industry, I’ve picked up a few things. Creative thinking is at my core. I’m still a designer at heart. But I’ve also developed strong project management and strategic planning skills over the years. Communication is crucial in this role, whether I’m briefing our designers, presenting to clients or leading team meetings. Making decisions quickly and confidently comes with the territory.
What do you specialise in?
I focus on the design, facilitation and management of projects from concept to completion. My background in 3D design means I can visualise solutions quickly and guide our team through complex builds. I particularly enjoy the challenge of taking a client’s vision and turning it into something that works practically, looks stunning and delivers real results at events.
Which bits of the job do you enjoy the most?
The design process still gives me a real buzz. There’s nothing quite like seeing an idea come to life. We’re also starting to specialise a lot more in integrating sensory experiences – like popcorn stands, interactive games activities and barista coffee bars – into our stands to give them another dimension and help the brands we work with make an even bigger impact on their audiences.
But honestly, it’s the people that make this job special. Interacting with clients, collaborating with suppliers and being there at live events when everything comes together is what makes everything worthwhile. Watching people engage with something we’ve created never gets old.
Who are some of the clients you’ve worked with?
I’ve been fortunate to work with some fantastic brands over the years. Recent projects include Specsavers, Jewson, VitrA, Saint-Gobain and New Medica. Each client brings unique challenges and opportunities, which keeps the work fresh and exciting.
Do you have a favourite project, stand or show?
That’s like asking someone to pick their favourite child. Every project has its own personality and challenges. I genuinely love working with all our clients and seeing their different visions come to life. From intimate modular stands to massive bespoke builds, each one teaches me something new.
What are some of the places you’ve visited with clients over the years?
This job has taken me all over the world, including China, Taiwan, the USA, Europe and Scandinavia, the Middle East, Ireland and, of course, all around the UK. Each country has its own events culture and challenges. There’s nothing quite like navigating a massive trade show in Shanghai or setting up in a historic venue in Rome. The travel can be exhausting, but experiencing different approaches to events keeps our thinking fresh.
What’s your pet hate about the events industry?
Waste. It really bothers me to see perfectly good materials thrown in skips after a three-day show. The lack of proper waste management on many sites is frustrating when we know there are better ways to work. Our industry has a responsibility to do better.
What do you do to solve it?
We’ve embraced modular exhibition stand systems like beMatrix and t3, which can be reused countless times. When we do bespoke builds, we use recyclable materials and components wherever possible and work with suppliers who share our sustainability values. We build most things in our workshop to keep on-site construction to a minimum, which dramatically reduces waste. It’s about creating stunning stands that don’t cost the earth, literally. Small changes in how we work can make a massive difference to our environmental impact.
Finally, what do you like to do away from work?
I’m passionate about diversity & inclusion, LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare and sustainability. I’m also a qualified personal trainer and spend a lot of my free time in the gym.
