Meet Chloe Jackson, Managing Director

Chloe began her journey with Smart around 8 years ago and is a well-respected member of the team to both our venues and clients. We had a chat to learn a little more about her…

HOW DID YOU START OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?

I studied History at University of Bristol – so absolutely no link to what I now do! However, whilst at university I ran a charity fashion and dance show called FUZE – involving organising brands, corporate sponsorship, 2,000 guests across 2 nights and managing an 80 strong group of performers and committee. Very quickly this was far more exciting than my essays! I loved the buzz events brought, and so after graduating I applied for a variety of roles in the industry, from hotels and venues to event management companies. I ended up at the caterer Ampersand as a Sales and Events co-ordinator, and never looked back.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO SMART GROUP?

I was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the Event Awards in 2014 and our CEO Greg Lawson was a judge. After my presentation to the panel, Greg immediately said “you’ll work for me one day”, to which I no doubt blushed and said thank you. Fast forward less than 6 months I had won the award and I was working for Smart! I was attracted to the variety Smart Group offered with catering, venues and event management brands, and the passion from Greg – and in fact, all employees I met. This enthusiastic family feeling continues today and is what keeps me here.

LET'S TALK MORE ABOUT YOU, WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY?

I would no doubt be woken bright and early by my cavapoo Elsa, closely followed by my daughter Felicity, so a lovely walk combined with a roast dinner with friends, before curling up in front of the fire. I moved to the countryside during lockdown hence my very slow-paced way of life on the weekend, but if I was back in London, I would be heading to a street food market or the latest cocktail bar opening. We are so fortunate in the city to have such a diverse range of food and drink literally on our doorstep.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LONDON VENUE?

One of my all-time personal favourites has to be Kensington Palace. Back when I was first starting out in the industry I worked on the reopening of the Palace post refurbishment in 2012 with Her Majesty the Queen in attendance, it was a simply magical, special day and I was truly privileged to have been involved. I have since planned a wide range of events there, from charity galas and experiential brand events to diamond auctions and luxury weddings. I love the rich heritage of the Palace and the variety of spaces they have to offer which means a diverse mix of events, and it will always hold such fond memories for me.

WHICH EVENT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE?

It’s almost too hard to say, however one of my favourites has to be the first year I worked with the NSPCC on the Childline Ball at Old Billingsgate. With a theme of Great British Bake Off I tried to explain to the chefs my ‘vision’ for the dessert which was a baking scene, but it should be entirely edible. I wasn’t entirely sure what they would produce nor if they shared my enthusiasm for this idea, but in the tasting when they received a standing ovation I knew we were onto a winner. For the event itself the baking scene complete with rocky road rolling pin, mango and coconut eggs, fudge weights and more went down a storm, not to mention the event went on to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for a very worthy cause.

FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE FOR PEOPLE STARTING IN THE INDUSTRY?

Be nice to everyone, always. You have no idea who you may meet going up or down the ladder, and a member of waiting staff may be your next client, your venue contact may end up as your colleague. The industry is fast paced, with lots of movement and you never know where you might meet someone next.