Q&A series: 2022 reflections from our Marketing Director

Happy New Year! As we prepare for what we hope will be another fantastic year for us, we’re reflecting on everything we achieved in 2022. For this special instalment of our Q&A series, we chatted to our Marketing Director Catherine Vaughan about her 2022 highlights and what’s next for Nomensa in 2023.

Tell us a bit about your career journey.

I started my events journey in Twickenham – not a bad thing when you love rugby! My work here involved quite a bit of travel to the Middle East, where I was able to indulge my passion for Egypt and all things Egyptian. Having worked for a number of years on events and conferences in the region I took the opportunity to move to Dubai, where I lived for the next 8 years. Highlights of my time there were definitely being involved in the inaugural F1 in Abu Dhabi and also working in Saudi Arabia on a luxury superyacht event. After moving back to the UK I was lucky enough to get a job as maternity cover in the marketing team and quickly grew to love everything about Nomensa and the people I worked with. 10 years later (this month to be precise) I am the Marketing Director, and still pinch myself everyday about the awesome people I get to collaborate with and the amazing work and events that we get to do!

Nomensa has accomplished a lot in 2022 – what has been your standout moment?

That’s a really difficult question to answer as I have seen so much growth and so many changes in my time at Nomensa. I think being part of the team that launched Collaborate Bristol and Interact London and watching them grow into the world-class events they are today makes me exceptionally proud. It has also been exciting watching offices open in London and Amsterdam and see us grow our clients in Europe, as well as within government where we do some of our most interesting work.

2022 was the year Nomensa returned to in-person events after a 2-year hiatus – what did it feel like to be back in the events world?

When you are used to being at events, whether run by Nomensa or external companies, it’s very strange to suddenly find yourself unable to go to any. I think the way the marketing team pivoted into virtual events during the height of lockdown was incredible and it no doubt delivered leads and networking to us that would not have been possible at in-person events. That said, nothing replaces getting into a room with people passionate about what we do, talking face to face and watching some of the best in the industry talking about innovations and what’s next for digital. It’s been a breath of fresh air (and plenty of hard work!) to get back to in-person conferences, and I can’t wait to see what we attend in 2023.

You have been with Nomensa for over 10 years. You must have seen huge changes over the years – what has been a highlight for you in 2022?

I don’t want to harp on too much about time that has gone, but I do think the way people pulled together during covid and lockdown was incredible to see. Even more notably, how the business supported everyone with hybrid working now we have returned to the office. 2022 also saw us becoming part of the Sideshow Group which I think has been a stand-out moment and offers so many opportunities to everyone now that we are part of this larger group – event in North America anyone?!

What do you want your Marketing & Events team to accomplish in 2023?

The world is the limit for this team – their talent, energy, and passion for innovation will bring many (and no doubt exciting!) things in 2023. Watch this space!