This month, our #BoardTalk plays host to event industry insurance specialist Mark Clayton.
Having worked in large and small firms, and as a director/owner of a business, Mark brings a unique and broad perspective to the board and Working Groups.
Q: What inspired you to work in the events industry?
A: In much the same way I fell into insurance, I fell into the events industry as an insurance broker. After discovering the sector and its multi-faceted brilliance, I worked to understand the sector’s insurance needs. Specialising in event industry insurance requirements actually made my job as an insurance broker interesting in many ways.
Q: What was your previous experience before joining the ESSA board?
A: By the time I joined the ESSA Board (the first time), I had worked my way up within the insurance sector to Director. Due to specialising in Exhibition Contractor and Supplier insurance, I was regularly talking and meeting with many members and potential members.
Q: What attracted you to becoming an ESSA board member?
A: I wanted to relay some of the comments and feelings from many of the members I would see in my capacity as their insurance broker. I wanted to voice the views of many, not just my own. I also wanted to hear other people’s points of view and understand the sector further.
Q: What does a typical week in your role within the ESSA board look like?
There is no typical week!
Q: How do you use your area of expertise in your role on the ESSA board?
A: Having been an employee of large and small firms, then later as director/owner of businesses, I can offer some unique and/or broad perspectives at board meetings and in Working Groups. It seems my approach to strategic situations and issues of risk is different to that of the more entrepreneurial board members (some would say risk adverse – I would rather say, risk aware).
Q: What do you consider as ESSA’s greatest strength?
A: Unity of voice. Strength as a collective and the valuable asset of all members with the desire to make exhibitions and events the best experiences they can be.
Q: What is your vision for ESSA in the future?
A: Generating more member engagement, more government understanding, empathy and backing of the broader sector
Q: What advice would you give to those considering a career in the events industry, but haven’t quite made the move yet?
A: There’s nothing like it [the events industry]. If you are organised, creative and value seeing something amazing that you helped create, there’s really only one place for you – Give it a go!
Q: Can you share the key highlights of your time on the ESSA board?
A: Representing the industry at Government level during the Covid pandemic (but I wouldn’t want to do it again of course).
Q: How has ESSA evolved since you joined the board?
A: Out of all recognition. More joined up, organised, valued and understood.
Q: Why should those that aren’t an ESSA member already sign up to become one?
A: All of the above really. I think we learnt during Covid-19 that ESSA really does represent the one voice of Exhibition/Event Contractors, Project Managers and Suppliers to the industry. If you and your business is serious about being in the sector, you should be an ESSA member to add your voice, have your say and learn from - or just listen to - others.
Q: What do you most enjoy doing when you are away from work?
A: Cooking (and eating!)
