Woman of the Week - Becci Thomson

Woman of the week is a series that will focus on women in our industry as they share an insight into their thoughts on careers and fashion.

This week we talk to Becci Thomson. Becci is the Head of Corporate Sales at The O2 has over 8 years of event industry experience in a range of sectors. She was recently voted the most influential female under 30 by Event Magazine and is also a Fast Forward 15 Mentor for 2017/18.

How long have you worked in events/how did you get into the sector?

After completing a degree in Events Management I worked both client and catering side before falling into venue sales. The variety of events I am lucky enough to work on is the best part of my job.

How do you deal with any lapses in confidence?

Working within event sales there are times when a project we’ve been working on for months gets pulled due to circumstances beyond control. I can’t help but take these personally so I do have to remind myself to deal with it, move on and not let it affect me. A large gin and tonic often helps!

What is the best event you have worked on?

Last month saw us host Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day which was broadcast live from Building Six at The O2. All our televised events such as BRITs, National Television Awards and ATP take place in the arena so it was amazing to see such a high profile event in one of our smaller spaces. They activated the whole site from backstage, to the American Express Invites Lounge and even stuck a hot tub on our roof! Working closely with the BBC throughout the project was a brilliant experience and watching Ed Sheeran perform to such an intimate crowd was a personal highlight.

What is your favourite item of clothing in your work wardrobe?

My BRITs dresses are special to me – this year I treated myself to a Self Portrait number.

If you could get rid of one item of traditional 'suitable for work clothing' forever, what would it be?

I’m lucky that the office dress code is pretty relaxed so I tend to wear the same clothes I would do out of work. One thing I can’t stand is skin coloured tights!

Favourite place to shop for work pieces?

Zara if I’m in a rush, Selfridges for special occasions.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Don’t make decisions when you’re angry and don’t make promises when you’re happy.

How important is a work life balance - what is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Working in such a hectic industry I’m often out most week nights so weekends are either spent catching up with friends or going back to Devon to see family. I also try to fit in early morning gym sessions or runs, last month I ran my first half marathon.

Last Instagram picture?

A slow-mo video of my friend and I doing karate style jumping at ‘Flip Out’.

If you could create or work on any event in the world, what would it be?

Probably a festival like Coachella which is actually owned by our company AEG – maybe one day!

How do you ensure you are the best version of yourself?

Regular trips back to Devon help me to de-stress and put certain situations in perspective.

One thing that would surprise people about you:

I’m a quarter Russian and my real surname is Evanoff!

What is the last event you attended as a guest?

Ad Week’s wrap party at Koko – Dua Lipa supported by Gok Wan certainly was unexpected!

What's your next event/project?

We’re gearing up for IMEX Frankfurt in May with London & Partners which is a great way to reach international buyers. I’m also getting ready for the 2017 launch of Fast Forward 15 and have just selected my mentee.

What one piece of advice would you give to people looking to get into this industry?

It’s not what you know it’s who you know – network, network, network!

How can people connect with you?

* Follow me on Twitter @beccithomson, Instagram @beccithomson88 or via LinkedIn.