MY WORKING LIFE
LINDSAY ACKERS
The PR executive for the SEC, and 2018 EN 30
Under 30 member, on the open-mindedness of
the industry and collaborating on sustainability
I grew up in Aberdeen, where I was born. We had a short stint in a small
village called Tarporley, near Chester, before I went to school back in
Aberdeen. My dad spent a lot of time working abroad so we visited him
in Holland and Egypt a lot. Both fantastic places.
We are a really close family of four. I try to go home as much as possible
to Aberdeen. We have a bizarre sense of humour and when we’re apart,
we mostly communicate via pictures of our latest addition, Tommy the
spaniel.
When I was younger, I was rarely seen without a book. I’ve
texted a couple of friends to see what they said about me
and the results are: clever (lies!), thick hair (unmanageable
but true), cute (rotund), ‘comedy gold’ and sporty. I’m quite
happy with that combination!
My first job was a lifeguard at the Robert Gordon University
gym. It was a good laugh and I’m still friends with some of
my colleagues from there.
I was working at the squash club one day when a funeral tea
came in. Unfortunately, no one had booked it on our system,
so nothing was set up. No catering, no tea/coffee... nothing.
The heating wasn’t even on in our function suite. I had to
run around the corner and buy about 20 fish suppers and a
selection of Tesco meal-deals. Probably the worst working day
of my life…and I can’t imagine it was great for them either.
I ran a conference in Dubai when I was working at GE Oil & Gas, so
that was my first taster. I fell into my role at the SEC after taking some
time out to travel around New Zealand.
I enjoy the open-mindedness of this industry. Nothing is ‘weird’ –
everything seems possible and there seems to be an audience for literally
anything you can think of.
It’s already being addressed, but sustainability is probably my biggest
bugbear in the industry. I think we can get it nailed if we share knowledge
and collaborate properly! Also, the stereotyping of generations that is
inherent in every industry just now. Age (and birth year) is just a number.
I like to cook a lot but if I get the chance, I’ll head up to Aberdeen to my
family. I have also loosely committed to climbing 10 Scottish munros
before June, so that will take up most of my weekends until then.
I live with my partner Michael, who’s an architect. No funny stories to
tell; we’re really boring. Although he did just get his first pair of glasses
aged 31, so now I’m concerned that he’s only just seen me properly for the
first time.
My last trip abroad was to France for the Grand Prix in 2017. It was
brilliant, but the car parking situation wasn’t great – something I never
would’ve minded before I worked in events!
I don’t really have specific events to work on as I don’t get as involved as,
say, an event manager. However, I absolutely love Christmas, so I love
Country Living Christmas Fair.
Andy Murray’s mum was my tennis coach… mic drop! Good old Judes.
exhibitionnews.co.uk | February 2019
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