Will Breen, Business Development Manager at Off Limits Event Professionals has been working in the industry for over 12 years. He is highly committed and focused on the delivery of operational excellence, building deeper relationships and networking with key industry individuals.
We decided to sit down with our very own champion Will Breen to share his experience and knowledge, here's what he had to say to us:
1. Tell us about your background and experience in the team building and corporate events industry?
I left university with a 2:1 BSc Degree in Leisure Events Management with Tourism. Following this I joined the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) in 2005 as Events Administrator. After a number of promotions I worked up the ladder to Exhibitions & Events Organiser before leaving in 2008. This is when I joined Off Limits as Events Co-ordinator and stayed in the role for over 5 years. I left to work for Center Parcs in their Corporate Division as a Corporate Accounts Executive for 1 ½ years before returning to Off Limits Events again in 2014. I've now been in my role as Business Development Manager for nearly 4 years and absolutely love it.
2. What was your favourite corporate event?
I've been involved in a number of great events with our clients over the years but one highlight has to be the Soap Box Derby team building event Off Limits provided in January 2011 for 450 Wurth employees. This event was extra special as it took place in Oslo, Norway and I was part of the team on-site to help set up and run the day.
3. What trends do you see happening in 2018 in the events industry?
I don't think you can escape the fact technology is always evolving as it encourages companies to use this within their events portfolio so I'm sure we'll see the use of more VR. I love the traditional aspect of team building in terms of bringing people together, outside the office to build relations to support and grow company goals. However, it will be interesting to see if using VR will detract from these values.
4. What are your career highlights?
It is difficult to point out career highlights because I've loved every minute of being in the events industry since leaving University. I really don't think I could imagine a life without it. I have been extremely lucky to have met so many amazing enthusiastic event professionals during my time at Off Limits, joining the company back in 2008 and then returning to my Business Development role in 2014 has been a definite highlight.
5. What is your favourite thing about Martin Stephens?
He pays my wages??? ........ Jokes aside, Martin is very well respected within the industry and I have been very lucky to work alongside him for 9 years at Off Limits Events. Martin is extremely supportive, especially in my latest role in developing my skills within the industry as a Business Development Manager.
6. What is your favourite team building event and why?
I will always have a close place in my heart for It's A Knockout as I've worked on this event so many times over the years and I can't see myself not laughing and loving the atmosphere it creates. Oh and we of course have the Original It's A Knockout and in my opinion It's the BEST!
7. What is your favourite place in the world to visit and why?
Sadly, my travels over the years have mainly took me to Stag Do type destinations so nothing to get too excited about. However, I've been to Florida twice and love it. I love the theme parks and the food is amazing out there. I am super excited as I'm going back in May 2018 with all the family.
8. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
I would probably have the most random dinner party ever and if I could invite anyone it would be Yoda from Star Wars. I'm a massive Star Wars geek and would love him to teach me the ways of the force! May the force be with you!
