We chat to Jen Falding our Strategic Lead for Major Sports Events to find out more about her and her role within Marketing Liverpool
JEN, TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT MARKETING LIVERPOOL?
I head up Sport Liverpool which is responsible for delivering major national and international sports events such as the World Gymnastics Championships for the city. I work closely with UK Sport, National and International Governing Bodies and Event Organisers to work together to bring in future events that will showcase Liverpool to a global audience, bring in economic impact for the city and work with the Physical Activity and Sport team to align opportunities for grassroots participation.
The team also support event organisers in the city to help promote sports events and offer support on Event Management, Venues, Accommodation, Transport, Stakeholder Engagement and Fan Zones amongst others.
I also work with the Sport Liverpool Board to research and evaluate opportunities for future major sports events, working on bidding opportunities for future Championships and Tournaments across a range of sports and venues across the city and city region.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Our next major event is the World Gymnastics Championships which take place at the M&S Bank Arena between 29th October and the 6th November. With less than 100 days to go we can’t wait to welcome the worlds best gymnasts to the city and watch them compete for 72 medals across 14 events – as you can imagine the team are very busy with the delivery!
I’m also working on a major event bid with partners across the city and city region and constantly having discussions with event organisers about potential events they would like to bring to the city in the coming years.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT TO WORK ON?
There have been so many! From my days working on European Capital of Culture through to my role at Sport Liverpool there are a huge number to choose from. The 3 Giants events, the Poppies at St George’s Hall and the Netball World Cup in 2019 are 3 of my most memorable. I’m sure World Gymnastics Championships will also be right up there this Autumn though.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVERPOOL?
The people, the architecture and our sense of togetherness. It’s so passionate about sport too which I love. From an event point of view the way the city understands and delivers events is amazing and the athletes really love coming to a city that is so passionate about sport and where they can really immerse themselves in the city.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU?
I love all sports and have been so privileged to work on some amazing events but when I’m not working on sport I’m usually found on the side of a football or cricket pitch supporting one of my two boys or watching sport on TV!