Tim Dent, Recreation Consulting
2014 was a vintage year for the events industry in Scotland. The Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, still fresh in the memory, gave Scotland an opportunity to project itself across the world.
We ask a figure who has been at the heart of the national events planning and delivery to reflect on past glories, talk about his new venture and to paint a picture of the industry’s future.
Recent past: I joined EventScotland to lead on the project management of the 2014 Ryder Cup and Homecoming Scotland. These were two significant programmes which I am really proud to have been a part of.
Before that: My first job was a trainee manager’s job at the Brighton Conference Centre in the 1980s. This was a fantastic introduction to major events and gave me experience of every conceivable aspect of events management. I was also privileged to work for Peter Mann at PMP. Peter is often credited as having invented the word ‘legacy’ in relation to events.
Now: After three and half years with EventScotland I have just launched my new consultancy – re:creation consulting. I want to capitalise on my experience to date and hopefully contribute to the planning and delivery of future major events in Scotland and beyond.
Vision: The vision for the business is to help major events people solve problems, maximise opportunities and achieve their social, environmental and financial objectives.
Market: Primarily national agencies, local authorities, Scottish Government and event organisers but anyone with a responsibility for planning and delivering major events.
Place: Creative Exchange is based in Leith, so firstly handy for Scottish Government and VisitScotland who are both a stone’s throw away. There are also many small businesses based there which provides a useful networking opportunity and many start-ups, like my own who I can see myself collaborating with in future.
Best moment: The ultimate has to be the first morning of the 2014 Ryder Cup at sunrise when the ‘glory of the Glen’ was revealed and the management team knew the week ahead was going to be very special.
Evolution: As competition to stage major events hots up among regions and nations, I believe it will be demonstrating added value that wins the day rather than promising major new investment in infrastructure.
Skills: We are great at marketing and communicating events and these skills will always be in demand; however, project management and risk management while not glamorous, are essential components for a well-run, successful event.
Is Scotland the ‘Perfect Stage’? I sincerely believe it is. On a number of levels – we have a fantastic natural environment which acts as a wonderful backdrop to any event, a decent built infrastructure, a size of country and well-developed working relationships which means we can get things done quickly and efficiently.
Event you would most like to see held in Scotland? The Tour de France – Scotland is made for it!
