I am delighted to be joined on One Amazing Experience by Mike Kershaw. Mike is one of the most influential and experienced Directors, Advisors and Investors within the events industry. He is the former Chairman of leading integrated events company The Concerto Group and former President of the UK Chapter of ILEA. A very experienced event professional and venue marketeer, he led Concerto through several acquisitions and the development of numerous venues across London. Having recruited a new CEO in 2013, Mike stepped down in 2015 and has set up Kershaw Partners to bring his extensive experience to bear on emerging event companies and venues. In 2015 he was appointed non-executive Chairman of AOK Events Group and wefindvenues.com and he is a senior advisor to leading caterers Smart Group and Caper & Berry, mobile pub company Pubs on Wheels, marketing agency Air Social and event tech companies Tapfuse and Simpli-Fi.
Mike provides a real insight into the overall development of the Events Industry over the last 40 years and the importance it plays in society and the business world. He shows his immense passion for the industry and equally his huge entrepreneurial spirit.
While taking us through his fantastic party at Old Billingsgate Market in London he reflects on the fun and educational time his career has provided. From dressing up as US Colonel to greet his guests, to putting on indoor barbeques, to buying a US muscle car as an events’ dice game prize, to company leadership of a integrated events company turning over £50m+ a year, appearing on national news and successfully petitioning government to double the tax free amount companies could spend on their staff events - he has done it all.
More than anything Mike shows his exceptional positive spirit and joie de vivre that his led him to great success over the last 40 years. He gives thoughtful advice as to how we do get through this unseen before difficult period for the events industry, the importance of working in unison as an industry, and puts on a party we would all love to be on the guest list for.
One Amazing Experience is produced by Philip Atkins, Founder Managing Director of www.offtowork.co.uk to promote the importance of the events industry and to provide uplifting and fun insight for those working in the events industry, running their own business or simply interested in the business of events.
