We chat to Lisa Owen our Client Services Manager to find out more about her role at Marketing Liverpool…
LISA, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT MARKETING LIVERPOOL?
I joined Marketing Liverpool right at the start of the pandemic in April 2020 as Client Services Manager for Liverpool Convention Bureau. My role is to support clients with every step of their journey, from initial consideration of Liverpool as the destination for their next event, to helping negotiate contracts and booking venues. I manage the venue finding and accommodation booking services for the team, and support all incoming enquiries for meetings and events. Great product knowledge, partner relationships and excellent customer service is crucial to this role, I love going above and beyond for clients in ensuring they choose Liverpool. I communicate with clients regularly, starting with fully understanding their event brief and priorities in order to support them with identifying suitable venue options. I’m efficient and effective with negotiating rates and providing a bespoke proposal for clients to review and make an informed decision. I accompany clients on site visits to shortlisted venues and support them right up to confirmation and contract stage. It doesn’t end there either, from delivering an accommodation booking service for delegates attending the event, finding local entertainment for the reception and offering ideas and advice for what their delegates can see and do while in Liverpool. The entire event journey is something I thrive to support my clients with, which hopefully encourages them to recommend our service to colleagues and return to Liverpool time and time again.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I’ve been out and about recently, attending industry events to promote Liverpool as a fantastic destination for meetings and events. This included the trade show International Confex in London, Visit Britain Sustainability workshop and MIA Destination Summit held in Llandudno and the PA Hub Showcases in Manchester and Liverpool. It’s great to be on the road meeting with industry colleagues and existing clients, also having the opportunity to develop connections with potential new ones. We have a busy year ahead with conferences being held in the City and support in the form of accommodation booking service provision.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO WORK ON?
Almost a year ago we were approached by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office events team, they were scoping out suitable UK destinations to host a high profile event later on in the year. Although we didn’t actually know what the event was until sometime later due to its high profile nature and security. I knew the opportunities that hosting such a VIP event could bring to the City and made it my mission to ensure that the FCDO team didn’t consider anywhere else other than Liverpool for the event. We later learned that the event was the Foreign and Development Ministers Meeting, part of the UK’s G7 Presidency hub of events, a major coup for the City to attract. Held 10th – 12th December 2021 at the Museum of Liverpool, with collaboration and full engagement with stakeholders across the City, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase Liverpool and its amazing story globally. You can read more about it here.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVERPOOL?
The people of course! From the teams in the hotels and venues being so welcoming and supportive to me as a new(ish) team member, right through to the team here at Marketing Liverpool. As for the City itself, there is always a real buzz and welcome wherever you go, its so easy to get around and there’s something for everyone.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU?
I’m mummy to two young boys aged 3 and 8, they are my absolute world and keep me busy outside of work!