Emily Boden, Owner/Director

Bermuda Event Solutions Ltd.

"I know I'm lucky to enjoy what I do, not everyone has that luxury."

One of the events Emily Boden's company produces is the Ace Foundation Careers Fair.

She says event management covers a very large range of services: large incentive travel groups, trade shows, business meetings, conferences, weddings and much more.

"We're with our clients every step of the way, from project inception to completion. We provide the administration and the creativity to help make any event a success."

Ms Boden earned a BA Hons degree in Hospitality Management from Oxford Brookes University which gave her a solid foundation for everything she has learnt in the field. However she says experience is more important than specific qualifications and encourages young people to get their foot in the door any way they can.

After leaving university she worked for a reinsurance company in London before moving to Australia and working in a small hotel.

"I had to work in every department from housekeeping to front desk. I loved being back in the hospitality industry and knew that this was where I wanted to be moving forward."

Upon her return to Bermuda Ms Boden got her foot back in the door by joining a destination management company. Then in July of this year she and Kathleen Dodwell founded Bermuda Event Solutions Ltd.

"We are extremely passionate about our business and wanted to put all our energy and personality into showcasing Bermuda's hospitality industry. It's a fun and challenging industry to be in!

"I am also passionate about Bermuda and what we have to offer. Providing the best possible experience to local clients and visitors is crucial if we are to maintain Bermuda's reputation as an exceptional destination. Corporate travel is a very large piece of our tourism industry and knowing that we are part of showcasing Bermuda, is very rewarding."

Of the skills needed to succeed in this busy industry Ms Boden says: "It's all in the detail! We have to be extremely well organised. We have to communicate well with each other, our clients and our vendors. It's vital to be a people person!

"I love the variety. One day I might be working on the Careers Fair, and the next greeting a couple from Taiwan for a destination wedding. I find myself doing anything from raking beaches for weddings, to accompanying clients on some of Bermuda's most beautiful yachts. There are highs and lows!"

The high school subject that has been most helpful to Ms Boden is English.

"We have to be really good at communicating both verbally and in correspondence with clients via e-mails and proposals. Good grammar is really important as we are often making our first impression online."